SUMMER 2006

Big thanks to all Members and Friends of the Polish Catholic Mission for their help with the events of the past Summer. Especially for preparation of delectable dishes for all to share for our picnics and for participation in the monthly masses and other events sponsored by the PCM.  Your participation is crucial to the continuance of PCM.

 A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE PCM

“Dear Friends,

Welcome again to the PCM Newsletter. The fall has already come signaling the beginning of a new academic year. This time around our Mission is proudly making its contribution to that event by inaugurating the School of Polish Language for students of all ages.  We need to congratulate the organizers and the faculty on this big accomplishment!  Converting the idea of having our own school into reality was possible only due to their commitment, talent, experience, enthusiasm and hard, generous work. Let’s wish the staff a lot of satisfaction and success.  We also wish the students many achievements in learning and perfecting their Polish language.  Our other cheerful news is the success of our volleyball team who won with the Czech counterparts.  We need to appreciate not only their athletic skills but also their attitude.  Our team made a generous financial donation to help one of the Czech players who had been injured during the match. We were pleased to meet some of these new Polish sportsmen during the recent Mission picnic. The picnic was preceded with a Mass celebrated as usual by Father Kazimierz. We wish him all the best on his 26th anniversary of the Holy Orders.  Father Kazimierz has recently come up with a great new initiative to organize a new interest club. During meetings we will talk about literature, listen to music, watch movies and be entertained by our own community talents. So, come and join our club sessions.  Look for more information about the club in this issue of the Newsletter. Generally, most of the news is frequently updated on the PCM website.  Please visit our site regularly and send us your comments or questions.  We are very grateful to Bob Schmidt for his gracious function of Webmaster for our Organization’s webpage. Due to his efforts both the contents and the graphical appearance of the site have become very professional.    Among various topics you will find there “Fr. Kazimierz Reflections” and the upcoming issue of “Culture with No Limits”, edited by our gifted reporters.  In other news:  those who attended the monthly Polish Masses had an opportunity to listen to the new PCM Choir.  Our musical group wants to encourage everyone to sing along with the choir during mass. Also, their goal is to heighten the spiritual atmosphere of our meetings in the House of the Lord. The last quarter of each year is abundant with numerous traditional events.  Details about upcoming Masses, All Saints Day, Poland’s Independence Day, Andrzejki Party, Christmas Eve Dinner and New Year’s Eve Ball are provided in this Newsletter and will also be posted on the PCM website.  You are very warmly invited and encouraged to take part in these events.  Please remember that our Organization is open to all regardless of their nationality, heritage and religion. Everyone may join the Polish Catholic Mission. As a member, by contributing a small fee, you are demonstrating our unity and support for the PCM of Memphis. We encourage Members who haven’t made a donation yet to do so and continue their participation.  We will also cordially welcome all the newcomers who are ready to make their first financial contribution. Anyone who wishes to continue his/her membership or become a new member of the Mission and cannot pay the annual fee please contact the Executive Board.

Jacek Dutkiewicz”

 THANK YOU FROM BOB SCHMIDT

“I wish to offer my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has extended their condolences to myself and my family on the death of my Father.  Knowing that you all are standing with us, has made this time of grief much more bearable.  My Father was very important to me, and his loss will take a long time to get over.  But, your friendships will see us through these trying times.  May God Bless each one of you!

Bob Schmidt”

 PCM POLISH LANGUAGE SCHOOL

September 9 became the inauguration date for the Polish Language School of the PCM.  The School is designed both for children of various ages and for adults.  This new initiative was started and is coordinated by Halinka Dutkiewicz.  Currently we have 20 young students in three age groups, meeting every Saturday at Bert Ferguson Community Center in Cordova, and an adult class of 10 studying together on Mondays at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Downtown Memphis.  Polish American Congress Commission of Education and Polish Teachers Coalition in the United States provided the organizers with necessary handbooks, instructions and guidelines.  Our excellent, dedicated and enthusiastic teachers made great contributions to the diverse and ambitious education program.  The staff is composed of Monika Lux-Huserk and Edek Kozłowski (adult class), Halinka Dutkiewicz, Miłka Mitchell and Agata Walas-Maenhoudt (preschoolers),  Ela Skorupska assisted by Julia Denkiewicz (medium-age kids), and Gosia Stroińska  and Jacek Dutkiewicz supported by his daughter Magda (older children).  We wish the teachers, students and their parents much success in this great endeavor. Please direct all inquires to Halinka Dutkiewicz.

PCM GOSPEL CHOIR

Our monthly holy masses have became enriched by the newly formed PCM Gospel Choir .The choir inauguration took place during the Holy Mass celebrating the deaconate of Krzysztof Rusin. Members of the group include:  Gosia  Stroinska,  Joasia Lagownik, Magda Dutkiewicz, Halinka Dutkiewicz, Zosia Schmidt, Ania Kaziow, Jacek Dutkiewicz, Witek Kaziow , Edek Kozlowski and Rob Huserik. Please contact Jacek Dutkiewicz if you are interested in joining the choir.

PCM CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL CLUB

Fr. Kazimierz cordially invites you to the first meeting of the PCM Cultural and Educational Club. The meeting will take place on Friday, October 13 at 6:00 p.m. at the Korean House located at  10569 Collierville Road in Collierville, TN 38017. The evening’s program will include showing of the Polish movie titled ”In Front of the Jewelers Shop” based upon the play written by Karol Wojtyla - our beloved Pope. Please RSVP to fr. Kazimierz. All planning to come are asked to bring refreshments to share during the evening. Map to the location is included at the end of the newsletter.

PCM CULINARY CLUB

The purpose of this club will be the continuance and study of the Polish culinary traditions thru practice and exchange of experience. The meetings will include preparation of featured dishes as well as presentations and discussion about its origins and history. If you are interested in joining the group please contact  Ania Wozniak no later than October 31,2006.

PCM PHILATELIC AND NUMIZMATIC CLUB

This club will be open to collectors and all those interested in collecting stamps and coins.
Meetings will include:

1. Dissscusion about individual collections

2. Help with beginning the collection

3. Appraisals 

4. Exchange between the members

5. Participation in local events relating to the club’s interests

Members will have the opportunity to utilize a vast selection of catalogs and periodicals.
All interested please contact Mirek Wozniak tel: 373-3114 no later than October 31,2006.

PCM VALLEYBALL TEAM

Our sincere congratulations go out to the PCM volleyball team for winning 3:0 game with the Czech team on Friday, September 8^th.PCM team wore team jerseys especially prepared for the occasion by Zbyszek Mustwillo. The team members: Karolina Glodek, Aneta Samaranska, Witek Kaziow, Robert Treida,  Cezary  Lemanski,  Krystian Seweryn, Beniamin Seweryn,  p.Karol, Michal Prochniak, Marek Szczepanski, Zbyszek Mustwillo, Leon Matysiak and Ania  Kaziow made up the winning team. In addition, in a true sportsmanship fashion, our team collected funds for the Czech player injured during the game-Bravo!

If you are interested in joining our winning volleyball team-we meet every Wednesday, at 7 pm at the gym of the Blessed Sacrament Church, 2564 Hale Ave. Please contact Zbyszek Mustwillo with any questions

GOLDEN JUBILEE OF ST. JAMES CHURCH

On September 22, 2006 St James Catholic Church celebrated its Golden Jubilee. This Church has been hosting almost all the Polish masses and other events for more than five years. A very beautiful mass was celebrated with the presence of several Pastors who served the church in the past. Mass was followed by a reception in the parish hall. Members of the Polish Catholic Mission were present with a memorable donation to the church.

OCTOBER MASS

October’s mass will take place on Saturday, October 14th at 6 p.m. at the St. James Catholic Church located at 4180 Leroy Avenue., Memphis TN 38108.

Please remember that the Officers will are available after each of the monthly masses to talk to you about your concerns and to welcome your suggestions.

FALL FESTIVAL FOR CHILDREN

Bert Ferguson Community Center located in Cordova invites all children to the Fall Festival, an alternative to the Halloween celebration. There are many attractions planned, same include: face painting and games. There is going to be lots of candy-of course. All are asked to promote a positive image and select appropriate costumes.

The Festival will take place October 31 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Bert Ferguson Community Center, located in Cordova at 8505 Trinity Road. Please contact Halinka Dutkiewicz with questions regarding this event.

ALL SAINTS DAY MASS

This is the second All Saints’ Day Mass we will celebrate and it looks like it is going to become a tradition. The All Saints’ Day Mass, which is dedicated to the memory of people close to us, who have died, will be celebrated on Wednesday - November 1, at 6 PM at the St. James Catholic Church – 4180 Leroy Ave, Memphis, TN 38108. This is an opportunity to come closer to the Polish national traditions, which are so close to the hearts of every Polish person. It is also an opportunity to get united on this special day with our families in our homeland. During the mass, everyone can light the candle for their close deceased. The candles will be provided but please bring a note with the name of the person (persons) that you going light the candle for. Please place the notes in the basket at the main entrance to the church.  Eternal flame, a symbol of the light and unity with our closest will accompany us till the end of the mass.

Please come on time so the names can be collected before the start of the mass.

INDEPENDENCE DAY

To commemorate Poland’s Independence Day we invite you to participate in a very special celebration. The event schedule proceeded by the holy mass, will include an outdoor fire, poetry reading and group singing. We plan to serve “wojskowa grochowka”-military pea soup. The celebration will take place on Saturday, November 11 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Korean House located at 10569 Collierville Road in Collierville, TN 38017. Please bring snacks and deserts for all to share. We invite you all to came and celebrate this special evening with us. Please contact Jacek Dutkiewicz with any questions relating to this event.

Map to Korea House

ANDRZEJKI PARTY

“Andrzejki” Fall Dance party, will be held on Saturday, November 26, 2006, at the Country Hills Club, Twin Rivers Drive, Cordova.  This dance will replace a previously planned PMC dance. The party will begin at 7 pm and the buffet will be opened at 8 pm.  The party will end at midnight.  Tickets are $15 per person.  For tickets, please contact Zbyszek Stroiński.  Since this is a “potluck” event, please call Viola Bute, with information what dish/entrée you will to prepare. Mirek Wozniak is asking that you bring your favorite dancing music for all to share.  See you there…

POLISH WIGILIA DINNER

Our Polish “Wigilia” dinner will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2006, at 5 pm at the Family Life Center located at St. Ann’s Catholic Church located at 6529 Stage Road in Bartlett, TN 38134.  After the meal we plan to sing Christmas carols.  To make dinner reservations please send checks to the PCM treasurer by December 1, 2006.  Reservations will not be possible after December 1 since the dinner coordinators need to plan the meal and buy food for the required number of people.  Please show respect to this event and register on time.  It will let all of us enjoy holiday spirit. 

Admission prices are as follow:

   PCM members:

• Adults - $5 per person

• Children below 18–free admission

   Non-members:

• Adults - $15 per person;

• Children 6-18- $ 5 per child

• Children under 6–free admission

After dinner, children will have a visit from Santa Claus.  Children of the PCM members up to 12 years of age as well as all children taking part in the Wigilia music program will receive a gift. If you wish, please include additional $15 per child on your check for a gift if you are not a PCM member and your child is not participating in the music program,

Volunteers are needed to help on Friday, December 8, 2006.  We need ladies to help with cooking and gentlemen to arrange tables and chairs, and decorate the dinner hall.  Also, help will be needed with after dinner cleanup.  Please contact Anna Wozniak if you can help with preparations.

Parents of children who do not attend Polish Language School and would like to participate in the Wigilia music program are asked to contact Jacek Dutkiewicz.

People, who would like to join us for the “Wigilia” dinner but have problems with transportation, may contact any of the PCM Officers.  We will help you get there.

If you know of someone who cannot attend Wigilia due to financial difficulties, or if you would like to became Wigilia financial sponsor please contact any of the PCM Officers.

CHRISTMAS SEASON

Confession

Father Kazimierz Abrahamczyk will hear confessions in Polish on the following days:  December 19, 20 and 21 from 8 pm to 9 pm at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual help located at 8151 Poplar Ave. in Germantown.

Fr. Kazimierz would also like to remind you that he is available to hear confessions before any of our monthly Polish masses.

Christmas Eve Mass

Due to the specific calendar of this year’s Christmas Holidays, fr. Kazimierz will celebrate the “Midnight Mass” (Pasterka)  on Sunday, December 24 at 11 pm at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 8151 Poplar Ave., Germantown.  As this will be our only Christmas mass, we invite you all to attend.

Pastoral Visits

If you would like to invite Father Kazimierz to your home for a pastoral visit, please contact him directly by phone or by email.

Father Kazimierz is available for a pastoral visit following the Christmas holidays until the beginning of the Lent season.

Christmas Caroling

We would like to continue the beautiful tradition of meeting at our homes for caroling.  If any of you is interested in hosting this year’s Christmas Caroling Party, please contact Ania Woźniak.

“Opłatki” Wafers

As in the prior years, you can purchase  “opłatki” wafers from Zosia Schmidt, for $2 per 3-piece package.

THE NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY

Traditionally, we will have our New Year’s Eve party on December 31, 2006, This time at the gym at the Blessed Sacrament Church located at 2564 Hale Ave. The party will start at 8 pm and end at 3 am.  Tickets are $25 per person for PCM members, $30 for others.  This year we will have live music as well as disco music from CDs.  To make the reservations please send checks the PCM Treasurer by December 26, 2006.  The fee includes room rental, parking security, decorations, live and disco music, soft drinks, and champagne at midnight.  Zosia Schmidt is coordinating the buffet. As this is a potluck event please keep in mind that your dish will be shared by a large number of people so prepare accordingly.  If you wish to add your favorite music to the evening’s selections, please bring CDs.

We need your help to set up and decorate the room for the party so please contact Viola Bute.

Please remember that we need to clean up the room after the party.  Please e contact any of the PCM Officers if you are able to help.

ENGLISH LESSONS

Kirby Woods Baptist Church located at 6325 Poplar Avenue and Massey offers English lessons for foreigners. All interested should call 682-2220 or 756-5820

 CONDOLENCES

We ask Mr. Bob Schmidt and his family to accept our deepest condolences for the loss of his Father. May he rest in peace.

WE NEED HELP

We need your input and assistance with our ongoing activities. Please contact any of the PCM Officers if you are able to help.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

May Your Thanksgiving Holidays be happy, safe and filled with God’s grace and peace.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

During this holy season, may Love and Joy and Lord’s Blessing surround you and yours.  Have a Merry Christmas and a very prosperous New Year 2007.

ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES

Inventory

We are in the process of updating the “assets list ” of our organization and ask you to please contact Ania Wozniak if you are entrusted with any items that belong to the PCM.  

Non Profit Status of PCM

The Officers of the PCM are currently working on finalizing the “non profit” status of our organization. This process began in 1990 and was never formally completed according to the correspondence from the IRS office.

Please contact the PCM Officers with any questions you may have regarding this matter.

Our website

We encourage you all to visit our website at  www.polishcatholicmission.org.

Our website is administered by Bob and Zosia Schmidt. All are welcome to help by sending articles or photos to Zosia and Bob Schmidt for inclusion on the website at: E-Mail Bob.

Addition to the Newsletter

We wish to inform you that our most recent publication named ”Culture with no Limits” is posted exclusively on the PCM’s website. We invite you to visit our website to check for the most recent updates.

PCM  Movie Library

The Board decided to liquidate the PCM movie library. The movies will be ruffled off during our Wigila dinner.

 Classified Ads

If you need to sell, buy, trade or maybe advertise then feel free to place an ad in our newsletter. The cost is $5.00 for the one time ad. Please contact Ania Wozniak tel: 373-3114 with any questions. You can also email the ad (Microsoft Office Word format please)  to the: E-Mail Ania.

We also invite you to post any ads about possible give-away, donations, free help or helpful information at no cost in our newsletter.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2006

Following is the final calendar of activities planned for 2006:

Officers of the Polish Catholic Mission:

Jacek Dutkiewicz – President
E-Mail Jacek

Viola Bute – Vice President
E-Mail Viola

Ania Woźniak – Secretary
E-Mail Ania

Zbigniew (Mark) Stroiński – Treasurer
E-Mail Mark

Zofia Schmidt – Coordinator for Church Affairs
E-Mail Zofia

MEMBERSHIP IN THE POLISH CATHOLIC MISSION

To become a member, one needs to pay membership dues.

PCM Member rights:

• Right to vote to elect PCM officers

• Right to receive all information pertaining to the PCM activities (religious, organizational, financial, etc.)

• Free PCM newsletter

• Admission discount to PCM events (discount includes children younger than 23 years old- if single)

• Free admission to the Wigilia dinner for children younger than 18 years old.

PCM Newsletter

• Our newsletter is mailed to all PCM members as well as members of the former Polish-American Society.

• Non-members may continue receiving our newsletter for a $5/year contribution.  The above contribution should be mailed to the PCM Treasurer.