Meeting of the Future Leaders of Polonia Proves to be a Great Succcess
On August 26 to August 28, 2010, a Youth Leadership Conference, organized by the National Polish Apostolate Committee affiliated with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, was held at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown, PA. It was the first-ever meeting of its kind, a program for Polish American youth to become leaders in Polonia. The theme was “Building on the Past - Deciding Our Future”. Almost 20 young adults participated, ranging in age from 16 to 29 years old, some of whom came recently from Poland, some whose parents immigrated to the United States, and some who are 3rd generation Americans of Polish descent.

Representatives from the Polish American Congress, Polish National Alliance and the American Institute of Polish Culture were present to eagerly listen to suggestions from the young generation regarding how to incorporate programs adapted to the interests and needs of Polish American youth. The conference was hosted by Msgr. Anthony Czarnecki, National Coordinator of the Polish Apostolate Committe and Msgr. Peter Zendzian, Vice President of the Polish American Priests Association and member of the Polish Apostolate Committee.