DIRECTORY INDEX
INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS
Bartnikowski, Stanley ........................................ 26 Bartosiewicz, Roger .......................................... 26 Bednarczyk PhD, Adam ..................................... 14
Bielamowicz, Jerome ......................................... 26
Burzynski, MD, PhD, Stanislaw ........................ 14
Cebrowski, John ................................................. 14
Cieslak, Ted ....................................................... 14
Conger, Marilyn ................................................. 26
Coughlin, Laura ................................................ 26
Dryden Bielecki, Erica ....................................... 15 Dryden, Jola ....................................................... 15
Dryden, Thaddeus..............................................15 Ellisor, Jane ........................................................ 15
Jachimczyk, Most Rev. George Michael ............ 16 Kowalik, George ................................................ 17 Kubiak, Denis ....................................................16 Kraus, Genny Kosub .......................................... 16 Kurtin, Michael .................................................. 18 Malak, Clara ....................................................... 18 Mazik, Nicholas ................................................. 18
Allen ................................................. 26 Opiela, Eric ........................................................ 26 Ostrowski, Tom ................................................. 26
Pavlock, James ................................................... 26
Rapstine, Carolyn .............................................. 19
Schirmer, Mary Ann .......................................... 20
Skrobarcek, Deborah ......................................... 26 Stephens, Elaine Mazurek.................................. 20 Walicki, Mark George ........................................ 20 Wojcik, Zbigniew ............................................... 20
FAMILY MEMBERS
Czyz, Joseph ....................................................... 21
George .................................................. 21
POLISH AMERICAN COUNCIL OF TEXAS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dr. Adam Bednarczyk
Susie Kotara
Genny Kraus
Michael Kurtin
Susan Moczygemba-McKinsey
Jola Mazewski-Dryden
Dr. Jim Mazurkiewicz
Margaret Meub
Bradley Mushinski
Eric Opiela
Dr. Waldemar Priebe
Joanna Sikorski
Elaine Mazurek Stephens
Hanna Tomaskiewicz
John Wojtasczyk
John Zientek, Jr.
AFounder: Bishop John W. Yanta D.D.
OFFICERS 2026
President - Dr. Jim Mazurkiewicz
1st Vice President - Eric Opiela
2nd Vice President - Elaine Mazurek Stephens
3rd Vice President - Jola Mazewski-Dryden
Secretary - Susan Moczygemba-McKinsey
Treasurer - John Wojtasczyk
Youth Directors:
President of the University of Texas Polish Club, Klaudia Misztal
President of the Texas A&M Polish Association, Daniel Evans
Directory/Membership Chairman: Elaine Mazurek Stephens
s Texas Polonia continues to grow, the leadership of the board and of our members of the Polish American Council of Texas (PACT) have made a tremendous impact. Our organization is blessed to have many talents representing all four immigrations to Texas by providing their unique insight and understanding. The PACT’s vision of furthering the knowledge of Polish culture, traditions, history, language, arts, current affairs, and statewide events in Texas has gained attention among Polonia in Texas, nationally and abroad. We must continue to invest in our youth, appreciate each other and work together as one Polonia to be relevant, respected, sustainable and effective. Our diversity gives us breadth and our solidarity makes us strong. “Be not afraid.”
— Dr. Jim Mazurkiewicz, President Polish American Council of Texas
Our accomplishments for 2025 are eight pages long! Please visit our website to take a look at how busy we have been! https://pactx.org/about/
4 Major Waves of Polish Immigration to Texas
I Silesia Region (Prussian partition) since 1854
II Wielkopolska / Kujawy (Prussian partition) 1867 and Malopolska / Galicia (Austrian partition) since 1880
III All of Poland due to World War II since 1939 and Marshall Law since 1981
IV All of Poland and from California, the US Mid-West and East Coast since 2000-present
I – II wave “za chlebem” (for bread) III wave “powojenna i solidarnosciowa” (WWII and Solidarity) IV wave “gospodarcza” (economic)
Member Events in Texas 2026
Please check the Member website for details and up-to-date information. Check www.PACTX.org for more events.
January
1 RENEW PACT
Membership
4 Oplatek Parafialny, Our Lady of Czestochowa, Houston
11 Jaselka Nativity Play, Polish School and OLOC, Houston
14 Virtual Presentation with Dr. James Pula, Polish Heritage Center, Panna Maria
17 Third Annual Czarnina Cook-Off, St. Joseph’s, Stoneham
31 DEADLINE for Events and Ads in PACT Directory
February
7 Carnival Ball for Children, Polish School, Houston
12 Tłusty Czwartek –Fat Friday Polish pączki competition, El Paso
14 Carnival Ball for Adults, Polish School fundraiser, Houston
14 Valentine’s Day Dumpling Party, Gen. Casimir Pulaski Society, El Paso
17 Mardi Gras with Polish Herring, Gen. Casimir Pulaski Society, El Paso
19 Virtual Presentation with Dr. Mark Pienkos, Polish Heritage Center, Panna Maria
26 Scholarship Application Deadline, Polish Heritage Center, Panna Maria
March
3 Casimir Pulaski Day 6-9 Borderland Chopin International Competition, El Paso
6 Polish music concert featuring AllDęte & Krzysztof Meisinger, Houston
7 Annual White and Red Gala w/ AllDęte, Polish Heritage Center, Panna Maria
8 International Womens’ Day, El Paso
8 AllDęte Performance, Austin
9 AllDęte School Performance, Falls City
10 AllDęte School Performance, Yorktown
22 Annual Spring Festival, St. Stanislaus Kostka, Anderson
26 Virtual Presentation with Dr. Piotr Przybylski, Polish Heritage Center, Panna Maria
29 Palm Sunday Beautiful Palm Contest, Our Lady of Czestochowa, Houston
April
4 Easter Egg Hunt, Our Lady of Czestochowa, Houston
4 Easter Blessing of the Foods, Gen. Casimir Pulaski Society, El Paso
17 Deadline for Moczygemba Foundation Scholarship applications
19 Msgr. Kurzaj Birthday & Ordination Anniversary, Father Leopold Moczygemba Fdn., Floresville
26 San Luis Jamaica, Holy Cross, Yorktown
28 Virtual Presentation with Mark Dillon, Polish Heritage Center, Panna Maria
TBA Egg Hunt, Polish School, Dallas
TBA Spring Camping, Polish School, Dallas
May
1-3 Spring Polish Festival, Our Lady of Czestochowa, Houston
2 Art Contest Awards, Polish Heritage Center, Panna Maria
2 Celebration of the Polish Constitution, Gen. Casimir Pulaski Society, El Paso
3 Nativity of the BVM, Annual Parish Picnic, Cestohowa
13 Virtual Presentation with Dr. John Radzilowski, Polish Heritage Center, Panna Maria
16 End of School Year, Polish School, Houston
17 Family Picnic, Our Lady of Czestochowa, Houston
20 Polish Marker Dedications, Hemisfair, San Antonio
24 Annual Bazaar, St. Joseph’s, Stoneham
TBA Bigos Cook-off, Austin Polish Society
TBA Majówka Picnic, Austin Polish Society
June
1 Dzień Dziecka, Polish Children’s Day, Gen. Casimir Pulaski Society, El Paso
21-22 Polski Dzień Festival, Bremond Chamber of Commerce
24 Jan Karski’s Birthday, 1914
27 Summer Classes begin, Polish School for Adults, Dallas Metroplex
TBA Vacation Bible School, Holy Cross, Yorktown
TBA Polish Cooking School I (four classes), Polish Heritage Center, Panna Maria
July
4 Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of our new Homeland, El Paso
TBA Summer Camp, Polish School, Houston
More events on page 6
Member Events in Texas 2026
Continued from page 5
July
TBA Polish Cooking School II, Polish Heritage Center, Panna Maria
TBA Polish Book Fair (Summer), Polish Heritage Center, Panna Maria
TBA Quarterly meeting for Lodge 163, Lodge 2336 and Council 182
TBA Polish National Alliance Golf Tournament
August
1 Warsaw Uprising Commemorations, Gen. Casimir Pulaski Society, El Paso
2 Community Picnic, St. Ann’s, Kosciusko
29 School Year 2-26/2027 begins, Polish School for Adults, Dallas Metroplex
TBA Summer Camp, Polish School, Houston
September
6 Annual Dożynki, St. Stanislaus, Chappell Hill
6 Annual Bazaar, St. Mary’s, Plantersville
6 Parish Picnic, Holy Trinity, Falls City
13 Parish Festival, Holy Cross, Yorktown
30 Deadline to pay dues to vote at PACT Annual Meeting in Houston
TBA Polish Harvest Festival Dożynki, Our Lady of Czestochowa, Houston
TBA Virtual Presentation with Dr. Anna Kirchmann, Polish Heritage Center, Panna Maria
TBA Fall Camping, Polish School, Dallas
October
11 Annual Homecoming and Turkey Dinner, Immaculate Conception, Panna Maria
11 Annual Homecoming and Bazaar, St. Stanislaus
Kostka, Anderson
18 Annual Turkey Dinner & Social, Nativity of the BVM, Cestohowa
TBA School Reunion, Polish School, Houston
TBA Giving Garden’s Fall Family Fun Night, Holy Cross, Yorktown
TBA Virtual Presentation with Jan Lorys, Polish Heritage Center, Panna Maria
TBA Annual Polish Film Festival, Houston
November
1 Polish Zaduszki, All Saints Day
11 Polish Independence Day 11 Celebrating 108th Anniversary of Regaining Independence, Gen. Pulaski Society, El Paso
12 Virtual Presentation with Tom Lenkiewicz, Polish Heritage Center, Panna Maria
14 Polish American Council of Texas Annual Meeting, Houston
22 Turkey Day Celebration, Annunciation of the BVM, St. Hedwig
TBA Austin Polish Film Festival
TBA Annual Thanksgiving Brunch, St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, Dallas
December
4 Annual Gala, Polish American Chamber of Commerce TX, Houston
5 Catholic Daughters Santa Café & Craft Fair, Holy Cross, Yorktown
6 St. Nicolaus Day Picture with Santa, Our Lady of Czestochowa, Houston
19 Wigilia at the Polish School, Houston
26 Kolędowanie Christmas Caroling, St. Stanislaus, Chappell Hill
31 New Year’s Eve Party, Our Lady of Czestochowa, Houston
31 New Year’s Eve Party, Austin Polish Society, Austin
31 New Year’s Eve Party, St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, Dallas
TBA Texas A&M Polish Assn. and UT Austin Polish Club Christmas Party
TBA Virtual Presentation with Dr. John Hittinger, Polish Heritage Center, Panna Maria
TBA Ceremony of sharing the Christmas Wafer, Gen. Pulaski Society, El Paso
TBA Polskie Kolędy, Bremond
TBA Polish Home/PNA Annual Christmas Party, Houston
TBA Meeting with Santa, Polish School, Dallas
TBA Christmas Party, Polish School for Adults, Dallas Metroplex
COVER PHOTO: Polish American Council of Texas Annual Meeting, Nov. 15, 2025, in Panna Maria, Texas, under the same oak tree where Polish immigrant settlers held their first mass in 1854. Photo by Stan Aponiuk.
Members, submit YOUR Polish-related events by Jan. 31 to have them included in our next directory! www.PACTx.org
Scenes from Member Events 2025
Jagoda Polish Folk Dance Ensemble participated in the parade and
Dożynki Mass at Our Lady Of Częstochowa Church in Houston, Texas, 2025. PACT President Dr. Jim Mazurkiewicz welcomed everyone.
Scenes from Member Events 2025
East European and Eurasian Studies (CREEES). “Our K-12 Outreach Coordinator (in our very Eastern European-looking office) is sorting books for our upcoming educator workshop.
We’re proud to be a part of Hemispheres - University of Texas at Austin, a consortium of Centers at UT focused on preparing teachers to help students understand the relevance of cross-cultural experience.” June 2025.
April 2025 - The Father Leopold Moczygemba Foundation begins each annual Gala with Mass. The 2025 mass was held at St. Ann Catholic Church in Koscuisko, Texas. Msgr. Frank Kurzaj was the celebrant. Following the mass, the Gala was held in the Koscuisko Community Hall.
Scenes from Member Events 2025
Dr. John Corrigan, Director, and Emilia Piechota, Administrative Assistant, of the University of St. Thomas, Saint John Paul II Institute, on October 22nd, 2025, during the “St. John Paul II Feast Day” at the Link Lee Mansion (President’s Office), Univ. St. Thomas, Houston, Texas.
In Loving Memory of Father Bolesław Zadora, SDS. July 5, 1949 to Sept. 22, 2025
Father Zadora served 37 years at Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in St. Hedwig, Texas. He was born in Tokarivia, Poland in 1949 and ordained a Salvatorian priest in 1974. He served in Poland and Africa before coming to the U.S. in 1981. He was assigned to the Archdiocese of San Antonio in 1983 to help the Salvatorian community care for Polish immigrants in San Antonio, Austin, Fort Worth, and Amarillo. Father Bill also served in Kenedy and Kosciusko, Texas. He served in St. Hedwig from 1987 to 2000 and again from 2003 to 2024. During his long tenure at Annunciation parish, Father Bill oversaw the complete renovation of the church, buildings, cemetery, rectory, and grounds. The wonderful parish center dedicated to John Paul II was also built.
Bremond Polish Food Store offers food and groceries we all love, including
these Easter Mazurek cakes!
Susie Kotara, one of our PACT Directors, dances the Polonez with the Wawel Dance Group during the PACT Annual Meeting on Nov.
Scenes from Member Events 2025
The Polish Heritage Center in Panna Maria, Texas, hosted several Polish Cooking Classes in 2025. PACT Member, Apolonia Catering, provided the instructor for the pierogi-making class, but is not in this photo.
Dance Group Wawel performed at the PNA Polish Home Christmas Party in Houston. PACT Vice President, Jola Mazewski Dryden in the center.
Nov. 2025 - The Austin Polish Society Opening Gala for the 20th Austin Polish Film Festival included an unprecedented turnout for the screening of Chopin.
Gratulacje!
of La Vernia, Texas, is a student at Trinity University, San Antonio
Congratulations to the four winners of the 2025 PACT Scholarship Essay Contest! Each student received a $1000 scholarship, payable to their university.
of Tomball, Texas, is a student at Texas A&M University, College Station Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi College Station
Visit PACTX.org for contest details. We welcome donations to this scholarship fund. Donate at PACTx.org.
Ethan Martula – Treasurer
Vivian Trominski – Secretary
Keely Mikolajchak – Public Relations
Dr. Jim Mazurkiewicz — Advisor
Our Mission: To spread appreciation of Polish heritage in Aggieland and contribute to the greater Texas Polonia.
The
mission
of the POLISH CLUB AT UT
is to bring students together to learn about Polish history, culture, politics, language, and more.
The Polish Club at UT at “Sweet Treat Social” in collaboration with UT Russian Club and Texas German Club, in honor of Ostatki and Fat Thursday on February 4, 2026.
Klaudia Misztal, President
Alexander Gortych, Vice President
Julia Gonczar, Administrative Officer
Sanskriti Kothari, Administrative Officer
Polish Club members showing off pierogi they made at “Pierogi Cooking Class” with Apolonia Catering on October 26, 2025.
Instagram: @PolishClubatUT
Facebook: Polish Club at UT
Youtube: Texas Polish Club
The Polish Club at UT at Dr. Jim Mazurkiewicz’s annual Christmas Party in Bryan, Texas with Mr. Mateusz Morawiecki, former Prime Minister of Poland on December 6, 2025.
Jolanta A. Mazewski- Dryden
✦ Director – Polish American Council of Texas
✦ Fraternal Advisor – Polish National Alliance
✦ Sales Representative – Polish National Alliance Fraternal Insurance, www.pna_znp.org
✦ President, Polish Progressive Lodge 2336 & Council 182 Representative
✦ Polish Events and Happenings in Texas & Beyond
Immigrated from Poland in the early 60’s to Texas. Actively involved in the Polish community and organizations since the age of 5, performed with the Polish Eagle dancers for over 30 years. Held a variety of positions in the Polish community for five decades. Active promoter of the Polish culture, history, language, arts, and heritage via Polish displays throughout Texas. Involved in festivals, consumer events, bazaars, and private events. Does speaking engagements and TV promos. Check out Polish Events and Happenings in Texas and Beyond on FB for up-to-date info in the Polish community. Owns a consulting, PR, marketing, and event production firm – Dryden Event Productions. Contact: jolantonina@yahoo.com, 713-805-5810.
In Memory of Slotowski
Most Rev. George M. Jachimczyk
Metropolitan-Primate
American Orthodox Church
Dormition of Mary Monastery
Houston, TX 77041
713-690-1973
Genny Kosub Kraus
Mazurka Polish Dancer PACT Member
Nicholas Kubiak & Family Rockwall N Na a c czze eść n naasszzyycch h p poollsskkiicch h r rooddzziin n
Mikolaj Kubiak & Katherina Kuzniarek
We Remember and Honor Our Beloved Bremond Ancestors
W We e R Reemmeemmbbeer r a annd d H Hoonnoor r O Ouur r B Beelloovveed d B Brreemmoonnd d A Anncceessttoorrs s
Denis Kubiak Bremond
Denis Kubiak Bremond
Mrs. Helen Sla a (Slawkow) Talley - youngest daughter Bremond
Mikolaj Kubiak & Katherina Kuzniarek
Parents of Marcin Kubiak - standing
Parents of Marcin Kubiak - standing
Jan Slawkow & Marisa Filip On Wedding Day (date unknown)
Jan Slawkow & Marisa Filip On Wedding Day (date unknown)
Clara Malak
FAMILY NAMES ORIGIN
Buckner-Bochnia* Betno Bitz
Glisman Smogulec
Gopinska Smogulec
Hyman-Hajman* Smogulec
Kaminska Panigrodz, Poznan
Kuciemba Smogulec
Malak* Panigrodz, Poznan
Paszkiet Panigrodz, Poznan
Rosinka Naklo
Schmidt-Szmit Jaktorowa, Naklo
Tafelski* -- Jaktorowa
Wedrychowics Betno Bitz
*Lived in Walker – Montgomery Co., TX
Happy to be part of the PACT as it fosters continued interest in the wonderful Polish Heritage. — Sue McCarthy
Blessings om Susan MoczygembaMcKinsey
Panna Maria, TX
In memory of Gregory Allen Rapstine
1940-2024
Son of Benard & Mabel Mackey Rapstine and Grandson of Jerome & Mary Kowalik Rapstine of White Deer, Texas
Elaine Mazurek Stephens
In Honor of my Prussian/Silesian/Polish Ancestors who se led in Bandera, Texas in the 1850s
Mary Gruska & Thomas Mazurek
Jerzy-Piotr Walicki
who arrived in the United States from the region of Bialystock in Poland on October 27, 1949.
Born: June 28, 1920
Deceased: June 2, 2007
— Mark G. Walicki, son
Richard Walicki, son
Kristina Cashin, daughter
John Zientek Jr.
3rd generation In Memory of John and Stella Zientek
In Memory of Julia Ann Czyz, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.
December 7, 1940 –November 12, 2022
Memory of
Gabe & Bertha
In Memory Of
Hagan Dworaczyk & Pelagia (Wiatrek) Dworaczyk
Benedict Korzekwa & Hattie ( Korzekwa
St. Valentine Apiary
Honoring the Patron Saint of Beekeepers, Saint Valentine, by upholding the tradition of excellence in beekeeping and crafting exceptional products.
Sam Kotara
1948-2024
Farmer, Fire Fighter, Father, Faithful Friend
Husband, Handyman, Ham Operator, Historian Tour Guide, Tinkerer, World Traveler, Teller of Tall Tales
Brother, Board Member, Bishop’s Aide, Grandfather, Godfather, God-Fearing, Good, Good, Man
Kusinski Family
Dr. Greg Kusinski
General Manager Lithium Assets - Chevron Corporation
Hania Kusinski
Stevens Institute of Technology, Quantitative Finance ’28
Stephanie Kusinski President NovelMat Corporation
Amelia Kusinski
SR Episcopal HS, Miami University Ohio, Engineering & Finance, ’30
Descendant of Wielkopolska and Kujawsko-Pomorskie whose ancestors settled in Chappell Hill, Texas Washington County “The birthplace of Texas” in the 1880’s
Dr. Jim & Kathy Mazurkiewicz
President & PACT Board Member Director, Polish Heritage Center at Panna Maria
Board Member, Polish American Chamber of Commerce in Texas Professor, Regents Fellow & Leadership Program Director
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication
Texas A&M University
Agriculture and Life Sciences Building (1535) 600 John Kimbrough Blvd, 2137 TAMU College Station, TX 77843-2137
O: (979) 845-1554 C: (979) 229-8855 Jim.mazurkiewicz@ag.tamu.edu http://tall.tamu.edu
Adela Kusinski Sophomore, Episcopal HS ’28
Al & Angela Notzon
Angela and I will always cherish our friendship with Bishop John W. Yanta over many years. It has been an honor to serve with Bishop Yanta on the Board of the Polish Heritage Center at Panna Maria from the very beginning. Bishop Yanta’s vision, leadership, spirituality and support were the foundation upon which the Polish Heritage Center was formed. The Foundation Board is committed to follow his vision and continue to honor our ancestors and to implement the mission of the Polish Heritage Center: “to retain for posterity, and keep vibrant and relevant, the history, values, beliefs, customs and traditions of the Polish settlers and their descendants at this first and oldest permanent Polish settlement in America, and to inspire, engage, and educate the general public and future generations.”
We invite everyone to come and visit the Polish Heritage Center.
We give thanks to God, His Mother Mary, Bishop Yanta and all our donors, Board, staff and volunteers for sharing in Bishop Yanta’s vision.
Aloys J. Notzon, III Chairman, Polish Heritage Center Board of Directors
John & Denise SKROBARCZYK
5th generation descendants of immigrants
Josef & Joanna Skrobarczyk who arrived in Panna Maria in 1855
Christie Wojtasczyk; Descendants of Morawiecz, Schlesia, Pawlik, Hagel, Migura, Bednorz, Brzezina, Skrobarczyk, Grabon, Kowalik, Respondek, Czerner, & Ibrom
Thank you Bishop John Yanta for your vision of the Polish Heritage Center in Panna Maria, Texas
Lambert & Rosalie Titzman
Additional PACT Members
FAMILIES
Dr. Leon & Mrs. Alina Ordon Kundrotas
Dr. Waldemar Priebe
Mark & Zhanna Sikorski
INDIVIDUALS
Stanley Bartnikowski
Roger Bartosiewicz
Jerome Bielamowicz
Marilyn Conger
Laura Coughlin
Bradley Mushinski
Allen Oberweis
Eric Opiela
Tom Ostrowski
James Pavlock
Deborah Skrobarcek
The Church was founded in 1855.
Annunciation BVM Church
14011 FM 1346, P.O. Box 100 Saint Hedwig, TX 78152 210-667-1232 • FAX: 210-667-9088 annun@sthcc.org • www.sthcc.org Pastor:
Feast Day Celebration
Last Sunday in April beginning with Mass at 9:30 am
•Ognisko Bonfire - March
•Pisanki, Easter Egg Decorating - April
•Bigos Cook-Off - May
•Majówka Picnic - May
•Children’s Day - June
•Summer Potluck - July
•History Club - September
•Austin Polish Film Festival - November
•New Year’s Eve Party - December
St. John Paul II Parish Center
Polski Dzien
JUNE 26-27, 2026
ENRICHING THE LIVES OF ALL GENERATIONS WITH EDUCATION, TRADITION AND CELEBRATION OF OUR RICH POLISH HERITAGE!
The “Polish Capital of Texas” has been celebrating their Polish Heritage for over 30 years!
Come to Bremond for a Family Friendly Cultural Experience with Lots of Polish Food, Music, Dancing and More!
For more info visit our Facebook page.
The Father Leopold Moczygemba Foundation
In the early 1850s, Father Leopold Moczygemba, from Pluznica, Silesia, a region in Europe, now southwest Poland, came to south Texas to help his friends and families. He had encouraged them to move to Texas, settling in Panna Maria and many other Texas communities.
The Foundation sponsors an annual essay scholarship contest, and maintains two websites, resulting in the building of bridges and relationships between Silesia and Texas.
www.FLMFoundation.org www.SilesianTexans.com
Our Mission is:
•To strengthen and deepen the relationship between Texas and Silesia.
•To serve as a unifying instrument for the many individuals and families who find their roots in Silesia and foster among them an appreciation of their rich culture.
•To document the history of immigration from Silesia to Texas.
•To organize and sponsor cultural exchange between Texas and Silesia.
•To initiate contact between educational and cultural institutions of Texas and Silesia.
•To provide scholarship funding for those interested in promoting the cause of the Foundation.
The Father Leopold Moczygemba Foundation is a 501(C)3 nonprofit.
Saint John Paul II quote September 13, 1987: “In Poland, Panna Maria, Texas is very famous. Everyone knows of Panna Maria and those first Polish immigrants who responded to the call of their pastor and spiritual leader, Father Leopold Moczygemba. All of our great American Polonia credits its origin to you. Panna Maria, as the first nest built on American soil by Polish immigrants inspiring others to follow in your footsteps.”
Polish American Priests Association of Texas
HONORARY MEMBERS OF PACT
“The Polish American Council of Texas honors and prays for all Texas priests from Poland and those of Polish descent.”
On Oct. 27, 2025, members of the Polish American Priest Association of Texas met in Laredo, Texas.
THE POLISH HERITAGE CENTER
PANNA MARIA
THE POLISH HERITAGE CENTER AT PANNA MARIA
We are the destination for families, educators, students, researchers, and tourists interested in exploring this Polish American historical tribute.
THE POLISH HERITAGE CENTER AT PANNA MARIA
We are the destination for families, educators, students, researchers, and tourists interested in exploring this Polish American historical tribute.
Veterans & under 5 yrs. - FREE / 5-17 yrs. -$5 / Adults - $10 Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
We are the destination for families, educators, students, researchers, and tourists interested in exploring this Polish American historical tribute.
Veterans & under 5 yrs. - FREE / 5-17 yrs. -$5 / Adults - $10
Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. For group tours and event planning call ( 830) 310-8612
Veterans & under 5 yrs. - FREE / 5-17 yrs. -$5 / Adults - $10 Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. For group tours and event planning call ( 830) 310-8612
Polish School of Dallas
offers classes for children 4 and up. Students learn reading, writing, and speaking in Polish, the history and geography of Poland, as well as Polish culture and traditions.
Children and adults who do not speak Polish, learn Polish as a second language in two “Polish 101” classes. We prepare our students to Seal of Biliteracy exam.
For more information contact us at info@polishschooldallas.org or visit our website www.polishschooldallas.org.
Sacred Heart
HiStorical Society
“Thankful for our Polish ancestors”
Our Lady of Częstochowa window in Sacred Heart Church built in 1961.
P.o. Box 427 WHite deer, tx 79097
The Foundation volunteers care for the families from their arrival at Dallas airport until their departure. We are here to assist with any and all organizational aspects of their visits.
2026 marks the 10th anniversary of establishing the George Dąbrowski Small Big Hearts Foundation, a non-profit 501 c(3) organization. During that time period, we had more than 50 visits of families from Poland and other European countries, arriving in Dallas for very complex cranio-facial surgeries.
invited! 10th Anniversary Ball October 17, 2026 at the Dallas Palms Night of music, dancing, and awards!
Kosciusko, or more properly spelled Kosciuszko, was named for the Polish General Tadeusz Kościuszko when it was established March 12, 1880 by sixty-five Polish families. In 1892 a Polish Catholic school was built. The first Church was built in 1898. The people gathered together and with $2,000 built the first Church and named it St. Ann’s. The wooden church measured 80ft x 40ft.
830-745-2541
1st Sunday in August
St. Michael Catholic Church
The original St. Michael Catholic Church was the center of the third oldest parish in San Antonio, Texas, and a nucleus for the Polish people of the city. It began with the arrival of Father Vincent Barzynski of the Resurrectionist Order who was the earliest resident pastor. On November 18, 1866, the first Mass of the newly organized parish was celebrated in the San Fernando Cathedral. St. Michael’s divine services were initially held in a rented one-story, rock building owned by Emanuel Rzeppa.
In 1922, the original church was torn down and a larger edifice of white brick was erected. The cornerstone of this majestic church was laid on July 4, 1922, followed by the dedication on October 25, 1922. The blessing of the beautiful stained glass windows took place on December 2, 1923.
This historic church, with St. Michael the Archangel as its standard bearer, was demolished to make room for the 1968 HemisFair. Info courtesy of SilesianTexans.com.
Please see SilesianTexans.com for beautiful images and more information about this historic church.
The mission of the Polish Studies Initiative is to support The John Paul II Institute through the creation of extracurricular enrichment classes, events, and talks as well as the annual pilgrimage to Poland which is a capstone course and part of the curricular program of the John Paul II Master’s degree. This initiative includes developing courses, hiring faculty, and recruiting students for enrichment classes, including Polish language, history, and culture. In addition, the Polish Studies Initiative promotes the John Paul II Institute at the state, national, and international levels among the Polish diaspora and in Poland. To meet these needs the initiative charges course fees, applies for grants and forms relationships with donors and other institutes in the U.S. and Poland for the St. John Paul II Institute's Polish Studies initiatives.
St. Stanislaus Catholic Church
Pastor: Fr. Thaddeus Tabak, S.D.S. 9175 FM 1371, Chappell Hill, TX 77426 979-836-3030 • www.ststanislauschappellhill.org
Check the website for event dates.
Annual Homecoming Bazaar & Dożynki (Harvest) Mass & Celebration
1st Sunday in September Food, Games, Live Auction, Polish Music
Polskie Kolędy (Christmas Caroling) December
Polish Traditions, Polish Food, Polish Singing, Polish Music
MASS
Saturdays 6 pm Sundays 8 am
Poland-TALL Emerging Leaders Summer Internship Program 2026
PROGRAM PROPOSAL
Dates: June 1–26, 2026
Summer Session 1
Length of program: 4 weeks
Number of participants: limited to 10
Agricultural requirement: Each participant must be willing to live with a farm family.
Preference given to students majoring in Agriculture.
International requirements: passport
Earned credits: 3-6 hours
Dr. Jim Mazurkiewicz, PH.D. (W) (979) 845-1554 (C) (979) 229-8855
Jim.Mazurkiewicz@ag.tamu.edu https://tall.tamu.edu/
Applications may be made through the Study Abroad website: https://tamuabroad.via-trm.com/program_brochure/15688
Homemade
Located in Austin, TX
Owner: Asia Gonczar
www.apoloniacatering.com
apoloniacatering@gmail.com
Polak’s Sawsage Farm Restaurant
Polish Language School for Adults
Phyllis Kotara Barnes, Owner
Polonia Restaurant
Polish
as pierogi, golabki (cabbage rolls) original Polish sausage, bigos (hunter stew) golonka (pork shank) & much more
POLISH AMERICAN COUNCIL OF TEXAS
MISSION STATEMENT
PACT is a 501-C-3 non-profit organization established with the following mission: To further knowledge of Polish culture, traditions, history, language, arts, current affairs, and statewide events in Texas. To facilitate networking among Polish American groups in Texas.
WHO WE ARE
Our members include Polish American individuals, clubs, organizations, churches, professionals, societies, artists, genealogists, teachers, cultural events, businesses and more. We welcome you!
CONTACT US
Email: Office@PACTx.org
Web: PACTx.org
Facebook: PACTx
Twitter: @PolishAmerTX
Instagram: PolishAmerTx
All Members receive a free ad in our directory.
• Student - $20
• Individual - $50
• Polish Student Organization - $50
PO Box 42, Panna Maria, Join online PACTx.org Annual Dues
• Family - $70
• Organization/ NonProfit - $100
• Corporate/LLC - $100