Bible Study for the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time
  • 11/13 – Revelation 12:1-18 – How do I weigh the power of evil in the world versus that of the Risen Christ? Prayer starter: Lord, as we face the repeated assaults of evil, help us to see the many signs you give us in heaven and on earth of your unfailing protection and love.
  • 11/14 – Revelation 13:1-10 – What are the most threatening forces of evil I have encountered in my life? Prayer starter: Give us, O Lord, the faith and endurance needed to resist the tricks and the assaults of the Beast and to work for the building of a more human world fashioned after your will.
  • 11/15 – Revelation 13:11-18 – Am I more concerned about the number of the Beast or about being worthy of the mark received at baptism? Prayer starter: Give us, O Lord, the wisdom and the courage of the early Christian martyrs who refused to worship the image of the Beast and died for their faith in Christ.
  • 11/16 – Revelation 14:1-13 – Who are the people whose lives can teach me the new song in honor of the Lamb? Prayer starter: Lord God, in union with all those who have died in faithfulness to the Lamb and have been redeemed through his death and his resurrection, we give you glory and praise for ever and ever.
  • 11/17 – Revelation 14:14-20 – What comes first when you think of the Last Judgement: fear or hope? Why so? Prayer starter: Son of Man, you are the vine and we are the branches. Do not allow us to produce any fruit that would be unfit for your vine.
  • 11/18 – Revelation 15:1-8 – Do I really believe that love and justice can conquer the power of the Beast? Prayer starter: Lord Almighty, you deserve to be praised at all times; for all your ways are just and true. Blessed are you through the lives of all martyrs who have conquered the Beast and its image.
  • 11/19 – Revelation 16:1-21 – Do I hope for creation to be redeemed by the second coming of Christ? Prayer starter: Lord God, you created all things good and you will recreate them according to your liking and to your goodness.

Bible Study for the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time
  • 11/6 – Revelation 7:1-8 – Do I think of salvation in terms that are exclusive or inclusive? Prayer starter: God of Abraham, we thank you for calling and for gathering to yourself a countless people, as many as the stars in heaven.
  • 11/7 – Revelation 7:9-17 – Do I hope and pray for the salvation of all? Prayer starter: Lord Jesus, be our shepherd and our guide to the living waters so that we thirst no more.
  • 11/8 – Revelation 8:1-13 – Do I believe that prayer can make a difference in time of ordeal? Prayer starter: Lord God, you take no pleasure in the death of anyone or in the destruction of any of your creatures. Give us the wisdom and the courage to amend our lives and to be agents of peace, not of destruction.
  • 11/9 – Revelation 9:1-21 – We should learn from the past. But how come there is so much destruction in our day and age? Prayer starter: Lord God, you are the Lord of life and the Lord of history. Help us to stop the folly of war and destruction and to abide by your ways of peace and justice.
  • 11/10 – Revelation 10:1-11 – Which aspect strikes me most in the message of the prophets: the sweet or the bitter side? Prayer starter: Ever-living God, open our hearts to the words spoken by your prophets. Through their words both challenging and comforting help us to discern your thoughts and your ways.
  • 11/11 – Revelation 11:1-14 – How can our Church witness to hope in a time when hopelessness is rampant? Prayer starter: Lord God, you never failed to send prophets to our people especially in times of hardship. Send to our Church the prophets we need to revive hope.
  • 11/12 – Revelation 11:15-19 – Do I truly believe that today’s world ‘has become the kingdom of our Lord?’ Prayer starter: You are our king, and we yearn to have a share in no kingdom other than yours and your Messiah’s.

Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service

The North Colonie Ecumenical Group is holding its annual Thanksgiving prayer service on Sunday, November 20, 3 p.m. at Calvary United Methodist Church, 15 Ridge Place, Latham, NY. Those who wish to participate in the joint choir are asked to join the rehearsal that day at 1 p.m. The service will include a collection of canned goods and money for the Northeastern Regional Food Bank.

Bible Study for the 31st Week in Ordinary Time
  • 10/30 – Revelation 1:4-8 – How could we better appropriate the reading of Revelation not only privately but as a community? Prayer starter: Lord Jesus, we long for the day you will come in glory. We acclaim you as our Lord and we say a vibrant and joyful Amen to your coming.
  • 10/31 – Revelation 1:9-20 – Have I been a brother or a sister sharing the affliction and the deliverance of other members of the community? Prayer starter: Lord Jesus, when we are going through rough times, help us to keep focused on the radiant light of your resurrection and to find peace and comfort in your presence as the Living One.
  • 11/1 – Revelation 2:1-17 – Who is the Christ you believe in and celebrate in your local church? Prayer starter: Speak, Lord Jesus, so that your Church may grow in the contemplation of Whom you are and may reflect ever more faithfully the light of your resurrection.
  • 11/2 – Revelation 2:18-29 and Revelation 3:1-22 – How does my local church fare in terms of faith, love, hope, and service? Prayer starter: Lord Jesus, may you find our church worthy of your praises and willing to accomplish, through your guidance, greater works for the advancement of your kingdom.
  • 11/3 – Revelation 4:1-11 – Do I praise God often enough for the beauty and the goodness of creation? Prayer starter: God, Almighty Creator of all that exists, we worship you and we praise you for the wonders of your creation and for the many ways though which you manifest yourself.
  • 11/4 – Revelation 5:1-14 – Does my belief in the resurrection of Christ make a difference in times when hopelessness threatens? Prayer starter: Lord Jesus, we acclaim you as the victorious Lamb and for opening up the seals of Scripture for us.
  • 11/5 – Revelation 6:1-17 – How do I react to monstrous calamities: outrage, resignation, support to victims, supplication to God? Prayer starter: How long, Lord Jesus, are destruction and violence to rage around us? You conquered death and evil through love and non-violence. May your kingdom come through justice.

A celebration of ministry and service

Our Pastor, the Rev. Stanley Bilinski, recently celebrated his thirtieth year of ministry in New York’s Capitol Region. On Sunday, November 13th,. the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Fr. Stan will be celebrating his final Holy Mass as Pastor of Holy Name of Jesus Parish prior to taking on Pastoral duties at St. Mary’s Polish National Catholic Church in Parma, Ohio.

In celebration of Fr. Stan’s long time ministry in the area and fourteen year pastorship at Holy Name, thanksgiving for his work and service, and to bid him the fondest and most heartfelt of farewells, the Parish will hold a Farewell Breakfast following Holy Mass that morning. It is hoped that current and past parishioners, as well as those who have been blessed through Fr. Stan’s ministry, may come to share in both prayer and this meal.

Consecration of the Rt. Rev. Paul Sobiechowski

On the Feast of Saint Luke the Evangelist, our Holy Church entered into a new reality. The Very Rev. Paul Sobiechowski was consecrated to the office of bishop in the Holy Polish National Catholic Church. Bishop elect Paul chose Rev. Stanley Bilinski and Rev. Raymond Drada as his chaplains. The principal consecrator was the Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Mikovsky, Prime Bishop of the PNCC. All bishops of the PNCC, active and retired were co-consecrators. Prime Bishop Mikovsky celebrated the Holy Mass assisted by Rev. Bruce Sleczkowski as deacon and Rev. Gregory MÅ‚udzik as subdeacon of the Mass. The readings and Holy Gospel were proclaimed in English, Polish, and Spanish. As part of the consecration rite, bishop-elect Paul chose to sign the Declaration of Scranton, which was first signed by our organizer, Bishop Francis Hodur, and signed by every bishop candidate ever since. Over 400 faithful participated in the Holy Mass.

Significant not only in its ritual and celebration, the Holy Rite was witnessed by ecumenical clergy from various jurisdictions from around the globe: Bishop TIKHON of the Orthodox Church in America; Most Rev. James C. Timlin, retired bishop of the Roman Catholic Church, Scranton diocese; Rt. Rev. Richard W. Lipka, from the Anglican Church of North America (ACNA), with whom we have recently sought dialogue; and Abbot-elect Luis A. Gonzalez, OSB, also of ACNA, whom Bishop Paul will witness his installation at St. Benedict’s Abbey in Bartonville, Illinois. These present were significant in showing the viability the PNCC has within the ecumenical world, as well as its place in the community of Christian Churches.

The ritual was performed with the utmost dignity and jubilation. Deacon Konicki was of assistance to the National Liturgical Commission helping in procession and sanctuary logistics.

Following his consecration, Bishop Paul becomes the Diocesan Ordinary of the Eastern Diocese. He plans to be in residence sometime prior to the Christmas holiday.

Please continue to pray for him, his family, and his ministry.

Bible Study for the 30th Week in Ordinary Time
  • 10/23 – Luke 2:21 – If God were to name you, what name would he give you? Prayer starter: Creator God, you have called each of us by name; help us to proclaim your praises to everyone.
  • 10/24 – Luke 2:22-27 – How do fasting and prayer help you practice faith and encounter God? Prayer starter: Ever-present God, help me to present myself before you so as to dedicate my life to you.
  • 10/25 – Luke 2:28-35 – Do you know and feel that you have been promised the Holy Spirit? Prayer starter: Gracious God, breathe on me the breath of life. Let me be moved by your Holy Spirit to praise you always.
  • 10/26 – Luke 2:36-38 – When and how have you experienced the consolation of God in your own life? Prayer starter: God of consolation and comfort, console my loved ones and me as we continue our life pilgrimage toward you.
  • 10/27 – Luke 2:39-40 – How has God’s presence in your life helped you to grow? Prayer starter: God, source of all wisdom, help me to grow like the young Jesus in wisdom, knowledge, and grace before you and humankind.
  • 10/28 – Luke 2:41-52 – What or to whom have you surrendered so as to continue your mission from God? Prayer starter: Gracious, compassionate, and loving God, help me always to carry you in my heart and be open to your designs for me and your expectations of me.
  • 10/29 – Luke 2:15-20 – Are you amazed at God’s activity in your life and the lives of your loved ones? Prayer starter: Amazing God, help me always to be awestruck by the wonderful gifts you provide for me. Help me to realize that your grace is always amazing grace.

2011 National United Choirs Scholarship Recipients

We joyfully acknowledged our 2011 NUC scholarship recipients on Heritage Sunday, October 16th. Both recipients contributed their talents to Sunday’s worship. The Parish provided a cake during our coffee hour after Holy Mass in celebration.

Hannah Bilinski – received an endowed Scholarship named for Cecelia Shumlas. Cecelia was an active member of the Choirs, yielding not only through her inspiration, but also through her family many other church musicians and choristers. It was for this familial dedication that an endowed scholarship was named in her memory.

Victoria Konicki – received a Junior Incentive Award. This category is reserved for first time applicants. As her age and proficiency increase, Victoria will be eligible for additional consideration in the general and endowed scholarship categories.

There are other endowed Scholarships, many in honor and/or memory of persons vital to the history of the National United Choirs and music in the Church. There are also specialized scholarships for other disciplines in the sacred music field. Again, as interests in music change or become more defined, there is a scholarship out there waiting to be conferred.

It is through your support on every last Sunday of January that these scholarships are funded. We can now continue to witness how our worthy donations are being used.

May our Lord grant Hannah and Victoria much joy in their musical careers as they use those talents given to them by God for His glory and for use in the Church.

The Consecration of the Very Rev. Paul Sobiechowski

By determination of the Prime Bishop, with the concurrence of the Supreme Council, the Consecration of the Very Rev. Paul Sobiechowski to the Office of Bishop in the Holy Polish National Catholic Church will take place on the Feast of St. Luke the Apostle and Evangelist, Tuesday, October 18th.

Fr. Senior Paul was elected to the Office amidst the work of the Church’s 26th General Synod last fall.

Very Rev. Paul Sobiechowski was born in Detroit, Michigan’s East Side. His father was an autoworker and his mother was a homemaker. Fr. Senior Paul spent his formative years at All Saints Polish National Catholic Church. He graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in history and Polish Language, completed his studies at Savonarola Theological Seminary, and was ordained to the priesthood in 1979. Father Paul served All Saints Cathedral Parish in Chicago for 4 1/2 years as assistant to Bishop Joseph Zawistowski.

From December 1983 through March 2011 Father Paul served as Administrator of the Bishop Kardas Memorial Home and continues to serve as Pastor of St. Joseph’s Polish National Catholic Church, Davie, Florida. The administrative senior of PNC parishes in Florida, he has served the general church as a member (past chair) of the Commission on Mission and Evangelism and as a member of the Supreme Council. For many years he has been a member of the Liturgical Commission and the PNC/RC Dialogue. He is chair of the PNC/Anglican Dialogue. Additionally, Father Paul has been the chaplain for the Polish Legion of American Veterans (state of Florida) and has coordinated an ecumenical chaplaincy program at a local hospital in South Florida for more than 20 years. Father Paul has embraced the challenges and joys of serving a culturally diverse congregation, preparing and celebrating liturgies in Polish, English, Spanish, and most recently Haitian Creole.

Following his consecration, Bishop Paul becomes the Diocesan Ordinary of the Eastern Diocese of the PNCC. Please continue to pray for him, his family, and his ministry.

Bible Study for the 29th Week in Ordinary Time
  • 10/16 – Luke 1:51-56 – How, when, where, and in whom have you seen God’s reversals take place? Prayer starter: Holy God, I praise your name. God of awe, I bow before you. God of wonder, give me the ability to wonder about you.
  • 10/17 – Luke 1:57-66 – How do you relate to relatives who always seek the conventional? Prayer starter: Compassionate God, help me to embrace the suffering in my own life and the lives of others with your aid. Help me to realize that your compassion endures forever.
  • 10/18 – Luke 1:67-75 – When have you been visited by God? Do you consider it a blessing? Prayer starter: Gracious God, thank you for remembering and visiting all of your creation and never abandoning any of it. Thank you for entering into covenant with humankind.
  • 10/19 – Luke 1:76-80 – How do you prepare the way for Christ to enter your life and the lives of others? Prayer starter: Lord, you are our light and our salvation. Enlighten our way so as to always be faithful to you. Show us the path of peace.
  • 10/20 – Luke 2:1-7 – How has Jesus fed me at the celebration of the Eucharist? Prayer starter: Saving God, wrap me in you arms of love. Help me to always to feel your embracing presence.
  • 10/21 – Luke 2:8-14 – When have you experienced heaven touching earth? Prayer starter: All praise and honor to you, gracious God, for sending us Jesus in the flesh. May we join the angels in praising you.
  • 10/22 – Luke 2:15-20 – Are you amazed at God’s activity in your life and the lives of your loved ones? Prayer starter: Amazing God, help me always to be awestruck by the wonderful gifts you provide for me. Help me to realize that your grace is always amazing grace.