Our annual Homecoming Dinner was held on Saturday December 3rd at the Parish Center. We had a wonderful turnout for our event. Volunteers brought an amazing assortment of appetizers that everyone enjoyed, and then we had a lovely ham dinner and dessert. The kitchen crew worked so hard to cook and serve our dinner, and we are so appreciative of their efforts. Thanks to Robert Hunt, Linda Hedrick, Pat Whiting, Nancy Picanso, Melinda Jopson, and Phyllis Hunt for your dedication to our annual event.
Following dinner we had a visit from Santa! The children were so happy to see him as he strolled through the hall giving out candy canes and stopping for photos.
Special Guests In Attendance
In addition to Bishop Paul and Karen Sobiechowski, our guests included some notable people in the community. Mayor Sokhary Chau and his wife Somong, former Mayor and City Councillor Rita Mercier, and City Councillor Corey Robinson attended our event. It was wonderful that leaders of the Lowell community attended our homecoming dinner, making our gathering even more special.
Mayor Chau gave a wonderful speech on the importance of cultural traditions in our communities and churches. Councillor Robinson spoke of his resolve to go out into the community to know the people and their concerns. Bishop Paul encouraged our parishioners to do good for the community.
Members of the Polish Cultural Committee also attended our dinner.
Music and Singing
The entertainment of the evening included songs performed by the Tenus children, Karina, Christopher, and Amelia. They were accompanied by Diane Quirbach on the accordian, and Father Tenus on guitar. A special rendition of "Make Us One", a song written by Karen Sobiechowski, was sung by Karina Tenus.
Next came the "Folcik Sisters" - Janice Klimczak, Marilyn Folcik, and Arlene Strazulla who entertained with their beautiful acapella singing. And it wouldn't be Homecoming without everyone singing some favorite Christmas carols.
Elf of the Year
The Elf of the Year award is given to an individual in St. Casimir's who enthusiastically supports the work of the church. This year's Elf is Karen Breault. Each year Karen organizes the tribute St. Casimir's holds to honor its veterans. She sets up the church with names of veterans past and present and says "it's like Christmas" to come to Mass and see the pictures of the veterans lining the windows and side altars. She also noted that her father, the late James Czerlonka, won the first Elf of the Year award on this very night eleven years ago!
Several parishioners were also honored for their tireless dedication to St. Casimir's. Shirley Garvey - Treasurer, Linda Hendrick - Financial Secretary and Janice Klimczak - Recording Secretary, organist, pierogi maker, all received the recognition they deserve for their work keeping St. Casimir's running smoothly.
The Giving Tree
Each year we select a cause and collect dontations to support that cause. This year we are collecting white socks for the men and women living in shelters. We will collect donations until December 18th and then bring the donations to the Salvation Army.
Lowell City Councillor Corey Robinson
ANS President JoAnn Menzia Greets Lowell Mayor Chau
Elf of the Year Karen Breault
Homecoming 2022
The Folcik Sisters
Mayor Chau, Father Tenus, Co-chairs Robert Hunt and Dr. Robert Quirbach
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St. Casimir's Parish
Polish National Catholic Church
268 Lakeview Avenue - Lowell, Massachusetts 01850 USA