On October 30th, I joined with other Polish National Catholic clergy and laity at Good Shepherd Parish in Amsterdam, NY for an annual meeting of the Mohawk Valley Seniorate Council. For those who do not know, a Seniorate consists of a number of parishes grouped by geographic region. The Mohawk Valley Seniorate is one of five in the Central Diocese which is headquartered in Scranton, PA. The Seniorate is comprised of PNCC Parishes in Latham, Schenectady, Amsterdam, Little Falls, New York Mills, Rome, and Syracuse, New York. The clergy of the Seniorate are under the supervision of the Very Rev. Walter Madej.

Approximately 20 people attended the October 30th meeting which was held in the Good Shepherd parish hall following morning prayer. Various concerns about declining participation and increasing costs were discussed as were the many successes we share. Many of the problems faced by the PNCC are similar to those in other Christian faith communities. The democratic distinctiveness of the PNCC allows small parishes to work together in maintaining their presence, and in evangelizing their area. It was a pleasure to be joined by the members of the Catholic Community of St. Johnsville, New York. They formed a cohesive community and sought the assistance of the PNCC so as to maintain a Catholic presence in their town. Also, we were informed of the growth in vocations to the diaconate across the Mohawk Valley. An added treat, the excellent lunch provided by the people of Good Shepherd. Whenever Good Shepherd Parish has a food sale or dinner I am sure to go, and go early because it is always sold out.

Many of those in attendance will be joining other members of the PNCC, as well as friends, guests, and political and ecumenical dignitaries at the upcoming installation of the 7th Prime Bishop of the PNCC, the Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Mikovsky, who was elected at the 23rd Synod of the PNCC in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada in early October.

Other future events include:

• The National Mission and Evangelism Workshop, May 13-14, 2011 to be held at Holy Family Parish in McKeesport, PA.
• The National Bowling Tornament, May 20-21, 2011 to be held in Parma, OH, hosted by St. Mary’s Parish.
• The Central Diocesan Acolyte Retreat, June 28 – July 1, 2011 at the Bishop Hodur Retreat and recreation Center in Waymart, PA.
• The KURS Youth Encampment, July 2-9, 2011 at the Bishop Hodur Retreat and recreation Center in Waymart, PA.
• The annual Fourth of July Holy Mass and Picnic, July 4, 2011 at the Bishop Hodur Retreat and recreation Center in Waymart, PA.
• The National United Choirs Convention, July 27-30, 2011 hosted by St. Stanislaus Cathedral, Scranton, PA.
• The National YMSofR Track and Field Meet/Zlot, September 3, 2011 at YMSofR Park, Minooka, PA.