The Parish of the Holy Cross 95 Nichols Road + Nesconset, NY 11767 + 631.265.2200 + www.pothc.org + www.facebook.com/pothcnesconset LET ALL BE WELCOMED AS CHRIST! Watch, therefore; You do not know when the Lord of the house is coming, whether in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning. Mark 13:35 Come and pray with us! First Sunday of Advent - December 3, 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.
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. 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 9th/10th 5:00 PM Fr. Michael 8:00 AM Fr. Michael 9:30 AM Bishop John Barres 11:30 AM Fr. Michael 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. Scripture Readings for December 10, 2017 + Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11 + 2 Peter 3:8-14 + Mark 1:1-8 2 Mass Intentions Schedule Week of December 3rd, 9AM Mass Mon. Marion Martin Tue. Arlene Gaslow Wed. Yvonne Barto (living) Thu. Henri-Robert Lamarque New Life in Christ Thu., Dec. 7th Immaculate Conception Vigil Mass 7:00 PM Frank Schiavone Fri., Dec. 8th, Immaculate Conception Masses 7:00 AM Philomena Giordano 9:00 AM Jack Hough Saturday, December 9th, 5 PM Mass Theresa Schwarz, Virginia Maddi, Vincent Mazurkiewicz, Theresa Capobianco, Marie Maier, John Devine Sunday, December 10th, 2nd Sunday of Advent 8:00 AM Harold & Mary Jane Smith 9:30 AM Al & Tessie Giardiello, Anthony DeVito Jr., Daniel Diers, Natale, Antoinette & Charles Amato 11:30 AM People of the Parish
Praying Up a Storm by Father Michael As you read this column, I will be on my annual retreat. I am returning to the same place I went last year, Monserrat Retreat House. This is a Jesuit retreat house located north of Dallas, Texas. I am participating in a silent men s retreat focusing on the days of Advent. I look forward to this time to help recharge my spiritual batteries. While a retreat anywhere is a great blessing, I also enjoy the journey as part of the experience. For some folks, getting on a plane is a headache; for me, traveling halfway across the country is half the fun. I assure you of my prayers for Holy Cross. Please remember me in yours. Bishop Barres came to Rockville Centre last January. He said he wanted to visit every parish as quickly as he could. There are 134 parishes in the Diocese, so this is no small task. I received a call last week that he will be visiting us next weekend. He will celebrate the 9:30 Mass on Sunday, December 10th. He will be available before and after Mass to greet parishioners. We look forward to welcoming Bishop Barres to Holy Cross. The raffle winners for dinner at my house will be chosen this weekend. There will be two tickets drawn. One dinner will be for my cooking and serving dinner for the winner and his or her guests. The second dinner will feature our Music Director, Brian Reich, as the chef. I will be his assistant and serve the meal. It s not too late to get your tickets. Previously, we have offered a variety of raffle baskets for many prizes at this time of year. That fundraiser will now take place in the spring. Last week after the 11:30 Mass we had a great little Holy Cross moment. In the past, it would take a couple of hours for a small group of parishioners to throw out the old song books and put in the new ones. I asked anyone who had a few minutes to stay after Mass to help with that effort. I think it took about 6 ½ minutes for every book in the place to be changed. There was a great burst of frenzied activity, and in a matter of minutes it was done. Dozens of parishioners of all ages stayed to lend a helping hand. Some parishioners even took home boxes of the old books to be properly recycled. Thank you to all who were part of this spontaneous and happy activity. Next weekend, our newest group of Confirmation candidates will be submitting a covenant letter at Mass. This letter is signed by the candidate and his or her parents. It is a gesture of their willingness to use the time of preparation for the Sacrament well. It is a sign of the faith continuing to be passed along to the next generation. We are happy for our young people, and we pray for them in their journey of faith. May these weeks of Advent be a time of prayer and peace for you and your loved ones. Continue to pray for peace in our world. 3
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 2018. 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: E-Mail: 4
PARISH NEWS Pray for Our Military LCpl. Richard DeKanchuk, USMC FC3 Lane Dyar Sgt. Daniel Frost MIDN Jonathan Goohs Jr, USNA WO Christopher Kaminsky Cpl. Michael Knipper, USMC Lt./Dr. Eric Koch Lt./Dr. Amy Zucharo Koch LCpl. Jacob T. Lamm, USMC Sgt. Ryan Mauldin Lt. Ryan Montvydas IT2 Jason Mulderig Cpl. Steven Ziegler A1C Timothy Ziegler We thank the men and women who serve in our military for their service. Please let us know if you would like continued prayers through 2018. May God bless all who serve our nation. Pray for Peace! Holy Cross welcomes these children Baptized in November Cole Joseph Biggart Claire Juliet Cerone Vincent Brady DelColle Leonardo Sebastian Martinez Hannah Lynne Matos Anthony John Montenarello Hannah Claire Nothdurft Fiona Grace Sexton Feast of the Immaculate Conception The Parish Office is closed on Friday for the Holy Day. Mass times are as follows: Thursday, December 7th, at 7PM Friday, December 8th, at 7AM & 9AM Christmas Wreath Sale Our Annual Wreath Sale will take place this weekend, December 2nd/3rd. Each wreath will again be $25 and can be purchased before or after Mass. Thank you for your support! Special Basket Raffles In addition to our Cash Calendar, the Fund Raising Committee is having 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 raffle tickets are $2 each and are on sale at the Cash Calendar table this weekend, December 2nd/3rd. The winners will be drawn after the 11:30 Mass on December 3rd. 5
STEWARDSHIP, A WAY OF LIFE Parish Families Registered: 3,559 Masses Celebrated: 446 Baptisms: 76 First Communions: 112 Confirmations: 186 Marriages: 19 Funerals: 48 Visits to Homebound: 408 Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: 63 Lectors: 24 Altar Servers: 31 Children in Religious Education: 1,201 Catechists in Religious Education: 249 Teens in Youth Group: 35 People Served by Parish Outreach: 1,405 People / Households Served for: School Supplies: 81 children Thanksgiving: 77 families Christmas: 88 families (443 people) Parish Ministries: 39 Ministers of Hospitality: 35 Anointing of the Sick: 264 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) 265-2200x16. 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: Email: 6
PARISH OUTREACH A VERY IMPORTANT REMINDER!! TODAY, DECEMBER 3RD, IS THE LAST DAY TO RETURN YOUR ANGEL GIFT CARDS OR GIFTS. Please be sure all Angel items are here by the end of the 11:30 Mass. This afternoon, our Outreach committee will be sorting and allocating the gift cards for our families so that they have time to shop. The agencies will also be picking up their gift items this week. We hope you will continue to keep our struggling neighbors in your prayers. Thank you for remembering them during this season of joy, hope and peace. OUTREACH THANKSGIVING THANK YOU! This year 65 beautiful baskets were distributed to our families in need. We are so grateful for the volunteers who shopped and created these one-of-a-kind baskets! The families who received baskets were overwhelmed by the generosity of our parish community. We also appreciate the volunteers who worked on Basket Day, on sign-up weekend, and those who gave monetary donations and gift cards. Special thanks go to Susan Lampach, Donna Akuntius and Joellen May who pulled the whole project together. May the blessings of Thanksgiving remain with you and your families during the coming year. Mary Anne and Pat THANK YOU! At our 9:00 AM Mass on Thanksgiving Day, Father Michael blessed the bread for parishioners to take home to their Thanksgiving tables. We would like to thank Handy Pantry located at 279 Smithtown Boulevard, Nesconset for their generosity in donating this bread! 7
YOUTH GROUP If you made your Confirmation, come on down with a friend and check out the wonderful opportunities the Youth Group has for you! The Holy Cross Youth Group is the perfect opportunity for you to continue to grow in your faith and build relationships with others in the parish. Here are our upcoming youth events! Take a look: Sunday, 12/3: Youth Night 6-8PM in the Atrium. Sunday, 12/10: 11:30 Youth Mass with the Core Band and a trip to the Nesconset Nursing Center 12:30-3PM 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, please contact Sal Finocchiaro, Coordinator of Youth Ministries, at hcyouthgroup15@gmail.com or call the Parish Office. Thank you! SPECIAL COLLECTION Next 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! ADVENT EVENING OF PRAYER FOR MOMS At this hectic time of year, the Moms Group of the Parish of the Holy Cross invites all moms to an evening of prayer, quiet, and reflection. Please join us on Saturday, December 9th, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. All moms are welcome no matter the age of your children. Come and experience anew the wonder of preparing for the Lord. Please fill in the tear-off below and return to the Parish Office by Dec. 7th. Advent Evening of Prayer for Moms Name: Phone: Email: 8
REMINDER RELIGIOUS FREEDOM Remember Kevin Bacon Don t forget to feed Kevin Bacon your quarters when you come to Mass on Sundays! Your donation benefits Heifer International. COMMUNITY NEWS Advent Preparing the Pathways of Peace Join Sister Pat Duffy, OP and Father Ron Henery, OP for a special afternoon to reflect on the need for the peace of Christ in our homes, country and world. December 3rd, 1:00-4:00 PM Queen of the Rosary Motherhouse St. Albert s Chapel, 555 Albany Avenue Amityville, NY 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! Widespread Widespread Ignorance Ignorance Of Of Religious Religious Rights Rights www.cffor.org A survey A survey conducted conducted by the by the Annenberg Annenberg Center Center of of the the University University of Pennsylvania of Pennsylvania reveals reveals that that few few Americans Americans know know even even the the most most basic basic elements elements of our of our government government and and the the Constitution. Constitution. 37% 37% could could not not name name a single a single right right protected protected by by the the First First Amendment. Amendment. Only Only 15% 15% could could name name Freedom Freedom of Religion of Religion as a as right. a right. Only Only 26% 26% can can name name the the three three branches branches of of government. Protecting Protecting the the rights rights guaranteed by by the the Constitution tion presupposes that that we we know know what what they they are, are, said said the the Director Director of the of the Annenberg Center. Center. Said Said the the senior senior VP VP of the of the First First Amendment Center, As As a nation, a nation, it s it s clear clear we we still still do do not not provide enough enough basic basic education about about our our core core freedoms - - even even enough enough to simply to simply name name the the five five freedoms of of the the First First Amendment. * Said Said Bill Bill Donohue, Catholic League president, Freedom dom depends, in part, in part, on on our our vigilance in protecting fundamental human human rights. rights. We We are are not not likely likely to to de- defend fend rights rights we we barely barely know know exist. exist. The The First First Amendment to the to the Constitution of of the the United United States: States: *Congress shall shall make make no no law law respecting an an establishment lishment of religion, of religion, or or prohibiting the the free free exer- exercise cise thereof; thereof; or or abridging the the freedom of of speech, or of or the of the press; press; or the or the right right of of the the people people peaceably ably to assemble, to assemble, and and to petition to petition the the Government for redress for redress of of grievances. 9
CASH CALENDAR 10
MEETINGS THIS WEEK Saturday, December 2nd HOLY HOUR CHRISTMAS WREATH SALE Sunday, December 3rd CHRISTMAS WREATH SALE ANOINTING OF THE SICK CHRISTMAS GIFTS DUE IN YOUTH NIGHT Monday, December 4th ONE TO ONE Tuesday, December 5th IN STITCHES GROUP LEVEL 2 PARENT MEETING CHOIR K OF C GENERAL MTG. Wednesday, December 6th 3:45-4:45 PM Worship Area 5PM Atrium All Masses Atrium 10:30AM Worship Area 12:30PM Atrium 6-8PM Atrium 5:00 PM All Areas 10:00 AM Fr. Joe Room 7PM Worship Area 7:15 PM Fr. Joe Room Sacristy 11AM-2:30PM SENIOR GROUP Atrium R.E. PLACEMENT COORD. MTG. 7PM Atrium Thursday, December 7th SCRIPTURE STUDY IMMAC. CONC. VIGIL MASS Friday, December 8th 10:00 AM Fr. Joe Room 7PM Worship Area 7 AM & 9 AM IMMACULATE CONCEPTION MASSES Worship Area (The Parish Office is closed for the Holy Day.) 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 LEVEL 8 COVENANTS DUE K OF C MAGNET SALE All Masses Worship Area Atrium YOUTH DAY EVENT 12:30-3PM Nesc. Nurs. Ctr. BAPTISMS 1PM Worship Area CASH CALENDAR Congratulations to the following November Cash Calendar Winners! Date Date Amount Name Name 11/1/2017 50.00 50.00 Barbara Heitman 11/2/2017 50.00 50.00 Frances Dolan 11/3/2017 50.00 50.00 Maryann Denapole 11/4/2017 50.00 50.00 Maryann Denapole 11/5/2017 50.00 50.00 Barbara Burger 11/6/2017 50.00 50.00 Gladys Ognian 11/7/2017 50.00 50.00 Doreen Hau Hau 11/8/2017 50.00 50.00 Arleen Lechner 11/9/2017 50.00 50.00 Food Food Pantry 11/10/2017 50.00 50.00 Linda Linda Mussler 11/11/2017 50.00 50.00 Henry Betz Betz 11/12/2017 50.00 50.00 Danial Calia Calia 11/13/2017 50.00 50.00 Joan Joan Barrett 11/14/2017 50.00 50.00 Elizabeth Sullivan 11/15/2017 50.00 50.00 The The Geary Family 11/16/2017 50.00 50.00 A. A. A. Cassone 11/17/2017 50.00 50.00 Jason Jason Mulderig 11/18/2017 50.00 50.00 Food Food Pantry 11/19/2017 50.00 50.00 Mary Mary Ann Ann Canalini 11/20/2017 50.00 50.00 The The Geary Family 11/21/2017 50.00 50.00 Christpher Kaminsky 11/22/2017 50.00 50.00 Audrey Meder 11/23/2017 500.00 James Campanelli 11/24/2017 50.00 50.00 The The Minerva Family 11/25/2017 50.00 50.00 Renny Cadolino 11/26/2017 50.00 50.00 Laura Laura Mercorelli Mercerolli 11/27/2017 50.00 50.00 Maryann Denapole 11/28/2017 50.00 50.00 Connie Lipnicki 11/29/2017 50.00 50.00 Wendy Ringhiser 11/30/2017 50.00 50.00 Gladys Ognian The Holy Cross Travel Club is planning a New Orleans and Mexico Cruise vacation February 28 March 7, 2018. If interested, please call the Parish Office at 631-265-2200. We need a few more travelers! 11
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