We invite you for our St. Valentine’s Luncheon on Sunday, February 11th after 11am Holy Mass. Requested donation is $10 for adults; children of our Sunday School and under 12 free of charge.
The menu includes: Chicken, Stuffed Cabbage, Pasta, Rice, Vegetables, Desserts. Drawings will be held for a Basket of Cheer and 50/50!
St. Valentine’s Luncheon Read More »
From Holy Mother of the Rosary Cathedral’s Blog
Bishop Thaddeus Peplowski 1936 – 2018
The Right Rev. Thaddeus S. Peplowski, Bishop Emeritus of the Buffalo-Pittsburgh Diocese of the Polish National Catholic Church, died Friday in the Macauley Residence, Town of Tonawanda, after nine months of declining health. He was 81
Bishop Peplowski was born on Nov. 4, 1936, in Albany, the son of Joseph and Sophia (Zalenski) Peplowski, and baptized in the Polish National Catholic Church. As a youth, he received his Catholic education at Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish in Albany and his formal education in the Albany public education system.
He entered the Savonarola Theological Seminary, in Scranton, PA, in September 1954, and completed a four year course of study. He was ordained to priesthood on May 15, 1958 by Most Rev. Leon Grochowski. His first assignment was, ironically, at the parish he is serving presently, the Holy Mother of the Rosary Cathedral, which he served for nine years. Of his first assignment in Buffalo he stressed involvement with the youth of the parish, and organized a strong Youth Club of whom members are still very active in the parish.
After leaving Buffalo he was assigned to All Saints Parish in Rome, New York and St. Joseph Parish in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, until 1971. After those assignments he organized the St. Barbara Parish in Houtzdale, PA, and stayed there until 1990 when he was assigned to the Holy Mother of the Rosary Cathedral in Buffalo which he served until his retirement in 2012.
He was elevated to the office of Monsignor (Senior Priest) in July 1982 by Most Rev. John Swantek and served as the dean of the Central Deanery of the Buffalo-Pittsburgh Diocese. He was elected a bishop of the Polish National Catholic Church at the 19th General Synod of the Polish National Catholic Church in Toronto, Canada. On Nov. 30, 1995 he was consecrated bishop by Most Rev. John Swantek, and installed as Ordinary of the Buffalo-Pittsburgh diocese on the same day at Holy Mother of the Rosary Cathedral.
During his time as priest and bishop, he was responsible in organizing several parishes that include St. Stephen the Martyr Parish in Canada in 1969, St. Barbara Parish in Houtzdale in 1970, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Lilly, PA, in 1995. Later he organized St. Martin & Rose Parish and Annunciation Parish, both in San Antonio, TX, St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Mesa, AZ, Transfiguration Parish in Mt. Pleasant, PA, in 2003, Our Lady of Good Health in Dallas, TX, and St. Anne Parish in New Millport, PA, with the last two in 2008.
He has performed mission work at St. Thomas Mission in Tyrone, PA, Blessed Sacrament Mission in Fayetteville, NC, St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Denver, CO, and Holy Cross Mission in Pe Ell, WA. Mission work was also performed in North and South Carolina, Virginia, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and Canada. Mission work over ten years was done with the Nordic Catholic Church which had eight parishes in Norway where he served as its Missionary Bishop.
He instituted many items of importance, that exist to this day, such as the National Youth Convocations, first held in Buffalo in 1964, Altar Boy Retreats, Diocesan Basketball Tournaments, Youth Tours to Poland where he served four times as Youth Chaplain, the Diocesan Holy Mount Retreat Program, and helped to establish the bi-annual Music Workshop of the United Choirs of the PNCC.
His other activities in the Polish National Catholic Church are: representative in the Old/Orthodox Dialogue Commission, which produced the book, “Road to Unity,” served for six years on the Dialogue Commission with the Roman Catholic Church, which produced “Journeying Together in Christ,” signed a Convenant agreement between the Buffalo Roman Catholic Diocese and the PNCC Buffalo-Pittsburgh Diocese with Bishop Edward Head, taught Liturgy for five years at the Savonarola Seminary, and authored a “Handbook on Liturgy” in 1981, for students and priests of the Polish National Catholic Church. He then was appointed to chair the PNCC/Orthodox Dialogue Commission.
He directed a Polish Cultural Program in Houtzdale which included weekly Polish language and pisanki classes. He directed Polish dance groups that performed in Buffalo, Cheektowaga, in Poland, in the State Education Building in Harrisburg, PA, and many other performances in New York State, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and at the rededication ceremony of the Statue of Liberty. While serving on the board of directors of the Polish National Union for eight years the Bishop Hodur Center was built, and a new office was constructed.
However his biggest achievement, as far as his present parishioners are concerned, was the building of the multi-million dollar cathedral complex, located on Broadway in Lancaster. His foresight, courage, guidance, and inspiration were essential to the successful completion of this project.
During his 50 years in the priesthood he has traveled extensively, and has visited Poland fourteen times, Holland, Germany, Italy on several occasions, Switzerland, England, Greece, Turkey, Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. He has had an audience with Pope John Paul II in 1992 and met with the Patriarch, Bartholomew II in Istanbul, Turkey. At one time Bishop Peplowski had a private pilot’s license, and wishes he still had it to help him in his journeys.
His many recent awards include the General Pulaski Association of the Niagara Frontier Recognition of his spiritual guidance to Polonia in 2002, the Polish National Union of America award in recognition of many years of dedicated service in 1999, the Diocesan Union of Holy Name Societies (Roman Catholic) Ecumenical Award for outstanding work for God, church and community in 1993, the 1991 Am-Pol Eagle Citizen of the Year Award in the religion category, the 2005 Am-Pol Eagle Citizen Award in the heritage category, and the Buffalo Bisons and the Polish Community of WNY award of Polish American Citizen of the Year award in 2006. He is listed in Strathmore’s Who’s Who in 2006-2007.
On June 7, 2008 Bishop Peplowski was honored at the Holy Mother of the Rosary Cathedral, in Lancaster, the See of the Buffalo-Pittsburgh Diocese, bishop, pastor, and spiritual leader on his 50th anniversary of priesthood. He retired in 2012.
The parishioners of Holy Mother of the Rosary Cathedral know how blessed they were to have Bishop Peplowski as their pastor and spiritual leader. While their hearts are deeply saddened in his passing, it was their greatest honor to know and love him.
God bless you Bishop Peplowski or Bishop Pep as we fondly referred to him, you will remain forever in our hearts!
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace Amen.
Joyfully Remembered, Already Missed! Read More »
We thank School of Christian Living (SOCL) teachers Mrs. Donna Maher, Mr. Paul Murphy, and Ms Natalie Lazar for their time and talent in preparation for Family Movie Night that took place on Wednesday December 27th in the parish hall. The children watched two movies, shared fellowship, enjoyed pizza, popcorn, snacks, and had an enjoyable time with games and in opening the Christmas gifts with kitchen mittens. We invite all parents to help and participate in the events for the good of our children. The enrollment for the winter / spring 2018 SOCL program is open. The registration forms are in the parish office and on can be found here.
SOCL Family Movie Night Read More »
On Saturday, December 30th, the Church and our parish welcomed its the newest member, Gianna Soleil Coe, through the Sacrament of Baptism. We congratulate Gianna’s parents, Timothy Coe and Giselle (nee Martinez), godparents Stephen Walz and Robin Coe as well as her siblings, relatives and friends. The Sacrament of Baptism regenerates us to a new life of grace, unites us with God, and makes us members of Christs’ Church (Catechism).
We celebrated Christmas Eve Holy Mass with the participation of children and youth. We thank Sunday school teachers and parents and their children for their support and involvement in our parish. Merry Christmas to all!
Christmas Eve Holy Mass Read More »
On Sunday, December 10th, dozens of parishioners attended our annual Christmas Dinner. The children and all attendees enjoyed a Christmas carol sing-a-long. We thank all those who came for this event, especially parents for bringing their children. We had fun, shared a great menu which was prepared by Deacon David and his helpers. We thank Neil Estanislao, our organist for the music arrangement and accompaniment. Because the children of Holy Cross are very special, Santa Claus came and gave them goodies asking them to listen and help their parents and behave well. Merry Christmas to all!
2017 Annual Christmas Dinner Read More »
The first meeting of Woodland Park Clergy Association (since 2003) took place on Tuesday Nov. 21st hosted by Fr. Joseph at our parish. The next Meeting will be held on Wednesday January 17th at St. Ann’s Church. As Christians we respect our differences and together pray for the spread of Jesus’ teaching and the growth of God’s Kingdom on earth.
Woodland Park Clergy Association Re-Gathers Read More »
On Sunday Nov. 19th we witnessed a special celebration, the Sacrament of Confirmation, the completion of the Sacrament of Baptism-Confirmation administered to nine wonderful, talented, and energetic young people: Natalie, Brianna, Ariana, David, Frank, Neil, Valerie, Gianni and Emily by Bishop Bernard Nowicki. The Mass was celebrated by the Bishop and concelebrated by Fr. Joseph. Deacons David Gaydos and William Gaydos assisted. A reception followed in the parish hall organized and sponsored by the parents. It was truly a joyful celebration!
O God, You sent your Holy Spirit into the hearts of Confirmation students. Inspire them to speak with piety, holiness, tenderness and mercy. Teach, guide and direct their thoughts and actions. May your grace strengthen them with wisdom from on high, Amen.
Dear friends, would you please join other parishioners praying daily especially at 12 Noon forming together A Prayer Chain in our parish. Please pray for each other, especially for our parishioners who are sick, home-bound and are in need of any kind of support and healing. God is listening to our prayers when we sincerely call for His blessing. Please ask God to increase our faith, dedication and zeal in His service. May our parish grow in faith and number so that we continue be the place of worship where many people will accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
We pray for the deceased victims of tragedies caused by violence of individuals especially for the recent deceased in New York and Texas, for the recovery of the injured and their families and friends in this heartbreaking time.
We pray for the victims of recent natural disasters. For those who lost their lives, their families and those who are missing. For those who lost their homes, businesses, and source of income. We ask God to be the source of strength in this time of sudden crisis, and chaos. Please say special prayers for the peace in the world to end any war and protect us from hatred and future terror. We also pray for the proper gun control in our nation.
Parish Prayer Chain Read More »
Our very successful “Come One Come All” Tricky Tray event, the biggest annual fundraiser since 1982, took place on Friday, October 27th at the Amalgamated Meat Cutters in Little Falls.
Our special thanks are expressed to those who Donated Regular Trays (103), Super Trays (106), Grand Trays (15), Platinum Trays (11), and other door Prizes (15); Who gave monetary donations and participated in our 50/50 Raffle; Who worked making calls, selling admission tickets, did advertising and gift solicitation; Picked up donations; Numbered trays for the program; Delivered trays and set up the hall on Friday; Sold tickets at the event; Served as runners, in the kitchen, as our MC; Served as security guards; Cleaned the hall and kitchen after the event; and To anyone who in any shape or form helped to organize Tricky Tray 2017. Thank You and God Bless you All.
More pictures are on our Facebook page.
Tricky Tray Thank You! Read More »