News

The summer season is usually the time when schools receive repairs and renovations. At the ACS,  we are giving our school fresh look in celebration of school’s 50th Anniversary in October 12, 2013. A renovation project will include anew ceiling in the auditorium,  new  sinks and faucets in all bathrooms, newly painted walls in auditorium, cafeteria, kitchen, bathrooms and resurfacing of the floor.

The first annual Ukrainian Cultural Festival was held Saturday,  June 22, 2013 on the church grounds at the corner of Meredith Street and Paderewski Avenue. Under the direction of Rev. Ivan Turyk, in his third year leading the Perth Amboy Parish, the event was a huge success showcasing Ukrainian heritage and raising funds.  With this festival, the Ukrainian Assumption Church, a fixture in the city for 105 years, has recommitted to opening its arms and embracing the community. Throughout the sun filled day, the 1000 guests, including Congressman Frank Pallone and Mayor Wilda Diaz, had the opportunity to sample delicious Ukrainian and American cuisine, enjoy traditional ethnic dance and vocal performances and purchase beautiful items from various vendors.  The children had fun playing games, winning prizes and getting their faces painted. Visitors also had the opportunity to tour the beautiful church and school, which is celebrating its 50th Anniversary with a banquet on October 12, 2013. Coming off of this triumphant venture, Father Ivan has already announced that the second annual festival will be held on June 21, 2014.  Save the date!
Please view pictures from the festival  on the  parish web page at: www.assumptioncatholicchurch.net/azcms/gallery.php

Did you know ACS has a swim team?  All ACS students are eligible to be a part of the Perth Amboy Catholic Schools Swim Team at the new facilities of the Raritan Bay Area YMCA right here in town. ACS students join with students from Perth Amboy Catholic to form the team.  Anali and Kayla are pictured with the trophy they (and Daniel – not pictured) earned this year. Think about trying out next year – it’s a wonderful (and very affordable) experience.

On June 7, 2013 the student body of ACS celebrated the last Divine Liturgy before summer break that the whole school, Pre K – 8th grade,  would be together.  When the liturgy was complete and Father Ivan Turyk thought everyone was going back to school, little did he know that the students had a little surprise waiting for him.

Sister Yosaphata went and told Father Ivan that he was needed in the church. He followed Sister Yosaphata back into the church to see why he was needed. There sat all of the students sitting quiet as mice.  The 8th grade student council members shared that the number ten was an important number in our school. We had 10 classes with 10 teachers and students knew that 10 was a special number to him also. Father Ivan would be celebrating his 10th anniversary as a priest.

Each class presented a flower, candy, and a card in honor of his special day. Then as Father Ivan reached the end of the line, there stood 2 eighth grade gentlemen holding what looked like a platter that might hold more candy. Instead, when he removed the cloth, he saw the special gift that the children had for him. In honor of his 10th anniversary the children presented Father Ivan with a complete chalice set.

The administration, faculty, and children, wish Father Ivan a happy 10th anniversary. We hope that he has many more wonderful years in the service of God.

The Class of 2013 looked forward to their graduation field trip because it meant that graduation was right around the corner. They were literally held in suspense until they were on the bus and on their way to their destination, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The class had a picture perfect day with cool and sunny weather. They were guided by Mr. Mike Lawrence around the battlefield. They learned many stories about different parts of the battle as well as stories about the area since the battle. After a long day, the class returned to continue their exciting week.

On Thursday the class was treated to a dinner and entertainment by the Class of 2014. Guided by their teacher, Mrs. Lojko, the Class of 2014 made the night a memorable night for the graduating class. They hosted a delicious dinner and provided a glimpse into the possible futures of the eighth grade.

Two days later on Saturday, June 8, the big day arrived for the Class of 2013. They received their long awaited diplomas after Divine Liturgy, followed by the traditional awards breakfast back at the school auditorium. The Class of 2013 is wished God’s blessings and reminded that they will always be welcomed home.

You guys, have  worked hard this year to share our wonderful school with the community. Thank You!

Spiders, butterflies and scorpions were live on display at ACS on Thursday, May 30.   Insectopolis, a student educational program, came to visit the school to inform the students about the insects, their habitats, and how to respect these creatures. Some of the insects were held so brave students could touch them, although few of the teachers were interested in holding any critters.  Maybe next year Mrs. Bernstein will hold Rosie, the tarantula.

The month of June is an exciting time for all graduates. Some will complete their studies and will begin fulfilling their anticipated dreams in life. Others will celebrate their graduation from one level of education to yet another.

Ensure that your graduation celebration will involve expressing gratitude to God. It is His Grace in your life which enables you to have the spiritual strength to complete your studies, and to move on. Celebrate with God by giving Him thanks and praise in His holy Church.

Give thanks to the many that have been instruments in your education. Many teachers, administrators and support staff steadfastly guided and instructed you, motivated by their desire for you to reach your best. Parents, extended family and close friends offered much needed support and encouragement. Their love, offered with much hope and patience, enabled your maturing in the process of achieving your educational goals. You did not journey alone. Be thankful for that gift.

Be proud of your part in your achievements. Recognize your gifts and the self-motivation it took to reach success. Build on newly acquired self-confidence to pursue your new dreams in life. Go for broke with your personality to achieve that which you see as important in your life’s ambition.

Know that your new journeys are not meant to be traveled alone. Your loved ones and friends will support you. You will enjoy the challenge and excitement of new fellow travelers in your journeys. Be assured of God’s presence with you to gently guide you in His ways, in the pursuit of His abundant life promised to all who love and serve Him. And, our Blessed Mother will always be present to listen with patience, and to offer comfort and guidance when needed.

My heartfelt congratulations to all the new graduates of 2013. God bless you richly in ways only He can as you pursue your dreams.

Written by Miss Anna Lawrence

As a young student of Ukrainian folk dance on the east coast of the United States, you grow up with one dream: to someday dance at the Saint George's Ukrainian Festival in New York City.  The event, sometimes called 7th Street (for the street the church sits on), is a weekend long event held the second to last weekend in May.  Dance groups from across the tri-state area perform, including the professional dance group that calls NYC home, Syzokryli.  Musical acts from both the United States and Ukraine also perform.  Heavenly varenyky (pierogies to some) made by volunteers from the church are available to eat all weekend.  Vendors sell various Ukrainian products, from traditional necklaces called gerdany, to beautiful embroidered shirts, to the latest CD releases from Ukraine and across the international Ukrainian community.  It is the biggest festival in the NY metropolitan area, attended by thousands.  It is an exciting event, and a goal that many work towards the entire year.  This year, our oldest group of Assumption Catholic dancers were invited to attend, and realized that dream of dancing on one of the most famous festival stages in the Ukrainian community.

Dancers (and their entourages of moms, dads, and siblings) arrived early, some taking mass transit, others choosing to brave NYC traffic and parking.  As students assembled, girls got their hair braided (a must!), makeup applied, and then one final run through with their teacher, Yarko Dobriansky.  Then it was time to get into costume, pose for a few pictures, and then wait excitedly for the performance to begin.  There was some snacking on great Ukrainian food, while others chose to wait until after the performance.

At the start of the show, Pan Yarko, as some of the students call him, led the group to the very front of the audience area to wait and watch the other dance groups ahead of them.  Some of the students were nervous, some were excited; some were both.  This was it!  Finally, they were led onto the waiting area, and they got to watch the group ahead of them from a perspective that few get to see – from the "wings" of the stage.  The stage is set up outside, with the waiting area actually the front steps of Saint George's Ukrainian Catholic Church itself.  Finally – it was their turn.  The students took to the stage and gave it their all.  With arms outstretched and smiles on their faces, the children danced for the hundreds of spectators standing in the streets.  They concluded their dance to thunderous applause and wild screams of encouragement from the crowd, which included not just supportive moms and dads, but parishoners, friends, and absolute strangers.  They were a hit.

Afterwards they headed back to the school cafeteria where they had spent all morning, a crowded busy hall filled to the brim with other dance groups.  They could finally relax, change back into their regular clothes (more than a few showed ACS pride and wore their class shirts or gym shirts), enjoyed the festival for a bit more, and headed home.

It is a dream that is dreamed by many, but only realized by a few, and this year, our oldest dance group, Richka, got to enjoy this very special day.

On Friday afternoon, the Moleben to the Mother of God was celebrated  in church  and was attended by all students of ACS. A moleben is an intercessory service conducted by a priest, asking our Saviour, the Mother of God, or one of the saints for assistance with a specific matter (illness, family difficulties, employment, good health, success at school, travel, etc.). After Moleben, the Sodality Girls presented flowers to the icon of Blessed Mary.

Petitions to the Virgin Mary – from Moleben to Mary
Rejoice, Most Holy Virgin Mary, ever merciful Mother of God, and save all those who placetheir trust in you.
(Response after each petition)
People: O most Holy Mother of God, save us!
Rejoice, Mother of Christ our God, and save all those who place their trust in you.
O most Holy Mother of God, save us!
Rejoice, Mother of Eternal Love and save all those who place their trust in you.
O most Holy Mother of God, save us!
Rejoice, Mother of God’s grace, and save all those who place their trust in you.
O most Holy Mother of God, save us!
Rejoice, Virgin more honourable than the Cherubim, and save all those who place their trust in you.
O most Holy Mother of God, save us!
Rejoice, Virgin, more glorious than the Seraphim and save all those who place their trust in you.
O most Holy Mother of God, save us!
Rejoice, Mary, untainted Dove, and save all those who place their trust in you.
O most Holy Mother of God, save us!
Rejoice, Mary, fragrant Flower of incorruption, and save all those who place their trust in you.
O most Holy Mother of God, save us!
Rejoice, Mary, Canopy more boundless than the heavens, and save all those who place their trust in you.
O most Holy Mother of God, save us!
Rejoice, Mary, our Intercessor before the just Judge, and save all those who place their trust in you.
O most Holy Mother of God, save us!
Rejoice, Mary Comfort to those in sorrow, and save all those who place their trust in you.
O most Holy Mother of God, save us!
Rejoice, Refuge of sinners, and save all those who place their trust in you.
O most Holy Mother of God, save us!
Rejoice, Mary Advocate who did not abandon us after your Dormition, and save all those who place their trust in you.