Parafia p.w. Narodzenia Najświętszej Maryi Panny
ST. MARY’S POLISH PARISH
21 Wesley St., Sydney, NS, B1N 2M5
Tel.: (902) 564-4847
www.stmaryspolishparish.ca
Witamy wszystkich! Welcome to all!
St. Mary’s Polish Church is a heritage landmark designated by the Province of Nova Scotia
We are pleased to share our faith and rich traditions with the whole community.
Established in 1913. Church rebuilt in 2015-2016. Our second century of faith and service

PROBOSZCZ/PASTOR:  Father Dennis Lamey 902-564-4222; sttheresasydney@gmail.com

MSZY/MASSES: PLEASE NOTE COVID health and safety requirements, masks, distancing, and preregistration (578- 3697). Thanks for all your kindness and goodwill, God bless

SPOWIEDŹ:  Godzina do uzgodnienia z księdzem.
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: Anytime upon request to the priest.

SAKRAMENT CHRZTU ŚWIĘTEGO:  Prosimy o kontakt z księdzem conajmniej na 1 miesiąc przed planowaną datę.
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM: Please contact the priest at least one month in advance.

SAKRAMENT MAŁZEŃSTWA:   Zapowiedzi powinny być ogłoszone conajmniej na 6 miesięcy przed planowaną datę.
SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY: Intentions must be announced at least six months in advance.

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Czwarta Niedziela Wielkiego Postu/ Fourth Sunday of Lent

CZYTANIA / READINGS:
Pierwsze czytanie: 2 Krn 36, 14-16.19-23 
Psalm: 137
Drugie czytanie: Ef 2,4-10
Ewangelia: J 3,14-21

First Reading: 2 Chr 36:14-16,19-23
Psalm: 137
Second Reading: Eph. 2:4-10
Gospel: John 3:14-21

RESPONSORIAL PSALM: Kościele święty, nie zapomnę ciebie / Let my tongue be silenced, if I ever forget you

MASS INTENTION FOR TODAY is for Louise Baker offered by Anne Marie and Jimmie Campbell
LECTOR THIS WEEKEND: Jerry Pocius
LECTOR NEXT WEEKEND: Bernie Paruch

“Lent is about discerning where our hearts are directed. Let us ask: Where is my life’s navigation system taking me – towards God or towards myself?” – Pope Francis

Wednesday Masses and Novena to Our Lady of Czestochowa are not being held at this time.

ALTAR SOCIETY designated volunteers for March: Jean Annette White, Angela Doiron

PLEASE NOTE: Please see the end of the bulletin for the detailed public health protocols specific to our church. Please note that we are using a pre-registration system, where persons attending must receive a prior call. If you have not recently been called, please contact Stephanie Black (902-578-3697). Thanks very kindly.

AFTER-MASS PROTOCOL: We depart out the side entrance, row by row, starting with front rows and maintaining distancing. Singing of “Sto lat” for birthdays and anniversaries can happen outside with distancing, as indoor singing is not permitted at this time because of the health regulations. Many thanks. Dziekujemy bardzo!

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OGŁOSZENIA / ANNOUNCEMENTS

PRAYERS AND CONDOLENCES: With sadness, we learned that Alexis Grant, daughter of the late Dorothy Rozeluk, passed away suddenly after suffering a brain aneurysm. Our parish would like to extend heartfelt prayers and condolences to Jane and to Danny, Charles, Danielle, and to the entire family. Wieczny odpoczynek racz Jej daƈ Panie a swiatłośƈ wiekuista niechaj Jej świeci. Niech odpoczywa w pokoju wiecznym.

STO LAT: Happy birthday to Delores Starzomski. Wishing her many blessings and lots of health and happiness!

MID-WEEK LENTEN PRAYER AND SCRIPTURE STUDY: Wednesday at 8:00pm; Please use this link to join: https://zoom.us/j/9410521825; Meeting ID: 941 052 1825; Passcode: 227259; or dial 1-778-907-2071.

GOOD FRIDAY: On Good Friday at 6:30pm, we will have Gorzkie Żale (the traditional Lenten Lamentations) and Stations of the Cross in our church. Following that, the St. Michael’s Polish Benefit Society will be preparing Easter food baskets for shut-ins (to be blessed on Holy Saturday) and food hampers. So grateful for any assistance!

EASTER FOOD BLESSING: On Holy Saturday at 1:00pm, we will have the traditional blessing of Easter foods (Święcenie Pokarmόw Wielkanocnych). Physical distancing protocols will be in place.

A REQUEST FOR NON-PERISHABLE ITEMS: If you are registered to attend Mass this Sunday (or in the following weeks), and if you can, we would be very grateful if you could bring a non-perishable food item or personal care item (eg. shampoo, soap, toilet paper). There will be a box at the entrance. These items will help to stock our Food Cupboard outside the Polish Village Hall and also assist Loaves and Fishes.

FOOD CUPBOARD AT THE POLISH VILLAGE HALL: Thank you for your help. The sign on the Cupboard says “Take what you need, leave what you don’t, give what you can. Thank you!”

WEEKDAY RADIO SPOTS ABOUT POLISH CULTURE AND LANGUAGE IN CAPE BRETON: The Coast Radio: Every weekday at 3:50pm and 7:50pm (FM 89.7). It’s called the “One Minute Polish Broadcast”. Learn a new Polish word, phrase, or cultural tradition. Presented by the St. Michael’s Polish Benefit Society. Would you consider sponsoring a whole week of our radio segments for $100? The Coast has kindly agreed to allow the St. Michael’s Polish Benefit Society to do this as a fund-raiser (they are not charging for air time). Sponsors will be acknowledged on air (IMOs are welcome, birthday tributes, etc). Dziekujemy!  And, we’re recruiting volunteers to go on air (pre-recorded). We’ll help you get ready. No previous experience required, and you do not have to be a Polish speaker. This is a great way for us to bring forward members of our community, as well as promote and share Polish language and culture in our region. Our radio theme for this coming week will be some beautiful Polish proverbs, including proverbs with spiritual meaning. Thank you to Edyta Baczyk for being our radio voice this week. And thank you to our recognized sponsor for this week, Pawel Lenarczyk!

Here’s one of those proverbs, which we also posted on our parish Facebook page: “Kto rano wstaje, temu Pan Bóg daje!” It basically means that the Lord favours those who rise early! It’s perhaps appropriate on this time-change weekend. We’ll be recording our next round of radio segments on Wednesday at 11:00am (by telephone). If you would like to lend your voice, please let Tom Urbaniak know!

PRAYER CAPSULE: As part of the current kitchen construction at the Polish Village Hall, a prayer capsule will be enclosed. We'd love to have you include a prayer intention in the capsule (eg. deceased family members, prayers for the community, prayers for peace, etc). We have some cards on which to write intentions. Or please contact tom_urbaniak@cbu.ca (902-563-1226), and we'll make sure your prayer intentions go into the capsule. This is also a way for the St. Michael's Polish Benefit Society to say thank you to St. Mary's Polish Parish for the support and close collaboration which has been ongoing for more than a century!

COLLECTION FOR OUR PARISH MARCH 7: $1965.00, including $900.00 for the Building Fund and $120.00 for fuel. Thank you for your support and generosity. Bόg zapłaƈ!
If you are attending Mass, you will find a collection basket near the entrance and exit (since we are not passing around the basket due to the public health restrictions).

RECENT IMO (IN MEMORY OF) CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE BUILDING FUND:
IMO Raylene Morykot from Vicky Aucoin; Jerry Pocius
IMO Nellie Tynski from Julie Bennett and family; John and Carolyn Markotich; Simon Gillis; Jean Murphy and Theresa Neville; Alden and Frances Meagher; Wisia MacNeil; Robert and Louise MacGregor; Mary Pierrynowski; Wandzi Pierrynowski; Evelyn Wojcik; Marianne, Doug and Johanna Gates; Marilyn and Joe Gillis; Jerry Pocius; Donna and Ted Gallivan; Mary Ryan; Jancia and Bernie LaRusic; Valerie Denton; Gary Baker; Jean Annette White and Baker family; Judy Ryan and Cara
IMO Melbourne McKay from Frank and Delores Starzomski

DONATIONS TO OUR PARISH: Thanks very kindly for any help you can provide toward our ongoing expenses. Donations can be made securely on-line at Canada Helps (which will email you an instant tax receipt):   https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/st-marys-polish-parish/. (link to this site is provided on our parish website homepage). Or by regular mail to St. Mary’s Polish Parish, 21 Wesley St., Sydney, N.S. B1N 2M5. Thanks for your support!

PHOTOS OF PARISH ACTIVITIES FOR PARISH SCRAPBOOK: Vicky Aucoin has been doing an amazing job keeping the parish scrapbooks, and welcomes your photos (labelled, if possible) as activities happen

FACE MASKS: We have received an additional small order of face masks with the Cape Breton Polish tartan! Proceeds support the St. Michael’s Polish Benefit Society

AN EXCITING ECUMENICAL PROJECT FOR CBU STUDENTS: The Newman Society is developing the “Father Greg MacLeod House”, scheduled to open this fall. It’s a collaborative project between Catholics and Protestants. The students who reside in the home on the Esplanade will deepen their faith and serve the community, and our parish has already been asked to think about how we can work with them. The following is information about the project from the presentation which took place this past Wednesday.

NEWMAN SOCIETY OF CBU:
Remembering Greg MacLeod (1935-2017)
Greg MacLeod was a priest, professor, and social activist on Cape Breton Island. He valued ecumenism, service, and learning. He founded many community businesses and development organizations. He made global connections and believed in the power of ideas and the dignity of all people. The establishment of the Newman Society of CBU was one of Greg’s visions for students on the island. He envisioned robust ecumenical and interfaith dialogue, and a deep engagement in service and justice.

The Newman Society of CBU:
• Incorporated in 2017
• Based on the Newman Society model, promoting faith and reason, and helping Roman Catholic students make links between faith and education
• Ecumenical; members from any Christian background are welcome
• Partners: CBU Chaplaincy and the CBU Newman Students Club
• Currently seeking charitable status
• Host of Greg MacLeod lecture series
• Embarking on the establishment of a House for students

What is the Greg MacLeod House?:
• Located at 37 Esplanade, Sydney
• Beautiful three-story home • Four private bedrooms, one shared loft, two kitchens, common living areas, and a magnificent backyard
• We are preparing to welcome six students to live in the house during the 2021-2022 academic year.
• The students will form an intentional, ecumenical community

What is an intentional community?:
• More than simply sharing living space!
• Eating together
• Praying together
• Building friendships
• Learning from one another
• Practicing forgiveness
• Gathering for a community night once a week

"Christian community is the place where we keep the flame of hope alive among us and take it seriously so that it can grow and become stronger in us.” Henri Nouwen, Finding My Way Home

Who will be invited to live in the house?:
• Six students, including one selected as a house leader
• Students may be from any Christian background or tradition. We welcome diversity.
• Men and women are both welcome.
• Residents must be open to learning from one another and ready to commit themselves to building community
• Both international and Canadian students are welcome
• An application form is available. Interviews will be held in June.

Life in the house:
• For a very reasonable cost, students will receive a private or shared room, access to a fully furnished kitchen and common areas, and the opportunity for community building
• Students will be asked to commit to leadership in the CBU Newman Club and service in their parish, congregation, or the wider community
• For example, students may choose to organize a clothing or furniture drive, offer anti-racism education, host interfaith events, or work to reduce the impacts of climate change • It will be a year of connection, learning and service, a chance to grow in relationship with God and neighbours

Our hopes and intentions:
We hope the Greg MacLeod House will be a gift for the residents and for the whole community:
• A visible sign of unity
• An opportunity to deepen friendships and learn from one another
• A connection between students and the community
• Nurturing young Christian leaders

How you can help:
• Donations are warmly welcome. We need funding to make minor upgrades to the house, and to keep the cost affordable for all students
• If you would like a charitable receipt, please make your donation to St. Marguerite Bourgeoys parish.
• Spread the word! We would like to let as many students as possible know about this opportunity.
• Volunteer. We will need volunteers to assist with preparing the house to welcome students and connecting with students throughout the year.
• Become a member. Our Newman Society welcomes new members. Let us know your interest, and we will send you a membership form.

Questions?:
gregmacleodhouse@gmail.com

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PUBLIC HEALTH REQUIREMENTS FOR MASS, SPECIFIC TO OUR CHURCH – as of Sunday, July 12
Dear Fellow Parishioners and Friends:
Below are the public health requirements related to Mass attendance, as applied specifically to our church. These have also been posted on our parish website and Facebook page. Thank you so much for your patience, understanding, and goodwill as we collectively adjust. Please also see #3 and #4 below about the pre-registration / seat-designation system for Mass attendance.   Dziekujemy bardzo serdecznie! Z Bogiem.

CELEBRATION OF HOLY MASS AT ST. MARY’S POLISH CHURCH:

1. The COVID-19 virus is still a danger to our community, province, and country. As we have seen with our neighbours south of the border, it can re-spread very quickly. Please stay safe.

2. We as a parish must abide by all applicable guidelines to ensure the safety of all, while being able to worship in a safe way. This requires patience as we adapt to a new form of attending Holy Mass.

3. For the first week (Sunday, July 5), parishioners were being randomly called until our smaller capacity is reached to maintain social distancing. If you are not sure if the parish has your telephone number, or if you wish to ensure that the parish has a current telephone number for you, please call Stephanie Black at 902-578-3697 to leave your telephone number. In subsequent weeks, persons who could not attend the previous week were being called first.

4. At this time, attendance can only be through the pre-registration process outlined in #3. The parish will maintain a record of everyone who is present and their contact information (for contact-tracing should the need arise).

5. Please ensure that you are completely free of any of the potential COVID symptoms. If you are registered to attend, but feel at all ill (eg. fever, colds), or feel poorly for any reason, please do not attend. There is a dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass.

6. Masks are now mandatory. (All attendees have been wearing masks in church – and masks were available at the entrance. Thank you!) Please remember that this is also for the safety of others.

7. Physical distance of two metres (six feet) will be required inside and outside the church (if not in family bubbles). Everyone is requested to avoid handshakes, hugs and other close contact.

8.  Every second pew will be signed as “not in use,” as well as the entire side aisles of the church. Those pews that are being used will have the required spacing indicated.

9. Entry will be through Wesley St. doors. Staged (gradual) exit will take place through side (parking lot) doors.

10. There will be hand sanitization at the entrance.

11. There will be no choir for the time being, as per the public health requirements.

12. There will be one lector and no altar servers.

13. The church will be sanitized (pews, knobs, etc) after use in order to be fully clean for each Mass.

14. Ushers will assist with seating, from a distance.

15. There will be no Holy Water in the hand fonts.

16. Fr. Dennis will explain protocols for Communion, which will necessitate social distancing and extreme prudence.

17. Communion will be distributed only in the hand. The Priest will wear a mask, and he will sanitize his hands before and following Holy Communion. It is not permitted at this time to take Holy Communion to anyone outside the church.

18. Confession remains on an as-requested basis, maintaining social-distancing guidelines.

19. Other church in-person gatherings remain suspended for the time being.

20. There will be no paper bulletins in the church. Bulletins will continue to be provided electronically (on Saturday) or by regular mail (Canada Post). Please do not hesitate to e-mail or call (tom_urbaniak@cbu.ca; 902-563-1226) if there is anyone who is not currently receiving a bulletin who would like to receive a bulletin. 

21. Hymnals, brochures, and other items in the pews have been removed for the time being.

22. Collection baskets will be placed at the entrance and exit. (Collection will not be conducted in the usual way.) Thank you kindly for your support.

Życzymy błogosławionego tygodnia / Wishing you a blessed week!