See What is Happening in our Church

Father Tenus held a special All Soul's Day mass at the St. Casimir's Cemetery in Pelham MA. It was a beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon for such a lovely service. Parishioners gathered for prayer and remembrance for the faithful departed. During the service, we walked to different parts of the cemetery, where we would stop and say prayers for those how have died while Father Tenus blessed the grounds. 

During the months of September and October, St. Casimir's ANS has been conducting a clothing drive. Items for the event include sweatshirts, sweatpants, pajamas, thermal shirts, hats, gloves, socks, mittens, and other items for children and adults. The clothing will be donated to the Central Food Ministry in Lowell, who will distribute the collected items to families in need. We are so proud of our parishioners who have been very generous with their donations, and are grateful that area families will have warm clothing for the winter months. 

Volunteers at the St. Casimir's kitchen, also know as the Pierogi team, gather regularly to make pierogi and  gołąbki, which we sell on Sunday mornings. We also offer fresh kielbasa and kapusta.

Our process for making these foods usually take two mornings. For pierogi, volunteers meet to make the filling (either potato and cheese or cabbage) then the next day, we make and sheet the dough, and cut out the rounds. The "pinchers" then stuff the dough. After inspection to ensure a secure seal, the kitchen staff takes over to cook and cool the pierogi. Once the proper temperature is reached, the pierogi is then vacuum sealed.

For the  gołąbki, the kitchen staff makes the filling, sorts the cabbage leaves, and assembles the stuffed cabbage. The cooking and cooling process for the large trays takes some time, and when ready, the  gołąbki is refrigerated until ready to package and vacuum seal.

Of course, before all of the cooking, volunteers need to shop for produce and other products we need to make a delicious product.

We have an efficient process, wonderful volunteers, and a lot of fun. Our steady stream of customers keeps us busy, especially around the holidays.

 Father Tenus held a Blessing of Pets Service on Saturday, October 4. This custom is conducted in remembrance of Saint Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures. Several parishioners brought their pets for a special blessing. Thanks to Charlotte Stankiewicz and Shirley Kourey for donating St. Francis medals and treats.

 During  the summer months, the parishioners of St. Casimir's collected supplies for Lowell area  students returning to school in September. The event was sponsored by  the ANS society. Throughout the weeks leading up to August we accepted donations that included backpacks, notebooks, pens, pencils, and other  items a student needs for a successful school year. 
The  donations were brought to the Central Food Ministry by JoAnn Menzia,  Phyllis Hunt, and Paula Jones and delivered to a volunteer, Angel Colon. Central Food Ministry is volunteer organization, founded in  1994, that provides food, clothing, and household items to families in need. 

The majority of families/individuals come from the City of Lowell,

but they also have clients from Dracut, Billerica,

Chelmsford, and Tewksbury.

Back to school would not be the same with St. Casimir's annual blessing of the backpacks service. A blessing of the backpacks involves prayers to send children off to school with God's presence and support.
Here's to the young students returning to their studies after a summer of fun. Prayers and good wishes to them, their teachers, and their families.  

On Sunday, August 3, 2025 Phyllis and Bob Hunt renewed their wedding  vows.  Rev. Father Andrew Tenus officiated at the fiftieth anniversary  celebration.  

    After renewing their vows, Father Andrew  presented special gifts to them according to Polish custom.  Bob was  gifted with a staff with a cross attached symbolizing the support of  their continuing journey of life together.  It also symbolizes the  support of Christ that ennobles their wedding life.  Phyllis was given a  lovely floral crown, which was created and made by Agnes Tenus.  The  crown represents the grace God has bestowed on their marriage with a  blessing that one day they may both exchange it for a crown of eternal  glory and life.                                 .                                              . 

    Bob and Phyllis are integral members  of St.Casimir's Parish.  Bob is parish co-chairman and heads the upkeep  and care of our parish cemetery.  He is “Johnny on the  spot” whenever  anything needs fixing. 

    Phyllis is also involved in all  facets of parish life.  She is an officer in the ANS and serves on the  Parish committee.  Phyllis is a gardener and does much to maintain the  parish grounds.  She is also the parish artistic director.  Whenever  anything needs to be displayed, she has just the right touch to make the  church, parish center or grounds look beautiful.  Both Phyllis and Bob  are Readers of Scripture during Mass. 

    Helping Phyllis and  Bob celebrate this momentous anniversary were daughters Johanna  Ford-Hunt and Maggie Mason with her husband Mike.  Also in attendance  were their three grandchildren, Ian Ford-Hunt, Emma Ford-Hunt and  Patrick Mason. 

     St. Casimirs Parish wishes this wonderful couple God's richest blessings and many happy times in the future.

St. Casimir’s celebrated Pastor Appreciation day on Sunday, June 22nd. This day is set aside to recognize the contributions and service provided by pastors in our church. On this day we note the great contributions Father Tenus brings to our parish, such as preparing the weekly messages and sermons, visiting those in our parish who are sick or housebound, performing funeral masses, and celebrating the happy occasions such as marriages, Holy First Communions, and requests for special blessings.

Following Mass, parishioners gathered at the hall to show our appreciation for Father Tenus. Co-chairs Robert Hunt and Robert Quirbach congratulated Father Tenus and thanked him for his work. Charlotte Stankewicz of the Fredrick Chopin choir and Paula Jones, treasurer of our ANS, presented Father Tenus with cards and gifts. Then we all enjoyed a beautiful brunch made by members of the ANS. 

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 Kourey, 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.