The thoughts and writings of Fr. Lawrence E. Polansky, a Priest of the Diocese of Camden
Other Writings ...
Memorial Day, May 26, 2025 -- Continued
I have never served in one of the branches of our military, but it doesn’t mean my respect for those who did is any less because of it … in fact, knowing my Dad and all of my uncles and many of my older cousins have served, I have an even greater appreciation for those who willingly serve and have served to preserve the freedom we enjoy. And for me, Memorial Day Weekend is such a time to recognize those who have offered the greatest gift they possibly could, which is their lives, for the sake of others. For me, this weekend has little to do with the official beginning of summer, or backyard barbecues, the opening of the neighborhood swimming pool or the great sales at Macy’s … as it does the fact that we are able to do these things because others were willing to go through horrific things so that this constitutional republic may survive.
Granted, the videos below would be better in a Veteran's Day post, but I received the top one just before Memorial Day. I think Taylor's story is pretty incredible and it reminded me that those who serve and have served our country have often gone through a lot so that we can enjoy the freedoms we do.
Memorial Day, May 26, 2025
Growing up, Memorial Day always had a special significance for my family. More often than not, we would be visiting my grandmothers in Pennsylvania ... my Dad's Mom in Brockton, PA and my Mom's Mom in Barnesville, PA. My Dad and all four of his brothers served our nation in the Armed Forces. Two of my uncles were in the Normandy invasion and survived. My Uncle Joe, being in the cold Atlantic for so long a period of time would develop complications later in life with the circulation in his lower body and eventually his kidneys failed.
D-Day 2014 - A Young Boy Salutes and Keeps Vigil
Miles Eckert, a Gold-Star Kid, Pays It Forward - Part I
Miles Eckert, a Gold-Star Kid, Pays It Forward - Part II
Catholic Funeral Rites Info
Catholic parishes generally have their fair number of funerals each year. Priests and parishes are acutely aware of the need to help comfort families and to provide the necessary spiritual guidance at this most difficult time.
Some thoughts on the Sacrament of Anointing
There seems to be a lot of confusion regarding when a Priest should be called to visit someone.
In Memoriam ... Rev. Mr. Adam Scott Crowe - October 28, 1982 to January 27, 2009
This article was originally written shortly after Adam's death and updated in October 2018 ...