COMMUNITY CHRONICLE (05/31/98)

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE

Two parishes combine efforts to celebrate special Mothers' Day

HILLSIDE, N.J. - The Young Adults Group of St. John's and Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic parishes of Newark and Hillside, N.J., celebrated a special Mother's Day divine liturgy on May 10, at Immaculate Conception Church. Matthew DiLiberti, Christine Shatynski, and Danylo Szpyhulsky received their first Holy Communion during the bilingual liturgy.

All mothers in attendance were given carnations. After an opening procession, the communicants and their parents were welcomed with a special prayer.

Near the end of the liturgy, all children present were invited to take part in a procession with roses to the icon of the Mother of God. A simple memorial, consisting of personalized messages that individuals submitted, was constructed in honor of all living and deceased mothers. A prayer in honor of mothers was also recited.

The Young Adults Group chose the music, ushered, welcomed the congregation, sang the Epistle and helped express the homily. Several young adults from Winnipeg and Toronto were present to assist in the singing of the liturgy. A complementary reception followed in the church hall.

Ansonia holds Easter concert

ANSONIA, Conn. - Over 140 persons attended a traditional "Sviachene" Easter dinner and concert on April 19 at Ss. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church here. The program featured a performance by the parish's Vesna Dance Ensemble directed by Jolanta Kowal. Seen above are: (first row, from left) Alexandra Kowal and Jaclyn Kowal; (second row) Stephany Kowal, John Zanowiak, Michelle Slota, Michael Tchir, Tania Tchir and Thomas Slota; (third row) Stanley Orzechowski, president of the parish council; Jolanta Kowal, Ilene Gebuza, John Sembrat, Marianne Pysarchyk, Michael Pysarchyk, Jennifer Zanowiak, Michael Zanowiak, Tania Tchir, John Szpak, director of the St. Macrina Choir, and the Rev. Robert J. Batcho, administrator.