Åš+P Marilyn (Lyn) Podkulski

We were saddened on hearing the passing of our sister in Christ, śp. Marilyn (Lyn) Podkulski.

After a very quick and debilitating period of illness, our sister, śp. Lyn accepted the call of her Lord to enter into eternal life.

As we all fondly remember, Å›p. Lyn served as parish organist and offered her ministry for many years, certainly during the time of this pastorate and for many years prior. She also was one of two “Stephen Ministry” folk, offering her comfort to those in need here at the parish. Her vocation was one of grief counselor providing necessary guidance and comfort to those families she came in contact with. There were three occasions when Å›p. Lyn scheduled to have a “remembrance service” here at the parish; always met with a deep
appreciation.

We will have a chance to offer our prayers of thanksgiving for her life; a memorial mass will be scheduled at the discretion of the family sometime in the near future.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord.
And let perpetual light shine upon her.
May she rest in peace. Amen.

Observance of The Feast-day of St. Francis of Assisi and the Blessing of Animals

As you may have heard, there have been many pets and animals that were abandoned in the flooded areas around us and in our state’s southern tier. Various agencies in and around our area have taken up the search and rescue and rehabilitation of those animals found homeless. Although we could not be involved with the agencies that are trying to match up the animals with their owners, we could be helpful in those plans that will help to provide care until that reunion may take place.

Therefore, we are asking that if you have a pet or not, to stop by and add your prayers during a short service on Saturday, October 1st (the actual Feast-day is the 4th), at 10am. Also, if you could bring along some items to donate: dry or canned pet food, cat litter, leashes, or other items (no perishable food) you would like to donate. Some early contact with these agencies has been made.

Our prayer this year will have special import since there are a number of animals we will ask St. Francis to intercede for and ask God to protect and re-unite with their caregivers. Please add your prayer, voice, and donation. In advance, THANKS!

Reflection for the Solemnity of Brotherly Love

Is not life full of opportunities for learning love? Every man and woman every day has a thousand of them. The world is not a playground; it is a schoolroom. Life
is not a holiday, but an education. And the one eternal lesson for us all is how better we can love.

What makes a person a good artist, a good sculptor, or a good musician? Practice. What makes a good person? Practice. Love is not a thing of enthusiastic emotion. It is a rich, strong, vigorous expression of the whole Christian character — the Christ-like nature in its fullest development. And the constituents of this great character are only to be built up by ceaseless practice.

Thoughts and prayers for Youth Sunday

We pray for all the youth of our parish, our seniorarte, our diocese, and our Church especially this morning. We ask for God’s guidance as they return to the classroom, and that they be kept safe from societal and cultural harm as they move through their days. May we “elder brethren” be good examples of faith, love, and courage to them and for them.

A Prayer of Spouses, for Children, for Parents, for Families…

We asked God for strength,
that we might achieve,
We were made weak,
that we might learn humbly to obey.

We asked for health,
that we might do greater things,
We were given infirmity,
that we might do better things.

We asked for riches,
that we might be happy,
We were given poverty,
that we might be wise.

We asked for power,
that we might have the praise of others,
We were given weakness,
that we might feel the need of God.

We asked for things,
that we might enjoy life,
we were given life,
that we might enjoy all things.

We got nothing that we asked for –
but everything we hoped for,
Almost despite ourselves,
our unspoken prayers were answered
We are, among all, richly blessed!

The lnstallation of the Eighth Bishop Ordinary of the Central Diocese

The lnstallation of the Rt. Rev. John Mack as Eighth Bishop Ordinary of the Central Diocese and Pastor of Saint Stanislaus, Bishop & Martyr Cathedral will take place on Sunday, June 5th.

The Holy Rite of lnstallation will be celebrated during a Holy Mass scheduled for 4 pm. A celebratory reception will be held in the Cathedral Youth Center following Holy Mass.

Bishop Mack has been serving as Bishop Ordinary since February 1, 2011.

Please join in formally welcoming Bishop Mack by your presence, and if unable to attend, through your prayers.

Holy Week and Easter in Schenectady, NY

Holy Tuesday

At 10am, the Clergy Conference of the Central Diocese will meet for its spring meeting. Following the close of the meeting, our diocesan ordinary and all the diocesan clergy will celebrate the Holy Mass of Chrism at St. Stainslaus Bishop & Martyr Cathedral in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The holy oils that are used throughout the year in our parish are blessed and consecrated by the bishop during this liturgy.

Holy Wednesday

– Fast and Abstinence

Maundy Thursday

– Fast and Abstinence

At 7 pm, Institution of the Eucharist celebrated with Holy Mass, Communion, and the Procession with the Blessed Sacrament to the Repository, and the stripping of the Main Altar. The Church will remain open following Mass for meditation.

O 19:00 wiecz. Msza święta, Komunia; Procesja z Naj. Sakramentem do bocznego ołtarza Ciemnicy i obnażenie głownego ołtarza. Kościól będzie otwarty aby Iudzie mogli modlić i Adorować.

Traditionally, historically and liturgically, this night begins the Paschal Triduum (three days). It was on this night that our Lord Jesus instituted the Holy Eucharist, which we all share whenever we come to Mass. Following the Mass on this night, the Blessed Sacrament will be taken to a place of Repose until Easter Sunday. The faithful should consider the liturgies of the next two days as a continuation of this night’s, hence, the Triduum.

This is an important liturgy for all of us who revere and worship Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament for it was on this night that Jesus gave us the Sacrament of the Altar, of which some are preparing to receive for the first time. Students should endeavor to attend all of the Holy Week services.

Good Friday

– Fast and Abstinence

Noon – The Parish Church will be opened.
1 pm – Stations of the Cross
2 pm – Bitter Lamentations, parts 1-3
3 pm – Opening of the Grave
4 pm – 7pm – Fish Fry Dinner
7 pm – Mass of the Pre-Sanctified

12:00 po pod., Kościól będzie otwierać.
13:00 po pod., Droga Krzyżowa
14:00 po pod., Gorzkie Żale, czesci 1-3
15:00 po pod., Otwarcie grobu Pańskiego;
16:00 do 19:00 we wiecz., Obiad: Ryba Smażowa;
19:00 we wiecz., Obrządek Piatkowej Mszy i Adorować Krzyża;

STRICT FAST – ONLY ONE FULL MEAL IS EATEN!
TYLKO JEDEN PELNY POSIŁEK MOŻNA SPOŻYĆ!

The second day of the Triduum, the day our Lord died, begins with the time our Lord was nailed to the cross, re-tells the story, and ends with the symbolic opening of the tomb. The “pre-sanctified” liturgy is so described for no consecrations of bread and wine can take place on this day. A host consecrated the night before is used at this liturgy. The third will be placed in the Monstrance and carried in procession Easter Sunday morning. The evening service will be recited, and contains an ancient Lenten devotion, once more re-telling the events of the day.

Holy Saturday

– Fast and Abstinence

4 pm, Liturgy of Holy Saturday. Blessing of New Fire, also Paschal Candle and Baptismal Water. Easter foods will be blessed concluding the liturgy; and in homes by appointment.

16:00 po pod, Liturgia Wielkiej Soboty; poświecenie ognia, świecy Paschalnej, wody chrzcielnej z świeconej. Święcenie pokarmów Wielkanocnych będzie w kościele; aby ksiądz przybył do domu, to prosze zatelefonować do domu księdza.

The third and last day of the Paschal Triduum contains many historic blessings. The Church, at one time during each year, blesses all of the items she uses during the year; hence, the fire, baptismal water, holy water, and the Paschal Candle are all prepared during this liturgy. The traditional blessing of Easter food will be offered to any and all who desire. The traditional foods for the Eastern Europeans are meats, eggs, bread, and any other foods that will be eaten on the day of Resurrection. However, whatever foods any of our families will be sharing on Easter day can also be blessed for our use in this special ceremony. Please try to keep the tradition handed to us, or begin an old new family tradition in your homes this Eastertide. You may bring your basket to church on Holy Saturday or please call Father Stan to make a visit to your home for this blessing. The Parish Church will be dressed for the Easter holyday following the close of this liturgy.

Resurrection Sunday/Niedziela Wielkanoc

8 am – Resurrection Procession and Resurrection Mass of Easter Day.
08:00 w rano, uroczysta Suma Wielkanocna.

10:30 am – Solemn Mass of Easter Day
10:30 w rano – Msza Niedziela Wielkanocna

(Following each liturgy, there shall be a festive repast. Please plan to join the celebration!!!)

Two Mass times are offered this Easter. The 8am will have the Resurrection Procession and Mass of Resurrection celebrated. The 10:30am Mass will be a solemn celebration for Easter Sunday. Please make sure you attend and celebrate the Lord’s victory together with your family.

114th Anniversary of the Organization of the PNCC

The Confession of Faith of the P.N.C.C.
(accepted at the Second Synod ofthe Church in 1907 and confirmed at every Synod hence)

I believe in one God, the Father, the cause of all
existence, Eternal truth, Love and Justice.

I believe in Jesus Christ, the Savior and
Spiritual Regenerator of the world, who was the
Emissary of God, of one substance with Him; and as
to humanity born of the humble woman Mary.

I believe that this Nazarene Master through His
Divine Life, Work, Teaching and Sacrificial Death,
became the glowing ember of a new life of
humankind, taking its beginning and deriving its
strength and fullness in knowing God, loving Him
and fulfilling His Holy Will.

I believe that the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God
rules the universe, that from the Holy Spirit flows
grace, which brings it to pass that, when one
cooperates with it in life, eternal joy in God shall be
attained.

I believe in the Holy Church of Christ,
Apostolic and Universal.
I believe that this Church is the
true teacher, both of the individual and humankind,
that it is a steward of Divine graces and a light in our
temporal pilgrimage to God and salvation.

I believe in the necessity of hearing the Word
of God and the receiving of the Holy Sacraments.

I believe that all people, as children of God are
equal in themselves. I believe that all people have
equal rights to existence, but also sacred
obligations toward God, themselves, their nation,
and all of human society.

I believe in the ultimate justice of God, life
beyond the grave, immortality and eternal bliss in
union with God of all people, generations and times.
Amen.

Your Lenten Journey in Schenectady

Come visit and pray with us throughout these 40 days. Our doors are open and you are welcome.

  • Ash Wednesday, March 9th, Litany and Imposition of Ashes on your lunch break at noon.
  • Ash Wednesday, March 9th, Reflection on the Seven Last Words of Christ and Imposition of Ashes on your lunch break at 7pm.
  • Traditional Stations of the Cross, Every Friday in Lent at 7pm.
  • Matins and Holy Mass, Every Sunday starting at 9:20am.
  • Youth – 30 Hour Famine sponsored by the National United Youth Association
  • Directed Lenten Denial for Charity