St. Joseph's Polish Church — World War II Newsletters
St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 10th & Mechanic Street, Camden — 2008
Three of the parish bulletins from the war years are presented below. These are dated November 29, 1944; February 7, 1945; and the “VE edition,” which would be May 1945. For more on the men lost while serving, visit the Camden County World War II War Dead Index, which is set up alphabetically. Every soldier, sailor, and airman from St. Joseph’s Church lost in World War II has a memorial web-page which can be accessed from the index.
July 2009
St. Joseph's Parish Bulletin — November 29, 1944
Page 1 — Service Bureau letterhead, pastoral letter, statistics
Service Bureau of St. Joseph’s Church
1010 Liberty Street, Camden, N.J.
Rt. Rev. Msgr. Arthur B. Strenski, Chairman
Rev. Leon S. Winowicz, Rev. Lawrence Faber, Rev. Henry Blaszczynski, Vice-Chairmen
November 29, 1944
We hope this Bulletin, as those in the past, helps to serve as a medium of cementing the bond between you men and women in the Armed Forces and Saint Joseph’s Parish. You are gallantly fighting and undergoing sacrifices at the battlefront or preparing yourself for your future task. With proud hearts we congratulate you sturdy men of this Parish fighting so valiantly and facing danger on land, in the air and on the sea with proven bravery and staunch courage. Yours is a Herculean task and you are heroically destroying the treacherous and nefarious enemies in Europe and in the Pacific. We Priests and parishioners on the home front have you in mind and heart always. In Church and at home we pray for your safety and continued success. Everyone seems to be doing his or her share to help speed the War Program so that the long desired day of Victory may be hastened. Being with you in spirit, we daily offer prayers that this global struggle may soon terminate and that Providence restore justice and righteousness so that soon you may return to your loved ones safely and happily.
America’s fourth wartime Christmas is close at hand and as in former years, so this year also, the Service Bureau is sending our Christmas packages to parishioners in Service whose forwarding addresses we have on file. The Christmas package contains useful articles; handkerchiefs, gum, razor blades, comb, tooth brush, tooth paste, shaving cream, soap, stationery, and greetings, and is a token of the parishioners’ thoughts with you on Christmas Day. More than 700 Xmas packages have been sent to those in Service overseas. The packages for those stationed in the States are now being packed.
STATISTICS — The files of the Service Bureau indicate that there are 1520 men and women of this Parish in the Armed Forces of the United States. Twenty-four women are serving in various branches of the Armed Forces. Two ordained youths and seven doctors entered the Service. Fifty-eight have received medical or honorable discharges. The Service Bureau has been in existence for three and one-half years and during this time more than 24,000 letters and Bulletins have been sent out, 1,255 packages of religious articles; 1,724 birthday packages and over 3,000 Christmas packages have been sent out. Thousands of letters, from practically every sector of the globe, have been received acknowledging Bulletins, letters and packages and telling us as much as is permitted concerning life of a parishioner serving his Country. The expenditures for this year have been approximately $2,000.00 and in all the Service Bureau has expended more than $5,000.00. To help defray expenses incurred occasional collections are taken. On Sunday, November 19th, a special collection was taken in Church and $690.35 was received. The Red Cross Parish Unit donated $50.00 to the Service Bureau.
Page 2 — In Memoriam (honor roll + memorial notices)
With saddened hearts we inform you that now there are 17 gold stars on the Parish Service Flag and Honor Roll. We pray for the following seventeen young men who made the supreme sacrifice in defense of their nation. Requiescant in pace.
Honor roll (17), with canonical WWII-dead-index spelling / slug:
- Sgt. Gustave Dziengowski [/people/gustave-dziengowski/]
- Pvt. John Lozowski, USMC [/people/john-lozowski/]
- S/Sgt. Roman Drapinski [/people/roman-drapinski/]
- Pvt. Walter Koscianski [/people/walter-j-koscianski/]
- Corp. Stephen Koscianski [/people/stephen-v-koscianski/]
- Joseph Piotrowski, MM 1/c [/people/joseph-j-piotrowski/]
- Pvt. Frank J. Owsianka [/people/frank-j-owsianka/]
- S/Sgt. John E. Shuler [/people/john-e-shuler/]
- Lt. Francis Scandell (Skedzielewski) [/people/francis-p-scandell/]
- Pfc. Chester Gdowik [/people/chester-j-gdowik/]
- Pfc. Chester Smurlo, USMC [/people/chester-smurlo/]
- Lt. Chester Stelmach [/people/chester-a-stelmach/]
- Pvt. Alfred Mrowczynski [/people/alfred-j-mrowczynski/]
- Pvt. John Napiorkowski [/people/john-c-napiorkowski-jr/]
- S/Sgt. Henry Popiolek [/people/henry-alfred-popiolek/]
- Pvt. Louis Bontkowski [/people/louis-bontkowski/]
- Lt. Leopold Poduszczak [/people/leopold-s-poduszczak/]
From time to time we give you a brief report of those youths from this Parish reported killed. During the past few months the homes of the following have been saddened by news that their loved one has been killed.
Lieutenant CHESTER A. STELMACH, 21, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Antoinette Stelmach, of 1172 Atlantic Avenue, was killed in an airplane accident over Abiline [sic], Texas on August 9th. Chester enlisted in the Army Air Corps on February 1, 1943 and received his wings at Foster Field, Texas in March, 1944. Chester attended St. Joseph’s Parochial School and graduated from Camden High School as an Honor Student. He was manager of the basketball team and a very popular youth in Parish circles. Before joining the colors he was employed by the International Resistance Company of Philadelphia, Pa. Besides his parents, Chester is survived by three brothers; S/Sgt. John Stelmach, now overseas, Bruno and Ferdinand, and by two sisters; Mrs. Helen Smiechowski and Lillian. A Solemn Mass of Requiem was offered for Chester in St. Joseph’s Church and interment with military honors took place at the Parish Cemetery.
Pvt. ALFRED MROWCZYNSKI, 20, son of Mr. and Mrs. John and Frances Mrowczynski, of 1371 Park Boulevard is reported killed in action in Normandy on July 13th. Alfred was attached to the Field Artillery. He enlisted on March 31, 1943 and had been overseas for one year. He attended the Parochial and Vocational Schools and was employed at the New York Shipyard prior to his enlistment. Besides his parents, Alfred is survived by three sisters, and four brothers. A brother, Corp. Stanley Mrowczynski, is in the European battle area.
Pvt. JOHN CLEMENS NAPIORKOWSKI, 21, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Napiorkowski, of 1145 Liberty Street, was reported killed in action on July 27 at Myitkyina, Burma, according to a telegram received by his parents from the War Department. He entered the Army on February 7, 1943 and had been overseas for four months. Besides his parents he is survived by three brothers, Pvt. Meceslaus, U.S. Army, twins, Sigmund and Edward, and a sister, Veronica. A Solemn Mass of Requiem with catafalque was offered for the repose of the soul of John Clemens in St. Joseph’s Church.
Page 3 — memorial notices (continued), missing, injured
S/Sgt. Henry A. Popiolek, 24, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Rose Popiolek, of 1205 Lansdowne Avenue, was reported missing in action on June 6th. He was a member of a bomber crew and already had 47 missions to his credit. On September 12 his parents received a telegram notifying them that Henry was killed in action over Orleans, France, on May 23. Henry enlisted into the Army Air Corps on September 14, 1942 and had been overseas for more than a year. Henry attended St. Joseph’s Parochial School and Lincoln School, and was employed previously by the Campbell Soup Company. Surviving S/Sgt. Popiolek, besides his parents, is a brother, Benjamin Popiolek, S2/c U.S. Navy and a sister, Mrs. Adele Baus. A Solemn Mass of Requiem with catafalque was offered for the repose of the soul of Henry Popiolek in St. Joseph’s Church.
Second Lieutenant LEOPOLD S. PODUSZCZAK, 26, son of Mr. and Mrs. Boleslaus Poduszczak, of 1105 Lowell Street, was reported missing in action since July 27, 1943 when he participated in a raid over Hanover, Germany. On November 15, 1944, Leopold’s parents received a letter that he is now considered as having been killed in action. He attended Camden Schools and also studied in Universities in Poland. Lt. Poduszczak enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1941 and received his wings on November 21, 1942. Besides his parents Leopold is survived by two brothers, Corp. Richard and Pvt. Thaddeus, both of the U.S. Army. A Solemn Mass of Requiem with catafalque was offered for Leopold on November 28th at St. Joseph’s Church.
Lieutenant FRANCIS SCANDELL (Skedzielewski), 23, son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael and Antoinette Skedzielewski, of 1443 South Tenth Street, was previously reported missing in action since May 10, 1944 over Austria. November 12th his parents received notice that the German Government through the International Red Cross reported that he was killed in action on that day. Francis attended St. Joseph’s Parochial School, Camden Vocational School and two years at the Drexel Institute. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps on November 27, 1942 and was a member of a bomber crew. Besides his parents he is survived by three brothers, Sgt. Edmund, Pvt. Karol and Lt. Michael, all serving overseas. [WWII dead index: Francis P Skedzielewski Scandell]
Private First Class LOUIS BONTKOWSKI, 24, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Theodosia Bontkowski, of 1191 Liberty Street, died on September 18th in Germany as a result of wounds received in action, according to a telegram received by his parents on the 20th of October. He entered Service on May 5, 1943. Louis attended St. Joseph’s Parochial School and Camden Vocational School. He helped his parents with their grocery business and for a while worked in Camden Forge Co. Besides his parents he is survived by a sister, Regina and a brother, Edward, who has recently been honorably discharged after serving in the Army for 20 months. A Solemn Mass of Requiem with catafalque was offered for the repose of the soul of Louis on November 4th.
Although not of this Parish we wish to report that Corp. ADAM PRZYWARA, 30, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lucas Przywara of Gibbstown, N.J. was reported as having died in Italy from wounds received in action September 19. Adam received the Purple Heart in July during the Anzio and Rome drive. Overseas 26 months. Besides his parents he is survived by three brothers, Lt. Frank, T/Sgt. Oscar and Edward and two sisters, Ensign Elizabeth and Helen.
We also pray that the following men, reported missing in action, may by divine Providence be found in order to soon rejoin their loved ones:
- Pfc. Theodore Yurkiewicz
- Pvt. Alexander Janczewski
- Pfc. Alfred Tomczyk
- S/Sgt. Matthew Wnorowski
- Pfc. Theodore Korch paratroopers, previously reported as missing, are now known to be German Prisoners of War.
Among those reported injured are:
- Sgt. Edward Emerle
- Pfc. Edward Olszewski
- Pvt. Anthony Wysocki
- Pvt. Vincent Dworonczyk [illegible spelling]
- Pfc. Stanley Jaroszewski
- Pfc. Stanley Przytula
- Edward Dobrucki, Coxswain
We hope that after a long deserved rest they may happily return to their families.
Page 4 — Sports / parish news
[Football scoring-record table — omitted; largely illegible at 800px.]
Camden Catholic High did not have a football team this year. Those from this Parish who helped Camden High have an undefeated year were: Eugene Kr[u/o]ck, Frank Gosik, Richard Fusien, Stanley Doroszko, John Kowal, Edward Firlas and Stephen Saw[c/v]k. [surnames tentative]
On October 15th at 10:00 A.M. a fire broke out in the Sisters’ Home adjoining the Convent. The Camden Fire Department quickly extinguished the blaze and beyond personal effects the home was not extensively damaged. At present all 24 Nuns are temporarily quartered in the Convent proper. Msgr. Strenski not only has the repairs well under progress but is also building an extension and giving the Nuns much needed accommodations.
On Sunday evening, November 26th the pupils of St. Joseph’s Junior High School, together with their parents conducted the first of a series of three card parties. This first venture proved successful and was enjoyed by all. The Sixth War Loan Drive is now in progress and the school is cooperating in the sales of these bonds. On December 3rd at 3:30 P.M. the Most Reverend Bartholomew J. Eustace, Bishop of Camden, will administer the Sacrament of Confirmation in this Parish. We look forward to welcome him in our midst. On November 30th a Novena to the Miraculous Medal of the B.V.M. will be conducted by a Vincentian Father, terminating on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. You shall all be especially remembered in our prayers during the Novena. On December 26th the Sodality will conduct its Annual Christmas Dance, and the Holy Name Society will stage its yearly affair on New Year’s Eve. If you happen to be in town on those days, you are cordially invited to attend.
May God and the Blessed Virgin Mary guard and protect you from every spiritual, and physical harm.
The Service Bureau of St. Joseph’s Church — Msgr. Arthur B. Strenski, Chairman.
Service Bureau of St. Joseph’s Church, 1010 Liberty Street, Camden, N.J. — Rt. Rev. Msgr. Arthur B. Strenski, Chairman; Rev. Leon S. Winowicz, Rev. Lawrence Faber and Rev. Henry Blaszczynski, Vice-Chairmen.
We hope this Bulletin, as those in the past, helps to serve as a medium of cementing the bond between you men and women in the Armed Forces and Saint Joseph’s Parish. You are gallantly fighting and undergoing sacrifices at the battlefront or preparing yourself for your future task. With proud hearts we congratulate you sturdy men of this Parish fighting so valiantly and facing danger on land, in the air and on the sea with proven bravery and staunch courage. We Priests and parishioners on the home front have you in mind and heart always. In Church and at home we pray for your safety and continued success.
America’s fourth wartime Christmas is close at hand and, as in former years, the Service Bureau is sending Christmas packages to parishioners in Service whose forwarding addresses we have on file. More than 700 Xmas packages have been sent to those in Service overseas.
Statistics: the files of the Service Bureau indicate that there are 1520 men and women of this Parish in the Armed Forces of the United States. Twenty-four women are serving in various branches. The Service Bureau has been in existence for three and one-half years, during which more than 24,000 letters and Bulletins, 1,255 packages of religious articles, 1,724 birthday packages and over 3,000 Christmas packages have been sent out. On Sunday, November 19th, a special collection taken in Church realized $690.35, and the Red Cross Parish Unit donated $50.00 to the Service Bureau.
In Memoriam
With saddened hearts we inform you that now there are 17 gold stars on the Parish Service Flag and Honor Roll. We pray for the following seventeen young men who made the supreme sacrifice in defense of their nation. Requiescant in pace:
Sgt. Gustave Dziengowski; Pvt. John Lozowski, USMC; S/Sgt. Roman Drapinski; Pvt. Walter Koscianski; Corp. Stephen Koscianski; Joseph Piotrowski, MM 1/c; Pvt. Frank J. Owsianka; S/Sgt. John E. Shuler; Lt. Francis Scandell (Skedzielewski); Pfc. Chester Gdowik; Pfc. Chester Smurlo, USMC; Lt. Chester Stelmach; Pvt. Alfred Mrowczynski; Pvt. John Napiorkowski; S/Sgt. Henry Popiolek; Pvt. Louis Bontkowski; and Lt. Leopold Poduszczak.
Lieutenant CHESTER A. STELMACH, 21, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Antoinette Stelmach, of 1172 Atlantic Avenue, was killed in an airplane accident over Abiline [sic], Texas on August 9th. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps on February 1, 1943 and received his wings at Foster Field, Texas in March, 1944. Chester attended St. Joseph’s Parochial School and graduated from Camden High School as an Honor Student. Besides his parents, he is survived by three brothers, S/Sgt. John Stelmach, Bruno and Ferdinand, and two sisters, Mrs. Helen Smiechowski and Lillian.
Pvt. ALFRED MROWCZYNSKI, 20, son of Mr. and Mrs. John and Frances Mrowczynski, of 1371 Park Boulevard, is reported killed in action in Normandy on July 13th. Alfred was attached to the Field Artillery. He enlisted on March 31, 1943 and had been overseas for one year, and was employed at the New York Shipyard prior to his enlistment. A brother, Corp. Stanley Mrowczynski, is in the European battle area.
Pvt. JOHN CLEMENS NAPIORKOWSKI, 21, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Napiorkowski, of 1145 Liberty Street, was reported killed in action on July 27 at Myitkyina, Burma. He entered the Army on February 7, 1943 and had been overseas for four months. Besides his parents he is survived by three brothers, Pvt. Meceslaus, U.S. Army, twins Sigmund and Edward, and a sister, Veronica.
S/Sgt. HENRY A. POPIOLEK, 24, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Rose Popiolek, of 1205 Lansdowne Avenue, was reported missing in action on June 6th. He was a member of a bomber crew and already had 47 missions to his credit. On September 12 his parents received a telegram notifying them that Henry was killed in action over Orleans, France, on May 23. He attended St. Joseph’s Parochial School and Lincoln School, and was employed previously by the Campbell Soup Company. Surviving, besides his parents, are a brother, Benjamin Popiolek, S2/c U.S. Navy, and a sister, Mrs. Adele Baus.
Second Lieutenant LEOPOLD S. PODUSZCZAK, 26, son of Mr. and Mrs. Boleslaus Poduszczak, of 1105 Lowell Street, was reported missing in action since July 27, 1943 when he participated in a raid over Hanover, Germany. On November 15, 1944, his parents received a letter that he is now considered as having been killed in action. He attended Camden Schools and also studied in Universities in Poland. Besides his parents he is survived by two brothers, Corp. Richard and Pvt. Thaddeus, both of the U.S. Army.
Lieutenant FRANCIS SCANDELL (Skedzielewski), 23, son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael and Antoinette Skedzielewski, of 1443 South Tenth Street, was previously reported missing in action since May 10, 1944 over Austria. On November 12th his parents received notice from the International Red Cross that he was killed in action on that day. Besides his parents he is survived by three brothers, Sgt. Edmund, Pvt. Karol and Lt. Michael, all serving overseas.
Private First Class LOUIS BONTKOWSKI, 24, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Theodosia Bontkowski, of 1191 Liberty Street, died on September 18th in Germany as a result of wounds received in action. He entered Service on May 5, 1943. Louis attended St. Joseph’s Parochial School and Camden Vocational School and helped his parents with their grocery business. Besides his parents he is survived by a sister, Regina, and a brother, Edward.
Although not of this Parish, we wish to report that Corp. Adam Przywara, 30, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lucas Przywara of Gibbstown, N.J., was reported as having died in Italy from wounds received in action September 19. Adam received the Purple Heart in July during the Anzio and Rome drive, after 26 months overseas.
We also pray that the following men, reported missing in action, may by divine Providence be found: Pfc. Theodore Yurkiewicz, Pvt. Alexander Janczewski, Pfc. Alfred Tomczyk, S/Sgt. Matthew Wnorowski and Pfc. Theodore Korch. Among those reported injured are: Sgt. Edward Emerle, Pfc. Edward Olszewski, Pvt. Anthony Wysocki, Pvt. Vincent Dworonczyk, Pfc. Stanley Jaroszewski, Pfc. Stanley Przytula and Edward Dobrucki, Coxswain. (These surname-only rosters were transcribed from a low-resolution scan; some spellings are approximate.)
Parish news: on October 15th a fire broke out in the Sisters’ Home adjoining the Convent; the Camden Fire Department quickly extinguished the blaze and all 24 Nuns are temporarily quartered in the Convent proper. On December 3rd the Most Reverend Bartholomew J. Eustace, Bishop of Camden, will administer the Sacrament of Confirmation in this Parish. — The Service Bureau of St. Joseph’s Church, Msgr. Arthur B. Strenski, Chairman.
St. Joseph's Parish Bulletin — February 7, 1945
Service Bureau of St. Joseph’s Church, 1010 Liberty Street, Camden, N.J. (Vol. IV no. 1) — Rt. Rev. Msgr. Arthur B. Strenski, Chairman; Rev. Leon S. Winowicz, Rev. Lawrence Faber and Rev. Henry Blaszczynski, Vice-Chairmen.
Encouraged by the splendid manner in which you received our Bulletins in the past, we hope that this first Bulletin of 1945 provides you with interesting and enjoyable reading. We salute all who are so courageously and gallantly fighting at the various battlefronts and enduring such tremendous sacrifices to bring about an early victory. The fall of Germany is imminent and Japan’s end comes closer with each day. More than 1200 packages were sent overseas and in the States for the Christmas holidays. Judging from your letters it appears that you enjoyed the package and put its contents to good use. A collection taken in Church on January 28th amounted to $511.07.
Statistics: the files of the Service Bureau indicate that there are 1542 men and women of St. Joseph’s Parish in the Armed Forces — deceased 20; missing in action 5; prisoner of Japan 1; prisoners of Germany 2; interned 2; women in service 25.
In Memoriam
Private First Class ANTHONY BIBINSKI, 26, the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Fulgence Bibinski, of 1235 Lansdowne Avenue, was reported killed in action in France on November 20th. He had been overseas for a year and participated in the Anzio beach drive and the fight toward Rome, and had been wounded three times. Anthony attended St. Joseph’s Parochial School and Hatch Junior High, and before entering the service was employed at the John R. Evans Co. A Solemn Mass of Requiem was celebrated on December 23 in St. Joseph’s Church.
Sergeant JOHN MLYNARCZYK, 25, of 1333 Princess Avenue, was reported killed in action on October 25th, 1944, on Leyte Island, according to a telegram received by his wife in the first week of December. He received his elementary education in St. Hedwig’s Parochial School in Wilmington, Del., and later the family moved to Camden. Besides his wife, he is survived by his father, John, and a two-year-old son.
Sergeant STANLEY F. PRZYTULA, 20, son of Mrs. Michalina Przytula, of 1521 Newport Street, was reported killed in action on January 20th, 1945, in Luxembourg. He had been wounded previously and spent three months in a hospital in England before returning to action on September 7th. He attended St. Joseph’s Parochial School and Camden High School. Besides his mother, he is survived by a sister, Mrs. Joan Kozlowski.
We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved parents and families and pray that God have mercy upon their souls and grant them an abundant eternal reward. The Service Bureau of St. Joseph’s Church sent a letter of sympathy to the bereaved families in the name of all you men in Service.
Reported missing in action: Private JOSEPH F. MURAWSKI, 30, of 1212 Louis Street, since December 19th in Luxembourg; and Lieutenant JOHN MOSES, 26, of a bombing squadron, since September 18th, 1944 over Rimini, Italy — both were later confirmed to have been killed. Also reported missing were Sergeant Edward L. Ramowski, of 1404 Rose Street, in France since December 23, 1944, and Joseph Matyjasik, 20, of 1407 South 10th Street, in Luxembourg since December 17th.
Among those reported wounded are: Lt. Leon Deets, Pfc. Edwin Poplawski, Pfc. Stanley Wojciechowski, Henry Grzeczkowski, Sgt. Theodore Bogacki, Stanley Jaroszewski, Frank Chrzanowski, Joseph Kwiatkewski, Matthew Pawlowski, Edward Szmele, Theron Wm. Bull, Joseph Dmochowski, Edward Dobrucki, Theodore Gawel, Henry Zbieratzki, Myron Nicgorski, Anthony Wysocki and Walter Oskiera. (This surname-only roster was transcribed from a low-resolution scan; some spellings are approximate.)
SOCIAL FUNCTIONS
The Sodality of the Blessed Virgin Mary held its annual Christmas Dance on December 26, 1944. The Holy Name Society staged its yearly New Year’s Eve Frolic on the Eve of 1945. Both affairs were well attended and the profit realized was commendable. Your absence was most noticeable, but we do hope to have you with us for all future dances.
On January 14th, the Holy Name Society of St. Joseph’s Church received Holy Communion in a body and had its quarterly Communion breakfast in the Parish Hall. A Junior Holy name Society has recently been organized with a charter membership of 85.
A Parish Supper - Kolacja Oplatkowa - was held on Sunday evening, January 14th, under the auspices of the Rosary Society at which more than 300 guests enjoyed the delightful traditional meal which more than 300 guests enjoyed the delightful traditional meal [sic] and were entertained with a program presented by the school children. Mrs. Margaret Siuda, age 94, the oldest Parishioner, was the guest of honor and with tear stained eyes of joy received a bouquet of roses and felicitations from the kiddies.
On Sunday evening, January 28th, the pupils of St. Joseph’s Parochial School, together with their parents, conducted the second of a series of Card Parties. It proved to be an enjoyable and successful evening for all and $894.83 [illegible] was realized for the benefit of the School.
VITAL STATISTICS
220 infants were baptized in St. Joseph’s Church in 1944.
10 Converts were received in the Church.
73 Couples received the Sacrament of Matrimony.
67 Funerals of parishioners were conducted during the past year.
Those who pledged their marriage vows since our last quarterly reported are: John Malik and Florence Lubonski; Casimir Kobylinski and Ruth [illegible]; Walter Filipkowski and Eleanore Baldyga; Emilio DiMatteo and Genevieve Dutkiewicz; Stanley Gorecki and Elsie [illegible]; Jacob McQuate and Hedwig [illegible]; Ralph Wyman and Frances [illegible]; Robert Murray and Irene Jablonski; Clayton Lindgren and Helen [illegible]; Harold Meluski and Helen Rogalski; Sigismund [illegible] and Genevieve Konefal; William Mickiewicz and Eleanore Mickiewicz; Herbert Schmidt and Regina Siecinski; Stanley Kutylowski and Helen Shuler. Most of the grooms are in the Armed Forces. To all we extend congratulations and best wishes.
Since our last report the following parishioners departed from this world: John Toczylowski, John Bogacki, Jacob Grajek, Thomas Nowinski, John Cepczynski, Edward Owsianka, Mary Zawistowski, John Gasiorowski, Victor Mroczkowski, Joseph Gledryc, Frank Wylupek, Adam Wojciechowski, Walenty [illegible], Catherine [illegible], Boleslaus Kotwicki, Nicholas Bogdan, Bronislawa [illegible], John Nowak, Frank Romanski, John Galecki, and Mary Karwowski. To the men in the Armed forces and to the families mourning the loss of their loved ones, we extend our most heartfelt sympathy. May God have mercy upon their souls.
A huge new heating furnace has been recently installed in the school to guarantee warmth for the kiddies during these cold winter days.
Progress is being made in the renovation of the convent and the good sisters are looking forward to Spring to occupy their new quarters.
The Christmas Collection of 1944, amounting to $6,446.77, was the greatest in the annals of the Parish.
St. Joseph's Parish Bulletin — VE Edition, May 1945
Page 1 — pastoral letter, announcements, marriages (marriage list cache-only, tentative)
V-E Edition. Dear Members:
When this bulletin reaches you we hope and pray that the dawn of a lasting peace will have already been discernable on the horizon. You are gallantly fighting and undergoing sacrifices at the battlefront. With proud hearts we congratulate you sturdy men of this Parish fighting so valiantly with proven bravery and staunch courage. We, the Priests, Nuns and parishioners, on the home front, have you in mind and heart always. In Church and at home we pray for your safety and continued success. We also offer our prayers that this global struggle may soon end so that you may return speedily to your loved ones safely and happily. That long-awaited and joyous V-E Day inspired all to express heartfelt thanks to God and now we fervently pray for that complete Victory in the Pacific.
VITAL STATISTICS — With ’blessed events’ occurring now and then, we wish to inform you that any of you who desire to be god-parents to a newly-born niece or nephew or others, that you may do so by proxy. The parents may notify the Priests of the Parish, naming you as a god-parent and having someone else substituting for you at the ceremony. We also wish to point out that if any records are needed, namely, baptismal certificates, marriage certificates, or other similar records, they will be sent to you on request without charge. Merely send in the necessary information with a forwarding address and it will be sent to you in few days. St. Vincent De Paul Society has organized a Consulting Board in order to assist the service men upon their return home relative to the G-I Bill of Rights. They will furnish the preliminary step and information for interrupted and postponed educational program, financing loans, unemployment, etc., which will be executed through the office of the Veterans Administration.
Those who pledged their marriage vows since our last report are:
Francis Kaniecki and Jennie Lubonski; Francis Bleja and Amelia D. McCrystal; Waclaw Stronski and Sophia K. Babiarz; Joe Ross Riggs and Irene H. Skierski; Alfred S. Zbikowski and Jennie S. Ryzinski; Joseph Milcarek and Valeria Fiderko; William Scholes and Eleanore Garbacki; John Wyzykowski and Cecelia Rapczynski; Mary Balwic and Chester Lubrant; Leon Pocholski and Irene Nowak.
The following have made marriage arrangements and will take their marriage vows in the near future: Walter Skiba and Eleanore Bonney; Bohdan Kozak and Helen Malachowski; Walter Wichowaniec and Rose Auramik; Edward Gorczynski and Adeline Bucci; Matthew Wnorowski and Clara Imielinski; Benjamin Bisaga and Laura Oksten; Joseph Bonk and Eugenia Gajewski; Leonard Kowalski and Wanda Ceciel; Stanley Zaleski and Jessie Kucinski. Most of the grooms are in the Armed Forces. To all we extend congratulations and best wishes.
Page 2 — In Memoriam (memorial notices)
PRIVATE FIRST CLASS ADAM D. [surname illegible in bulletin — identified via the WWII dead index as ADAM E. PIEKARSKI], 30, son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul [Piekarski] of [illegible] Thurman Street, was reported killed in Luxembourg, GERMANY. Born in Camden, November 22, 1914, he attended Bonsall School, was later employed by [illegible]’s Soup and New York Shipyard. He was inducted together with his brother, Joseph, December 4, 19[illegible], and both trained in Camp Maxey and Camp Swift, Texas. Adam then went on maneuvers in Louisiana where he was separated from his brother who was honorably discharged. Adam was sent overseas April 1944 with the Infantry. He was killed in action, November 26, 1944, few days after his 30th birthday and buried in Belgium. The Purple Heart was awarded posthumously to his Mother. Besides his mother and father, he is survived by another brother Stanley and a sister, Mrs. Mary Fischbach. Solemn Requiem Mass was celebrated on May 5, 1945 in St. Joseph’s Church. [/people/adam-e-piekarski/ — identity confirmed: Camp Maxey/Swift, Luxembourg, brothers Stanley & Joseph, sister Mrs. Mary Fischbach all corroborate; the bulletin’s “Thomas Street” is Thurman Street]
JOSEPH ROMANOWICZ, Cook 3/c, 21, was killed January 9, 1945 on Luzon, where he was serving aboard an LSM, according to word received by his mother, Mrs. Tillie Romanowicz of 1146 Sycamore Street. Mrs. Romanowicz has two other sons in the armed forces. They are Pfc. Henry, in New Guinea and Sgt. Matthew, in the Admiralty Islands. Joseph was an employee of the Philadelphia Navy Yard before entering service in December 1943. He had been overseas since last October. [WWII dead index: Edward Joseph Romanowicz, died 1945-01-09 — /people/edward-joseph-romanowicz/]
1st LIEUTENANT BRUNO S. ULAK, 30, son of Mr. and Mrs. Francis Ulak of 914 Atlantic Avenue, had been reported missing in action, then a prisoner of war and now as killed in action. Lt. Ulak was taken prisoner by the Japanese when Corregidor fell in 1942. He was being transferred from a Philippine Island prison camp, presumably to the Japan mainland, when the ship was sunk in the Pacific last August by American fliers. Besides his parents he is survived by a sister and a brother S/Sgt. Alphonse, who was with an Army anti-tank unit in Germany. Bruno was a graduate of Camden High and Lehigh University. He was an engineer when he entered the Army prior to Pearl Harbor. A Solemn Requiem Mass was celebrated in St. Joseph’s Church. [/people/bruno-s-ulak/]
STAFF SERGEANT THEODORE YURKIEWICZ, 22, son of Mr. and Mrs. Aloysius Yurkiewicz of 1557 Mt. Ephraim Avenue, has been reported killed in action. Previously the family received a telegram that he was missing in action October 9, 1943, the day on which British-based American planes flew across Europe to bomb Pomerania, East Prussia and other vital war centers in Northeast Germany. [WWII dead index: Teddy A Yurkiewicz, died 1943-10-09 — /people/teddy-a-yurkiewicz/]
PRIVATE FIRST CLASS RAYMOND A. SZWAK, 19, son of Mr. & Mrs. Stephen P. Szwak of 1234 Dayton Street, was reported killed in Germany on March 24. Raymond, a paratrooper, entered the Army in October 1943 and went overseas last January. Prior to joining the service he was employed at the Camden Pottery Co. [/people/raymond-a-szwak/]
PRIVATE EDWARD WIERCISZEWSKI, 26, son of Mr. and Mrs. Casimir Wierciszewski of 1111 Lowell Street, has been reported killed in action in Germany, April 13, according to a telegram received by his parents April 25th. Edward, born in Camden, attended Bonsall School, Hatch Junior High and Camden Vocational School. Before induction June 23, 1944, he was employed by the Glenn L. Martin Company in Baltimore. He was overseas four months. Besides his parents, he is survived by two brothers who are in service, Stanley and Henry, and a sister, Florence. Solemn Requiem Mass was celebrated on Saturday, May 26, 1945 in St. Joseph’s Church. [/people/edward-wierciszewski/]
We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved parents and families and pray that God have mercy upon their souls and grant them an abundant eternal reward. The Service Bureau of St. Joseph’s Church sent a letter of sympathy to the bereaved family in the name of all you men in service.
Page 3 — missing, wounded, statistics, social functions
LIEUTENANT STANLEY MROZ, 23, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Mroz of 1241 Chase Street, has been reported missing in action over Germany since March 15, 1945. Lieutenant Mroz was the pilot of a B-17 (Flying Fortress) bomber which departed from England on a bombardment mission to Berlin, Germany. From a letter received by the family from the War Department, reveals that during this mission over the target area, the planes were subjected to enemy anti-aircraft fire and Stanley’s bomber sustained damage. Subsequently the disabled craft dropped out of formation and began to lose altitude, although it was under control. From four to five parachutes were observed to emerge before Lieutenant Mroz’s Fortress was lost from sight. Lieutenant Mroz attended St. Joseph’s Parochial School, graduated as an honor student from Woodrow Wilson High School and before induction entered the University of Pennsylvania. Besides his parents, he has a sister, Alfreda, in the Waves and a brother Leonard. [not found in WWII dead index — likely survived]
LIEUTENANT RICHARD F. URBAN, husband of Mrs. Clara Urban, of 2992 Atlanta Road, has been reported missing since his eighteenth mission over Southern Europe March 20, 1945. Richard, a pilot of a B-17, is a former star of the Camden High School football team. Graduated High School in 1942, entered the University of Delaware but left at the age of 18 to enlist in the Army Air Force. During his flying he was awarded the Air Medal for sustained aerial flight and the Oak Leaf Cluster for meritorious achievement. The family received a letter from the flier’s chaplain which gave more details and hope. It was reported that after the plane was hit by German anti-aircraft fire while over Yugoslavia, eight men parachuted down from the stricken bomber. It is with a prayer and hope that Richard was one of the eight that left the crippled plane. We pray that by divine Providence they may soon be found. [not found in WWII dead index — likely survived]
PRIVATE HENRY C. MALESINSKI, 28, of 1166 Everett Street, was reported a prisoner of war in Germany after having been previously listed as missing, according to a telegram received by his wife, Mary. Henry, the father of a two year old son, entered the Army last March and went overseas in September.
Among those reported wounded are (surnames tentative at 800px): Pvt. Paul Kobylinski; Pfc. Vincent A. Rzeczkowski; Pvt. Zelon Lewandowski; Pfc. Walter E. Grochowski; Pfc. Henry B. Jablonski; Pfc. Zigmund J. Grygo; Sgt. Theodore E. Swack; Pfc. Richard P. Jablonski; and Edward Walat.
We are happy to report that S/Sgt. Matthew Wnorowski, a paratrooper, who at one time was reported missing in action and then as a prisoner of war, arrived home the week of May 7, 1945.
STATISTICS — The files of the Service Bureau indicate that there are FIFTEEN HUNDRED and SIXTY-EIGHT men and women of St. Joseph’s Parish in the Armed Forces.
Names on list 1568; Deceased 31; Missing in Action 7; Chaplains 2; Doctors 7; Women in Service 27; Wounded 40; Members having honorable or medical discharge 84.
SOCIAL FUNCTIONS — The Sodality of the Blessed Virgin Mary held its annual Easter Dance on Monday, April 2, 1945. The affair was well attended but your absence was greatly felt by all. On Sunday evening, April 15, 1945, the pupils of St. Joseph’s Parochial School, the kindergarten, 1st, 2nd and 3rd grades, conducted the third of a series of Card Parties. It was a successful evening for all and $1107.00 was benefited for the school. The First Sunday in May, St. Joseph’s Church was the setting for the traditional May Crowning. The altar and church were beautifully decorated with flowers and palms for the occasion. The multi-colored gowns of the Sodality girls formed the effect of a rainbow as they walked up the aisle, followed by the Queen who placed the crown on our Blessed Virgin Mary. The ceremony was one never to be forgotten and everyone attending prayed to Our Mother for an early Victory and return of our boys.
Page 4 — Mother’s Day, sports (omitted), priest news, closing
SPORTS
Baseball being in season, here are complete scores of local High school teams:
[Baseball scoring-record table — omitted; largely illegible at 800px.]
Sunday May 13, being Mothers Day, the Mothers of the Parish received Holy Communion in a body and had breakfast in the Parish Hall. In the evening, the school children presented a splendid program in honor of Mothers.
On Monday May 7, 1945 Reverend Leon S. Winowicz was appointed pastor of St. Michael’s Church, Gibbstown, N.J. Father Winowicz was born January 20, 1912. He studied for holy orders at St. Mary’s College, Orchard Lake, Michigan; at St. Bonaventure’s Seminary, Allegany, N.Y. and at Mt. St. Mary’s, Emmitsburg, Md. He was ordained May 1, 1937, by the Archbishop Kiley of Milwaukee, who then was bishop of Trenton. He served as assistant pastor at St. Theresa’s Church, Runnemede, then transferred to St. Joseph’s Church. Since last January 15, Father Leon has been acting as temporary administrator of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Berlin, during the absence of the pastor, the Rev. Thomas F. [Yirk?], who still is in Cooper Hospital as a result of injuries suffered in a traffic mishap. While with us here at St. Joseph’s, Father Leon had been active in various organizations in the Parish. He formed and earnestly worked in the Service Bureau, to make it the success which it is. The welfare of all the boys of the Parish in the Armed Forces was always uppermost in his mind. We are indeed sorry to lose Father Leon, not only as the priest we knew him to be, but as a friend to us all. We wish him success and happiness in his new appointment. Good luck, Father Leon, our prayers go with you.
With a prayer that Victory will be ours shortly we implore Almighty God and the Blessed Virgin Mary to guard and protect you from every spiritual and physical harm.
SERVICE BUREAU OF ST. JOSEPH’S CHURCH
Monsignor Arthur B. Strenski, Chairman.
Dear Members: When this bulletin reaches you we hope and pray that the dawn of a lasting peace will have already been discernible on the horizon. We, the Priests, Nuns and parishioners on the home front, have you in mind and heart always. That long-awaited and joyous V-E Day inspired all to express heartfelt thanks to God, and now we fervently pray for that complete Victory in the Pacific. The St. Vincent de Paul Society has organized a Consulting Board to assist the service men upon their return home relative to the G-I Bill of Rights. They will furnish the preliminary step and information for interrupted and postponed educational program, financing loans, unemployment, etc., which will be executed through the office of the Veterans Administration.
In Memoriam
Private First Class ADAM E. PIEKARSKI, 30 (the bulletin’s printed surname is illegible; identified from the Camden County WWII Dead index), son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Piekarski of Thurman Street, was reported killed in Luxembourg, GERMANY. Born in Camden, November 22, 1914, he attended Bonsall School and was later employed by Campbell’s Soup and the New York Shipyard. He was inducted together with his brother Joseph and both trained at Camp Maxey and Camp Swift, Texas. He was killed in action November 26, 1944, a few days after his 30th birthday, and buried in Belgium. Besides his parents he is survived by another brother, Stanley, and a sister, Mrs. Mary Fischbach.
JOSEPH ROMANOWICZ, Cook 3/c, 21, was killed January 9, 1945 on Luzon, according to word received by his mother, Mrs. Tillie Romanowicz of 1146 Sycamore Street. His brothers Pfc. Henry (New Guinea) and Sgt. Matthew (Admiralty Islands) were also in the armed forces. Joseph was an employee of the Philadelphia Navy Yard before entering service in December 1943.
1st Lieutenant BRUNO S. ULAK, 30, son of Mr. and Mrs. Francis Ulak of 914 Atlantic Avenue, had been reported missing, then a prisoner of war, and now killed in action. Lt. Ulak was taken prisoner by the Japanese when Corregidor fell in 1942, and was being transferred from a Philippine Island prison camp when the ship was sunk in the Pacific last August. A graduate of Camden High and Lehigh University, he was an engineer when he entered the Army prior to Pearl Harbor. He is survived by a sister and a brother, S/Sgt. Alphonse Ulak.
Staff Sergeant THEODORE YURKIEWICZ, 22, son of Mr. and Mrs. Aloysius Yurkiewicz of 1557 Mt. Ephraim Avenue, has been reported killed in action, after previously being reported missing October 9, 1943 during a raid on war centers in Northeast Germany.
Private First Class RAYMOND A. SZWAK, 19, son of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen P. Szwak of 1234 Dayton Street, was reported killed in Germany on March 24. Raymond, a paratrooper, entered the Army in October 1943 and was employed at the Camden Pottery Co. before joining the service.
Private EDWARD WIERCISZEWSKI, 26, son of Mr. and Mrs. Casimir Wierciszewski of 1111 Lowell Street, has been reported killed in action in Germany on April 13. Born in Camden, he attended Bonsall School, Hatch Junior High and Camden Vocational School, and before induction was employed by the Glenn L. Martin Company in Baltimore. Besides his parents he is survived by two brothers in service, Stanley and Henry, and a sister, Florence.
Reported missing in action: Lieutenant Stanley Mroz, 23, of 1241 Chase Street, pilot of a B-17 lost over Germany on a mission to Berlin since March 15, 1945, whose disabled craft, according to a War Department letter received by the family, dropped out of formation after anti-aircraft fire over the target area; and Lieutenant Richard F. Urban, husband of Mrs. Clara Urban, a former Camden High football star whose B-17 was hit over Yugoslavia March 20, 1945, with eight men seen to parachute from the stricken bomber.
Among those reported wounded are: Pvt. Paul Kobylinski, Pfc. Vincent A. Rzeczkowski, Pvt. Zelon Lewandowski, Pfc. Walter E. Grochowski, Pfc. Henry B. Jablonski, Pfc. Zigmund J. Grygo, Sgt. Theodore E. Swack, Pfc. Richard P. Jablonski and Edward Walat. We are happy to report that S/Sgt. Matthew Wnorowski, a paratrooper once reported missing and then a prisoner of war, arrived home the week of May 7, 1945. (The surname-only wounded roster was transcribed from a low-resolution scan; some spellings are approximate.)
On Monday, May 7, 1945, Rev. Leon S. Winowicz — who had been active in various organizations in the Parish and formed and earnestly worked in the Service Bureau — was appointed pastor of St. Michael’s Church, Gibbstown, N.J. He was ordained May 1, 1937, by the Archbishop Kiley of Milwaukee, who then was bishop of Trenton. “We are indeed sorry to lose Father Leon, not only as the priest we knew him to be, but as a friend to us all. We wish him success and happiness in his new appointment. Good luck, Father Leon, our prayers go with you.” With a prayer that Victory will be ours shortly, the bulletin implores Almighty God and the Blessed Virgin Mary to guard and protect the men in service from every spiritual and physical harm. — Service Bureau of St. Joseph’s Church, Monsignor Arthur B. Strenski, Chairman.
St. Joseph Church — Honoring Those Who Serve America
St. Joseph’s Parish in World War II — Photos: A slide presentation of photos of men and women who were serving with the United States armed forces during World War II. This presentation was compiled and first shown at St. Joseph’s Church in June of 2009 in commemoration of Armed Forces Day.
1943 Service Flag of St. Joseph Church
Memorial Plaque Inside of St. Joseph Church
Polish Heroes War Memorial at Cooper River Park
See also: A Self-Guided Tour of Saint Joseph’s Polish Church