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St. Casimir's Parish
Polish National Catholic Church
268 Lakeview Avenue - Lowell, Massachusetts 01850 USA
St. Casimir’s ANS society hosted the 71st Annual Convention of the United Women's Societies for the Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament on Saturday, May 21, 2022. The theme of our convention was “Becoming Eucharistic People”, emphasizing our devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.
Holy Mass was celebrated by the Very Rev. Joseph Soltysiak (St. Joseph's Parish, Westfield, MA), ED-ANS chaplain assisted by the Rev. Andrzej Tenus (St. Casimir's Parish, Lowell, MA) and Sub-deacon Justin Daviault (Holy Trinity Parish, Plantsville, CT).
Next came the election of officers for 2022-2024. The following were elected: President JoAnn Menzia, Vice-President Marilyn Folcik, Recording Secretary Janice Klimczak, Financial Secretary Susan Locks, Treasurer Sally Watson. Auditors: Sue Pretola, Diane Hodgkins, Anne Barnet, Nancy Reilly. Organizers: Cynthia Hebert, Mary Ann Curylo. Marshals: Karen Sobiechowski, Deb Charette, Janice Soltysiak, Phyllis Hunt, Arlene Strazzulla.
Following lunch, our guest speaker, Father Robert Koerber, pastor of Holy Name of Jesus Parish, South Deerfield, MA, made a presentation entitled: The Eucharist- “The Center of Our Worship and an Historical Perspective”. In his talk, Father Koerber emphasized that the Holy Eucharist is the real presence of Jesus Christ in the form of bread and wine. In our church, as in the Orthodox faith, the Eucharist is considered a “mystery”. Father also explained that our Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Society is important because we bear witness to the devotion and adoration of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.
Parishes in Lowell, MA, Manchester, NH, Plantsville, CT, South Deerfied, MA, Westfield, MA participated. There were 22 lay participants and 6 clergy representing 5 parishes. Each organization represented was given a gift bag containing lap afghans created by member Jean Doda, now deceased. These afghans are to be given to people who are ill or ailing to bring them cheer.
We also had a basket raffle that brought in a total of $307. Half of the money will go into the ED-ANS treasury, half will go to the ANS of Lowell for their favorite charity.
Next year the National ANS convention will be held May 19-21, 2023 and hosted at the Holy Trinity Parish, Plantsville, CT.
Father Senior Soltysiak, ED-ANS chaplain celebrating Mass assisted by Father Andrzej Tenus and Sub-deacon Justin Daviault. On the left are Father Senior Joseph Krusienski and Bishop Paul Sobiechowski. On the right is Father Robert Koerber.
ED-ANS convention participants May 21, 2022