The Young Men’s Society of the Resurrection (Towarzystwo Młodzieży Zmartwychwstanie) was formed in 1914. The preamble to the Society’s Constitution states that the youth of the Church should never lose its ties with past generations. This organization, started by Prime Bishop Franciszek Hodur, was originally focused on patriotic activities in pursuit of Poland’s resurrection as a free and independent state. Its mission included maintaining links between generations of church members, enhancing the personal lives of members as well as mutual aid to members in case of illness or disability, and the hardening of the body through games and sports, in line with Christian morality.
Today, the organizations mission is much the same. It unites the men of the PNCC in the endeavor of the perfection of a Christian life. It promotes fellowship through various activities such as fund raisers, dinners, outings, and various recreational activities.
Its members are the hard working core of almost every parish in the PNCC. These men perform many of the important physical and fundraising tasks of each parish. Their efforts are in support of the youth programs of the PNCC including the annual bowling tournament, the Zlot annual track and field meet, the annual KURS youth retreat at the Bishop Hodur Retreat and Recreation Center in Waymart, Pennsylvania, and in coordination with the Polish National Union of America, the annual St. Stephen’s Day celebration for the Church’s young.
To join the YMSofR, one must be a member of a PNCC Parish and at least 15 years of age. Branches exist in almost every PNCC Parish. The organization’s overall governance rests with the Central Committee of the YMS of R headquartered in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
The Hymn of the YMS of R (to the music of “La Marseillaise”):
Forward, O Youth!
[audio:http://www.ymsrbowl.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/France.mp3]Forward, O Youth, arise with lively stride,
And stir the embers of your deeds,
To labor no one can compel you;
But in just victory believe.Lift up your hearts and arms to heaven,
To your creator guide your course.
All thoughts of Him do fly,
With deeds your lives imply.
To God turn in humble remorse.
Naprzód Co Żywo!
Naprzód co żywo, o młodzieży,
Ogień z twych czynów święty krzesz!
Do pracy nikt cię nie ubieży,
W zwycięstwo dobra mocno wierz![Refren…]
Wznieś w górę serca i ramiona,
Ku Stwórcy kieruj drogę swą,
Myślą ku Niemu leć,
Czynem w swym życiu świeć,
Kórz się przed Bogiem cichą łzą!Młodość, pamiętaj, prędko minie,
Zostanie ledwo mglisty ślad,
Ale coś zdobył nie zaginie,
Tylko utwierdzi wieczny ład.Wznieś w górę serca… (refren)
Pokusy życia wnet uderzą,
Ukażą zwodny szczęścia kraj,
A może oczy twe uwierzą,
Że ci się ziszcza ziemski raj.Wznieś w górę serca… (refren)
Lecz ty odepchnij te ułudy,
Nie wierz w zwodnicze, marne sny.
Jak stal hartownym bądź!
Zmysłami swymi rządź!
Choć nieraz płyną gorzkie łzy.Wznieś w górę serca… (refren)