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: CHURCH RE-OPENED FOR MASS ON JULY 5, with health and safety requirements and pre-registration. Please see below for more information.

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 Adwentu / Fourth Sunday of Advent

CZYTANIA / READINGS:
Pierwsze czytanie: 2 Sm 7,1-5.8b-12.14a.16
Psalm: 89
Drugie czytanie: Rz 16,25-27
Ewangelia: Łk 1,26-38

First Reading: 2 SM 7:1-5, 8B-12, 14A, 16
Psalm: 89
Second Reading: Romans 16:25-27
Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

RESPONSORIAL PSALM: Na wieki będę sławił łaski Pana / For ever, I will sing the goodness of the Lord

MASS INTENTION FOR TODAY is for Mary and Dominic Gniewek offered by Larry Gniewek

Wednesday Masses and Novena to Our Lady of Czestochowa are not being held during this phase of re-opening.

Altar Society designated volunteers for December: Stephanie Black, Anne Marie Campbell

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

Fr. Dennis still has on-line Mass available: http://www.sainttheresasydney.com/

PASTERKA (CHRISTMAS EVE SHEPHERDS’ MASS) will be at 10:00pm on December 24. We will have to continue to do pre-registered seat assignments, but will have some spill-over seating. If you have not recently been in touch or received a call about Mass attendance, please call Stephanie Black at 902-578-3697.

DECORATING OUR CHURCH FOR CHRISTMAS: After Mass today. Thanks to anyone who can stay a little while!

RADA UPDATE: The Rada (parish council), which was elected at the November parishioners’ meeting, has designated the following Rada members to be Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary as follows (until the 2021 AGM in June):
Co-Chairs: Bernie Paruch, Angela Doiron
Vice Chair: John Morykot
Secretary: Ursula Melski Jr.
A big thank you to these fellow parishioners and to the other 2020-2021 Rada members (Joe Gillis, Sophie O’Toole, Jerry Pocius, Robert Schella)

WOULD YOU LIKE OPŁATEK AND POLISH CHRISTMAS CARDS? Please speak with Tom Urbaniak (tom_urbaniak@cbu.ca; 902-563-1226).There is no charge (it’s a gift to you) – just a kind request to bring an item for the food cupboard. Although gatherings will be very small this year, it's also a common and heart-warming Polish tradition to place a piece of Oplatek (traditional Christmas wafer) inside a Christmas card as a way of sharing blessings and best wishes with the recipient

GROCERY HAMPERS HAVE BEEN PREPARED: Thanks to the volunteers of the St. Michael’s Polish Benefit Society who were at the Polish Village Hall (masked and physically distanced!) on Friday to put together and deliver pre-Christmas grocery hampers in the neighbourhood, and to volunteers who helped to prepare the site for the forthcoming kitchen construction at the hall. (Project participants were Joe and Marilyn Gillis, Kevin Gniewek, Larry Gniewek, Tony Gniewek, John Morykot, Katrina Paruch, Travis Paruch, Jerry Pocius, Lynette Ryba, Alison Etter, Tom Urbaniak)

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: The St. Michael’s Polish Benefit Society thanks 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 for $100? The Coast has kindly agreed to allow us 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 this coming week will be Wigilia -- beautiful Polish customs for Christmas Eve. Guest will be Rosalie Starzomski. Many thanks to this week’s sponsor, Ardelli family IMO Michael Ardelli and Dawn Marie Ardelli.

COLLECTION FOR OUR PARISH DECEMBER 13: $885.00, including $30 flowers, $50 for fuel and $75 for the Building Fund. Many thanks for your 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 IN MEMORY OF CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE BUILDING FUND:
IMO Teofil Pierrynowski, Peter Stephenson, Agnes Wrόblewski Stephenson from Wanda Pierrynowski

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! It’s really appreciated. Bog zaplac!

A RECENT MESSAGE ON TWITTER FROM POPE FRANCIS: “The Christmas tree and the Nativity scene are signs of hope, especially in this difficult time. Let us be sure we do not stop at the sign, but get to the meaning, that is, to Jesus, to the love of God that He revealed to us, the infinite goodness that he made shine on the world.”

WE HAVE SOME ADDITIONAL TEDDY BEARS WITH THE POLISH CAPE BRETON TARTAN! We can deliver them in the area. Please call 902-563-1226. Proceeds support the St. Michael’s Polish Benefit Society. (“Misiu” and “Misia” -- $35 each or $65 for two!)

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St. Mary’s Polish Parish
Parafia p.w. Narodzenia Najświętszej Maryi Panny
Saint Mary’s Polish Parish
21 Wesley St, Sydney, NS B1N 2M5
902.564.4222
dflamey@gmail.com
Website: stmaryspolishchurch.ca/
Facebook page: facebook.com/stmaryspolishparish/

Dear Parishioners,

Well it is coming to the end of Advent, and Christmas will soon be upon us. I have received word from the Bishop and the NS Health (Dr. Strang) that there are (continuing) capacity limits to our gathering during this time. The wearing of masks continues to be required, as is social distancing. Wearing masks and distancing ourselves from one another can make us feel isolated and less of a community. However, we are a community of faith, we pray for one another we check on one another we celebrate together, whether online or in person. God is drawing us closer during this time of Pandemic, He is awakening in us a greater sense of His presence. Faith requires trust in God’s promises. This Christmas season, allow the Holy Spirit to enlighten your lives and hearts. As we have seen this past year life can change in an instant.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry, Healthy, and Holy Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous new year full of joy and peace. Thank you to all who sent cards, letters and gifts, your kindness to me is much appreciated.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of those who have worked so tirelessly all through the year – those who sanitize the church after every mass, those who are booking masses, preparing the Church for Christmas and making sure everyone is safe. To our decorators, our cleaners, our lectors, Extraordinary ministers, and to all who have continued to support our parish, even in these difficult times, my thanks and blessings. Please be assured of my continued prayers for all of you.

Social distancing rules and capacity limits remain in effect (see list of regulations on website and Facebook pages)

Once again, I would remind you that the things we do are mandated by others; so please be kind to those volunteers who do their best to keep everyone safe. God Bless you all.

Remember that there is still time to have your donations count toward yr. 2020 – in case you are in need of a tax deduction.

The celebrations of my masses are online for you (link may be found on the St Theresa web site: www.sainttheresasydney.com) and also on https://www.facebook.com/sainttheresa.sydney.1 and https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYB8RYu9dA5_-A7Ibewde8g/videos

Mary Mother of God …Pray for us, St Therese Pray for Us … Emanuel “God is with us”

Yours in Christ,
Fr. Dennis Lamey P.p

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A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF SOME POLISH CHRISTMAS EVE TRADITIONS:
For generations, many families at St. Mary’s Polish Parish have been upholding Wigilia traditions, which are rich with symbolism. The following is a brief overview:

PIERWSZA GWIAZDKA – THE FIRST STAR: Families wait for the first star before commencing their meal. It symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem. The Christmas tree lights should only be turned on at this time.

OPŁATEK: Before the meal begins and after the prayer, everyone takes a piece of Opłatek and goes around the table sharing it with the others who are present and exchanging blessings and best wishes.

SIANKO – CHRISTMAS HAY: A piece of hay is placed under the white tablecloth or sometimes in a glass bowl at the centre of the table. Sianko represents the crib where Jesus was born.

THE MEATLESS SUPPER: Wigilia marks the end of Advent and so, except for fish (like carp or herring), there is no meat at this candle-lit meal. Typical dishes (it is common to have 12 or 13 dishes) include soups (often red beet with uszka, fermented rye, fish, dried mushrooms), sauerkraut with beans, pierogi, sometimes noodles with poppy seeds and honey, sweet strudel, and a compote made with dried fruit.

THE EXTRA PLATE: It is the custom to set an extra plate at the table. The place is symbolically for Jesus but also for a stranger who may be in need of a meal or assistance. There is a Polish saying that “When a guest is at the house, God is at the house.” ('Gość w dom, Bóg w dom”)

KOLĘDY: After supper, it is customary for the family to sing Polish Christmas carols. In some homes, St. Nicholas visits in person at this time.

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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!