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Month: September 2010

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Poland - Polish - Polonia, ,

Visit Poland this Fall

Polish Autumn is the Favorite Time By Raymond Rolak

Autumn in Poland is a great time for tourism. The weather is pleasant and there are many harvest festivals. In the cities, summer hotel pressure is finished and the crowds have diminished. In the resort areas from Sopot to Gdansk (Baltic sea-shore) traffic has diminished. In the interior and rural areas there is a saying. It is now the “Golden Time”.

There is a short period of time every autumn in Poland called ‘Golden Polish Autumn’. According to custom the phrase comes from Wincenty Pol’s poem, “In the Autumn”.

Na jesieni

Coraz ciszej – wrzesień, wrzesień,
Słońce rzuca blask z ukosa
I dzień krótszy, chłodna rosa –
Ha, i jesień, polska jesień
O! Jesieni złota nasza!

Golden Polish Autumn, (Złota Polska Jesień) – that’s the phrase commonly used to describe this season. Summer is gone, the winter is approaching but the weather is great and it is time to celebrate and enjoy the colors. The trees are golden and rusty.

The Golden Polish Autumn is a period of few days sometime between the end of September and the beginning of October, when fewer sunny days come after the initial drop of temperature. The Golden Autumn lasts less than two weeks in Poland. The Dozynki Festivals in Poland are truly bardzo piękne (very beautiful). From Kraków to Tarnów to Rzeszów the drive is full of color. In Krakow, the giant Jordana Park is a do-not-miss as the changing colors are at their peek. It should be on a ‘bucket list’.

The giant star Arius is bright and directly overhead and in Poland, astronomical autumn is beginning. The ‘Autumnal Equinox’ has commenced and the passage from Summer to Fall is beginning.

The farmers are starting the Dozynki. Harvest festivals that celebrate gratitude for nature’s bounty and winter preparations are all in full swing. The Polish harvest festivals are a custom of many centuries and little has changed. The traditions continue. The festivals celebrate the work of the farmer. Music, dancing, great food and colorful apparel, any Dozynki is worth attending. In America many social organizations and Polish churches have Dozynki Festivals.

In America or Poland a Dozynki Festival always has color, music and dance. Photo courtesy of Polishnews.com

One of the best regions to see during Golden Polish Autumn is Zakopane in southeast Poland. The region and folk charm in that area is a sight to see. Find a ‘milk bar’ to enjoy. Inexpensive ‘A’ frame cabins are available to rent. The highlanders of the Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains regions have attractive and lively customs. The area is an avid hiker’s heaven.

So, for preparation …….this year…….next year……anytime soon, the Golden Polish Autumn is a great time to plan a visit or plan a Dozynki party.

(Raymond Rolak is a Michigan based sports broadcaster)

Christian Witness, Events, PNCC, ,

Novena to the Holy Spirit – Day 3

Come, O Spirit of Understanding, and enlighten
my mind, that l may know and believe all the
mysteries of salvation, and may merit at last to
see the eternal light in Your light; and in the
light of glory to have the clear vision of Thee and
the Father and the Son. Especially give this
spirit of understanding to our General Synod in
the area of tithing and program support. Let us
know and believe that our donations go for the
work of bringing Your kingdom here on earth.
Allow the Synod to have this gift in its
discernment.

Christian Witness, PNCC, , ,

Spójnia Sunday, Niedziela Spójnii

Zawsze naprzód, nigdy w tył
Always forward, never back — motto of the Polish National Union, Spójnia

The Polish National Union of America, also known as PNU or Spojnia, is a not-for-profit fraternal benefit society which provides life insurance protection, annuities, retirement plans and numerous fraternal benefits to its membership.

The late Prime Bishop Franciszek Hodur organized the Polish National Union of America in 1908, eleven years after the organization of the Polish National Catholic Church. Since its inception the Polish National Union served the people in America as well as in Poland. One of the initial purposes of Spojnia was to help people belonging to the Polish National Catholic Church and others who shared in the organization’s goal to achieve financial security. This action brought about an important idea to promote brotherly love and to maintain a sense of identity.

Headquartered in Scranton Pennsylvania since 1908, the Polish National Union of America has lived up to Bishop Hodur’s high standards by providing material and spiritual security to the members and friends of the Polish National Catholic Church.This spirit of cooperation between Spojnia’s leaders and members brought about the means, the force, and the responsibilities of deeds to meet the challenges of today.

From the signing of its first member, John Drwal in 1908, the Polish National Union of America has remained true to its principles and has grown in membership over the years to nearly 25,000 members, making the Polish National Union of America one of the largest fraternal organizations in America.

Today, as in 1908, the Polish National Union of America consistently provides its membership with quality fraternal insurance products and an avenue for participation in the Polish National Union of America’s religious, national and ethnic heritage.

With grass-roots ties to the Polish National Catholic Church, the Polish National Union of America works closely with the church and its members to perpetuate Bishop Hodur’s philosophy.

To date, the Polish National Union of America has provided millions of dollars in the form of loans and subsidies to Polish National Catholic Church parishes and Polish National Union of America members. “Spojnia” has also provided thousands of families the security of affordable, quality insurance and annuity products, college stipends, and support for youth focused Church programs.

Today, we remember in prayer the work and mission of the Polish National Union, all current members and beneficiaries, and all those who have passed to their eternal rest.

Christian Witness, Poland - Polish - Polonia, Political, , , ,

New Holiday in Poland

Breaking News, New Holiday Added By Richard Rolak

WARSAW– The Sejm (Polish Parliament) approved that January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany would become a national holiday and an official non-working day.

In a secular oriented announcement it was explained that the additional free day on Epiphany will be a convenient way of using holiday time from the previous year during first few days of the New Year. It was also explained that it was being instituted so families could spend more time together.

From Poland’s Gazeta Prawna (Legal Gazette): To już pewne: Trzech Króli dniem wolnym od pracy

January 6, or Epiphany, will be a day off from work. Parliament amended the Labour Code and Law on days off from work on Friday, September 24th.

The PO and PSL parties voted for a holiday on the Epiphany. The PiS and the Left added conditions based on lobbying by businesses that do not want to offer an additional holiday.

There were 370 deputies voting for, 44 against, and one abstention. Members also voted to remove the Labour Code allowing for a floating day off for any holiday that falls on a Saturday or Sunday. Changes to the Code are effective 1 January 2011.

According to calculations provided, the introduction of additional holiday will result in nine additional days off between 2011 to 2020. The abolition of the floating day off provision will return eight working days to the economy over the same period.

Currently, the January 6th holiday is observed in Germany, Greece, Spain, Italy, Austria, Sweden, and Finland. January 6th was a holiday in Poland until 1960.

Christian Witness, Events, PNCC, ,

Novena to the Holy Spirit – Day 2

Come, O Spirit of Wisdom, and reveal to my
soul the mysteries of heavenly things, their
exceeding greatness, and power, and beauty.
Teach me to love them above and beyond all the
passing joys and satisfactions of earth. Show me
the way by which I may be able to attain to
them, and possess them, and hold them
hereafter, my own forever. Especially reveal the
mysteries of heavenly things within the souls of
those priests who aspire to the office of bishop.
Allow them to partake of these mysteries in
their life.

Christian Witness, Events, PNCC, ,

Novena to the Holy Spirit – Day 1

[To be used in preparation for the 23rd General Synod of the Polish National Catholic Church, upon our Parish, Parish Delegates and on all Delegates attending. This Prayer is to he said from Saturday, September 25 – Sunday, October 3, inclusive.]

Begin with this prayer each day:

O Holy Spirit, my Lord and my God, l adore You and humbly acknowledge here in Your sacred presence that I am nothing, and can do nothing, without Your operation within me. Come, great Paraclete, thou Father of the poor, thou Comforter of the blest, fulfill the promise of our Savior, who would not leave us orphans, and enter my mind and heart as You descended on the day of Pentecost upon the holy Mother of Jesus and upon His first disciples. Grant that I may have a part in those gifts, which You did so prodigally bestow upon them.

Take from my heart all that is not pleasing to You and make of it a worthy dwelling place for Jesus.

Illumine my mind, that l may see and understand the things that are for my eternal welfare.

Inflame my heart with pure love of the Father, that, cleansed from attachment to all unworthy objects, my whole life may be hidden with Jesus in God.

Strengthen my will, that it may be conformable to the will of my Creator and guided by thy holy inspirations.

Aid me to practice the heavenly virtues of humility, poverty, and obedience, which are taught me in the earthly life of Jesus.

Descend upon me, O mighty Spirit, that, inspired and encouraged by You, I may faithfully fulfill the duties of my state in life, carry my daily cross with patience and courage, and accomplish the Father’s will for me more perfectly. Make me, day by day, more holy and give to me that heavenly peace which the world cannot give.

O Holy Spirit, thou Giver of every good and perfect gift, grant to me the intentions of this novena of prayer. May the Father’s will be done in me and through me. And may You, O mighty Spirit of the living God, be praised and glorified for ever and ever. Amen.

Then follows the hymn to the Holy Spirit: Come, Thou Creator

Come, Thou Creator, Spirit blest,
And in our souls take up Thy rest;
Come with Thy grace and heavenly aid,
To fill the hearts which Thou hast made.

Great Paraclete, to Thee we cry,
O highest gift of God most high;
O living Fount, O Fire, O Love,
And sweet anointing from above.

The mystic seven-fold gifts are Thine,
Finger of God’s right hand divine,
The Father’s promise sent to teach,
The tongue a rich and heavenly speech.

All glory while the ages run
Be to the Father and the Son,
Who gave us life; the same to Thee,
O Holy Ghost, eternally.
Amen.

Then is said the Our Father and Hail Mary.
Then follows the prayer proper to the day:

Come, O Holy Ghost, the Lord and Life-giver;
take up Your dwelling within my soul, and
make of it Your sacred temple. Make me live by
grace as an adopted child of God. Pervade all
the energies of my soul, and create in me a
fountain of living water springing up into life
everlasting. Especially take up residence within
our General Synod and allow he who shall be
elected to be the next Prime Bishop Your store of
abundant grace. Allow him to feel Your
presence within.

Christian Witness, Perspective, ,

What is mission, what is presence?

From Kenny Be at Denver Westword: Vandalized St. Francis statute unable to lend a hand to animals:
​

This week, the St. Francis of Assisi National Catholic Church in southeast Denver will be presented with a new statue to replace their five-foot-tall front door figurine of St. Francis that was stolen on July 30. Meanwhile, the St. Francis of Assisi statue residing with The Sisters of Penance and Christian Charity in Chaffee Park shall just have to try to come to grips with the rationale of being left limbless and ignored for years…
​
Standing before a rock wall at the intersection of West 52nd Ave. and Federal Blvd., the St. Francis statue… is hidden from the view of the Marycrest caretaker’s house just barely seen through the trees. The overgrowth of vegetation and lack of repair suggest that the Marycrest mission may (once again) be in transition. A quick Internet search reveals that the Sisters have sold the property to developers for affordable housing.

A look at the Aria Denver website for the Marycrest development intimate that future plans for the limbless statue include removal of the remaining body parts and complete replacement with an asphalt parking lot and strip mall. Since the statue has not been converted into a curbside nail salon/income tax/doggy daycare sign holder insinuates that there may be little need for new retail development at the location at this time.

The build-out of the proposed eighty co-housing units and 120 apartments planned for the Aria Denver project was supposed to be completed by 2010, thereby hinting that the project is experiencing a slowdown, possibly due to a weak housing market.

The unwillingness to replace the hands on the statue indicate that the property’s current managers believe that the improved economic conditions needed to make this development a success can be achieved without St. Francis’s prayers.

Two sisters from the congregation that owned the property commented on the post. They indicate that the statue had been repeatedly vandalized, and then offered the “well we are the hands of Francis” justification for leaving things as they are. They then go on to indicate that the property’s new owners will be “the hands of Francis.”

I imagine something quite different, amounting to an abdication of responsibility for the statue, the property (note the overgrown/unkept part of the article), and for their mission in this distressed area of Denver.

Where are the sisters of days gone by who did real missionary work, real charity, and real acts of courage? Why aren’t they providing education and healthcare services to the poor in Denver. The hands of Francis appear to be off doing backpacking and camping retreats, massage therapy, community blessings (with a feather, of course), handing the Eucharist off to each other (no priest or deacon necessary), and tying “universal ribbons.” All that’s missing is a labyrinth and a Reiki session. The one good and courageous thing I found in their resume was a home for Lakota children – close to their original missions of education and healthcare. I believe that the order’s foundress would find something lacking.

My suggestions: get proper habits, focus on one or two core missions (once again), and stop trying to be every ministry needed in the world. Humility calls you to remember that the totality of the Church’s ministry is not present in, or channeled through, you.

Events, Political, , , ,

Human Service Nonprofits and Government Collaboration

The Urban Institute Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy and the National Center for Charitable Statistics announces the upcoming release of Human Service Nonprofits and Government Collaboration: Findings from the 2010 National Survey of Nonprofit Government Contracting and Grants on Thursday, October 7, 2010 from 9:00 – 10:30 am at The Urban Institute, 2100 M Street NW, 5th Floor, Katharine Graham Conference Facility, Washington, DC 20037

Please join The Urban Institute for the release of findings from the first national survey documenting the extent of government contracting and grants with human service organizations and problems experienced by nonprofits that contract with governments at the local, state and national levels. There will be discussion of the impact of the recession on these nonprofits and the interaction of contracting problems, such as late payments, and the cutbacks organizations have made to keep their programs operating during the recession.

A panel of experts from the nonprofit and public sectors will talk about the realities on the ground, policy implications and the future of nonprofit-government relations. Additional information and a formal invitation from the Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy will be forthcoming. Please contact Pho Palmer with questions at (202) 261-5397.

Current Events, , ,

NY Labor — Working Teens Website

New website for teens who work

Teens looking for jobs have a new web site that will offer them tips on how to apply, interview and more.

There are a lot of rules for teens who work, so the State Labor Department has put together a new website that answers questions about work papers and hours.

Department spokeswoman Michelle Duffy says this is the time of the year the job market could pick up for teens.

“We’re hoping with the holiday season, October starts to pick up with retailers in particular starting to hire for the holiday season and then they start to really ramp it up in November and then December is the peak hiring time,” said Duffy.

Duffy says parents and kids are often calling the labor department to get information on that first job.

Poland - Polish - Polonia,

On the passing of Morris Moorawnick

Morris Moorawnick Knew The Sports Landscape by Raymond Rolak

DETROIT– Longtime Detroit sports figure Morris Moorawnick — A celebrated statistician and professional scorekeeper, died recently at 83. He had been ailing from a series of strokes. He was very proud of his Russian-Polish-Jewish heritage and upbringing, and was a great ambassador of Judeo-Christian relations.

Moorawnick, a native Detroiter, was best known for keeping stats for the Detroit Pistons and Detroit Red Wings, starting in 1947. He worked for the Piston’s before they moved to Detroit from Fort Wayne in 1958. Prior to that, he was the sports statistician for Wayne State University. He also helped with the great Wayne State basketball teams of Coach Joel Mason in the 1950’s. He was shy of getting his degree by three credits as he was on a music scholarship at WSU in the early 50’s. He went on to become a professional baseball scorer, with a national reputation.

As a youth he was a professional pin-ball player, table tennis champion and master piano player. His father Jacek, would often call to him in Yiddish, “Morrie the Guntcher”, which loosely translates to ‘one who can play without tilting’.

He loved to show off his NBA Championship rings from the ‘Bad Boys’ days. Also, his Detroit Red Wings Stanley Cup Rings. Last year he was celebrated by American Legion Baseball for his longtime support. In fact, he went on tour showing off his championship rings. He was also honored at Comerica Park by the Ilitch Family for his contributions to amateur sports and excellence of sportsmanship.

Native Detroiter and former sports statistician Morris Moorawnick (center) being honored at Comerica Park last year. Detroit Tiger Manager, Jim Leyland personally congratulated 'Morrie' on his honors. Photo courtesy of ROLCO SPORTS NETWORK

Moorawnick worked for nearly every media outlet in the sports departments, including the Associated Press, the Detroit Times, the Detroit News and Detroit Free Press.

He lived to talk sports. “He was the greatest uncle,” said David Manning. “The highlight of my uncle’s life was being around the teams. The only thing better than that was eating all their food before the games.” He loved to eat and tried to keep a kosher table. He tried.

He prided his special friendship with hockey legend Gordy Howe and was a fixture at Olympia and Joe Louis Arena’s. He also travelled with and did stats for the University of Michigan baseball team. Morrie was well known in Ann Arbor and at Ray Fisher Baseball Stadium. He was known for his precise and small printing. He made keeping score of a baseball game an art. Moorawnick was chronicled in the 2009 book by James Robert Irwin, “Playing Ball with Legends: The Story of Don Lund”.

He cherished his ‘Black Bat’ trophies of which he had many. These were replica Hillerich and Bradsby, Louisville Slugger baseball bats with all the teammate’s names engraved in gold on them. They were given to national championship teams as a trophy. Lund, when he was coach of the 1962 NCAA baseball champions at Michigan included Moorawnick as an interregnal part of the team. Moorawnick also contributed to Detroit Pepsi, Detroit Edison Post-187, Detroit Adray, Detroit John F. Ivory, Detroit Stan Long Pontiac, Detroit Larco and Detroit I.T.M. national championship teams

He was known nationally for his knowledge of sports and immediate recall of trivial sports facts. “He was a walking encyclopedia of sports,” said longtime friend and former Detroit Tiger, Willie Horton. In 1959 he covered the NABF National Tournament in Altoona, PA and then hitch-hiked to Hastings, NE for the American Legion World Series. “I don’t know how he did it, but he was everywhere,” continued Horton. “He was a fixture at Northwestern Fields in Detroit.” Moorawnick never learned to drive.

During the summer to supplement his income, Moorawnick would provide room and board for visiting elite baseball players that played in the old Hearst, Free Press and Adray summer leagues including baseball great, Steve Garvey. When he still traveled, he was a fixture every year at the All-American Amateur Baseball Association Tournament in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Dearborn, Michigan sportsman Mike Adray used to host Moorawnick anonymously.

In his golden years Moorawnick enjoyed reading and tending to his tomato garden. He is survived by a sister, Marian and nieces and nephews. The family asks that memorial donations be made to one’s charity of choice in Morries name.

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