Parafia p.w. Narodzenia Najświętszej Maryi Panny
ST. MARY’S POLISH PARISH
21 Wesley St., Sydney, NS, B1N 2M5
Tel.: 564-4847
www.StMarysPolishParish.ca
Witamy wszystkich! Welcome to all!
We are pleased to share our faith and rich traditions with the whole community.
Celebrating 100 years of faith and service (1913-2013)

PROBOSZCZ/PASTOR:  Father Paul Murphy 564-4355

MSZY/MASSES: Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. followed by Novena to Our Lady of Częstochowa

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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Szósta Niedziela Wielkanocna / Sixth Sunday of Easter

TODAY’S MASS INTENTION is for the Kyte family. Eternal rest grant onto them O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon them. Wieczny odpoczynek racz Im dać Panie, a swiatłość wiekuista niechaj Im świeci na wieki wieków. Amen.

TODAY’S RESPONSORIAL PSALM: “Niech wszystkie ludy sławią Ciebie, Boże.” (May all the peoples praise you, O God). Pronunciation: Nee-e-h / vsh-is-t-key-e / lu-d-ih / sw-av-yo /ch-e-bee-e / bo-jj-e

The Vigil Candle this week is for deceased members of the Baker and Kiec families offered by Jean Annette & Richard White.

Eucharistic Minister for today: Marilyn Gillis

Ushers for collection today: Toni LaRusic, Robert Melski Sr.

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NASTĘPNY TYDZIEŃ / THE WEEK AHEAD:

Wednesday, May 8, 4:00 p.m. Feast of St. Stanislaus (one of the patron saints of Poland). Mass followed by Novena to Our Lady of Czestochowa. The Mass intention will be for Sophie Ropek offered by Herb and Catherine Tucker.

Sunday, May 12, 9:30 a.m. The Ascension of Jesus. The Mass intention will be for Bridget Kyte offered by the Kyte family. 
Lectors: Anne Marie Campbell, Tony Melski
Eucharistic Minister: Kay Violande
Altar Servers: Caleigh, Noah, Matthew
Ushers: Joe Gillis, Wilf Ingram

Collection receipts for Sunday, April 28:  $999.45 (broken down as follows: $675.45 weekly contribution, $210.00 monthly supplementary contribution, $67.00 candles, $5.00 Initial offering, $42.00 building fund. (Not included in the above total: Antigonish Diocesan Society $20.00). Thank you very much for your support of St. Mary’s Polish Parish. Dziękujemy serdecznie!

Recent memorial donations (IMOs) to the Building Fund:
IMO Joseph Starzomski (by Leo Snow)
IMO Joseph Starzomski (by Stella Paruch)
IMO Raymond Pierrynowski (by Victoria Aucoin)
IMO Raymond Pierrynowski (by Mary Pierrynowski)

 “IMIENINY” (NAME DAYS) FOR THE COMING WEEK. Help to maintain a longstanding Polish Catholic tradition by acknowledging relatives, friends, and colleagues who are celebrating their “name day,” corresponding with the feast day of a saint of the same name.  Where there is more than one saint of the same name who has been assigned a day, your “name day” is the one closest to your birthday. It is customary in the Polish tradition to acknowledge the name day of a relative or friend:
May 5: Irena, Teodor, Waldemar
May 6: Gościwit, Jan, Judyta
May 7: Benedykt, Bogumir, Ludmiła, Ludomiła
May 8: Marek, Michał, Piotr, Stanisław
May 9: Bożydar, Grzegorz, Karolina, Mikołaj
May 10: Częstomir, Jan
May 11: Filip, Franciszek, Iga, Ignacy, Lew, Lutogniew, Mira, Żegota
May 12: Dominik, Jan, Joanna, Wszemił

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OGŁOSZENIA / ANNOUNCEMENTS

LIGHT LUNCH AFTER MASS TODAY DOWNSTAIRS: Everyone is welcome! Thank you as well for your non-perishable food contributions as part of our Sto Darów [100 Gifts] Centenary Community Service Initiative. These can be placed in the designated box downstairs. Bóg zapłać!

OUR PARISH CHOIR WILL BE PERFORMING AT THE PIERSCAPE FESTIVAL: A number of choirs from the region will be at Holy Redeemer Church for the concert this Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. This concert is always a highlight of Pierscape, and our choir represents us so well! Admission is by voluntary donation. We hope to see you there.

DESIGNING A CAPE BRETON POLISH TARTAN:  At last evening’s community supper, we distributed some possible design options. (Thanks so much to Jeff Wilson!) We’re looking for your votes or your critiques. If you have not received this handout, please speak with Jeff.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HELPED IN ANY WAY WITH YESTERDAY EVENING’S COMMUNITY SUPPER AT THE HALL!

NOVA SCOTIA HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY ADOPTS A RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE OUR PARISH: This resolution was passed unanimously. It was introduced by the Hon. Leonard Preyra, Minister of Communities, Culture, and Heritage, on behalf of House Speaker Gordie Gosse. It was introduced on May 3 because that is the Feast of Mary Queen of Poland and Polish Constitution Day (also the House may not be sitting as we get closer to our actual anniversary date)
WHEREAS Parafia p.w. Narodzenia Najswietszej Maryi Panny (St. Mary's Polish Parish) in Whitney Pier is celebrating its centenary as the only Polish parish in Atlantic Canada;
AND WHEREAS many events, ceremonies, and service projects are marking this milestone;
AND WHEREAS the parish was founded 100 years ago by hard-working immigrants and has been diligently maintained by their descendants and by generations of newcomers;
AND WHEREAS on May 3, 1984, the church was registered by the Province of Nova Scotia as a heritage property;
AND WHEREAS the church's character-defining elements include not only the distinctive physical structure but its ongoing use as a living spiritual and cultural site;
AND WHEREAS St. Mary's Polish Parish is integral to the multicultural identity of Nova Scotia;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that this House congratulate St. Mary's Polish Parish on the occasion of its 100th Anniversary, and extend its best wishes to the parish in its life of faith and service, as the central point of Cape Breton's Polish community.

CASTING CALL – NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE REQUIRED! Parishioners will recall that Prof. Al Balawyder (retired from St. Francis Xavier University) was here for our Oplatek supper in January and spoke about his book The Odyssey of the Polish Treasures. He has turned it into a play. It is being adapted to a dinner-theatre format, and it will be performed for the first time at the Polish Village Hall on the evening of Saturday, July 27, in conjunction with the conference of the Canadian Polish Research Institute. If you are interested in a role, or just curious, please come to a meeting next Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Polish Village Hall.  Josie Sobol is kindly helping to adapt the play to the venue.

THE MEN OF THE DEEPS WILL BE PERFORMING A CONCERT IN HONOUR OF OUR PARISH CENTENARY! It will take place on the evening of Saturday, July 6, 2013, at the Boardmore Playhouse, Cape Breton University. Ticket information will follow shortly, but please mark this date on your calendars. The event will be hosted by the St. Michael’s Polish Benefit Society. The Choir of St. Mary’s Polish Parish will be participating, and the evening will be interspersed with short stories about our founders and early immigrants. The Men of the Deeps will have songs appropriate for the occasion, and the Polish Consul General will present a commemorative Polish miner’s uniform.

CENTENARY ART EXHIBIT: NOTE TO PARISHIONERS AND FRIENDS OF THE PARISH: We are inviting all our visual artists of all ages working in all genres (painting, sketching, textiles, rugs, etc.) to display any work of a religious or Polish-cultural theme that you have prepared -- or may be willing to prepare -- at a special Centenary Art Exhibit. It will coincide with the conference of the Canadian Polish Research Institute, which is being held in Sydney because of our centenary. The opening reception will be at the Polish Village Hall on the evening of Thursday, July 25. We would very much like to show a wide range of work from our community. If you are interested in participating in any way or have any questions, please contact Frania McKay (539-4354; frania@ns.sympatico.ca).

PARISH CENTENARY HISTORICAL EXHIBIT ITEMS STILL BEING SOUGHT: Any clippings, photos, any artifacts or documents from you or your ancestors. These will be returned. Please contact Patricia Nalepa (ececp@hotmail.com; 563-1226).

PLEASE MARK THE FOLLOWING PARISH CENTENARY EVENTS ON YOUR CALENDAR:
Family Reunion, including get-togethers for the whole parish community – August 2-5
Main Centenary Mass and Polish Festival – September 8
Other events are described on our website – www.stmaryspolishparish.ca. There are various activities taking place in honour of our centenary. If you would like to assist in any way, please speak with any member of the Rada.

Join the Worldwide Eucharistic Adoration on Sunday, June 2 by becoming an eVena Pilgrim! The eVena Pilgrimage for the Poor will take place throughout Nova Scotia on the Feast of Corpus Christi. Pilgrims will visit as many parishes as they can, praying and sending prayer cards to loved ones and giving alms to support a scholarship fund for students in Bolivia. Travel individually, as a parish group, or as a family, walking or driving. There is no cost for this pilgrimage. However, donations for covering our costs would be appreciated. For more information and to register online, go to www.evenaprayer.com

St. Anthony Daniel CWL will be having a Flea Market and Bake Sale on June 1st, 9-11am, St. Anthony Daniel Hall, $1 admission.     

The film FOR GREATER GLORY will be shown one night only at the Bras d'Or Parish Hall on Thursday evening, May 9th, beginning at 7:30 pm. This epic historical movie drama is based on the true story of the Cristeros War.  It stars academy nominees and winners Andy Garcia, Eva Longoria, Peter O'Toole, as well as Bruce Greenwood and Oscar Isaac.  What price would you be willing to pay for your religious freedom? This story reveals that many paid with their lives.  Catholics, as well as non-Catholics will learn a great deal about a war against religion. There is no admission charge. Voluntary donations will be gratefully received. If you are unable to contribute, come anyway.  Your presence at the viewing is payment enough for the KOC.  We do not recommend the movie for young children. Sponsored by Fr. William Kiely Council, Knights of Columbus.

16th Annual PIERSCAPE, 2013, Celebrating Art:
Sat., May 4 – Community Supper (Polish Constitution Day) – Polish Village Hall – Thank you to everyone who attended!
Sun., May 5, 7 pm -- Wine & Cheese opening  --Whitney Pier Memorial Jr. High
Mon.-Fri. May 6-10 Art Exhibit -- Whitney Pier Memorial Jr. High
Mon., May 6, 6-8 pm  -- Beach Glass Jewellery -- Whitney Pier Memorial Jr. High
Tues., May 7, 7:30pm – Choir Night Music celebration -- Holy Redeemer Church
Wed. ,May 8, 7:30 pm Stories & Poetry -- St. Nicholas Hall, Gatacre St.
Thurs., May 9, 12-2pm Hand-Bell Workshop -- 315 Jamieson St., Room 12
Fri., May 10, 6pm Italian Buffet -- St.Nicholas Hall (Admission by ticket only - Phone 567-1492)
Sat., May 11, 12-2pm Origami Workshop -- Whitney Pier Memorial Jr. High

MARY, QUEEN OF POLAND (Feast: May 3 – also Constitution Day):Excerpted from an article by Martin LaMartina in Christian Culture (2009):  For the ultimate expression of Polish Catholic devotion we can look to the fruition of Polish Marian piety in the lives and in the enduring spiritual gifts to the Church of her contemporary martyrs, saints, priests, and religious. The list includes St. Faustina, Blessed Pope John Paul II and St. Maximillian Kolbe. These sons and daughters of Poland of the twentieth century are still influential in the life of the universal Church of today … The nation’s strong devotion to Mary traces its roots back to the installation and adoration of Our Lady’s iconic image at Czestochowa. While each of these individuals has given us a unique personal witness, they are all similar in their personal dependence on the will of Christ through obedience to His Mother through the Church. A dependence summed up in the motto of John Paul II: “Totus Tuus”. This motto is also applicable to the collective soul of the Polish nation from which these saints come forth. This soul was officially recognized, and Poland’s faith was solidified, with the crowning of Mary as “Queen of Poland” through an official Act of Parliament proposed by King John Casimir.

POPE FRANCIS ON WORK AND PRAYER: From the general audience on May 1, 2013
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
On this first day of May, Mary’s month, we celebrate the feast of Saint Joseph the Worker. Joseph, the carpenter of Nazareth, reminds us of the dignity and importance of labour. Work is part of God’s plan for the world; by responsibly cultivating the goods of creation, we grow in dignity as men and women made in God’s image. For this reason, the problem of unemployment urgently demands greater social solidarity and wise and just policies. I also encourage the many young people present to look to the future with hope, and to invest themselves fully in their studies, their work and their relationships with others. Saint Joseph, as a model of quiet prayer and closeness to Jesus, also invites us to think about the time we devote to prayer each day. In this month of May, the Rosary naturally comes to mind as a way to contemplate the mysteries of Christ’s life. May Saint Joseph and the Virgin Mary help us to be faithful in our daily work and to lift up our minds and hearts to Jesus in prayer.

PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR ON-LINE “VIRTUAL TOUR” www.stmaryspolishparish.ca

Wishing you a blessed week! Bóg zapłać!

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NOVENA TO OUR LADY OF CZĘSTOCHOWA

To be prayed today (May 5, 2013) at the conclusion of Mass to mark the Feast of Mary, Queen of Poland. This Novena is also prayed at our church every Wednesday immediately following the 6:30 p.m. Mass. All our welcome.

THE MEMORARE

ALL:    Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary * that never was it known * that anyone who fled to your protection * implored your help * or sought your intercession * was left unaided. * Inspired with this confidence * we fly to you * O Virgin of Virgins, our Mother. * To you we come * before you we stand * sinful and sorrowful. * O Mother of the Word Incarnate * despise not our petitions * but in your mercy * hear and answer us.  Lady of Jasna Gora, our Mother * trusting in your maternal goodness * and powerful intercession with your son * we place before you our humble prayers and petitions. * To you we commend all our needs * and the needs of our families * and our parish.
[A moment of silent prayer – please reflect on your personal petition.]

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

FATHER PAUL: For your presence and intercession at the miraculous shrine of Jasna Gora and for the countless graces obtained for us in the past six centuries.
ALL: We thank you, Our Lady of Czestochowa.
FATHER PAUL: For your gracious reign over us, for your powerful help throughout our history, especially in the difficult period of suffering.
ALL: We thank you, Our Lady of Czestochowa
FATHER PAUL: For the maternal care with which you ever surround us, leading us to your beloved Son, strengthening our faith, drawing sinners to conversion, and comforting the sick, the sad, and the faint-hearted.
ALL: We thank you, Our Lady of Czestochowa.
FATHER PAUL: For guarding us against the flood of indifference, unbelief, and atheism.
ALL: We thank you, Our Lady of Czestochowa.
FATHER PAUL: For keeping vigil over us through your picture in our churches and homes.
ALL: We thank you, Our Lady of Czestochowa.
FATHER PAUL: For reconciling our marriages and families in a bond of love and fidelity:
ALL: We thank you, Our Lady of Czestochowa.
FATHER PAUL: Accept our humble tribute of gratitude even though we know that our thanksgiving can in no way compare with the greatness of your mercies. The graces we have received through you inspire us with hope and desire for further fidelity toward you. O Mother of God, you constantly urge us: “Do whatever He tells you.” Obedient to your inspirations, we stand ready in gratitude to serve you in your kingdom, O Mother of the Church. Amen.

PRAYER OF LOVE AND VENERATION

FATHER PAUL: O great Mother of Jesus the God-Man, for your gracious reign over us.
ALL: We love you and venerate you.
FATHER PAUL: O Mother of Sorrows, you who are especially close to us in time of suffering and sickness.
ALL: We love you and venerate you.
FATHER PAUL: O Guardian of our conscience, helping us to a constant renewal of our life.
ALL: We love you and venerate you.
FATHER PAUL: O Help of Christians, you protect all those who are persecuted and held in bondage.
ALL: We love you and venerate you.
FATHER PAUL: O Mother, you aid us in our difficult pilgrimage to our Heavenly Father.
ALL: We love you and venerate you.
FATHER PAUL: O Mother, you call on us, your children, to participate in the salvation of mankind.
ALL: We love you and venerate you.
FATHER PAUL: O Lady of Jasna Gora, may all who venerate you feel now your help and intercession. Make it your continual care to pray for the people of God, for you were blessed by God and made worthy to bear the Redeemer of the world, who lives and reigns forever. Amen.

PRAYER OF PETITION

FATHER PAUL: In dangers threatening your people …
ALL: Be our help and our protection, O Lady of Jasna Gora.
FATHER PAUL: In our constant concern for preserving the Catholic heritage.
ALL: Be our help and our protection, O Lady of Jasna Gora
Father Paul: In our efforts to be faithful to God, to the Cross, and to the Gospel.
ALL: Be our help and our protection, O Lady of Jasna Gora.
FATHER PAUL: In danger of succumbing to evil habits.
ALL: Be our help and our protection, O Lady of Jasna Gora.
FATHER PAUL: When we are oppressed by doubts and by temptations against faith.
ALL: Be our help and our protection, O Lady of Jasna Gora.                                
FATHER PAUL: When we feel lonely and abandoned.
ALL: Be our help and our protection, O Lady of Jasna Gora.         
FATHER PAUL: O Mother with the Divine Infant in your arms, through your sacred image in Czestochowa you remind us of the constant presence of your Son and your motherly solicitude as a source of strength and courage in our daily trials, difficulties, and labours. Strengthen us in our faith and obtain for us the power to renew our lives in the spirit of God’s commandments and the Gospels of Christ. AMEN.

PRAYER OF EXPIATION

FATHER PAUL: For our negligence in the faith and for the religious indifference through which we have strayed so often from God, not mindful of His presence and love.
ALL: We ask you, Mother, intercede for us.
FATHER PAUL: For our conduct, which has not always been in accord with our holy faith nor with the dignity of a child of God, for sins against life, for drunkenness, selfishness, carelessness, envy, and lax morals.
ALL: We ask you, Mother, intercede for us.
FATHER PAUL: For being so preoccupied with ourselves that we did not see the needs of our brothers and sisters – the hungry, the homeless, the sick, and the lonely.
ALL: We ask you, Mother, intercede for us.

ACT OF CONSCECRATION

ALL: Mother of God, Immaculate Mary * to you I consecrate my body and my soul * all my prayers, works, joys and sufferings * all that I am and possess. * With eager heart * I dedicate myself to you in slavery of love. * I give you complete freedom in making use of me * for the salvation of men and the assistance of the Holy Church * of which you are the Mother. From now on, I wish to do everything * with you, through you, and for you. * I know that by my own strength * I shall accomplish nothing.* You, however, can do everything * that is the will of your Son * and you are always victorious. Grant then, Help of Christians * that my family, parish, and my country * may truly be the Kingdom of your Son and yours. Amen.

FINAL PRAYER

FATHER PAUL: It is to you, Only Mother of God, that we go for refuge and protection. Look kindly on us as we cry to you in our need. Glorious and Blessed Virgin, be with us always and rescue us from every kind of danger. AMEN.

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OUR POST-COMMUNION HYMN (with translation) – Sunday, May 5, 2013
Maryjo, Królowo Polski [Mary, Queen of Poland]

Maryjo, Królowo Polski, Maryjo, Królowo Polski, jestem przy Tobie, pamiętam o Tobie I czuwam na każdy czas. Maryjo, jesteśmy młodzi, Maryjo, jesteśmy młodzi, Już dzisiaj zależy od Polskiej młodzieży Następne tysiąc lat. Maryjo, Królowo nasza, Maryjo, Królowo nasza, My Ciebie prosimy uświęcaj rodziny, Uświęcaj każdego z nas.	Mary, Queen of Poland, Mary, Queen of Poland, I'm with you, I remember you I am aware at all times. Mary, we are young, Mary, we are young, It all depends on the Polish youth The next thousand years. Mary, Our Queen, Mary, Our Queen, We beseech Thee, sanctify our families, Sanctify us all

 

TODAY’S HYMNS: Today’s hymns are related to the feast of Mary, Queen of Poland.
Entrance: Jak Szczęśliwa Polska Cała [How Fortunate is All of Poland] -- #175 in the coil-bound hymnal
Offertory: Nie Opuszczaj Nas [Do Not Abandon Us] -- #143
Communion: O Mój Jezu w Hostii Skryty [O My Jesus, Contained in the Host)-- #119
Post-Communion: Maryjo, Królowo Polski [Mary, Queen of Poland] – see bulletin insert
Closing Hymn: Boże Coś Polskę [God Save Poland] -- #242