HOLY CROSS PARISH COMMUNITY

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1 HOLY CROSS PARISH COMMUNITY Founded and Staffed by the Congregation of Holy Cross Visit us on Facebook at: Holy Cross Parish Easton, MA Mission Statement Holy Cross Parish, a community centered in the Eucharist, is committed in faith and love of Jesus Christ to fulfill the profoundly human and spiritual needs of its parishioners and the larger community it serves. We seek to inspire all, through deeds and by example, to do the work of Christ: to make God known, loved, and served. Pastoral Staff Fr. Brad Metz, C.S.C., Pastor Marie Chabot, Director of Faith Formation Gail Shea, Parish Secretary Fr. Jim Preskenis, C.S.C., Parochial Vicar Christopher Iannitelli, Director Of Music Paul Celia, Plant Manager Deacon George Zarella, Pastoral Associate Deborah Kelley, Finance Contact Information 225 Purchase Street Easton, MA Phone - (508) Web Address - Please submit bulletin notices to the office in writing by 9 a.m. on Tuesdays Office Hours Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Mass Schedule Saturday: 4:00 p.m. - Sunday: 8:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday - 9:00 a.m. Holy Days of Obligation - 9:00 a.m. & 7 p.m. Sacraments Baptism: Contact a member of the pastoral team to schedule a baptism for your child or for preparation for adult baptism. Sacrament of Christian Marriage: Please contact one of the priests eight months to a year in advance to schedule your wedding and begin preparations. Sacrament of Reconciliation: Saturday from 3:15-3:45 p.m. or anytime by appointment. Sacrament of the Sick: This sacrament is available to anyone who is ill. Please let us know if you or anyone you know is hospitalized or homebound. Welcome Please introduce yourselves and register in order to become a member of this community of believers. We welcome your gifted presence in the life of our parish.

2 HOLY CROSS CHURCH Dear Parishioners, It was a good but busy weekend last weekend. Saturday morning forty six second graders received God s love and grace through the forgiveness of their sins in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It was the first of hopefully many more times in their lives when they turn to Jesus for healing and strength when they make mistakes. It is also a reminder to all of us to take the opportunity to renew our trust in the sacrament. Each Saturday one of us priests is in the reconciliation room from 3:15-3:45 p.m. and available by appointment. Additionally during Lent one of us will open a Holy Hour on Saturday mornings at 10:30 a.m. and be available for confession until closing this prayer time in church at 11:30 a.m. I am hopeful this will be a great Season of Lent bringing us all closer to Christ. Also last Saturday afternoon and evening the second half of this year s Confirmation class gathered for their retreat in preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation on March 24 th. Many of you prayed with them at the 4:00 p.m. Mass. They reflected on where God has brought them in their first fifteen years of life, who God is for them now, and where God is calling them as they finish high school and head into the future with much hope and responsibility for themselves, their families and the future of the Church. Then on Sunday we welcomed ValLimar Jansen and her husband Frank as piano accompanist to Holy Cross for two very lively and spirited G.O.L.F. (Generations of Living Faith) sessions. Val led everyone through spoken reflections and songs to better understand the fundamentals of our faith and to literally experience God s love for us and our love for each other as she taught us body movements to the songs. Her rendition of How Great Thou Art at the conclusion of the story of creation shook the rafters! This is the third year we have brought in an outside presenter for the winter G.O.L.F. Session and each year the presenter has helped young and old deepen their faith. Another upcoming opportunity to deepen your faith is coming up on March 9 th at Stonehill College for the Women and Men s Conference. Please prayerfully consider signing up online at or by filling out and sending in an application available by the doors of the church. This year s conference is entitled, Living in the Light of Hope. Doors will open at 9:00 a.m. and the concluding Mass begins at 4:00 p.m. There will be dynamic presentations, interactive panel discussions, prayer, music, opportunities for Reconciliation and Adoration, lunch, and many Catholic vendors offering resources to enhance your prayer life and connect you more fully to life in the Church beyond Holy Cross Parish. Enjoy the upcoming week. Supposedly an early spring is on the way after this year s Ground Hog Day. All we can do is wait and see. God Bless, Fr. Brad Now, Master you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation (Luke 2:29-30) Where are we able to recognize Jesus presence in our lives? CALLING NEW GOD SQUAD MEMBERS!!! The God Squad is looking for people to join us. We are made up of families, single people, teens and really anyone who can help to clean our church. Our duties include vacuuming, dusting and changing the holy water among other things. Right now our 6 teams clean once every 6 weeks ie one team per week. We could extend this to once every 8 or 10 weeks with more people. Many hands make light work. Please consider helping us keep our church beautiful! Please recycle this bulletin. 2 Spotlight Request The Social Action Commission is excited to announce the addition of We Do Care to the ministry. We Do Care is an organization that assists young widows and widowers by providing peer support, care packages, and activities for their families. Right now they are in urgent need of gas cards and grocery gift cards for two young widows, one who is driving for Lyft to make ends meet. They are also in need of the following for their Gifts of Love Care Packages that are distributed in the month of February: aromatherapy oils and diffusers, fleece blankets, fuzzy socks, heatable stuffeds animals (at TJ Maxx), art supplies, and Legos. There is a bin set up in the vestibule for donations. Thank you for your generosity! Please contact Julie Brennan with any questions at JulieB@wedocare.org.

3 SOUTH EASTON, MA February 23 & 24 Monday, February 18, President s Day The parish office is closed. Tuesday, February 19 7p.m.: Bible Study Wednesday, February 20 9:30 a.m.: Coffee After Morning Mass 6 p.m.: Children s Choir Rehearsal Thursday, February 21 9 a.m.: Mass and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament 6:30 p.m.: Adult Choir Rehearsal Friday, February 22 9:30 a.m.: Bible Study Saturday, February 23 7:30 a.m.: Men s Cursillo Reunion Sunday, February 24 8:30 a.m.: Children s Liturgy of the Word 9:30-11 a.m.: Faith Formation, Section 2, Grades p.m.: Teen Ensemble Rehearsal 4-6:30 p.m.: Faith Formation, Section 2, Grades 6, 7, 8 4-6:30 p.m.: Confirmation Program, Grade 10 Looking Ahead February 26: Drug Abuse Prevention Open House, 7-8:30 p.m. March 15: Movie Night/Parent Drop Off Lectors Altar Servers 4 p.m. Diane Cheevers Bill Sullivan 8:30 a.m. Diane Jussaume Brian Sheehan 10:00 a.m. Joe Kennedy Greg Connly The parish office will be closed on Monday, February 18 th, in observance of Presidents Day. Friday, March 15 Parent Drop Off Night 5-9 p.m. Movie Night/Parent Drop Off teams up with Eagle Scout Fundraiser to benefit Holy Cross! Please support Anthony Calisi s Eagle Scout Project. Parent drop off! Movies/Games/ pizza/popcorn night for the kids. $15/child paid in advance, or $20/child at the door. Anthony will be selling tickets after the 4:00 mass on Saturday and after the 8:30 mass on Sunday. Please consider a donation to the St. Vincent de Paul Society baskets at the doors of the church as you leave today. Thank you for your support of our charitable works. 3 Communion Ministers Matt Leitzmann Marty Reynolds Ann Smith Claire Smith Harold Smith Joyce Isiminger Barbara O Donnell Sue Sessler Sid Smith Steve Torgerson Pat Brophy-Signori Rose Cappiello Ginny Croak Bob Cunha Donna Cunha Paul Giorgio Sean Kane

4 FEBRUARY 17, 2019 When you know of upcoming surgery, you can request to have Father Brad or Father Jim celebrate the Sacrament of the Sick with you beforehand. This can be done at a Sunday or weekday mass, or privately in the Brother Andre Chapel, or at home if you re unable to make it to the church. Easton Knights of Columbus Announce Scholarship Richard Bear Mathers/Easton K of C Council 238 The Easton Knights of Columbus is seeking applications from graduating high school seniors for our annual scholarships. Each scholarship shall be awarded to an applicant accepted and enrolled in any degree-awarding accredited college, junior college or preparatory school for the 2019/2020 academic year. The scholarship winner shall be chosen by a committee consisting of Knights of Columbus members and Mathers family members who shall consider the life experience of all applicants including an individual s academic performance; participation in extracurricular activities; and most importantly, exhibition of a commitment to share with and give of self to others. Interested individuals (particularly those individuals related to past or present Knights of Columbus members) are encourage to apply by letter to: Knights of Columbus, c/o Attorney Dennis Nolan, PO Box 397, North Easton, Ma , on or before April 30, Bible study meets on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. and Friday mornings at 9:30 a.m. Both groups are studying St. Paul's letters from prison: Philippians, Colossians, and Ephesians. In these letters, St. Paul inspires and challenges us to a deeper relationship with Jesus and greater understanding of discipleship. Come. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call Fran Long (508) or franlong313@gmail.com Unspoken Grief Our recent program Unspoken Grief: A Healing Service Following Pregnancy Loss and the Death of an Infant was a wonderfully moving event. It was beautiful from start to finish with heartfelt witnessing, readings, music, programs, prayer cards, fellowship and refreshments. Those who attended and those who participated have given positive feedback and appreciation for hosting such a pertinent and timely event. Thank you to all in our Holy Cross Respect Life Committee, our Health Ministry, all who attended and all who made the program possible. 4

5 The Saint Andre Lecture Proudly presents Reverend Daniel Groody, C.S.C. THE SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Passing Over: Migration and the Eucharist Amidst the divisive and polarizing rhetoric around migrants and refugees today, what does it mean to be witness to the body of Christ? This talk will explore the integral connection between what happens inside Churches and what happens outside of them by looking at the relationship between those who cross borders today looking for a more dignified life and the One who crossed over into our world in the incarnation in order to bring us to our eternal homeland. It will look at some of the arguments around migration today, some of the key challenges we face as a global family, some of the ways of looking at the issue of migration from a theological perspective. Wednesday, February 27, :00 PM Martin Institute Auditorium Stonehill College Saturday, February 16 4:00 9.m.: Judith Boucher, 1 Year Anniversary requested by her family Sunday, February 17 10:00 a.m.: John F. Reardon, Sr., Anniversary requested by his family Monday, February 18 9:00 a.m.: Jack Whelton, Birthday Remembrance requested by his wife Marian Tuesday, February 19 9:00 a.m.: Marie Cunningham requested by Bill Cunningham Wednesday, February 20 9:00 a.m.: Victims of the Station Nightclub Fire requested by Paula Burgoyne Friday, February 22 9:00 a.m.: Ann Theresa McCabe Lewis, Birthday Remembrance requested by daughter Paula Burgoyne Saturday, February 23 4:00 p.m.: Walter Smith, 15th Anniversary requested by his wife Julie Sunday, February 24 10:00 a.m.: Kathy Traficanti, Birthday Remembrance requested by Jan Drew At times, the families of Holy Cross parishioners who have passed away request that gifts in their memories be made to Holy Cross Parish. These gifts are then used for special projects in the parish. This is a wonderful way to honor someone active in our parish at their passing. We invite you to consider remembering Holy Cross Parish in this way in your funeral arrangements or at the death of a loved one who is a parishioner of Holy Cross. Your thoughtfulness and generosity will help us continue to minister to the needs of our parishioners and the wider community. If you are a family member whose loved one is being remembered in the Mass and would like to bring the gifs to the altar, please see one of the priests or ushers prior to the start of mass. The Respect Life Committee will meet on Monday February 25 th at 7 p.m. in the parish center. Our committee meets regularly to proclaim the dignity and sanctity of all human life, a gift from God. Together we work towards protecting and nurturing life at every stage of its existence. The question for discussion will be: How is science helping/not helping, the pro-life movement? Join us as we discuss relevant and timely topics and ways to save lives. Share your knowledge and ideas. All are welcome. For more information and questions please contact: Claire Smith ; claire.smith@comcast.net. Thank you! Please join us at 8:40 a.m., Monday through Friday, to pray the rosary before morning mass, and on Saturday at 8:15 a.m. in the Brother Andre Chapel. Morning Mass Remember that morning mass is celebrated in the Brother Andre Chapel in the parish center Monday through Friday at 9:00 a.m., except Thursday when mass is followed by Benediction and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the church. 5

6 $112 This year $112 a day will keep the utilities in our parish going for: Celebrating Sunday & weekday masses Our faith formation & youth ministry programs Our sacramental preparation programs Baptizing our children, marrying our couples, and burying our deceased loved ones Movie nights, receptions, and church family life social activities Bible Study, Spiritual Book Club, Seeking God, and other spiritual programs Meetings and activities of our many parish groups, ministries, and programs, as well as various community events held at our parish. This fundraiser has been an easy and successful means of supporting the parish. We invite you to again sponsor a day s utilities expenses by sending in your donation. Extra pledge cards are located in the church vestibule and the side exits. Thank you! 6