From the Pastor’s Desk

Today we join our Polish sisters and brothers in honoring Mary on the feast of Our Lady of
Czestochowa. The beloved Icon is housed in the Monastery on Jasna Gora(the Bright Mount). Editor’s
note]
This is truly a holy mount. It does not matter whether we view it on television or actually stand at her
feet, weary from our climb. For us, it is always a sign of God’s care, a place where momentous things are
happening, even if we know them only within our hearts. And we can be far away, but she is there, and
we know she is there, God’s sign to us that He remembers, that He watches over us. Mary prays there
with us and for us, and constantly tells us to ”Do whatever He tells you.”
We welcome everyone to come and take part in our Parish Picnic today.
We warmly welcome Sister Anne to our parish. Sister will be coordinator of our catechetical
program and director of our children’s choir. Sister is also ready to help out in the pastoral work among
our youth.
Sister Anna Strycharz was born on February 16, 1968 in Dęblin. She joined the Congregation of the
Missionary Sisters of Christ the King in 1987. Until now, she has worked at numerous religious
institutions in Poland, Belarus, England, Canada and the USA. In the United States, she worked at the St.
Ferdinand Parish and the Holy Trinity Polish Mission. In Poland, she graduated from Theological Studies,
and in the United States she defended her doctorate at the Saint Mary of the Lake University in
Mundelein and received the title of Doctor of Ministry. For ten years she has been certified as the
Director of Religious Education. In our Parish, she will also perform this function. For seven years she
served at the McHenry Detention Center, which is predominantly for immigrants.. “Everything for God
and the Polish Diaspora” – is the motto of her Congregation, and she wants to live according to this idea
every day.

Fr. Richard Milek