See What is Happening in our Church

Members of St. Casimir's parish proudly carried the Polish flag during the Parade of Flags. The traditional Parade of Flags for the 2026 Lowell Folk Festival took place on Friday, July 24, and marched from City Hall (JFK Plaza) through downtown Lowell to Boarding House Park to launch the weekend event. 

Parishioners worked in our kitchen on Saturday and Sunday morning cooking pierogies to be sold at the Folk Festival. The Polish food tent, manned  by the Lowell Polish Cultural Committee offered:

• Pierogi: Handmade potato and cheese or cabbage dumplings (a massive festival favorite with thousands sold)
• Kielbasa Sandwiches: Grilled smoked or fresh Polish sausage served on rolls
• Kapusta: Traditional comforting slow-cooked cabbage
• Pastries & Sweets: Delicate homemade treats like rosette cookies (chrust / chruściki

Shown in image from left to right:

Ian Ford-Hunt, Johanna Ford-Hunt and Robert Hunt.

On Sunday June 28th following Mass we celebrated Pastor Appreciation Day at our parish hall. Co-chairs Bob Hunt and Robert Quirbach and ANS president Jo Ann Menzia started the event with sincere words of appreciation for Father Tenus. Paula Jones, treasurer of the ANS, presented Father Tenus with a gift from the organization, and then Charlotte Stankewicz presented Father with a gift from the choir. Father said he appreciated the parishioners and their attendance at Mass and work they do to support St. Casimir's. 

Following was a lovely brunch put together by parishioners. Items such as hash browns, egg casserole, coffee cake and fruit salad rounded out the celebration. We are blessed to have such dedicated parishioners who work to make our occasions very special, and for a pastor who dedicates his time and teachings to his parish.

Shown in image from left to right:

Janice Klimczak, Shirley Kourey, Father Tenus, Irene Jaracz, Charlotte Stankewicz, and Christine Piec.

On Sunday May 24 the Polish -American  Veterans and the members of the Greater Lowell Polish National Home held the annual remembrance ceremony.  

The post Commander Paul Kazalski welcomed those in attendance. Fr. Andrzej Tenus of St. Casimir’s PNCC prayed the opening Blessing. Fr. Tenus is PAV Chaplain and Captain US Army Reserve. Janice Klimczak. organist at St.  Casimir’s, sang the Star Spangled Banner and the Polish National Anthem.   

Commemorative wreaths were placed and the names of deceased PAV members and Dom Polski members were read. The traditional 

salute to the dead, Taps was rendered. The closing prayer was offered by Fr. Tenus.  

The  Color Guard remained at attention during the ceremony. Members of the  Color Guard: Gabriel Garbarz, Walter Oczkowski, Thomas Stupakewicz and  Irene Jaracz from St. Casimir’s.   

Once again the ANS of St. Casimir's sponsored a "Beautification Project" to spruce up the church grounds. A group of volunteers showed up with rakes, pruning shears, and shovels to clean up the grounds, prune overgrown bushes, plant flowers, and create container gardens. The side yard of the church, which had been neglected for some time, was cleared of the overgrown weeds and vines. Many thanks to the volunteers for their hard work. The beautification crew included Phyllis Hunt, Stan Kosidlo, Shirley Kourey, John Koziol, Beverly Runowicz and Jo Ann Menzia.

 As part of Holy Saturday  service, Reverend Andrew Tenus blessed baskets of food. Parishioners brought these baskets to be blessed in preparation of  their Easter gatherings. Delicious Polish foods, lovely linens and symbolic Easter butter lambs will be enjoyed as the Resurrection of  Christ Jesus is celebrated by our families.

St. Casimir’s ANS members and parishioners dutifully prepared the  altars for the Mass of Resurrection. Fresh linens and beautiful lilies were placed on the altars. Lovely palm planters were placed in welcoming  positions, all in anticipation of Easter Sunday.
Front row: Janice Klimczak, Beverly Runowicz, Deb Charette, Phyllis  Hunt, Fr. Andrew Tenus. Back row: Bert Quirbach, Diane Quirbach, Heath  Pelletier, Jo Ann Menzia
 

 St. Casimir’s ANS and parishioners donated three Easter baskets filled with personal items and leisure/artistic items for teens at Brigid’s Crossing in Lowell, Massachusetts, a home for teenage mothers. Several gift cards were  included also.
Often teenagers living in group homes are forgotten. We are thankful to the individuals who administer programs that help teens and we hope to do a small part in ensuring their mission is successful.
 

Joyce Normand, a long time parishioner and Vice President of St. Casimir's ANS, passed away on January 20, 2026 at the age of 83.

Joyce leaves behind her husband,  Roger Normand; her children, Lisa Adrian, Robin Romeo, Leanne  Gouveia, and Christopher Dong; her stepson Richard  Normand; and her sister Susan Flynn. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren. 

Father Tenus presided at Joyce's  funeral service, which was held on Tuesday, February 10th at St. Joseph Cemetery in Chelmsford, MA.

We will miss Joyce very much. Despite her many years of dealing with various health and surgery issues, she always came back strong with her lovely grateful attitude and sense of humor. 

Installation of officers for the 2026 Parish committee were sworn in by Father Tenus on Sunday, January 4. Members from left to right (top row) are Father Tenus, Robert Hunt, Robert Ferus, and Stan Kosidlo 

Members from left to right (bottom row) are Pat Whiting, JoAnn Menzia, Deb Charette, Paula Jones, Phyllis Hunt, Linda Kosidlo, Linda Hedrick, Janice Klimczak, Irene Jarez, Christine Piec, and Tom McNiff. 

Linda Hedrick, St. Casimir's Financial Secretary, had always wanted to rent a suite at TD Garden for a special Bruins game. Her "bucket list" was to invite her family and friends to a special event that includes

 access to private entrances that bring you straight from the parking garage or street level to your suite, early access to the arena, a private common area,   and a dedicated attendant for 

food and beverage needs.

Attending the event with Linda and her family were Bob Hunt, co-chair of the Parish Committee, Pat Whiting, a Parish Committee director, and Linda's brand new grandson. 

On  November 9 and November 16, St. St. Casimir's is remembering Veterans who have and are currently serving in the Armed Forces of the United States during Holy Mass.

Over 100 honor cards were prepared for our veterans with names and  branch of service written on each. One new addition this year was an honor card for a soldier who fought in the Polish Army at Monte Casino during WW II.
The honor cards are placed on the window edges, the railings and the side altars of the church. In addition, many photographs and special  awards are displayed.
Father Tenus spoke of the sacrifice of our veterans and their love of country. Several patriotic songs were also played during Mass.
Parishioners stayed after Mass to view honor cards and to give respect to those who served.