Activities of the Society:
Ukrainian Benefit Drive
On March 2022, the Polish American Citizens Society held a drive over 3 weekends to supply Ukrainians with basic needs. In partnership with the New World Association of Emigrants from Eastern Europe, the society gathered seeking baby bottles and formula, diapers, wipes, sanitary pads, sleeping bags, blankets, toilet paper, soap, nonperishable foods such as canned meats and pastas, and medicines, including anti-diarrheal and allergy medicine.
As a result of the drive being announced on local television and newspapers the response from club members and the community was staggering and resulting in a constant line of cars waiting to drop off car loads of donations.
As a result of the clubs efforts, the total amount of donations filled our small hall to over capacity twice over and filled multiple truck loads for delivery.
The drive was a huge success and exceeded our expectations. We are so proud and happy to make this small contribution to show our support for the Ukrainian population during their time of need
Pierogie Weekend
In April 2022, the Polish American Citizens Society sponsored a pierogi making weekend for the benefit of The Incarnation of Our Lord Catholic church in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Over a period of 3 days, approximately 30 members of the PACS contributed their time and efforts to make 400 dozen pierogies at the PACS’s premises . These pierogies were sold by the church and the net proceeds of these sales were contributed to the church.
It was a wonderful time to share camaraderie amongst the members while continuing to benefit the local community.
Pulaski Day
In April of 1778, Poland’s native son and hero of the American Revolution Brigadier General Kazimierz Pulaski, Commander of the American Cavalry, visited the Moravian settlement in Bethlehem, PA. PACS marks this occasion annually on the last Sunday of April at Pulaski Park at Third and Broadhead Avenues, Bethlehem, PA.
The ceremony includes:
- Raising of the Polish and American flags.
- Tribute to Brig. General Kazimierz Pulaski.
- Placement of wreaths by: Polish Veterans of WWII,
- LV Chapter 190 Military Order of the Purple Heart. Vietnam Veterans.
- Flowers presentations by children of Polish school.
- Proclamations from various political officials, over the years, State Representatives, State Senators, US Congressmen, and the Mayor of Bethlehem.
- Singing of Polish and American national anthems.
- Mass at Sts Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Polish Church.
- Luncheon at the Polish American Citizens Society.
May 3rd Constitution Day – Commemoration of Polish Constitution of 1791
During the collapse of the Ottoman Empire during the late 1760s, the powers that be in Eastern Europe, namely Russia, Prussia and Austria, in order to maintain the balance of power forced Poland to cede large chunks of its territory in what came to be the First Partition (1772–73). Polish patriots attempted to bring political stability to their country by drafting the “Constitution of 3 May 1791” the first modern constitution in Europe.
The ceremony includes:
- Raising of the Polish flag at City Hall in Allentown, PA.
- Singing of Polish and American national anthems.
- Proclamations from various political officials and guests, including officials from the Polish consulate of NY.
- Proclamation from Mayor of Allentown.
- Luncheon at the Polish American Citizens Society.
Dożynki – Polish Harvest Festival
- Procession in traditional Polish costumes.
- Blessing of harvest fruits.
- Holy Mass celebrated in Polish & English.
- Dinner at the Polish American Citizens Society.
Pulaski Parade (in Philadelphia, PA)
Annual parade takes place in Philadelphia to honor the hero of the American Revolution Brigadier General Kazimierz Pulaski, Commander of the American Cavalry.
- 1st or 2nd Sunday in October.
- Bus trip to view and or participate in the parade.
- PACS, and the “Polish School” marches with PNA District 6 in parade.
Wigilia – Traditional Christmas Eve Dinner
- 2nd Sunday of December.
- Traditional “meatless” dinner.
- Breaking of the “Oplatek”.
- Singing Christmas Carols.
Children’s Christmas Party – Mikołaj (3rd Sunday of December)
- Entertainment for children: magician, balloon artists.
- Light refreshments.
- Visit from Saint Nicholas with gifts for children.
- Singing Christmas Carols.
New Year’s Eve – Sylwester
- Elegant buffet dinner
- Open bar
- Champagne toast
Andrzejki (Last weekend before advent)
- Dinner
Józefinki (During Lent, almost mid-way thru Lent)
- Dinner
- Dance
- Dispensation to have the party.
November, 11, 2019: 100th Anniversary of Polish Freedom
- Procession in traditional Polish costumes.
- Followed by a banquet at PACS.
Combined participation of Sts. Peter & Paul Polish Church Parish, the Polish School of Language and Culture, and the Polish American Citizens Society, at High Mass celebrated by the Diocesan Chancellor.
Hosting banquets for visiting Bishops and Cardinals from Poland.
- Cardinal M. Mokrzycki upon installation of St. John Paul II relic.
- 50th Anniversary to the Priesthood of Rev. Dominik Kolata
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