LET ALL BE WELCOMED AS CHRIST!

The Parish of the Holy Cross 95 Old Nichols Road + Nesconset, NY 11767+ 631.265.2200 + www.pothc88.org LET ALL BE WELCOMED AS CHRIST! Come and pray with us! Third Sunday in Lent - March 3, 2013 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. + 5:00 P.M. (except holiday weekends) WE CELEBRATE RECONCILIATION Saturday: After 5:00 P.M. Mass Mondays: 6:30-7:30 P.M. or call 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! OUR PASTORAL TEAM AND PARISH STAFF 631.265.2200 + Fax 631.265.2229 + pothc@optonline.net Parish Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (closed for lunch: 12:15-1:00 PM) Rev. James M. McNamara, Pastor Mrs. Connie Calabro, Co-Coordinator of Parish Outreach Ms. Denise Cortegiano, Youth Minister Deacon Owen E. Farley, Jr., Parish Deacon Ms. Ellen Fox, Director of Religious Education Mrs. Mary Anne McCulloch, Co-Coordinator of Parish Outreach Mr. James McManus, Director of Maintenance Mrs. Judith Pickel, Pastoral Associate Mr. Brian Reich, Director of Music Mrs. Elizabeth Shea, Religious Education Secretary (hcreled@optonline.net) Deacon Gerard K. Steffens, Parish Deacon Mrs. Loretta Tarter, Business Manager Mrs. Jane Wirth, Parish Secretary (pothc@optonline.net) Mass Intentions Schedule Week of March 3rd, 9 AM Mass Mon. Helen Dalamango Tue. Barbara Martin Wed. Joseph Donlon (living) & Paula Lopez (living) Thu. Rinaldi Family Saturday, March 9th, 5 PM Mass Linda Castro, Maron Brady, Neil Weiss New Life in Christ Holy Cross welcomes these children Baptized in February Brendon James Cairns Blake Anthony Franzese Scarlett Grace Nielsen Gabriella Maria Romero Sunday, March 10th, Fourth Sunday of Lent 8:00 AM People of the Parish 9:30 AM Harold Luebs 11:30 AM Tom Brown, TJ Arcati, Sam Longo, Dolores White, Jason Adams 5:00 PM Neal & Concetta Romano Remembering our Sick Please pray for the sick of the parish, their families and caregivers: Virginia Lippertshauser Scripture Readings for March 9th/10th + 1 Samuel 16:1,6-7,10-13 + Ephesians 5:8-14 + John 9:1-41 Celebrants for Next Weekend s Masses March 9th/10th 5:00 PM Fr. Jim 8:00 AM Fr. Bob 9:30 AM Fr. Bob 11:30 AM Fr. Jim 5:00 PM Fr. Jim

A PERSONAL REFLECTION FROM FR. JIM Last weekend was a very emotional experience for me. I dreaded telling you of this change in my life and in our parish. I appreciate the warmth and sincerity of your response to the announcement that I will be leaving here in June. Let me assure you that I have loved being here. Bishop Murphy said at our 25 th anniversary Mass on January 20 th that I wanted to come here. That is true. Years ago when I was the Director of Priest Personnel, I visited with Father Joe and Father Bill. I listened to them speak about this beautiful community and told them I wanted to come here after they completed their time. Then, when Father Bill was leaving in 2002 the story was still current that I wanted to come here. I have no regrets that I did. I have enjoyed these years very much. However, after ten years I have done what I can do. You have heard me preach on many occasions. Now it is time for a new leader and another voice. I do not take myself so seriously that I think I am indispensible. I am not. I have my strengths and weaknesses like anyone else. You are the strength of this parish and its future is in your hands. I encourage you to keep involved. I especially encourage you to come to Mass every Sunday. If I hear that people stopped coming to Mass because I left here, I will feel that I have failed. We come to Mass because Jesus Christ is here in Word and Sacrament. I have consistently preached this throughout these years. My biggest disappointment as pastor is when people stop coming to Mass. Over the years I have called people to invite them back. I truly believe that the Eucharist is the most important event of our week. If there is anything I pray for, it is that you be faithful to the Eucharist. I am presently very disheartened, as I am sure you are, by all the rumors in the media about our Church. This just makes the job of a pastor so much harder because people form opinions and make judgments based on media speculation. The Church is not perfect. None of us are. So why don t we just admit we are all sinners in need of the saving grace of Jesus Christ. That, in itself, is a good reason for coming to Mass each Sunday. The parish of the Miraculous Medal in Point Lookout is at the end of the peninsula of Long Beach. It is surrounded by water on three sides. The geographical area of the parish is small enough to walk it. That is exactly what I intend to do this summer. I will walk every street and greet every person. I will invite them to Sunday Mass and offer to walk with them in the challenges of daily life so that together we might draw closer to God. That s what I tried to do here. That s what I hope to do there. May the Lord give you peace. Fr. Jim The Diocese has begun the process of selecting a new pastor. To that end there will be an open parish meeting with Bishop Dunne on Monday, March 4, 2013 to listen to the needs and opportunities here at Holy Cross. All parishioners are welcome to come. The meeting will begin at 7:30 P.M. I am confident that the new pastor will carry our parish forward with your good spirit and cooperation. Let us pray for one another. It has been a great run!

A NOTE FROM OUR PASTOR A SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY TO HELP OUR TROOPS SERVING ABROAD I would like to ask you to take part in this very worthy effort. One of our high school seniors brought this request to my attention recently, and I am happy to endorse this project. Jacob s Light Foundation was founded in memory of Jacob Fletcher who died on November 14, 2003 in Iraq after a roadside bomb exploded the bus on which he was a passenger. Jacob was just shy of his 29 th birthday. His mother, Dorine Kenney, of Middle Island established Jacob s Light in memory of her son to send needed supplies to troops serving overseas. At the end of each month volunteers pack supplies to be shipped to our troops. I am asking that you bring triple edge disposable razors on the weekend of March 16/17 and place them in the boxes that will be provided. Many thanks, Father Jim RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS Lent is such a special and holy time for each of us. The season of Lent calls us to strip away the excess in our lives, to reflect deeply on who we are and who we have become and to make a commitment to renew ourselves. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.) is a process for those who wish to become Catholic or become fully initiated in the Church. In many ways, the season of Lent belongs to these people as they enter the final stage of preparation for reception of the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil. This year at the Parish of the Holy Cross, we welcome our candidates those already baptized but seeking full initiation and reception into the Catholic Church: Nicole Abbate, Christine Engelhardt and Peter Vavoules. We also welcome Elissa Ferraro, who will be baptized and fully initiated at the Easter Vigil. Please keep each of these people in your prayers. HOLY WEEK FOR KIDS! This year, we will again be having special services for children on Holy Thursday and Good Friday! We will have our first planning meeting on Wednesday, March 6th at 7:00 PM in the Fr. Joe Room. If you are able to be a part of this group, please contact Jude at 631-265-2200 x16. Thank you! SCOUT SUNDAY RESCHEDULED Due to the blizzard a few weeks ago, Scout Sunday has been rescheduled for Sunday, March 17th at the 9:30 AM Mass. Scouts are asked to arrive 15 minutes early and to wear their A level uniforms. All faiths are invited. If you are attending or you have questions, please email Kim and Andy at AKJLB23@optonline.net

CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES Next week, our parish will take up The Catholic Relief Services Collection. This Collection supports six Catholic agencies benefitting millions of vulnerable, displaced, and impoverished families and individuals around the world. From direct humanitarian service to helping victims of human trafficking and working to reunify families, the funds from this Collection make a real difference in lives across the globe. How can you help? Next week, please support The Catholic Relief Services Collection and Jesus in Disguise. MORNING OF REFLECTION Saturday, March 23, 2013 9AM -12 Noon... Were not our hearts burning within us.... You are invited to make your journey from Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday the life changing encounter it was meant to be. At the Eucharist there are to be no rich and no poor, only one equal family praying together in a common humanity. Slow down for a morning, and together let us reflect on the Eucharist... the ultimate relationship. Presented by Deacon Owen and Helen Farley (656-6115) Please bring something for the sharing table...fruit, cookies etc. Reserve by Wednesday, March 20... NAME Address Phone Please place in Sunday basket or call Deacon Owen or the office.

PARISH OUTREACH NEWS On the weekend of March 9th/10th, we will hold our annual food drive for Long Island Cares. This year as Long Islanders are still recovering from Super Storm Sandy, the need is greater than ever. Non-perishable food items can be placed in the boxes which will be in the Atrium. Thank you in advance for your generosity. Long Island Cares Food Drive Our Parish will again hold a food drive during Lent, to benefit Long Island Cares. During these difficult economic times we are all aware of the struggles many of our neighbors endure in meeting the food and financial needs of their household. Long Island Cares provides a valuable service in providing food to community agencies and food pantries across Long Island. Next weekend (March 9th/10th) barrels will be available in the Atrium for you to place the donated food. Long Island Cares Most Needed Items: Hot and Cold Cereal Juice (plastic container) Shelf-stable milk (ex. Parmalat) Peanut Butter and Jelly/Jam (plastic jars) Rice Macaroni & Cheese Pasta Canned Fish/Meat Canned Vegetables, Fruits, Soups Jello/Pudding Cookies/Crackers/Granola Bars Pancake/Cake Mix Eat Simply Our Outreach Lenten project called, Eat Simply So Others May Simply Eat is underway. If you would like to participate in this program, just take an envelope from the bulletin table in the Atrium, replace a big meal with a simpler meal during the week, and return the envelope with the money you ve saved to the basket near the Altar. Thank you for your support of this Outreach program!

PARISH OUTREACH NEWS The following is a letter from Heifer International to Holy Cross Church, thanking us for our support. Your donation of quarters each week to Kevin Bacon helps families around the world! Dear Holy Cross Church, On behalf of Heifer International, I want to wholeheartedly thank you for your recent donation. I have attached an article about Rukkhi Devi, a participant in our India program. Life is getting better for Rukkhi Devi. She looks at the two goats she received from Heifer India. These goats now have 4 kids. The 2 to be passed on are ready for the big ceremony. The goats changed her life. She gets three liters of milk everyday: she keeps one for her family s consumption and sells the rest at about $1 per liter to the local merchant. The family has earned a total of $140 that has increased their family income. Rukkhi states In the last six months, the biggest change has been that from a thatched house, I have been able to build a concrete house. (Partial excerpt from the article) Through the generous support of congregations like yours, families like Rukkhi s are able to get the nutrition they need, earn income and send their children to school. We are so grateful to have you as a partner in our mission to end hunger and poverty. Yours for a better world, Sabrina Eveland Community Engagement Coordinator Volunteers Still Needed for Sandy Clean-Up Vision Long Island has been organizing weekend clean-ups in Sandy affected communities of Freeport, Mastic Beach and Lindenhurst. If you would like to physically help out our struggling neighbors, visit their website for further information: www.visionlongisland.org

LIFE TEEN CANDY SALE LIFE TEEN CANDY SALE PRE-ORDER FORM LOLLIPOP CROSSES $2.00 EACH WHITE CHOCOLATE: MILK CHOCOLATE: DARK CHOCOLATE: SUBTOTAL: QUANTITY LARGE SOLID CROSSES $8.00 EACH MILK CHOCOLATE: DARK CHOCOLATE: SUBTOTAL: TOTAL DUE: QUANTITY + = Name: Phone#: All chocolates are handmade, decorated & individually wrapped. PLEASE DROP OFF OR MAIL YOUR ORDER FORM AND MONIES TO THE PARISH OFFICE. ALL CHECKS SHOULD BE MADE OUT TO: PARISH OF THE HOLY CROSS ON THE ENVELOPE ATTN: LIFE TEEN. OR SEE A LIFE TEEN REPRESENTATIVE AFTER THE 5PM SUNDAY LIFE TEEN MASS. Life Teen thanks you for your support! ALTHOUGH WE WILL BE HOLDING THE SALE 3/23-3/24, ONLY PRE-ORDERS ARE GUARANTEED. PRE-ORDER DEADLINE IS MARCH 3 RD!

LIFE TEEN CALENDAR 3/3/13 - We will be going into the city for our re-scheduled sandwich drive. 3/10/13 - Community Service Day: Soup Kitchen..Let s help those less fortunate! Parents please drop Teens at St. James Soup Kitchen, in Setauket at 2pm and pick up at 6pm. Teens bring money for pizza! 3/16/13 - Lock In 6:30-midnight. Teens this is one of our highlights! Spread the word and bring a friend! 3/17/13-5pm Life Teen Mass. Note there is NO Life Night. A Must-See Video of Our 25 th Anniversary Mass Our 25 th Anniversary Mass on January 20 th was professionally videoed. It is a must-see, trust me. It is a keepsake not only of that beautiful celebration but also of the history of Holy Cross. It lasts just less than an hour. You can purchase this DVD for ten dollars. We will do this by pre-order and payment. Please place your order in the collection basket and mark the envelope 25 th Anniversary Video Order. We will notify you when the videos have arrived. Please fill in the tear off below and place it with payment in the collection basket or return to the Parish Office by March 10 th. Fr. Jim Name: Phone Number: Email:_ 25th Anniversary Video! No. of Copies @ $10 each: Amount enclosed:

COMMUNITY NEWS Living Charity is a two-week volunteer service program with Sisters of Charity - Halifax. Volunteers have the opportunity for hands-on experience of service, reflection on justice and strategies, and living and praying together. Halifax Program: May 1-13, 2013; Boston Program: May 21-June 3 For more information, visit www.livingcharity.ca or on facebook.com/livingcharity CASH CALENDAR

MEETINGS THIS WEEK Saturday, March 2nd MEN S FELLOWSHIP WOMEN S ENRICHMENT (All Are Welcome!) LEVEL 4 PENANCE Sunday, March 3rd RCIA DISMISSAL DIRECTED RETREAT MTG. LIFE TEEN MASS Monday, March 4th ONE-TO-ONE CONFESSION ADORATION BLESSED SACRAMENT KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS PARISH MEETING Tuesday, March 5th LEVEL 7 CATECHIST MEETING LEVEL 4 PENANCE STEWARDSHIP MEETING Wednesday, March 6th SENIORS LEVEL 2 STEP MASS HOLY WEEK KIDS PLANNING MTG. 9:00 AM Fr. Joe Room 10:00AM Sacristy 11:00AM Wor.Ar./Atr. 9:30 AM Worship Area 3:30 PM Atrium 5:00 PM Worship Area 4:30-5:30 PM FJ,A,S,C,CR,WA 6:30-7:30PM Deacons Office Chapel 7:15-8:30PM Fr. Joe Room 7:30 PM Worship Area 10:00 AM Atrium 7:00 PM Wor.Ar./Atr. 7:15 PM Conference Rm. Noon - 3:30 PM Atrium 7:00 PM Worship Area Fr. Joe Room BUTTON/PRAYER CARD COMM. 7:15PM Conference Rm BAPTISM PREP CLASS Thursday, March 7th SCRIPTURE STUDY LEV. 7 CATECHIST MTG. 8:00 PM Father Joe Rm. 10:00 AM Fr. Joe Room 1PM & 7PM Atrium STEWARDSHIP MEETING 7:15 PM Conference Rm. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS MTG. Fr. Joe Room Saturday, March 9th WOMEN S PRAYER LEVEL 4 PENANCE LI CARES COLLECTION FOOT WASHING SIGN-UPS Sunday, March 10th LI CARES COLLECTION FOOT WASHING SIGN-UPS HOSPITALITY MEETING BAPTISMS MASS 9:30 AM Fr. Joe Room 11:00AM Wor.Ar./Atr. 5:00 PM Atrium Atrium All Masses Atrium Atrium 10:30AM Fr. Joe Room 1:00 PM Worship Area 5:00 PM Worship Area Congratulations to the following February Cash Calendar Winners! Date Amount Name 2/1/2013 2/2/2013 2/3/2013 2/4/2013 2/5/2013 2/6/2013 2/7/2013 2/8/2013 2/9/2013 2/10/2013 2/11/2013 2/12/2013 2/13/2013 2/14/2013 2/15/2013 2/16/2013 2/17/2013 2/18/2013 2/19/2013 2/20/2013 2/21/2013 2/22/2013 2/23/2013 2/24/2013 2/25/2013 2/26/2013 2/27/2013 2/28/2013 CASH CALENDAR 0 Colin & Christian Ark Lorraine Martin Joan Babino Doreen Hau Kevin McGuire Patricia Quinn Jim Passarella The Reich Family Nancy Piampiano The Bianco Family Joan Gualberti Connie Lipnicki Diane Lombardo Frank & Joan Sabella Barbara Burger Lorraine Crocitto Kathy & Steph Makowski Connie Lipnicki The Buff Family Connie Lipnicki Joan Gualberti James Donnelly Ellen Gaynor Connie Lipnicki Catherine Crouse Nicholas Schiraldi Maria Meyer Irene Rodechko ROOF COLLECTION This weekend we will have a second collection for our Roof and Other Major Renovations (ROMR). We collected an additional $418 in February. Thank you to all for your continued support!