Events
December 7 10am to 2pm – Central Seniorate Advent Retreat St Michael Archangel Parish in Cedar Lake, IN The event is Free! Deadline to make your reservation is December 2.
December 8 at 2:30pm – Milwaukee Circle Choir presents A Noel Celebration; A Cantata of the Christmas Story Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in South Milwaukee, WI Free Admission!
December 9 at 1pm (et) – Prime Bishop’s meeting with diocesan senior priests
Dec 11 at 7pm (et) – PNCC History and Archives commission meeting via Zoom
News
Advent – We have entered into the season of Advent, which is the beginning of a new Church year. So regarding our Church it is fitting to say – Happy New Year! We have an opportunity to look back on the year we had, and look forward with great expectation to the year that is to come. As we are preparing our homes and our churches to mark the occasion of our Savior’s birth, we are reminded to be prepared for our Lord’s return, which will catch many off guard. We are also reminded that we as individuals may be called home to meet Jesus at any time, and are cautioned to be ready always. All of these themes are reflected in our readings throughout this season of joyous anticipation, in which we are reminded that God loves us so much that He came to us in human form to pay the price for our sinfulness. May we use this season of Advent to prepare our churches, our homes and our hearts to receive our Savior!
Christmas Concert
The Milwaukee Circle Choir is presenting “A Noel Celebration” – A Cantata of the Christmas Story on December 8 at 2:30pm at Sts Peter and Paul Parish in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
If you are in the area, we hope you will take the opportunity support the Milwaukee Circle, and enjoy Polish and English carols as well! Admission is Free!
Diocesan Youth Gathering
The diocesan Youth Association recently met and announced some important details about the 2025 Youth Gathering. The theme is “God’s Kingdom Builders” and will take place July 21-24, 2025 at the Walnut Ridge retreat center in Morgantown, Indiana. The cost will be just $150 per participant for registration fees received by May 31. The fee includes all meals, lodging, camp activities and all Fun! The fee for registrations submitted after that date will be $200. We ask all youth and interested adult counselors to mark your calendars and begin making arrangements to attend! It is never too early to have fund raisers to help cover costs.
The Youth Association will meet online on Wednesday January 15 at 7pm (eastern) / 6pm (central) to plan this exciting event, and all interested youth and adults are welcome to participate in this and following planning meetings. Please contact Deacon Doug Scott, chaplain at dscott8938@gmail.com if you have any questions, or Fr Sr Charles at smparmail@gmail.com to receive a Zoom link.
Scouting
Our diocesan Scouting commission has been meeting regularly to raise awareness about the value of Scouting programs, and provide support to Scouting troops and individuals involved in Scouting who are in our diocese. Attached is a Scouting survey which we ask all parishes to complete and return so that we can have a good picture of Scouting activities and involvement in our diocese. We also have brochures with excellent information about the Scouting program and various awards offered by our Church. If you would like a brochure, please contact Fr Greg Gronn, chaplain at wd.scouting.commission@gmail.com. Scouts are also encouraged to attend our diocesan Youth Gathering where they can meet with other scouts and youth from our diocese.
We are also giving advance notice that Scouting Sunday will be February 2, 2025. Please consider acknowledging any youth or adults from your parish involved in Scouting, or to use the opportunity to promote Scouting!
Annual Parish Meetings
Many of our parishes are making plans to conduct their annual parish meetings soon, or in the near future. This is an important activity for our parishes where they review the previous year, plan for the year to come, and elect officers and members of the Parish Committee and other positions.
Parishes are reminded that the following reports should be submitted, as stated in the PNCC Constitution, By-Laws and Code of Faith, and diocesan practices –
- Pastor’s report;
- Parish Financial reports;
- Parish Committee election results
Please include address, phone number, and email addresses (if available) of those elected;
Reminder –
Those elected do not assume office or positions until approved by diocesan administrator - Rectory Inventory / Inspection report;
(please contact us if you need an inventory / inspection form); - Proof of Insurance (declaration page);
- List of Parishioners (with address, phone number and email addresses (if available);
- Parish Resource Checklist form (please contact me if you cannot locate it).
For your convenience, reports can be emailed to smparmail@gmail.com .
If you have any questions about any of the reports or need assistance preparing them, please feel free to contact me!
Diocesan Mission and Evangelism
Our Mission and Evangelism commission recently met and is organizing information and suggestions to offer help to our parishes as outlined at our recently held diocesan Synod. The first step is to fill out the Parish Resource checklist and return it at your earliest convenience, or include it with the annual parish reports as mentioned above. If you cannot locate the form, feel free to me and I will send it to you. Another suggestion is something that you may already be doing, which is to keep contact with parishioners by email. Items like weekly bulletins, periodic newsletters or announcements can be conveniently emailed at no cost and can help keep good communication with parishioners and those affiliated with the parish. You may want to consider having someone function as an email coordinator to keep information updated. Other suggestions and materials will be sent to parish leaders as it is developed.
Spojnia Credit Union
Our Spojnia Credit Union is turning 50! This is a resource for share certificate special deals, debit cards which will be available soon, and other benefits. Please watch for their membership drive coming soon!
PNA
Most of our diocese is served by PNA Councils. They offer fraternal benefits and activities which we recommend participating in. Please familiarize yourself with the council in your area, and if you have any questions or need more information please contact Martin Wachna, Jr at martin.wachna@pna-znp.org .
United Women’s Societies
Rev. Father Mariusz Zochowski is the new chaplain for the diocesan United Women’s Societies, and we look forward to his service and leadership! The organization will be in the process of rebuilding, so we are asking all parishes who have existing women’s organizations to provide the following information to Fr Mariusz: Name of your parish; name of the women’s organization; contact person or persons. Please forward this information to Fr Mariusz at his email – mariozoch@gmail.com . Thank You for your cooperation and assistance to rebuild this important organization in women’s ministry!