NATIONAL BOARD MEETING
National Board met at Fox Chase Manor, PA on June 13th.
Some members arrived on the 12th for preliminary discussions. Highlights
of the main meeting on the 13th include:
Treasurer's Report
Nick Kotow provided updates on the checking and savings
accounts and on the School Endowment balance. An ACTION expense summary
was submitted to Nick by Harry Makar.
LUC Website.
Bohdan Szpynda, LUC webmaster, is seeking input from the
councils for the LUC home page.
Contact him at:
Bohdan Szpynda
1129 Freas Ave.
Berwick, PA 18603
E-mail: the_unknown@bigfoot.com
The LUC website is: http://www.apocalypse-graphics.com/LUC/index.html
Very Rev. Marijan Procyk, Spiritual Director for Niagara
Frontier Council, is creating some web pages including one for Niagara Frontier.
He is providing a link to the LUC site. He will also provide a link to the
LUC site on the Stamford Diocese web page.
Peter Hrycak, webmaster for St. Michaelís Ukrainian
Catholic Church in Baltimore, MD, has set a link to the LUC home page. The
St. Michaelís home page is:
http://artemis.crosslink.net/~hrycak/sites.html.
Financial Growth Initiative (Fund Raisers).
Ted Stecko gave the report on the gold coin raffle. The
winner was Mr. R. Daniel Richardson of San Antonio, TX. The winning number
was 1719. Groups other than the LUC were also involved in the raffle. The
LUC share will total about $500. Ted Stecko sent a "thank you"
letter to presidents of participating councils for helping the League in
this effort.
The afghan project is pending. Mary Ann Grimm is waiting
for one of the diocesan photos.
Constitution and Bylaws.
President Kinal provided a revised draft for initial review
by the Board. Subsequent to the Board meeting, Hilary sent an updated version
to Board members for additional review in preparation for discussion at
the 1998 convention.
Sobor.
Hilary confirmed his role as a representative for the Parma
Diocese. He will give a post-Sobor report at the Sept. Board meeting.
Special Priorities.
Three main thrusts were agreed upon
Next Board Meeting. A short
meeting will be held at the home of Hilary Kinal at 7:30 PM, Sept. 10, 1998.
His address is 520 Melrose Ave., Ambridge, PA 15003. As in the past, Council
Presidents are invited to participate by attending in person, or calling
in on the conference call, or by submitting comments by mail/phone/fax.
His phone: 724-774-9055(24 hr)
Fax: 724-774-5211.
FROM THE PRESIDENT
CLABA ICYCY XPUCTY !
Circular Letter to the National Board and Council Presidents
On June 30, I had the pleasure of attending a meeting of
the Niagara Frontier Council of the LUC. Over forty out of 114 paid members
attended. Due to our policy of sending Agendas to the councils, the Niagara
membership was aware of the activities of the National Board. I suggested
that it is unfortunate and odd that the LUC is so small, as it logically
should count as members all adult parishioners. The Niagara members remarked
on the paucity of unretired members (5 out of 40 there), which I noted was
a universal problem for us and for other Ukrainian organizations. The Niagara
members also suggested two tasks for the National Board to assume:
Ed. Note: An update on the
letter to Cardinal Soldano should be available at the next Board meeting.
DORMITION PILGRIMAGE
The LUC has once again helped the Sisters Servants with
the annual Pilgrimage. This yearís Pilgrimage was held during the
weekend of Aug. 9-10th. Garden State Council coordinated the food and kitchen
help - "KP duty". Despite the hard and "sweaty" work,
everyone enjoyed meeting old friends who came by bus or car to participate
in the Pilgrimage activities. An estimated 2500 people attended. The LUC
workers also enjoyed the camaraderie of coworkers and the satisfaction of
knowing that their efforts were a big help to the Sisters.
COUNCIL NEWS
Connecticut
The May meeting was held at SS Peter and Paul and began
with recitation of the Rosary. President Helen Labinsky presided. Discussions
centered on several topics, including: Council assessment to National Board;
wrap-up of Fr. Kasczakís presentation; the Sir Michael Nagurney Fund
and the Anthony Kuchma Scholarship Fund; donations to the Ukrainian Catholic
Shrine; and, a Communion Breakfast during Fr. Batchoís anniversary
party, June 7. Liturgy arrangements was also discussed for recently deceased
members Lillien Vuncannon and Julie Baer.
Current officers are: Helen Labinsky - President,
Dorothy Brenia - Recording Secretary, Kathy Kolesnik - Publicity
and Mary Plasconos - Religious Issues.
Dorothy Brenia, Recording
Secretary
Garden State
The Council has continued to concentrate on this yearís
convention. See the "Convention" heading elsewhere in this issue
for a convention update.
Since the last issue, the Council and the League have lost
a long-time dedicated and hard worker - Steve Kuzmack. The last issue
showed Verna Krysak as a member of Garden State. This was incorrect;
she was a member of Pius X and has since passed away. May they enjoy eternal
rest. VICHNAYA PAMYAT.
Jeanette Kohut
Niagara Frontier
Three days after beautiful Resurrection services, blessing
of food and Easter egg hunt with a full capacity crowd, St. Basil the Great
Ukrainian Catholic Church in Lancaster, NY had an extensive fire due to
an electrical malfunction. There was fire damage to the sanctuary and basement
and heavy smoke damage throughout. Damage was estimated at $40,000 to 45,000.
A spokesperson for pastor Rev. Robert Moreno said the congregation, which
consists of about 35 families, will meet next door in the Ukrainian Club
which formerly served as the church until the current one was built in 1955.
Donations would be greatly appreciated. Send to:
St. Basilís Ukrainian Catholic Church
12 Embry Place
Lancaster, NY 14086
April 20 Council Meeting. About 30 attended and enjoyed
wine and cheese refreshments. Members voted to purchase a set of vestments
for St. Basilís and proposed to take up collections at all area churches
on May 24th for St. Basilís church renovation fund. Discussions also
included plans for those going to the annual LUC convention in New Jersey;
also, selection of committees for the 1999 convention in Buffalo.
May 11 Meeting. The meeting was held at St. John the Baptist
Church hall in Kenmore, NY. Discussions included the upcoming LUC card party
and Chinese auction on May 31st at St. Nicholas Church hall. All proceeds
were for the Lift-O-Vator for St. Nicholas Church. Convention plans were
also discussed.
June 29 Meeting was held at the Lackawanna church hall
with 50 members attending. This was the Feast of SS. Peter and Paul and
Divine Liturgy was celebrated at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Ukrainian Catholic
Church in Lackawanna, NY. at 5:15 p.m. The meeting was opened with a prayer
by Council Spiritual Director, Very Rev. Marijan Procyk. A check for $500,
the proceeds from the card party, was presented to Fr. Procyk for the Lift-O-Vator
for St. Nicholas Church. There was a good report on the collections for
St. Basilís Church renovation. The Council donated $500 for a set
of vestments for St. Basilís. Fort Erie race tickets for Aug. 30th
were distributed to those planning to attend. A few committees were chosen
for the 1999 Buffalo LUC annual convention. Christ the King Sunday, Oct.
25th, will be at St. Johnís Church in Kenmore. Dinner will be at
Johnís Flaming Hearth in Niagara Falls, NY.
Hi-lite of the meeting : We had the extreme honor and privilege
to have National Board President, Hilary Kinal, present. Many of
us met him for the first time. We immensely enjoyed his remarks.
Catherine Eckhart, Publicity
North Anthracite
Youth Involvement. Bo Szpynda reports that the Council
had a productive meeting about youth and ways of getting them involved in
the League. A committee-type meeting has been scheduled and more information
will be forthcoming.
Religious Coordinator. Marie Kaneski, Council member
from Scranton, PA, was named as Religious Education Coordinator for the
Scranton Protopresbytery. This is part of a program designed for religious
education of parishioners within the protopresbyteries of the Philadelphia
Archeparchy. The coordinators met with catechists in their region and with
Sr. Jonathan, OSBM, Director of Religious Education for the Archeparchy
during this Summer. Marieís meeting was held on July 11th, at SS.
Peter and Paulís in Wilkes-Barre, PA.
The next council meeting was scheduled for Aug. 23rd in
Berwick. The agenda included discussion about the upcoming Convention in
New Jersey. After Moleben, the members enjoyed great fellowship and food
at Ezzykís farm.
Please pray for the improved health of Fr. Al Burak, Council
Spiritual Director and pastor of St. Vladimerís in Edwardsville and
SS. Peter and Paul in Wilkes Barre.
St. Christopher
The Baltimore Chapter provided financial support for the
Wedding Anniversary Celebration. This celebration is part of the Archeparchial
Millennium Committee activities and is scheduled for September 20, 1998.
Couples married 25, 50 or more years were invited to the celebration to
be honored and recognized at a Solemn Pontifical Divine Liturgy in our Immaculate
Conception Cathedral in Philadelphia. An anniversary scroll and a blessing
will be given by Archbishop Stephen. After the Liturgy a reception will
be held in the Cathedral hall.
Western PA
Pittsburgh Folk Festival. Council members were again heavily
involved in this annual event which presents our Ukrainian culture and heritage
to the greater Pittsburgh community. This yearís event was held during
the weekend of May 22-24, 1998.
Clergy and Religious Appreciation Dinner. This is a Council-sponsored
event. It was held on Sunday afternoon, July 12, 1998 at the Highland Country
Club.
St. Josaphat Eparchial Convention. This yearís event
was held on July 31 - August 2, 1998, at Antiochian Village near Ligonier,
PA.
Sobor of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Ukraine. August
22-30, 1998. Attorney Hilary A. Kinal, LUC National Board President and
member of Western PA Council, was selected by Bishop Moskal to be the laity
representative for the St. Josaphat Eparchy to the Sobor.
LUC Seminary Day Picnic. This is an annual event to support
our seminarians. This yearís picnic was scheduled for Sunday, August
31, 1998, at Idlewild Amusement Park near Ligonier.
1998 CONVENTION
"GET INTO THE SPIRIT"
The following information was extracted/revised from the
final Convention Committee mailing.
We have some good news and some bad news. First, due to
lack of interest the proposed trips to the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Is. have
been canceled; no other tours or trips are planned. The committee will look
into some activity for those who arrive on Thursday. Be sure to check with
committee members at registration when you arrive. The good news is that
all other activities are on schedule and moving along quite well. National
Board has provided their agenda. Workshops are almost finalized. Speakers
confirmed to date include Msgr. Leon Mosko, Rev. Deacon Michael Waak and
Sr. Helena Paskevich. The committee is waiting for replies from other potential
workshop speakers.
Our committee is working hard to provide each of you with
a well planned and memorable Convention; however, without your participation
all the planning will be meaninglessÖ. The success of the Convention
depends on each of us. Our National Board under the leadership of Mr. Hilary
Kinal has been working hard to expand the League and make it more visible
and more attractive to the faithful of the Metropolia.
The membership has been challenged to live out the 1997
theme of "Intimate Union with Christ Through Evangelization".
We are all Disciples in Christís church, with a mission to Evangelize.
As the Apostles were given that mission through the power of the Holy Spirit,
we too have that mission through our Baptism, through the power of the Holy
Spirit. "Jesus not only calls people to Him, but also forms them and
sends them out in His service. Being sent on a mission is a consequence
of being a disciple. Our response to being disciples is Stewardship, that
is, service and care of Christís church and people.
Do your part by coming together in the "Spirit"
at this Convention, the spirit of the early founders of the League and those
who came before us. They were together in the "Spirit" of service
to one another and to the church. We have much to benefit from this organization
both in giving and receiving. One miracle of Pentecost was that, despite
their diversity, each listener heard Godís word in his or her own
language. The meaning for Stewardship is that by sharing the gifts poured
out on us by the Holy Spirit we will be empowered to meet the needs of our
sisters and brothers, whatever they may be.
"Get With the Spirit." Listen and respond positively.
Attend this Convention to listen to the speakers and to learn about our
Church and our role in it. Bring along a friend, a fellow parishioner. A
display of our culture, art work and icons will also be available. Exhibits
will be provided by the religious orders and chancery offices with materials
about our Church, Rite and the programs that are provided through the various
offices within each Eparchy.
Important Convention Deadlines:
Ad Contracts------------August 15
Conv. Registration--------Sept. 1
(include Banquet entree selection--pork or fish).
Room Registration-------Sept 15
(to get special rates at the Holiday Inn).
If your group is arriving by bus, please advise the committee
in advance.
Make your response a positive one. We are waiting to see
each of you in Somerset, NJ - October 1,2,3,4. May the rest of your
summer be enjoyable.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
John Kost, Convention Chairman and the entire Committee
189 Willett Street
Passaic, NJ 07055
Phone (973) 471-1874
***
A grandfather to his 6-year old granddaughter, "
Iíll give you a quarter if you can tell me where God is." The
girl, wise beyond her years, replied, " Iíll give you two quarters
if you can tell me where God isn't."
MONKS OF MT. TABOR
June 5th was the 26th anniversary of the founding of Mt.
Tabor Monastery in California. The Monastery has been a recipient of one
of the LUC Burse Fund awards. They publish a newsletter called Gladsome
Light, and have been sending a copy to the ACTION editor. Brief items
have appeared in the ACTION but these do not do justice to the range of
activities and people who visit Mt. Tabor. For members who would like to
know more about the Monastery, make a donation and/or request a copy of
the newsletter, the mailing address and phone are:
Monks of Mt. Tabor
PO Box 217
Redwood Valley, CA 95470
Phone: 707-485-8959
Fax: 707-485-1122
NICHOLAS & ALEXANDRA
The Last Imperial Family of Tsarist Russia. The LUC via
the ACTION editor received a letter and pamphlets from the Christiana Hilton
Hotel in Newark (Wilmington), DE describing this outstanding exhibit from
the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. There are 14 unique galleries
depicting the essence of the Romanov Dynasty era. Included are historic
artifacts, religious icons and works of art, holy chalices of the Russian
Orthodox Church, etc. The exhibition runs from August 1 - December 31, 1998,
at the First USA Riverfront Arts Center in Wilmington, DE. For more details,
including package deals (Package Code PW), contact the:
Christiana Hilton
100 Continental Dr.
Newark, DE. 19713
Phone: 1-800-348-3133.
ACTION DONATIONS
It sure would be nice to see your name and your Councilís
name here.
EDITORIAL
With increasing concern about fewer priests and religious
and the encroachment of Godless values into our daily lives, the laity
must make stronger efforts to preserve our God-given values. Our Ukrainian
Catholic churches in the U.S. have many devout and talented parishioners,
young and old, that can make a difference. We must , however, look beyond
our individual parishes and see ourselves as part of the entire Ukrainian
Catholic Church. Our LUC can be a catalyst in making our individual efforts
more effective and longer lasting in our parishes and in interaction with
other church institutions. The first place to begin of course, is with ourselves.
Following is the introductory message in the "Post-PENTECOST, 1998"
issue of Mt. Tabor Monasteryís newsletter, Gladsome Light. Seems
very relevant to me.
Grace & Peace. While the
aftermath of El Nino and of earthquakes all over the world is settling down,
while the politicians are preparing for elections in the USA and many parents
are worrying about increasing violence in public schools, we scour in our
prayer the entire horizon in order to discern the hand of a loving God in
all these events. We sometimes have the frightening impression of a growing
darkness falling upon all the erstwhile hopeful endeavors of science, politics,
finances, as meetings and deliberations are held on every level of society
in order to find the "final solutions" to human problems. All
these endeavors are worthy and should be made, but as long as we bypass
the real core of human existence, where we meet with our Creator and Savior,
they will finally, in accord with St. Augustineís warning be "many
steps, but off the true road" and, hence, will lead us astray into
the growing darkness.
This is the moment to finally and fully meet with the Lord
Jesus . The last and decisive encounter, in every human life, is the meeting
with Jesus: a very personal discovery of the inner secret of his very Being,
an intimate discovery that nobody can make in our place. It is an experience
in the depths of our souls, the fruit of true prayer in personal honesty,
and a blooming open in total commitment to his Person, as He Himself asked
of us in the Gospel: "Without Me you can do nothing(John 15:5). The
growing decay of our culture has proved how true this statement is. Therefore,
we should wholeheartedly confess with Peter: "Lord, to whom shall we
go? You alone have the words of life" (John 6:68).
Mt. Tabor Monastery is meant to be a roadsign for many
searchers, a living light in the growing darkness, a friendly call from
Home where Jesus is waiting, with his Blessed Mother, for all of us wayward
" pilgrims of the Absolute," in the joyful awareness of having
found the true Way. Let all of us who are marked by the sign of Jesus
be friends in the common building of a new world of love and understanding,
amidst and despite the present culture of lying and dissent, so that Jesus
can take over.
Archimandrite Boniface
(Note: bold emphasis in last paragraph added by ACTION
editor).
Make the world a bit more beautiful and better place
because you have been in it.
Guest/"Ghost" Writers. ACTION readers are encouraged
to submit brief articles/letters (350 words or less). They can be anonymous
if so desired.
Never get so busy making a living that you forget
to make a life.
Next Issue. Fall/Winter- Please
submit items by mid-November. | 
