April 2023
April 2nd - 18th Anniversary of the passing of Pope John Paul II
On April 2, 2005, our beloved Pope (now Saint) John Paul II passed away at his home in the Vatican. He was history's most well-traveled pope and the first non-Italian to hold the position since the 16th century and the youngest, at age 58 to be chosen in 132 years.
Pope John Paul II wrote in Memory and Identity, "I am constantly aware that in everything that I say and do in fulfillment of my vocation, my mission, my ministry, what happens is not just my own initiative. I know that it is not I alone who act in what I do as the Successor of Peter" - the words of a humble saint
Pope John Paul II, together with U.S. President, Ronald Reagan and British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher are widely credited with being the trio that destroyed Soviet communism. However, Pope John Paul II frequently verbalized that he was simply the instrument of the Lord, who preached the truth and bore witness to the power of faith.
Easter Sunday - April 9, 2023
May Easter Morning invigorate your soul.
May this special day be filled with family & friends.
May your yard be filled with hidden eggs and happy faces.
May the empty tomb remind you that
He is risen today and forever!
Happy Easter from the PACCF Officers & Directors
Scholarship Application Reminder
The deadline to apply for the 2023/24 Richard Gorecki Scholarship is April 15th.
Help for Ukraine
The Republic of Poland has opened its hearts and arms to welcome its brothers and sisters to give them refuge. To date, there are now over 3,000,000 displaced citizens from Ukraine in Poland. With the atrocities of the Russian army bombing schools, apartment buildings, hospitals, and towns, numerous numbers of Ukrainian civilians are being hurt or killed in the conflict. During the conflict, it is always the most vulnerable - who suffer the most.
Many towns, humanitarian organizations, and the government in Poland are taking care of those who are in need, but Poland is on the edge of a humanitarian crisis.
The Polish American Congress Charitable Foundation has stepped forward and during a Special Board Meeting, the decision was made to support Polish humanitarian organizations Polski Czerwony Krzyz and Towarzystwo Przyjaciół Dzieci w Przemyślu.
The Lublin Regional Branch of the Polish Red Cross has provided camp beds, mattresses, and sleeping bags, which will allow many of the Ukrainian citizens in need at border crossings in the Lublin region. The Subcarpathian Regional Branch of the Polish Red Cross in Rzeszów is also preparing to provide needed assistance to those in need.
One of the goals of the Polish Red Cross is to always prevent suffering and their mitigation in all circumstances while maintaining impartiality, without any discrimination. To achieve this goal, the Polish Red Cross promotes knowledge of international humanitarian law and cooperates with public authorities to ensure that it is respected. The role of the Polish Red Cross is exceptional. It is the only humanitarian organization in Poland, which disseminates knowledge about international humanitarian law, which is one of the basic duties performed jointly by employees and volunteers.
The Society of Children's Friends in Przemysl, has been helping children and families with disabilities in Poland for over 100 years. Located on the border, they are currently fundraising to assist children and families fleeing from Ukraine to Poland to provide a safe space and shelter. Their goal is to provide support and help to children, youth, and families who are escaping into Przemyśl.
Displaced Ukrainian citizens, especially children and women, have been migrating to Polish cities from the first hours of the conflict. At the main railway station in Przemyśl, a reception point has been organized to help people coming from Ukraine. Many Polish families are providing strollers, food, clothing, and necessities to make their Ukrainian brothers and sisters feel safe and welcome.
The Polish American Congress Charitable Foundation is doing its part as well by donating $100,000.00 to assist our brothers and sisters in Poland to continue this great humanitarian mission they have chosen. If you would like to help, donations can be made directly to:
Visit our website and click the "Donate" tab here