Prepare the way of the Lord!

Transcription

1 The Parish of the Holy Cross 95 Nichols Road + Nesconset, NY LET ALL BE WELCOMED AS CHRIST! 2ND A voice cries out: In the wilderness Prepare the way of the Lord! Isaiah 40:3 Come and pray with us! Second Sunday of Advent - December 10, 2017 WE CELEBRATE EUCHARIST Monday Thursday: 9:00 A.M. (Chapel) Saturday: 5:00 P.M. Sunday: 8:00 A.M. + 9:30 A.M. + 11:30 A.M. WE CELEBRATE RECONCILIATION Saturday: 3:45 P.M. 4:30 P.M. or call Father Michael for an appointment. WE CELEBRATE BAPTISM Baptisms are generally celebrated twice each month at 1 P.M. Please contact the Parish Office for more information. WE CELEBRATE WEDDINGS Couples should contact the Parish Office at least six months in advance of the proposed wedding date.

2 We are here for you! Fax pothc@optonline.net Parish Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (closed 12:15-1:00 PM) Rev. Michael F. Holzmann Pastor Ms. Kathleen Reid Director of Religious Education Mrs. Mary Anne Mc Culloch Ms. Patricia Gyscek Co-Coordinators of Parish Outreach Mrs. Judith Pickel Pastoral Associate Mrs. Jane Wirth Parish Secretary PASTORAL TEAM PASTORAL STAFF Dr. Vincent Mazurek Music Minister Deacon Ralph Rivera Pastoral Minister Mrs. Elizabeth Shea Business Manager Mr. Brian Reich Director of Music Ministry Mr. Salvatore Finocchiaro Coordinator of Youth Ministries Mrs. Mary Pannone Religious Education Secretary (hcreled@optonline.net) Mrs. Barbara Shipman P/T Asst. to the Pastor Mr. Gerald Farrell Mr. Vincent Matula Custodians Mrs. Mary Inghilterra Weekend Sacristan Celebrants for Next Weekend s Masses December 16th/17th 5:00 PM Fr. Michael 8:00 AM Fr. Michael 9:30 AM Fr. Kenan Peters 11:30 AM Fr. Michael Mass Intentions Schedule Week of December 10th, 9AM Mass Mon. Charles Inghilterra Tue. John O Shea Wed. Arlene Gaslow Thu. Al Giardiello New Life in Christ Remembering Our Sick Please pray for the sick of our parish, their families and caregivers: Denise Lamarque Scripture Readings for December 17, Isaiah 61:1-2, Thessalonians 5: John 1:6-8, Saturday, December 16th, 5 PM Mass Vincent Mazurkiewicz, Genevieve Roeder, Philomena Giordano, Libin Oommen, Thomas Vetter, Virginia Caufield, Barbara DeSantolo Sunday, December 17th, 3rd Sunday of Advent 8:00 AM People of the Parish 9:30 AM Michael Corcoran 11:30 AM Frances O Reilly, Johanna Castle, Thomas Trimboli, Jeanette Foy, Kay Canny, Alec Ross

3 No Need for a Fourth Candle by Father Michael Because Christmas falls on a Monday this year, the Advent season is a little unusual. If you have an Advent wreath, the last purple candle barely gets lit this year. The Fourth Week of Advent lasts only about 18 hours. It begins with the Saturday evening Mass on December 23 and ends with the 11:30 Mass on Sunday, December 24. Then a few hours later, the celebration of Christmas begins with the 4:00 Mass. Here at Holy Cross there will be ten Masses in less than 48 hours; it will get a little crazy. I am very happy that Fr. Frank will be here to help me through the many celebrations. I was blessed to have a beautiful retreat last week. I journeyed to a retreat house outside of Dallas, Texas. It was a silent men s retreat. The focus of our prayer was on the days of Advent. The very first talk was probably the one that provided the greatest food for thought for me. We identify Advent as a time of anticipating and waiting. What do we long for? Understanding what we truly hunger for helps us to understand the path we must walk in our spiritual journey. If we hunger for everything, then even the greatest spiritual buffet will not satisfy us. We need to acknowledge specifically where and how we believe we need God most in our life. Having one or two things to focus on is better than looking everywhere for everything. One of my practices is that I do not open Christmas cards as they come in during these days of Advent. I wait until Christmas arrives and make card opening one of the ways to celebrate the Christmas season. The only problem is if my credit card company sends their bill in an envelope that looks like a Christmas card. I will probably incur a late fee or two as I let it sit there for a few weeks before I open it. When I was growing up, our family tradition was that we did not decorate the tree until Christmas Eve. I know that idea seems very unusual and foreign today. There was something about that practice that made Christmas Eve and Christmas Day explode with excitement and joy. I don t remember ever having an Advent wreath at home. However, sometime around the feast of the Immaculate Conception we would set up the creche in the living room. We had a neat old set that came from Germany with lots of statues of people and animals along rolls of cotton to be used as snow. As simple as that was, it was a great tradition that allowed us to prepare for Christmas. You may not need to be lighting that fourth candle, but I hope these days of Advent are filled with peace and prayers. 3

4 CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE Christmas 2017 Schedule The Nativity of the Lord Fourth Sunday in Advent Saturday, December 23rd, 2017: 5:00 pm Sunday, December 24th, :00 am, 9:30 am & 11:30 am Christmas Eve Masses Sunday, December 24th, :00 pm, 6:00 pm & 10:00 pm Christmas Day Masses Monday, December 25th, :00 am, 10:00 am & 12:00 noon Solemnity of Mary Monday, January 1, 2018: 9:00 am (Because the day falls on a Monday, it is not a Holy Day of obligation this year.) Confessions Saturdays in Advent: 3:45 pm to 4:30 pm Monday, December 18th after 9:00 am Mass & 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm 4

5 MEET OUR NEW PASTORAL COUNCIL MEMBERS! Four new members have been added to the Pastoral Council, an advisory group to the Pastor and the Pastoral Team. Members are appointed for three year terms. Their role is to look at the wider needs of the parish and to represent the ideas and concerns of parishioners. We are grateful to those who have agreed to serve. Our new members to the council are: Chris Hessel, Carole Porcelli, Denise Vibal and Annmarie Zimmermann. Chris Hessel My wife, Angela, and I heard about the Parish of the Holy Cross from Father Bill. We joined the Parish in Shortly after joining the Parish, I assisted the Ushers and later became an Usher. More recently, I became a Eucharistic Minister. Since joining Holy Cross, my wife and I have been helping out with the plants by grooming, fertilizing and watering the plants in the Worship Area and the Atrium. I am also a 4 th degree Knight of the Blessed Sacrament Council affiliated jointly with the Parish of the Holy Cross and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. I am now a member of the Pastoral Council and look forward to my service. Denise Vibal My name is Denise Vibal and my family and I have been parishioners of Holy Cross for five years. Both of my children received their First Holy Communion at Holy Cross. I love animals and spend time working at a local animal hospital and at the Smithtown Animal Shelter. Over the years, I have worked at the San Diego Zoo as well as the Bronx Zoo. I even have a zoo at my own home! We own a hedgehog, chickens, a dog, cats, cockatiel and 4 foster cats. We absolutely love Holy Cross, and I am honored to serve on the Pastoral Council. Carole Porcelli It has been my privilege to be a member of the Parish of the Holy Cross since June of After meeting Father Bill and Father Joe, I was sure I had found a home here. In 1995, I attended some classes at Holy Cross on Christology and Church teaching, and we were encouraged to participate in discussion. Later, I felt called to become a Eucharistic Minister. It was so rewarding to be able to serve and yet so very humbling. Two years ago, I enrolled in classes for Pastoral Formation now known as the School of Missionary Disciples. I wanted to know more about my faith and my Church. I found wonderful people who were of like mind, and each of us was on his or her own journey to be closer to our Lord. Father Michael has asked me to be part of the Pastoral Council, and although I feel unworthy of the honor, I promise to do my very best for Holy Cross and serve at whatever I am called. 5 Annmarie Zimmermann I have been a Holy Cross parishioner since our humble beginnings at Cleary School. I have served on various committees including Fundraising, Stewardship, Vacation Bible School and the Pastoral Council, as well as volunteered in the Parish Office. Over the years, I have served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and a Lector. I am presently retired after 51 years of teaching Early Childhood for the Diocese of Rockville Centre. I am looking forward to being a member of the Pastoral Council for the second time, sharing the vision and looking to the future.

6 LET S CELEBRATE! Holy Cross 30 th Anniversary Celebration Plans are underway to celebrate this milestone event for our parish. We are looking for helping hands to assist in planning and organizing the different events which will take place throughout If you would like to help, please fill out the form below and return it to the Parish Office. Check as many as you might be interested in: Dance Committee Mardi Gras Committee Kids Games/Activities Parish History Entertainment Picnic Committee Decorations Publicity/Social Media Journal Baker Photographer/Videographer Office Work/Phone Calls Strong Back Committee (Physical set-up/moving for events) Not sure what I want to do, but I am willing to help. Any suggestions/comments: Name: Phone: 6

7 PARISH NEWS Our Outreach Christmas Program came to a close on Sunday, December 3rd. Our Outreach volunteers were busy sorting gifts for all the agencies and families our Outreach helps. Here s a picture of some of the gifts! Congratulations to the Basket Raffle Winners! The Fund Raising Committee had two Special Basket Raffles, one courtesy of Father Michael and the other, our Music Director, Brian. They will be cooking and serving dinner to our winners! The winner of Father Michael s dinner is Diane Rorick, and the winners of Brian s dinner are Eva and Ron Hallam. Congratulations to our winners and bon appetit! Children s Liturgy of the Word Children s Liturgy is looking for some additional helpers. Children's Liturgy is held in the Father Joe Room during the 11:30 Mass every Sunday until May, except for holiday weekends. Time commitment is dependent on the number of helpers we have. If you are in grades 4 through 12 and would be interested in becoming a helper, or need community service hours, please consider joining this ministry. For additional information, please contact Karyn at Christmas Mass Intentions In lieu of individual announced intentions at the Christmas Masses, there will be cards in the Atrium for you to write your special intentions on. These cards will be placed on the Altar at all the Christmas Masses. 7

8 SPECIAL COLLECTIONS This weekend, at the offertory we will also be collecting for the Religious Retirement Fund. Elderly Catholic sisters, brothers and religious order priests need your help. Many served for years in Catholic schools, hospitals and parishes - often for little to no pay. Now, there is a shortage in retirement savings. Your gift to the Retirement Fund for Religious provides funding for medications, nursing care and more. Please give to those who have given a lifetime. Thank you! KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS The Knights of Columbus will be selling Christmas Magnets after all the Masses on the weekend of December 9th/10th. Thank you for your support of our Church through this fundraiser. Please support and join the Knights! Next week we will also be collecting for our Renovation and Major Repairs fund. Thank you for your support of this very important collection! Alpha is an opportunity for adults to explore life and faith in a friendly, open, and informal atmosphere, using 3 key elements: food, information, and discussion. Beginning on Tuesday, January 9, 2018, Alpha will be here at Holy Cross. For 10 weeks, we will gather at 6:30PM, share a light meal, watch an informative DVD, and engage in small group discussion. While we would love to see everyone at Alpha, space limits us to just 30 participants, so please register right away. Questions? Call Jude at (631) x16. ALPHA IS COMING! Please fill in and return to the Parish Office. (We need to know how much food to prepare!) I am looking forward to participating in Alpha: Name: Phone: 8

9 YOUTH GROUP Hello everyone! Are you in high school? Do you want to make new friends as you play fun games? Do you want to build more of an understanding about yourself and your faith? If you answered "Yes!" to any one of those questions above, then you MUST come and check out the Holy Cross Youth Group! You will be glad you did! If you made your Confirmation, then come with a friend and check out the wonderful opportunities the Youth Group has for you! We would love to see you! Here are pictures of our teens wrapping warm blankets, which we will deliver to the residents at a local nursing home this Sunday. :-) Here are our upcoming youth events! Take a look: Sunday, 12/10: 11:30AM Mass with the Core Band, FIA trip to the Nesconset Nursing Center, 12:30-3:30PM. All teens are invited to join us! Sunday, 12/17: 11:30AM Mass with the Core Band. Ugly Christmas Sweater Acoustic Cafe located in the Atrium, 12:30-3PM. All teens are invited to this wonderful event! :-) So, if you are thinking about coming to the Church to see what we are all about, do it! You will not regret it. Come with a friend or family member, and join us as we continue to grow in the endless love of Christ. If you have any questions or concerns, or if you are thinking about joining us and you would like more information, please call Sal Finocchiaro, the Coordinator of Youth Ministries, at hcyouthgroup15@gmail.com or call the Parish Office. Thank you! 9

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11 MEETINGS THIS WEEK Saturday, December 9th 5:00 PM LEVEL 8 COVENANTS DUE Worship Area K OF C MAGNET SALE Atrium ADVENT PRAYER FOR MOMS 6-7:30PM Fr. Joe Room Sunday, December 10th All Masses LEVEL 8 COVENANTS DUE Worship Area K OF C MAGNET SALE Atrium YOUTH DAY EVENT 12:30-3:30PM Nesc. Nurs. Ctr. BAPTISMS 1PM Worship Area Monday, December 11th 5:00 PM ONE TO ONE All Areas REL. ED. COORDINATOR MTG. 7PM Atrium Tuesday, December 12th 10:00 AM IN STITCHES GROUP Fr. Joe Room CHOIR 7:15 PM Worship Area K OF C OFFICERS MTG. Fr. Joe Room Wednesday, December 13th 7:30 PM BAPTISM PREP Fr. Joe Room Thursday, December 14th 11:00 AM ALPHA FACILITATORS MTG. Conference Rm. MOMS GROUP 1PM Sacristy Saturday, December 16th K OF C MAGNET SALE Sunday, December 17th K OF C MAGNET SALE HOSPITALITY MEETING YOUTH DAY EVENT 5:00 PM Atrium All Masses Atrium 10:30AM Conference Rm. 12:30-3PM Atrium PARISH OUTREACH A Note Concerning ADDICTION Over the past several months, members of the Pastoral Team have attended programs, informational seminars, and prayer services regarding the danger and prevalence of opioid and other addictions in the greater Long Island community. It is most certainly a health crisis that affects everyone in the family of the person who is addicted. You might be experiencing that challenge yourself, and while there is no magic bullet for intervention and recovery, there is an abundance of information both educational and supportive for those who are facing this difficult situation. You are welcome to call any of the Pastoral Team ( ), and in a confidential manner we will be very willing to work with you to direct you to resources that may help to facilitate a plan for support and/or treatment. 11

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