[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 98 (Tuesday, July 19, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1530]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING SAINTS PETER AND PAUL PARISH'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

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                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 19, 2005

  Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to pay 
tribute to the Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Three Rivers, 
Massachusetts upon the occasion of its 100th anniversary.
  For the past century, Saints Peter and Paul Parish has played an 
integral role in the religious, educational and cultural life of its 
communicants.
  The church was started in 1905 as a Polish speaking home to the 
growing number of Polish immigrants who made Palmer and the surrounding 
villages of Three Rivers, Thorndike, Bondsville and Depot Village their 
new home.
  Today, the Saints Peter and Paul Parish continues to celebrate time-
honored Polish traditions and customs, while serving as the spiritual 
and religious anchor of the community.
  It is my privilege to honor this beautiful parish by placing its 
history into the Congressional Record. I also wish ``Sto lat''--the 
traditional Polish wish for another 100 years--to the Saints Peter and 
Paul Parish. Enjoy this momentous occasion.

                History of Saints Peter and Paul Parish

       Records indicate that on September 28, 1608 when a group of 
     settlers arrived in the Jamestown Colony, Polish immigrants 
     were among them. Three hundred and seventy-two years later, 
     there now number approximately eleven million Poles in the 
     United States. History books have recorded the heroic 
     exploits and great contributions that individuals from Poland 
     such as Thaddeus Kosciuszko and Casimir Pulaski made during 
     the early part of this country's history; yet it was not 
     until the turn of this century that America felt the effects 
     of mass migrations of men and women from Poland.
       Political and religious persecution and severe economic 
     hardship had resulted from the partitioning of Poland by 
     Russia, Austria and Germany. From 1899 to 1910 almost one 
     million people emigrated from Poland to the United States, 
     with approximately 30,000 remaining in the Connecticut 
     Valley.
       Early records indicate that the first arrivals from Poland 
     in the Palmer area came in the year 1886. The first Baptism 
     of a Pole was recorded in St. Mary's Church in Thorndike in 
     1888. The ever-increasing number of Baptisms soon indicated 
     the need for a Polish-speaking church.
       The St. Joseph Society was organized in April of 1895 to 
     unite the Polish community in the villages of Three Rivers, 
     Thorndike and Bondsville to assist in meeting the needs and 
     solving mutual problems of the new settlers.
       The need for a Polish-speaking parish became paramount, and 
     a church building committee was formed. Judge David Dillon 
     served as adviser to the group and was instrumental in 
     choosing the Four Corners site, geographic center of the 
     town.
       The committee was granted permission by the Most Rev. 
     Bishop Thomas D. Beaven to organize and establish the SS. 
     Peter and Paul Parish. This task was entrusted to Rev. Waclaw 
     (Wenceslaus) Lenz in July, 1905. At the start, this fledgling 
     parish numbered one thousand persons in Palmer and the 
     Villages.
       SS. Peter and Paul Church--the new parish to bear the names 
     of the two outstanding apostles. Peter--successor to Christ--
     who was called from his fishing nets to follow Christ and 
     become the Fisher of Men; and Paul--who had persecuted 
     Christians and whose conversion on the way to Damascus 
     resulted in his becoming the most prolific writer and 
     influential evangelist of the Church. With such historic 
     inspiration, the New Parish embarked upon its own unique 
     history.


                  Parish Organizations and Ministries

       While there have been many organizations in our parish over 
     one hundred years, the following remain active and vital:
       Holy Rosary Sodality--The oldest parish organization, the 
     Rosary Sodality was founded in 1903 by Mrs. Catherine 
     Kosinska: and Mrs. Tekla Pobudzynska to promote devotion to 
     the Blessed Virgin Mary and the daily recitation of the 
     Rosary. In the early years, both men and women were members, 
     but for most of its history, the sodality's membership has 
     been comprised of women. In the 1980s, membership was opened 
     to women from other parishes. Meetings are held monthly on 
     the first Saturday of the month after First Saturday Mass at 
     7:00 A.M. Current Co-Presidents: Barbara Yurkunas & Debbie 
     O'Connor.
       Ladies Guild--Founded in 1948 as the Mothers Club by Rev. 
     Msgr. Alphonse Skoniecki for mothers of parish school 
     children to support the school financially and otherwise; the 
     name was changed in 1973 by Rev. Robert Ceckowski to the 
     Ladies Guild initially to support the religious education 
     program. At the same time, membership was opened to all women 
     of the parish, married and single. Meetings are held on the 
     second Wednesday of the month (except in June, July, and 
     August). Current President: Sheila Gula.
       Sacred Heart Society--Founded in 1913 by Rev. Andrew 
     Krzywda for men and women of the parish to spread devotion to 
     the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Current President: Stephanie Putz.
       Men's Guild--Founded in 1995 by Rev. Robert Ceckowski for 
     the men of our parish, young and old as both a social and 
     supportive group. The Men's Guild has become well-known for 
     the wonderful parish dinners they organize and host in the 
     parish hall several times throughout the year. Members also 
     serve as ushers/collectors at Mass. Meetings are held on the 
     second Tuesday of the month (except in summertime). Current 
     President: Fred Orszulak.
       Militia Immaculata Prayer Group--Formed in the late 1990s 
     from the National Militia Immaculata (founded by St. 
     Maximilian Kolbe, martyr of charity), the group usually meets 
     on Mondays at 7 P.M. (excluding the first Monday of the 
     month). Coordinators: Barbara & John Yurkunas.
       Prayer Cenacle for Priests--A prayer group formed to pray 
     specifically for the sanctification of priests and vocations 
     to the priesthood that meets weekly in the church on 
     Thursdays at 7:00 P.M. The evening of prayer closes with the 
     Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament.
       Eucharistic Adoration Society--Individuals (parishioners 
     and non-parishioners) who pray for an hour before the Most 
     Blessed Sacrament in our church during regular daily 
     Eucharistic Adoration (see ``Mass Schedule'' for specific 
     adoration hours). New adorers/substitutes are always welcome! 
     Coordinator: Barbara Yurkunas, 283-3293.
       Children of Mary Sodality/Junior Sodality--Founded in 1911 
     by Anna Kruczek & Mary Szczepanek. This group was comprised 
     mainly of the young ladies of the parish and was particularly 
     active during the years of our parochial school for girls in 
     grades 1-8. The highlight of the year was the Coronation of 
     the Blessed Virgin Mary statue in May by the 8th grade Queen 
     and her court. After the school closed, the focus shifted to 
     both grammar and high school girls. The group became a junior 
     part of the Rosary Sodality and members participate in 
     processions throughout the year, including the Coronation of 
     Mary in May. Coordinators: Charlene Schultz, Charlene Czaja.
       St. Cecilia & Holy Family Choirs--The St. Cecilia Choir is 
     probably as old as our parish. Members sing at the Sunday 
     8:00 A.M. Mass, as well as for special Masses, Processions, 
     and seasonal Devotions (e.g., Christmas Midnight Mass; Holy 
     Week; Forty Hours). The Holy Family Choir was established in 
     the 1990s for younger members of the parish. They sing at the 
     weekly 9:30 A.M. Mass, as well as other special occasions 
     (e.g., First Holy Communion; Thanksgiving Day). Occasionally, 
     both choirs sing together (e.g., Corpus Christi; Coronation 
     of Mary).
       Rehearsals are held in the choir loft on Tuesdays--Holy 
     Family Choir, 6:15 P.M.; St. Cecilia Choir, 7:15 P.M. New 
     members are always welcome and encouraged to join! Current 
     Director: Mark Narreau.
       Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion--Men and women of 
     the parish who are invited to assist with the distribution of 
     Holy Communion. When lay persons were given permission by the 
     Vatican to minister in this capacity, our parish began the 
     practice in 1977. Extraordinary Ministers understand that 
     when enough priests are available, their assistance is not 
     needed. Current Coordinator: Michael Wostena.
       Altar Servers--Young men of the parish who are invited to 
     assist at serving the priest at the altar for Holy Mass and 
     other Devotions. Boys who have made their First Holy 
     Communion are eligible to become Altar Boys.
       Lectors--A ministry open to any member of the parish, male 
     and female, young and old. They proclaim the Word of God 
     (except the Gospel which is reserved to priest and deacon) at 
     both daily and Sunday Masses. Current Coordinator: Charlene 
     Czaja.
       Parish Staff--Pastor: Fr. Stefan Niemczyk; Religious 
     Education Director: Michael J. Wostena; Parish Council 
     Chairman: Fred P. Brozek; Parish Secretary: Lydia McKee; 
     ``The Parish Chronicle,'' weekly bulletin: Michael Wostena, 
     Maryann Wostena, Fr. Stefan; Director of St. Cecilia (Senior) 
     Choir & Holy Family (Junior) Choir: Mark Narreau; Organists: 
     Mark Narreau; Mary Besko; Sacristans: Maryann Wostena, 
     Michael Wostena; Facilities/maintenance: John Dziedzic, Fred 
     Guzik.

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