My Dear Parishioners and Friends,
In September our School of Christian Living began its fall semester. The teachers of the School of Christian Living are Mrs. June Pettegrew, Mrs. Michele Lazor, and Mrs. Karen Paulison who use their talents of teaching for the good of young people in our parish. Two substitute teachers, Mrs. Carol Montero and Mrs. Karen Peano offer their help as it is needed. I encourage all parents to bring their children for SOCL classes that provide a wonderful educational and spiritually oriented program.
On Saturday September 6, 2008 Tanya Broniszewski and Rocco Cerrato exchanged their vows of marriage during the celebration of the Sacrament of Matrimony. We wish both of them a happy and blessed life together.
On Sunday September 7, 2008 a joyful occasion of the Sacrament Baptism took place in our parish. Nicholas John Gizzi, son of John Gizzi and Michele (Suvajac) was baptized as a new member of Christian family. We welcome Gizzi’s family as new parishioners of Holy Cross Church and wish them happiness by sharing in the life of our community of faith.
On Friday September 19, 2008 our parish had another wonderful event – The Third Annual Beefsteak Dinner. Through the efforts of Dominick and Angela Bucci and the help of others, we had a successful affair with over two thousand dollars of net profit. There were about eighty people – adults and children – attending the dinner that enjoyed food, fellowship and live music. Children too enjoyed the event. We are glad that the Mayor of West Paterson, Pat Lepore joined us for the dinner. There were several businesses that supported our event. We thank them in helping us to make this event a success.
On September 28, 2008 the Polish National Union celebrated its 100th Anniversary of service. For that occasion the past President of PNU, Mr. Edmund Kotula, organized a bus trip for the NY/NJ Seniorate members. The solemn Mass took place at St. Stanislaus Cathedral, Scranton, PA. The reception with over three hundred participants took place at the Radisson Hotel, Scranton.
The Polish National Union is a fraternal organization of our Church selling insurance polices. It is also supporting many programs of our Church such as seminary fund, Manor at Waymart, youth programs, scholarship programs, clergy pension fund etc. The church needs the support from PNU and our fraternal organization needs support from all members of the church. The PNU offers also loans through Spojnia Credit Union. For more information on the PNU services and special promotions in the program “$10 Million Sales Challenge” contact branch secretary Alice Kriskewic – 973-427-9648, or call directly the PNU office at 1-800-724-6352.
From Monday September 29th to Tuesday September 30th 2008 I participated in the Doctrine Commission Meeting that took place at the National Church Center, Scranton, PA. The Prime Bishop, bishops and some clergy who volunteered to work at this commission reviewed the prayers and the liturgy of the church.
In October our greatest fundraiser “FALL TRICKY TRAY” will take place on Friday, October 24, 2008. Let us do make our best by using our God given talents and sharing them for the well being of our parish. We have enough special trays, however we need more regular and super trays. Please use the flyers about upcoming Tricky Tray to advertise this event.
I ask everyone to continue support the ongoing and future fundraisers, such as shopping certificates sale, dinners, pierogi project, so that with our combine efforts we will be financial stable and capable to cover the necessary expenditures.
Above all each Sunday our Savior invites us to nourish with His Word and His real presence in the Holy Eucharist. As we all need Jesus, His guidance, support, and His love, we need to worship Him each Sunday.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Joseph