All the societies of our parish are asked to give annual reports for 2011 and information on their projects for 2012. Another important aspect of our Annual Parish Meeting will be the election of the Parish Committee. The Parish Committee is the council, which meets once per month (usually for about 1 1/2 hour on the evening of the 3rd Wednesday of the month) to discuss issues and make decisions for the well being of the parish. Would you consider serving on this committee? Please contact Dominick Bucci 973-703-6473 or Fr. Joseph for any additional information.

Three decades ago, seminarian John Mack taught St. Stanislaus children catechism, followed with a lesson on the basketball court.

At 6 feet 3 inches, Mr. Mack impressed his students with a passion for the Lord and the layup. Sunday, some of those former students looked on as the man they met as a seminarian was installed as bishop of the Polish National Catholic Church’s Central Diocese at a Mass at St. Stanislaus Cathedral

“He was very friendly and energetic,” said one of those students, Fred Aebli, after the service. “It’s neat to see him come back in such a big way.”

Bishop Mack had been in the post since Feb. 1, but his era as the eighth bishop of the Scranton-based religion officially began at the Mass with the certification of the election results and passing of the symbolic pastoral staff.

Prime Bishop Anthony Mikovsky reminded those at the ceremony that the elected bishop has the authority of God and God’s people, and he exhorted them to “Unite in faith…. follow, listen and work.”

Bishop Mack had recently been auxiliary bishop in the Buffalo-Pittsburgh Diocese. He was elected to the new post after Bishop Mikovsky was elected Prime Bishop in the fall.

Bishop Mack will also serve as pastor of St. Stanislaus Cathedral, the denomination’s mother church.

While Bishop Mack moved on from his education in Scranton, he never really left, said Joe Nasser, president of the St. Stanislaus Men’s Association.

With the headquarters of the church in the city, he was a common sight in Scranton throughout his career.

“He’s the same as a bishop as he has always been in his career: down-to-earth, a good communicator, and easy to get a hold of,” Mr. Nasser said. “The new leadership has made this an exciting time here.”

After the Mass, the church held a reception in the parish youth center.

Bishop Mack was born and raised in the Polish National Catholic Church in the Greater Detroit area and attended Savonarola Theological Seminary in Scranton.

He and his wife have three children.

PARISH COMMITTEE: Dominick Bucci (Chairperson), Bob Sleece (Vice Chairperson), Karen Hitchcock (Secretary), Richard Daum (Treasurer); Trustees: Edward Obssuth, Alice Kriskewic, Adele Merson, Hughie Vickerilla, Claire Centrella, Penni Lazor and Lynn Imperiale.

PARISH TRIBUNAL: Penni Lazor and John Surak

AUDITORS: Lucia Blaschak, Karen Peano, Judy Lamping

ENVELOPE RECORDER: Karen Hitchcock

SENIORATE COUNCIL: Judy Lamping and Alice Kriskewic

We wish all elected members successes in their service for our parish.

We also thank all those who brought delicious salads, sandwiches, and doughnuts for refreshment during the Annual Parish Meeting last Sunday. Also, we thank our high school students who provided care and a program for the children during the Parish meeting sessions. As a result we had more adults attending the meeting and more youth participating in School of Christian Living program. With combined efforts we can look forward for another good year at Holy Cross Church.

Hope you and your families are doing well. We are Looking forward to having nice weather on Sunday – 42 degrees. Wow!.

Just a reminder that this Sunday February 13th, we will have Holy Masses scheduled at 9AM and Noon.

After 9:00 AM Mass we will have time for warm coffee and then we will begin our Annual Parish Meeting at 10:15 AM lasting until 11 AM. We will have a 20 minute break for refreshments consisting of sandwiches and varieties of homemade salads. We will re-convene meeting from 11:20 AM until 11:45 AM.

The children will have an educational program and movies in our School of Christian Living (Sunday School). They will join us for the refreshment as well.

We wish to share, with all members of Holy Cross, our achievements that took place in 2010 and we will set plans for 2011. Everyone is welcome to contribute ideas so that guided by the Spirit of the Lord we will make together democratic decisions for the good of Holy Cross Church.

All are welcome!!!

With prayers,

Fr. Joseph and the Parish Committee

Another important aspect of our Annual Parish Meeting will be the election of the Parish Committee. The Parish Committee is the council, which meets once per month (usually for about 1 hour on the 3rd Wednesday evening of the month) to discuss concerns and make decisions for the parish. Would you consider serving on this committee? Please contact Fr. Joseph or Dominick Bucci for additional information.

God bless you for your dedication in serving the needs of your fellow parishioners and our Holy Catholic and democratic Church.

On Tuesday October 5th, our Diocesan Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Anthony Mikovsky, was elected as 7th Prime Bishop of the PNCC. Now the Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Mikovsky was elected by a two-thirds majority of the ordained and lay delegates, including the prime bishop-elect’s father.

Bishop Mikovsky has been bishop of the Central Diocese and pastor of St. Stanislaus Cathedral since 2006. Before becoming bishop, he served as the assistant pastor at St. Stanislaus, the mother church of the PNCC beginning in 1997.

In his new post he will move less than two blocks from the East Locust Street cathedral to the seat of the Polish National Catholic Church on Pittston Avenue.
“I’m overwhelmed,” he said not long after the vote. “When people put trust in you to lead them in God’s field, and in going forward to build up the church, it’s a very humbling experience.”

Also at Synod, the Very Rev. Paul Sobiechowski of St. Joseph’s Parish in Davie, Florida was elected candidate for the bishop.

We keep in our prayers retired Prime Bishop Robert Nemkovich, our newly elected Prime Bishop Anthony, and Fr. Senior Paul.

• PARISH COMMITTEE: Dominick Bucci (Chairperson), Bob Sleece (Vice Chairperson), Karen Hitchcock (Secretary), Richard Daum (Treasurer & Financial Secretary); Trustees: Edward Obssuth, Leonard Hrinuk, Alice Kriskewic, Adele Merson, Hughie Vickerilla, Claire Centrella, Penni Lazor.
• PARISH TRIBUNAL: Penni Lazor and John Surak
• AUDITORS: Lucia Blaschak, Karen Peano, Judy Lamping
• ENVELOPE RECORDER: Karen Hitchcock
• SENIORATE COUNCIL: Judy Lamping and Alice Kriskewic
• GENERAL SYNOD DELEGATES – Richard & Lucy Daum and Judy Lamping

In the picture – members of the Parish Committee during the Annual Parish Meeting. From left (sitting) Adele Merson, Alice Kriskewic, Edward Obssuth, Dominick Bucci, Karen Hitchcock, Richard Daum, Hughie Vickerilla, Lenny Hrinuk and Penni Lazor Standing – Bob Sleece, Al Katinsky (Chairman of Stewardship Committee) and Father Joseph R. Cyman

Special Recognition Awards Were Given To:

• Edward Obssuth for his dedication and service during past four years as the Chairpaeron of the parish Committee.
• Mary Margo for many years of service as Parish Secretary and members of Adoration Society
• Alice Kriskewic for dedication and service toward Holy Cross Church
• Michele Lazor for decication and service as teacher of School of Christian Living, Chairperson of Parish Life Committee.

Edward Obssuth receiveing Special Recogniion Award presented By Al Katinsky and Fr. Joseph

Alice Kriskewic received Special Recognition Award presented by Edward Obssuth, Al Katicnky and Fr. Joseph

We wish all elected members successes in their service for our Parish.

The Polish National Catholic Church is made up of baptized Christians who worship together, partake of the sacraments, hear and obey the Word of God. In the PNCC Parish property is owned by the people who purchase, build and maintain it. Annual meetings are part of our democratic Church’s process for accountability to its people. We are a Church where each member has a voice and a vote.