Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:

This year, in June I was elected as a new president of the John Paul II Foundation Friends Chapter in Chicago. Today, I would like to bring your attention to several important issues that will contribute to results and achievements of our joint action, which you could be proud of.

And, this is an important task as we must remember that we support the work of John Paul II jointly with people from 17 countries on four continents. Please recall that only in the U.S. exist 14 Chapters of the John Paul II Foundation Friends. Our ambition is that Chicago will stand out among them. I’m confident that we will do everything in this noble competition, which is after all to the good of other people, to be at the top.

I’m very thankful to the former Board for their work. We will use your expertise, we will ask you to continue to support the activities of the Chapter, as only by joining forces we can effectively carry out our mission.

New management full of optimism undertakes the new responsibilities. Here is a list of the individuals who want to offer their efforts in tribute to the Pope John Paul II:

Elizabeth Ceisel-Mikowska - President
Fr. Miroslaw Bozek, SJ - Chaplain
Stanislaw Maleta - Vice President
Jacek Swierczak - Vice President
Marta Krupa - Secretary
Zofia Kass - Financial Secretary
Zofia Swierczak - Treasurer

Audit Committee:
Marian Skawski - Chairman
Barbara Kozuchowska
Zofia Mazurek

Board Members:
Dr. Michal Adamczyk
Fr. Zdzisław Torba
Danuta Peszynska
Maria Deren
Bogdan Ogorek

Honorary Board Members:
Arkadiusz Walinski
Wladyslaw Rymsza
Marian Skawski
Zbigniew Karas
Janusz Boksa

Being a member of the Foundation carries responsibilities. I know that they are less popular, that we tend to put them a side, but we have to admit that meeting certain organizational requirements that a membership in any organization entails, brings also great satisfaction. Therefore, individuals who are interested in membership in our John Paul II Foundation Friends Chicago Chapter should call us by dialing (773) 216-9400. We will be happy to answer any questions, provide information about the Foundation, inform about our objectives and tasks, as well as about our actions and future goals. We encourage and welcome everybody.

The Foundation exists for 30 years. Our Board is just undertaking the new responsibilities. We will draw from the best examples, but we also would like to offer such forms of action, which will not only gain your approval, but in which you will happily participate. Certainly, together we can do a lot. We are confident that we are able to mobilize ourselves and in an excellent atmosphere work for the Foundation. We will have a lot of opportunities. Meetings, celebrations, Holy Masses will provide opportunities not only to pray, but also to celebrate our achievements. All are welcomed; come with loved ones and introduce them to your friends who are already active in the John Paul II Foundation Friends Chapter, as hundreds of thousands of people around the world!

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Ceisel-Mikowska
President

Chicago, August 25, 2011