See What is Happening in our Church

Parishioners of St. Casimir's gathered together at our cemetery in Pelham, NH to celebrate a Memorial Day mass. The weather, which had been rainy and cool for much of the week, changed to blue skies, sunshine, and warmer temperatures. 

The service began with Irene Jarez, member of St. Casimir's and the PAV, who read the names of recently deceased members of the PAV. An Color Guard then gave a salute to the dead. 

Following, Janice Klimczake, organist of St. Casimir's, sang the Star Spangled Banner and the Polish National anthem. 

It was a beautiful spot, in our newly renovated cemetery, to celebrate the sacrifice and bravery of the men and women who went to war to preserve our freedom.

Father Tenus gave a sermon that spoke of the selflessness of those who went to war, and we prayed for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. 

On Sunday, May 25 the Polish-American veterans of Lowell, and the Greater Lowell Polish National Home, “Dom Polski,” held a memorial service in the courtyard of the Dom Polski. The community was invited to honor deceased veterans and members. 

A color guard presided as the American, Polish, and Vietnam flags waved in the breeze. The program opened with a welcome by John Lawless Jr., followed by a Blessing by Fr. Adnrzej Tenus, who is also the PAV chaplain. Fr. Tenus is a captain the US Army Reserve and the pastor of St. Casimir’s parish. He proudly wore his military dress uniform. 

Janice Klimczak, organist at St. Casimir’s, sang the Star Spangled Banner and the Polish National anthem. Wreaths were placed at the monument honoring the deceased veterans and members of Dom Polski. Then Taps, a salute to the dead, was played. Deacon Stephen Papik of Holy Trinity in Lowell then gthe closing prayer. 

In attendance was a WWII veteran who served at Normandy. “Pete” Walor, at 101 years, spoke of his service to the guests who came to the Memorial Day Ceremony. Great thanks is given to Pete and all who have served our country. 

Following the ceremony, guests were invited to attend a luncheon. It was a wonderful tribute to those who have served and sacrificed for our great country. 

Parishioners and friends from the Polish American Veterans club joined Irene Jaracz to place flags on the graves of the veterans of St. Casimir's. Irene has been spearheading this effort for many years. Despite the rainy weather, the group gathered together to continue the tribute to those who served. Luckily for them, the clouds opened and the sun came out while they completed their work. 

From left to right: Beverly Runowicz, Linda Hedrick, Father Tenus, Irene Jaracz. Walter and Linda Oczkowsi, and Edziu Leczynski.

Once again this spring the ANS has sponsored a “beautification project” to spruce up the grounds around the church and the parish center. Many parishioners participated in the work or donated funds to purchase flowers, potting soil, planters, etc. 

Early in the season, the work began. Flower beds were weeded, shrubs and trees were trimmed, and mulch was spread onto the gardens. Following the initial phase, the gardeners met again to plant flowers in the planters, clean up the sign in front of the church, and plant low-maintenance ground cover, lilies, and hostas. Many of the plants came from the gardens of the volunteers, making the plantings even more special. After all of the work, we all gathered in the hall and enjoyed a wonderful lunch.

The church yard and areas near the hall all look beautiful. Thanks to the generous donors for the funds to make the project happen. Thanks also to the gardeners who pulled weeds, swept away debris, and planted: Shirley Koury, Christine Piec, Irene Jarez, Deb Charette, JoAnn Menzia, Phyllis Hunt, Beverly Runowicz, Stan and Linda Kosidlo, and John Koziol.

Our ANS group held a Lenten luncheon at a popular local restaurant called Captain John's. The  food was very good (and plentiful) and our server Tamara was excellent.  Despite the inconvenience of writing up multiple slips by hand because  we asked for separate checks in our large group, she accommodated us  with ease. It was a pleasant lunch with delicious food, casual ambiance, and a pleasant group of friends. 

During the months of January and February, St. Casimir's ANS is collecting non-perishable food items to help the West Sixth Street Food Ministry in Lowell, MA. Items parishioners are donating include pasta, canned vegetables and fruit, cereal, peanut butters, coffee, canned beans, canned coups, and any other non-perishable foods. 

The sisters of St. Casimir's ANS threw a Valentine's Day luncheon after a series of delays due to weather. The treats included cookies and coffee cakes to celebrate the season of affection and love for our families and friends. In addition, Phyllis Hunt lead a craft workshop where we made cute heart shaped pillows.

The installation of Officers of the Parish Committee took place Sunday, January 5, 2025. Co-President Robert Hunt led the proceedings and Father Tenus offered prayers to the appointees; "Bless those who undertake the role of service to our parish." The swearing in of members followed. Congratulations and thank you to all who serve on the parish committee.

Parish Committee Co-Chairmen:  Dr. Robert Quirbach and Robert Hunt;Recording secretary: Janice Klimczak; Treasurer:Shirley Garvey; Financial Secretary: Linda Hedrick;

Directors: JoAnn Menzia.  Carol McNiff, Shirley Kourey, Patricia Whiting, Diane Quirbach, Deb Charette, Phyllis Hunt, Thomas McNiff, Stanley Kosidlo, Christopher Kowalski, Charlotte Stankiewicz, Paula Jones, Irene Jaracz, Christine Piec                                                                                                                                                      
Financial Reviewers:  Stanley Kosidlo Jr., Christopher Kowalski,  Dr. Robert Quirbach 

Cemetery Committee:  Robert Hunt and Dr. Robert Quirbach, Co-Chairmen: Robert Ferus and Thomas McNiff, Co-Superintendents: Paula Jones, Irene Jaracz, Stanley Kosidlo, Janice Klimczak, Phyllis Hunt. 

Delegates to Seniorate meetings first year of two year term:Janice Klimczak and Linda Kosidlo.

Public Relations:  JoAnn Menzia, Janice Klimczak, Linda Kosidlo,  Debbie Starenas, Beverly Runowicz.

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