The Parish of the Holy Cross 95 Nichols Road + Nesconset, NY 11767 + 631.265.2200 + www.pothc.org LET ALL BE WELCOMED AS CHRIST! Parable of the Prodigal Son Come and pray with us! 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time - September 11, 2016 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 celebrated on the second and last Sunday of 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.
We are here for you! 631.265.2200 + Fax 631.265.2229 + 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. Ellen Fox Director of Religious Education Mrs. Connie Calabro Mrs. Mary Anne Mc Culloch Co-Coordinators of Parish Outreach Mrs. Judith Pickel Pastoral Associate Mrs. Jane Wirth Parish Secretary Mr. Edward Guise Mr. Gerald Farrell Custodians 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 Inghilterra Weekend Sacristan Mr. James Reiss Religious Education Secretary (hcreled@optonline.net) Celebrants for Next Weekend s Masses September 17th/18th 5:00 PM Fr. Michael/Dcn. Ralph 8:00 AM Msgr. Jim Vlaun 9:30 AM Fr. Kenan Peters 11:30 AM Fr. Michael/Dcn. Ralph Mass Intentions Schedule Week of September 11th, 9 AM Mass Mon. Thomas Kearnes Tue. Robert Murphy Wed. (8 AM) Sal Lane Thu. Pat Graziose New Life in Christ Scripture Readings for September 18, 2016 + Amos 8:4-7 + 1 Timothy 2:1-8 + Luke 16:1-13 Almighty and Eternal God, You are the everlasting health of those who believe in You If you would like to have the name of your loved one listed in our prayers for the sick, please contact the Parish Office at 631-265-2200 or email to pothc@optonline.net. Saturday, September 17th, 5 PM Mass Nancy Gallagher, Victor Chersevani, Robert Filce, Edward Czerwensky, Theresa & Victor Quirke, Michele Lewis Sunday, Sept. 18th, 25th Sun. in Ordinary Time 8:00 AM Thomas Slevin, John Slevin Sr. 9:30 AM Andrew J. Beck, Amelia Balberchak, Diana Milton, Dolores Moran, Nick Gentile 11:30 AM People of the Parish Banns of Marriage - First Time Catherine Manoni & Anthony Luisi 2
Goodbye to a Radio Friend by Father Michael Last week I heard the news of the passing of radio personality, Dr. Joy Browne. She was a psychologist who hosted different radio shows for over three decades. I enjoyed her broadcasts for years. Listeners would call into her show to discuss the issues of their lives or to ask a question. She had a no nonsense approach that often went to the heart of the matter. She pushed people to take responsibility for their lives. She would not let people justify why others were making their lives miserable. Although sensitive to those who had been seriously wronged, she would not let the victim mindset become a way of life or excuse for failing. She had an excellent manner to keep people focused to identify pertinent issues. I learned several helpful counseling techniques from the way in which she spoke with callers on the air. She was a consummate professional at what she did. Although I have not listened to her regularly for several years now, I will miss her wisdom in calling people to live their lives with conviction and honesty. One tidbit of wisdom I have borrowed from her on several occasions (and given her credit when I used it) regards our response when we are dealing with a conflict or problem. She would ask the question, Do you want to be right, or do you want to solve the problem? For most people they want to do both. Her response was, You can t do both, it is one or the other. So often the ego can get in the way. There is something deep down that gives satisfaction in saying I told you so. Rarely is this helpful. Yes, you might have been right. But, what good does that do when that is the only conclusion coming out of a dilemma? Having winners and losers does little to move people forward. Looking for solutions that get people beyond the roadblock is what is most helpful. I appreciate that perspective that she gave, and I find it is useful in many situations. This weekend our nation remembers the terrible events that we faced fifteen years ago in the terror attacks. For those who lost loved ones, they still bear the scars of that tragic day. For all of us it was a sobering moment to feel the pain of hate and terrorism so close to home. We continue to pray for those who seek healing and peace. And, we continue to pray for courageous and wise leaders who can help to create a safer and less violent world. We must believe in the power of God to overcome and transform our greatest hurts and our greatest failings. I hope it was a good week for all of you returning to school this week. The roads seemed a little busier in the morning as folks get back into their academic year routine. 3
FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY Could your personal finances use a tune-up? The average family pays off $5,300 in debt and saves $2,700 in the first 90 days following the teachings of Financial Peace University. Dave Ramsey s Financial Peace University Thursdays @7:15 PM September 15 - November 10 What is Financial Peace University? This is a program which teaches the basic principles of living with a balanced budget, saving, and giving. This program has a Christian foundation and its teachings are based on scripture. This is what parishioners who took the course last year had to say: I wish I had heard about this stuff long ago. For the first time in my life I learned that you don t need a credit score... who knew? Credit cards are really nothing but trouble. After taking this class, I will be debt-free! Be prepared know where your money goes. Save instead of just charging everything. I now really think about how much things cost before impulse buying. You can control your financial destiny. Other important info: You will NOT be asked to reveal any information about your personal income or financial situation. No Sales Presentations for financial planning or other investments will be made. I am interested. What should I do? Call the Parish Office to register by giving your name and an e-mail address. You are asked to make a commitment to be present for all nine weekly presentations. If you are a couple, it is essential that both of you agree to participate. Please Note: This program normally costs $99 per person/couple. Because of the generosity of graduates from the program, as well as several angels, this opportunity is being offered Free of Charge. The class is limited to twenty-four individuals or couples, so please sign up quickly if you are interested. 4
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Thank you to all the families who have re-registered their children in our program. We still have families who have not signed up, and our deadline has passed. If you still need to register, please do so as soon as possible. We have started to put classes together. We cannot guarantee your child a placement if we do not have your registration form. Levels 2 through 7 will begin classes the week of October 17th. Level 7 parents and students will be invited to attend a meeting which will outline the Two Year Confirmation Preparation. Level 8 will begin classes the week of November 28th. All Level 8 parents and students will be invited to a meeting which will outline the Level 8 year and where students and parents will receive books and an information packet. Level 1 will begin the week of November 28th. Parents will be invited to a meeting to get the overview of the year and the books for their child. Catechists Needed! The Religious Education program is looking for Catechists for all levels to help in our program. If you have a desire to share your faith with the children in our parish, please call Ellen Fox, DRE, at 631-265-2200 x12. Thank you! 5
MOMS GROUP ATTENTION, MOMS! Are you yearning for: the companionship of other moms? the sound of another adult voice? some quiet time? a chance to see where God is in your busy life? Then, why not think about trying The Holy Cross Moms Group Who? All interested Moms of any age Where? Fr. Sacristy Joe Room When? The 2 nd and 4 th Thursday of the month, 11:00 AM 12:00 PM Next gathering: September 15, 2016* *(Please note, for September only, we meet on the 3 rd & 5 th Thursdays) Come, and bring a friend! Children welcome! 6
PARISH OUTREACH Welcome to a New School Year! Thanks to your overwhelming generosity, 85 smiling students from 40 families began the school year with new backpacks filled with the supplies necessary for each grade level. Your cash and gift card donations of $2,175 allowed us to provide our families with funds to purchase sneakers, shoes or other needed items. We also thank Sacred Heart Council Knights of Columbus and the children in our Vacation Bible School for their continued support and caring for others who are in need. We would not be able to carry out this program without the support and enthusiasm of our volunteers. Thank you for giving your time and energy to shop, sort, pack and distribute the supplies to our families. You are the best!! Community Vegetable Garden Help Needed! Our vegetable garden provides wholesome vegetables for those seeking assistance from Parish Outreach. As we close out the season, we will have a vegetable garden clean-up day to prepare the garden for the winter/next year. If you enjoy gardening or are looking for community service hours for school, join us for our clean-up day on Saturday, September 24th beginning at 8AM. Our raindate will be Sunday, September 25th starting at 12 noon. Please bring rakes, shovels, work gloves, etc. We need your help! YOUTH GROUP We are extremely excited to begin a wonderful year with the Youth Group and the amazing individuals who are a part of it! Take a look at our upcoming events! 9/17-9/18: Youth Fall Plant Sale! Come and support the Youth Group as you have the opportunity to buy beautiful flowers and plants for the upcoming fall season. Join us on Sunday at the 11:30AM Youth Mass with the Core Band! Youth Group Kick-Off will follow, 12:30-2:30PM! The event is located in the atrium of the Church. 9/25: Youth Night, 6-8PM! The Youth Night will take place in the atrium of the Church. If you have any questions or concerns, or if you are thinking about joining us and you would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact Sal Finocchiaro, Coordinator of Youth Ministries, at HCyouthgroup@hotmail.com, or call the parish office. :-) 7
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WOMEN S ENRICHMENT Save the Date! Women s Enrichment Presents Footprints in the Sand All Ladies are welcome to attend an inspiring retreat day Saturday, October 22 from 10:00am to 3:15pm MORE PARISH NEWS! Special Collections Scripture Study This week is the National Collection for The Catholic University of America. Every dollar given directly supports aid for students from dioceses across the country, including our diocese. Thank you for your support! Next weekend at the offertory we will also be collecting for our Repairs and Major Renovations fund. Thank you for your support of this collection! The Holy Cross Scripture Study Group will meet on the first and third Thursdays of the month beginning Thursday, September 15th. Join us at 10AM in the Fr. Joe Room! 9
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MEETINGS THIS WEEK Saturday, September 10th 9:00 AM MEN S FELLOWSHIP Sacristy WOMEN S ENRICHMENT 10AM Fr. Joe Room Sunday, September 11th 1:00 PM BAPTISMS Worship Area Monday, September 12th 7:00 PM CONFIRMATION REH. Worship Area K OF C GENERAL MTG. 7-8:30PM Fr. Joe Room Wednesday, September 14th 10AM, 1PM & 4PM CONFIRMATION Worship Area Thursday, September 15th 10:00 AM SCRIPTURE STUDY Fr. Joe Room MOMS GROUP 11AM Sacristy FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY 7:15PM Chapel Saturday, September 17th 5:00 PM Mass YOUTH GROUP PLANT SALE Atrium Sunday, September 18th All Masses YOUTH GROUP PLANT SALE Atrium HOSPITALITY MEETING 10:30AM Conference Rm. YOUTH GROUP KICK-OFF 12:30-2:30PM Atrium PARISH NEWS Remember Kevin Bacon Don t forget to feed Kevin Bacon your quarters when you come to Mass on Sundays! Your donation benefits Heifer International. Hearing Devices For parishioners who have difficulty hearing, Holy Cross has individual devices which can amplify sound. They are simple to use and work for those who wear hearing aids and those who do not. If you are interested in using one of these devices, please see the Sacristan or an Usher prior to Mass. Gluten Free Hosts For parishioners who have Celiac Disease or a gluten sensitivity, Holy Cross has gluten free hosts. If you would like to receive a gluten free host during Communion, please inform the Sacristan prior to Mass. COMMUNITY NEWS Ronkonkoma Cenacle (631)588-8366 310 Cenacle Road, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779 Thurs., Sept. 22, 2016 10 a.m. 3 p.m. at the Retreat Center, 9:30 arrivals and refreshments THE LEGACY OF MOTHERHOOD Mary s Legacy & Ours Come for a day to honor Mary s motherhood and ours. Allow Mary s journey to reveal her deeper legacy in your vocation of motherhood You are truly blessed! The Lord is with you Luke 1:25 Presenter: Sr. Kathy Scott, r.c. and Diane Rizzo, Cenacle Staff Associate Offering: $50 Lunch included $15 deposit required to hold your reservation Sat., Sept. 24, 2016 1 p.m. 3 p.m. GUIDED LABYRINTH WALK The labyrinth is a metaphor of our journey through life. It quiets the mind and opens the heart. For people who find it difficult to sit and be quiet, walking comes readily. Come experience the sacred path leading to union. Walks are guided by: Sr. Margaret Rohde, r.c. Veriditas Certified Labyrinth Facilitator Freewill offering, Call to Register Sept. 25, 2016 1:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. TWICE BLEST! OPEN HOUSE DAY AT THE CENACLE! Celebrating 90 Years in Ronkonkoma and 5 Years in our New Building! Bring the Family for an interesting and fun day!! Live Band, Rosary at our Grotto, Historical Cemetery, Labyrinth, World Trade Fair, Picnic Lunch, Prayer Service 11
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