The Parish of the Holy Cross 95 Nichols Road + Nesconset, NY 11767 + 631.265.2200 + www.pothc88.org LET ALL BE WELCOMED AS CHRIST! What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead. James 2:14,17 Come and pray with us! 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time September 13, 2015 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 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 RECONCILIATION Saturday: 3:45 P.M. 4:30 P.M. or call Father Michael for an appointment. 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. Loretta Tarter Business Manager Mr. Brian Reich Director of Music Ministry Mr. Salvatore Finocchiaro Coordinator of Youth Ministries Mrs. Elizabeth Shea Religious Education Secretary (hcreled@optonline.net) Mrs. Mary Inghilterra Weekend Sacristan Celebrants for Next Weekend s Masses September 19th/20th 5:00 PM Fr. Michael 8:00 AM Fr. Michael 9:30 AM Fr. Kenan Peters 11:30AM Fr. Michael Mass Intentions Schedule Week of September 13th, 9 AM Mass Mon. Donato Rivera Tue. Mary Ciardi Wed. Philomena LaPolla Thu. Saavedra grandparents New Life in Christ Scripture Readings for September 20th + Wisdom 2:12,17-20 + James 3:16-4:3 + Mark 9:30-37 Remembering our Sick Please pray for those who are sick, their families and caregivers: Bernard Brady Viola Malek Loretto Narducci Banns of Marriage Third Time Lauren Waka & Douglas Wirth 2 Saturday, September 19th, 5PM Mass Nancy Gallagher, Joann Galgano, Charles Weinhofer Sr., Marilyn Heslin, Mary & Joseph Sulmasy Sun., Sept. 20th, 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time 8:00 AM People of the Parish 9:30 AM Giovanna DiCaterino 11:30 AM Pietro Paolo Guardascone, Liberino, Michele, Carlo & Giuseppe Illiano The Bread and Wine for the week September 13th - 19th, have been donated in loving memory of Jack Harris, by his family on the first anniversary of his death.
Thank You & Come Holy Spirit by Father Michael We have a few busy days here at Holy Cross. Today (Sunday) we have our Appreciation Barbeque for all those who volunteer and who serve in our many ministries. It is a remarkable witness to the work of the Spirit when we acknowledge how many people become involved in the life of the parish. For many, they discern God at work in their lives. And, part of their understanding is that they want to share in some aspect of parish life. They identify a need that we have and see within themselves a gift that can be put to good use. Some of our ministries have a public component to them, such as serving at our weekend liturgies. There are others that work behind the scenes. Some involve a weekly commitment, such as teaching a group of children. Others may only assist a few times a year. Regardless of the details, we are blessed to have so many caring people who truly bring this community to life. As you look around church today you will notice red banners and decorations, which is not usual for this time of year. This is in preparation for tomorrow. On Monday, we celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation for 210 of our young people. This is the perfect day for our parish as it is the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. Bishop Andrzej Zglejszewski will be here to confer the Sacrament. It is a marathon day as we need to have three ceremonies in order to accommodate everyone. This day is the culmination of hard work and discernment on the part of so many. It is a two-year preparation period with required classes. In addition to that is a retreat, writing Mass reflections, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and so much more. I am grateful to all our Catechists and those involved in making the liturgy so prayerful and beautiful. And, I appreciate the openness in the lives of so many of our young people to embrace this day as a sign of growth in their own spiritual journey. It will be a joyous day in their lives as well as for our parish family. One of the shows on Telecare, our Diocesan Television station is The Word. This is a weekly presentation in which a priest or deacon offers a homily on the upcoming Sunday scripture readings. Over the years, I have offered a few of these reflections. This past week I taped another one. I was assigned the readings for Epiphany. There is nothing like writing a Christmas homily in the midst of a late summer heat wave. Now, all I have to do is wait 4 ½ months for it to air. This week I did something that I have not done in a very long time. I filled my car with gas for $25. I know lower fuel prices have an impact in global economics, but it is sure nice to get a break at the pump. 3
A SPECIAL OFFERING @ HOLY CROSS! 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 Tuesday s @7:15 PM September 22- November 17 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. Who is Dave Ramsey? Dave Ramsey has dedicated his life to getting people out of debt and teaching the basics of financial responsibility. He hosts a nationally syndicated radio program. He can be heard locally M-F 7:00-10:00 PM on WOR710 radio or on I-Heart radio. What will the evenings be like? The heart of each class is a one hour DVD presentation taught by Dave Ramsey. There will be a few minutes for questions and discussion. You will be given a work book and there are brief homework assignments you are asked to complete for the next class. 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 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. We received a donation to underwrite this cost. So, this opportunity is being offered Free of Charge. The class is limited to twelve individuals or couples, so please sign up quickly if you are interested. This program will be facilitated by Father Michael Holzmann. 4
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS 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 5th. Level 7 parents and students have been invited to attend a meeting which will outline the Two Year Confirmation Preparation. Level 8 will begin classes the week of November 2nd. All Level 8 parents and students were 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 2nd. Parents will be invited to a meeting to get the overview of the year and the books for their child. Catechists are always needed to educate our children in the faith. We are especially in need of Level 2 Catechists in the Tackan and Mt. Pleasant areas. Level 4 Catechists are needed in the Wenonah and Mt. Pleasant areas. Please call the Religious Education Office at 631-265- 2200 ext. 12 for more information. Help Needed! We are looking for Catechists for our small group Special Needs program which meets at Holy Cross on Monday afternoons. Please call the Religious Education Office at 631-265-2200 ext. 12 for more information. CHILDREN S LITURGY OF THE WORD Children s Liturgy of the Word, for children in grades K-3 rd grade, will resume on Sunday, September 20 th at the 11:30 Mass in the Fr. Joe Room. Children's Liturgy is held every Sunday from September to June, except for holiday weekends. We are looking for additional helpers for this fall. Time commitment is dependent on the number of helpers we have. If you are in grades 4 through 12 and would be interested in helping out, or are looking for a community service activity, please contact Karyn at 648-3594, or speak with her prior to the 11:30am Mass. 5
HOLY CROSS TRAVEL CLUB Holy Cross Travel Club Presents Christmas in Bethlehem & The Miracle of Christmas December 10-11, 2015 Trip Includes: Roundtrip Transportation on Hampton Jitney from Holy Cross Overnight Accommodation at the Amish View Inn & Suites Tickets to matinee performance of Miracle of Christmas at the Sight and Sound Theatre in Lancaster A visit to the National Christmas Center Shopping at Christkindlmarket 3 Meals: o Family Style Dinner at Plain and Fancy Restaurant o Country Breakfast at Hotel o Famous Holiday Buffet lunch at the historic Hotel Bethlehem The Fine Print $299 per person based on double occupancy. $359 for single occupancy. These prices are based on having 42 passengers. If the group is between 32-41 people the cost will increase approximately $30 per person. If interested, please fill out the form below and return with full payment. $75 is non-refundable (unless we have at least 42 people and there is someone to take your place). Make checks payable to Parish of the Holy Cross. We can also process credit card (Visa/Mastercard) and debit payments in the office. After October 26 all money is non-refundable. (Also, this is the last day to sign up.) Christmas in Bethlehem & The Miracle of Christmas Name: Phone Number: E-Mail: Rooming With: 6
SERVING GOD BY HELPING OTHERS! 2015 Catholic Ministries Appeal Be men and women who bring the light of hope to others. - Pope Francis During this special time that we are honored to welcome the Holy Father, Pope Francis to New York, please consider hearing His call, to be men and women who bring the light of hope to others, by making a gift to the 2015 Catholic Ministries Appeal. We are often asked, Who does the Appeal serve? Where you find people in need, you will find our Church responding, and we are able to do this because of your support of the Catholic Ministries Appeal. 100% of every dollar donated to the Catholic Ministries Appeal goes to support our Long Island community with programs and services that provide: Affordable and safe housing for seniors, and adults with disabilities. Food programs for seniors and low income families. Assistance through Outreach programs at our local Parishes. Chemical dependence services and day treatment programs. Prison Ministry. Comfort to the sick and dying. Every dollar you contribute helps ensure that our ministries bring the light of hope to thousands of people in need every year. Please consider donating to the Appeal and making a difference in someone s life. Thank you! Catholicministriesappeal.org facebook.com/drvccma Catholic Ministries Appeal brochures are available in the Holy Cross Atrium. 7
YOUTH MINISTRY NEWS The Youth Group would like to kick-off the new school year in style! The Youth Group is having a Fall Plant Sale at all the Masses on the weekend of September 19-20! We are selling a variety of Fall Plants to support our upcoming events and Fall Retreat! September 20: 11:30AM Youth Mass & Youth Group Fall Kick- off Kick-Ball Game at Gibbs Pond Park, 12:30-2:30PM! Teens v. Core! So, come on down! We will have food, music and great company! September 27: Youth Night, 6-8PM Illuminate! All teens wear black clothes! We are going to have a glow in the dark party! Thank you all for your continued support and love for our Youth Group! COMMUNITY NEWS New York State Citizen Preparedness Corps Training Prepare, Respond, Recover: WHAT TO DO WHEN DISASTER STRIKES Thursday, September 24th, 7PM to 8:30PM St. Anthony of Padua Parish, East Northport, in the lower Church St. Anthony s Parish Outreach has partnered with the New York National Guard and Catholic Charities to bring the New York State Citizen Preparedness Corps training directly to you! Take advantage of this opportunity to attend a basic all-hazard individual preparedness event. The training is one hour plus 30 minutes for questions and answers, and will include a comprehensive overview of how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural and man-made disasters. For information and to R.S.V.P. (by September 20th) call 631-261-1695. 8
THE HEIFER CORNER Beatrice s Goat There is a book that was published in 2001 by Page McBrier titled Beatrice s Goat. The story is about a little girl in the village of Kisinga in western Uganda. All little Beatrice wished for was to be able to go to school. But, her family was very poor and did not have the money to pay for books or school fees. Until one day when her family received a goat from Heifer International. They named her Mugisa luck. Mugisa provided both nutrition and income for the family, and soon Beatrice was able to go to school. The best part of this story is that it is true! Beatrice went on to college and grad school here in the United States. She now works for Heifer International in New York City. The picture is of Connie and Beatrice at an Earth Day Fair in NYC this past April. Thankfully, this is not the only story that has a happy ending. There are so many families that have been helped through the gift of an animal by Heifer International. We would like to use our Kevin Bacon quarters to educate and empower two more women like Beatrice through Heifer s Send a Girl to School Project. When we send a girl to school through a $275 donation, it: Empowers her through education Equips her with books, paper and other learning materials Provides for her tuition and other school expenses Girls often suffer the most from gender discrimination. They are often denied the opportunity to go to school because resources are limited. As our children in the parish start back to school, we are delighted that we can provide this same opportunity for two girls a world away. Beatrice as a young girl in Uganda 9
CASH CALENDAR Parish of the Holy Cross 10
MEETINGS THIS WEEK Saturday, September 12th 9:00 AM MEN S FELLOWSHIP Fr. Joe Room WOMEN S ENRICHMENT 10AM Sacristy EAGLE SCOUT CAR WASH 10AM-1PM Holy Cross Sunday, September 13th 1:00 PM BAPTISMS Worship Area VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BBQ 3-7PM Courtyard Monday, September 14th CONFIRMATION Tuesday, September 15th PASTORAL COUNCIL Wednesday, September 16th SENIORS LEV. 7 PARENT/STUDENT MTG. Thursday, September 17th FINANCE COMMITTEE Saturday, September 19th YOUTH GROUP PLANT SALE Sunday, September 20th YOUTH GROUP PLANT SALE HOSPITALITY COMM. MTG. CATECHETICAL AWARDS 10AM, 1PM, 4PM Worship Area 7:00 PM Fr. Joe Room 11AM - 2:30PM Atrium 7PM Worship Area 7:30 PM Conference Rm. 5:00 PM Atrium All Masses Atrium 10:45AM Conference Rm. 11:30AM Worship Area SPECIAL COLLECTIONS This weekend is the National Collection for The Catholic University of America. The Catholic University of America, located in Washington D.C., is the national university of the Catholic Church in the United States. Every dollar given directly supports aid for students from dioceses across the country, including our diocese. Next weekend, at the offertory we will also be collecting for the St. Pius X Enriched Living Facility. This collection enables retired priests of our diocese who reside or are recuperating at the facility to get the care they need while allowing them to be fully engaged members of the community. Thank you for your generosity to this special collection. RELIGIOUS FREEDOM Let s Celebrate Let s Constitution Celebrate Day Constitution Day On September 17, 2015, the United On September 17, 2015, the United States will States have its will annual have its celebration annual celebration of of Constitution Constitution Day. Day. This day commemorates This day commemorates the signing the of the signing of the Constitution Constitution 228 years 228 ago. years It s a ago. day when It s a day when U. S. citizens U. S. should citizens remember should remember the blessings the blessings of liberty and the responsibilities of citizenship. of liberty and the responsibilities of citizenship. The Constitution, together with the Bill of The Constitution, Rights and together the Declaration with the Bill of of Independence Rights and form the Declaration the three Founding of Independence Documents. They form the three are immensely Founding Documents. important to They the establishment are immensely of our important nation and to are the what establishment help to preserve of our nation our liberties and are what today. help to preserve our liberties today. All public schools are mandated to provide educational programing on the history of All public schools are mandated to provide the U.S. Constitution during Constitution educational Week. programing Parents, on ask the your history children of next week the U.S. Constitution what they learned during Constitution in school about their Week. Parents, Constitution. ask your children next week what they learned in school about their Constitution. First Amendment to the Constitution: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment First Amendment of religion to the or prohibiting Constitution: the Congress free exercise there or abridging the freedom of speech or of the pre shall make no law respecting an establishment or of the people peaceably to assemble and to of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; petition the government for a redress of or abridging grievances. the freedom of speech or of the press; or of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. 11
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