Parish Life

Congratulations and blessings for our new Parish Committee

Parish Life /

Our Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Anthony Mikovsky, has approved the Parish Committee elected by our members. A special thanks to who served in the past, and over the last year. The newly elected Committee members are:

  • President – Lorraine Pacheco
  • Vice President – Michael Rush
  • Recording Secretary – Louise Kuzniewski
  • Financial Secretary – Cheryl Haase
  • Treasurer – Tony Kuzniewski
  • Auditors – Carol Thomas and Thomas Kompa

May our good Lord bless you for your service.

Congratulations and blessings for our new Parish Committee Read More »

Passion Sunday

Community Events, From the Pastor, Liturgical, Parish Life /

Blessing of Easter Baskets:

The blessing of the Easter food or the “Swieconka” is a tradition dear to the heart of every Pole. Being deeply religious, he is grateful to God for all His gifts of both nature and grace, and, as a token of this gratitude, has the food of his table sanctified with the hope that spring, the season of the Resurrection, will also be blessed by God’s goodness and mercy. The usual fare on the Easter table includes ham and kielbasa, cakes of all kinds – particularly babka; eggs — some shelled or some decorated. There is usually a Paschal Lamb or “Baranek” made of butter, some cheese, horseradish, salt, vinegar and oil.

The food is brought to the church and blessed by the parish priest on Holy Saturday. The food can also be blessed in the home. After the blessing the food is usually set aside until Easter morning when the head of the house shares the blessed egg, symbol of life, with family and friends. Having exchanged wishes, all continue to enjoy a hearty meal.

This centuries old customs is indeed richly symbolic and beautiful. It is one in which the whole family can participate and help prepare.

May this tradition endure for many generations to come. All of you can enjoy this beautiful Polish custom by participating at the blessing of the Easter food “Swieconka” at St. Francis Polish National Catholic Church. This is an excellent way to teach the younger members family about this treasured Polish tradition.

Holy Week schedule at St. Francis Church:

April 5 – Palm Sunday – 9 am Liturgy and distribution of Palms
April 9 – Holy Thursday – 7pm Holy Mass
April 10 – Good Friday – 7pm- Passion Service
April 11 – Holy Saturday – 1pm – Blessing of Easter food, blessing of new fire and holy water.
April 12 – Easter Sunday – 8.30 am – Procession of the Resurrection High Mass – 9am.

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The Lenten Season, Holy Week, and Easter at St. Francis Parish

Community Events, Liturgical, Parish Life, PNCC /
  • February 25 – Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Great Lent – Holy Mass and Distribution of Ashes at 7pm.
  • Stations of the Cross every Sunday during the Lent after 9am Holy Mass.
  • March 08 – Solemnity of the Institution of the PNCC
  • March 15 – St. Patrick’s/St. Joseph’s Day Fundraiser Dinner at 3pm in the St. Francis Church Hall (downstairs) featuring: Home-made Irish, Italian, and Polish favorites! Plus lots of raffles and great company!
  • March 29 – Passion Sunday
  • April 5 – Palm Sunday – Blessing and distribution of Palms.
  • April 7 – Holy Tuesday – Clergy Conference and Chrism Holy Mass at St. Stanislaus Cathedral in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
  • April 9 – Holy Thursday: Institution of the Holy Eucharist and the Holy Priesthood — Holy Mass at 7pm. We commemorate the Last Supper where Jesus instituted the Holy Eucharist and the Holy Priesthood. At the conclusion of Holy Mass the Holy Eucharist is removed to the Altar of Repose, symbolizing Christ’s night in prison before His trial and crucifixion.
  • April 10 – Good Friday Liturgy of the Presanctified and the Opening of the Tomb at 7pm.
  • April 11 – Holy Saturday – Easter Basket Blessings at 1pm.
  • April 12 – Solemnity of the Resurrection – Easter Sunday – Holy Mass and procession at 8am.

The Lenten Season, Holy Week, and Easter at St. Francis Parish Read More »

St. Patrick’s & St. Joseph’s Dinner – March 15th

Community Events, Parish Life /

Please join us on Sunday, March 15th at 3pm for a fundraiser dinner in honor of St. Patrick’s and St. Joseph’s days.

There will be plenty of traditional, homemade, Irish and Italian specialties like corn beef and cabbage, as well at Santa Guissepe’s pastries.

Reservations are required. Please call Carol at (516) 546-2535. Adults: $15, children under 12: $6.

St Patrick and St Joseph dinner at St. Francis parish

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A Polish Crèche

Parish Life /

“The Candle” welcomes you as the light of the world is born this day!

Centered is the typical Nativity scene surrounded by:

“St. Nicholas” the kindly old bearded Bishop who on December 6th, his feast day, is said to come down from heaven. This once a year to quiz children on their good deeds and Catechism and leave toys and treats for those who pass the test.

“The Peasants” represent common people offering their symbolic gifts. The man offers bread, the symbol of life. The woman offers braided flowers and straw, symbols of love and good wishes.

“The Carolers” in Poland go house to house singing carols. One man holds a long pole with an illuminated star on top. The star would spin and centered would be the nativity scene. Another carries a small Creche or puppets to explain the Christmas story.

“The Musicians” offered continued merriment and celebration of our Saviors birth.

“The Oplatek” (The Christmas Wafer) is shared with all on Christmas Eve in Catholic friendliness, a token of continued love, mended friendships and good will toward men.

“Hay” is placed on or beneath the tablecloth to symbolize Christ’s humble bed.

“The Empty Plate” or place set at the Christmas Eve table, is in honor of the God Child or in memory of a departed family member but is offered always to a stranger or lonely neighbor.

“The Wheat” in the comer symbolizes hope for good luck and prosperity for the New Year.

Legend tells that all animals speak and well water turns to wine at midnight on Christmas Eve, but only those who have never sinned can hear or taste these miracles.

It is believed that St. Francis of Assisi created the first crib scene in the year 1223 by gathering live animals and people in a stable. He hoped to help local towns people better understand the “Poverty” and “Love” of Jesus. Legend has it that the Christ Child himself appeared in the manger to complete the scene.

May the Christ Child bless you this Christmas!

A Polish Crèche Read More »

The Christmas Season at St. Francis

Community Events, Liturgical, Parish Life /

Wednesday, December 24th, Christmas Eve – Vigil of the Nativity of our Lord -– Holy Mass at 9pm.
Thursday, December 25th, Christmas Day – Solemnity of the Nativity of our Lord -– Holy Mass at 9am.

Sunday, December 28th, Solemnity of Humble Shepherds – Holy Mass at 9am and the Blessing and Distribution of Wine in honor of the Feast of St. John, Apostle and Evangelist.

Sunday, January 4th, Solemnity of the Holy Family – Holy Mass at 9am.

The Christmas Season at St. Francis Read More »

Fr. Andrew quoted in Newsday

Parish Life /

From Newsday: ASKING THE CLERGY: What are your favorite religious reference books?

Father Andrzej Koterba, St. Francis Polish National Catholic Church, East Meadow:

“The Little Prince,” by Antoine de Saint Exupéry tells stories about a little stranger from a tiny planet. On this planet were three volcanoes, including an expired one, and there was a rose, an exceptionally beautiful and capricious rose. Her appearance totally fascinated the Little Prince. After some time, the hero of the book decided to go on a journey. He visited seven planets. The last one was Earth. On his journey and on Earth he met the mysteries of our existence while learning and teaching valuable lessons. This book allows us to be released from the stereotypical thinking that, for instance, a fox is sly, a child is unwise. We learn that children are the smartest, because they are able to love and see beauty. The fox, no, well, not everyone has to be leery. The Little Prince finds a friend in him – and learns the most valuable lesson from him. Saint Exupéry wrote this book during World War II. It helps us understand that, even in a world seized by violence, good exists. Even if we are adults, we can love, we can be free and think beyond ourselves, beyond money and possessions to real human wealth. I really recommend “The Little Prince,” because it is more than a story about the good and nice. You can find through it life’s meaning and guidance. I heartily suggest reading this book for children and adults, and especially during Christmastime.

The article was picked up by the Chicago Tribune as well.

Fr. Andrew quoted in Newsday Read More »

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