Nov. 4, 2015

By Michelle Beagle
Staff writer

Houseville - Bishop Terry LaValley traveled to St. Hedwig’s Parish Aug. 9 to concelebrate Mass and recognize the name change of the South Lewis Houseville Knights of Columbus to the Rev. Paschal Rys OFM Conv. Council #7794.

In 1979, Conventual Franciscan Father Paschal Rys moved from Alabama to fulfill the need of parish pastor at St. Hedwig’s in Houseville.  It was during his time at St. Hedwig’s that the concept of forming a Knights of Columbus Council to serve the southern parishes of Lewis County became a reality. 

Father Paschal took it upon himself to outreach to the men of the local parishes and discuss forming a local council that would engage members in community projects, deepen members spirituality and provide an excellent insurance program to its members. 

The priest truly believed in the worth of the Knights of Columbus and encouraged the men of the parish to join.  The council was formed in 1981 with the charter dated April 24, 1981. 

The following men are listed on the charter; Rev. P. Rys, T. Bielecki, W. Cavanaugh, R.U. Czerwinski, J.J. Domagala, J. F. Duppert, W. T. Finanagan, R. F. Gordon, M.H. Higby, R.R. Higby, S. F. Hutchins, N.R. Hutt, B.J. Jarecki,, A.A. Karelus, M.J. Kenealy, D.N. Kraeger, J.E. Kurilowicz, D.F. Moltz, W.H. O’Brien, J.P. O’Rourke, J.W. Russell, R.G. Stoffel, G.M. Stoffle, C.J. Sullivan, M.A. Sullivan, M.J. Sullivan, R.A. Sullivan, A. Swiernik, M.P. Szalach, H.T. Tarasek, and B.S. Young.

To save parishioners money, monthly meetings were held in the basement of the rectory where Father Paschal had made repairs to facilitate the meetings and enhance members comfort.  By this step they were able to save heat in the church proper during the cold winter months.  Father also purchased six sets of regalia including the capes, swords and feather chapeaus for the members use. 

Dynamic priest
Father Paschal Rys was a very dynamic and engaging individual who truly followed the charisma of the Franciscan Friars. 

During the 1950’s, ‘60s and ‘70s he was involved in the Civil Rights movement in Alabama where he was serving as a priest to a Black Catholic parish.  He walked with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the March to Selma.  Father Paschal stood with Robert Kennedy at the entrance of the University of Alabama as federal troops enforced the university’s integration.

One time he reiterated a story where the Ku Klux Kan had burned a huge cross in the front garden of his mission church in Alabama. 

He worked tirelessly for equal rights of citizens and helped with the integration of the Boy and Girl Scouts of America.  One of his favorite phrases was, “We shall overcome.”

Gifted artist
At one time as Father Paschal was attending college he worked as a window-decorator for Macy’s Department Store.  He was a very talented artist. 

To visit St. Hedwig’s at Christmas or Easter one could be assured of beautiful decorations Father Paschal provide enhancing the celebration. 

At Easter, he would decorate the side altar artfully making it look like a tomb and placing lilies around it.  One could truly sense the Holy Spirit while sitting in front of the altar.

Father Paschal loved people and people loved him.  He wanted all to live in unity in God’s love and help each other.  He was a multifaceted individual and his charisma drew people to him.

He was also known as mystic.  One time when he was hospitalized for his heart condition he was experiencing a particular rough patch.  He felt he may not make it out of the hospital.  However, in the middle of the night he called for the nurse and asked for a piece of paper and a pencil.  What transpired was a beautiful sketch of Jesus. Later when he returned to the altar he would bring copies of the sketch back to give to his parishioners.  He would later say that he felt Jesus’ presence and that he needed to place on paper the image he saw. 

When Father Paschal died on March 4, 2013 he passed while praying the rosary as his Franciscan brothers sang Salve Regina.

K of C honors
It is no wonder that the Knights of Columbus South Lewis Chapter would want to rename their council in his honor.

The resolution letter for a name change was dated February 9, 2014 and on August 30, 2014 the letter was received from the Bishop that the Knights could move forward on their request. 

To rename a council is no easy task.  It is a very lengthy and time consuming process.  First, the individual has to be deceased. Royal Kreager a Knight started pursuing the process after Father Paschal’s death.

One has to come up with a resolution to present to their council. The council then discusses the proposition and it has to be accepted by its members.  Then every member of the council has to be informed by written letter the date and time to have a vote on the proposition.  Minutes are kept and approved. 

Because he was a priest, the diocese has to grant permission before it is passed up the chain of command.  As

Father Paschal was on loan to the diocese from the Order of Franciscan Minor whose Provincial headquarters is in Ellicott City, Maryland permission also had to be obtained from the Provincial Minister. 

After all these approvals were obtained then the request is forwarded to the State chapter of the Knights of Columbus, onto the Supreme Knight, and then finally to the Board of Directors for approval.

A day of celebration
For the Aug. 9 Mass, Bishop LaValley was joined at the altar by Msgr. Paul Whitmore, Father Christopher Carrara, Franciscan Father James McCurry, provincial minister, and Deacon Ronald Pominville.

Courtney Ebersol served as altar girl and gifts were delivered to Bishop LaValley with the presentation of flowers by Megan Klossner and Megan Ebersol.  Pabka bread and salt were presented to the Bishop by Brianna Finn and Macie Szalach.The presenting of flowers, Pabka bread and salt is a Polish custom as a greeting of affection and hospitality.  The music for the liturgy was provided by Fausta Post and Tom Kalamas. 

A dinner in the church hall, served by the ladies of St. Hedwig’s Sodality, followed the Mass.

Deacon James Chaufty, the Grand Knight, presented John Domagala, 3rd Degree Knight with an Honoree Life Membership.  Mr. Domagala has been a member of the Knights since its inception in 1981.

He told the North Country Catholic that being a Knight gave him “a sense of belonging and brotherhood.  It is a positive fellowship that helps deepen the spiritual life, he said.

Father McCurry of Ellicott City, Maryland spoke of his remembrances of Father Paschal and his many achievements. 

Also during the program, Bishop LaValley blessed the kitchen that had just recently remodeled and also named in honor of Father Paschal Rys.