Sunday, January 15th, the youth of our parish participated in a special Holy Mass at 11:00 AM by serving as altar servers and reading prayers of the faithful. After Holy Mass there was a Youth Meeting followed by a reception. Participants enjoyed a game of musical chairs.
At the meeting the youth spoke about past events such as car wash and drive-in movie night in the summer. This year Youth Convo will take place from July 23 to July 27, 2012 at Niagara Falls. NY. A future youth fundraiser will be discussed at the next meeting to defray the cost for participants. After the meeting the church provided refreshment and pizza. At 2 PM we gathered at Montclair University, Floyd Hall Arena. We had a good turnout. After the group ice skate rental, seventeen youth enjoyed skating at the beautiful facility.
The parish sponsored the cost of tickets for our youth who are considered very important in our parish ministry. We thank parents and grandparents who brought the youth for the meeting and ice skating. Several adults were pleased to watch the young people’s endless energy and enthusiasm. The youth returned home happy and additionally witnessed a happy evening watching the Giants win!
The next youth Holy Mass and meeting will take place on Sunday, February 19th. Come and enjoy!
On Sunday, January 15th, Holy Cross Church witnessed a joyful celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism. Aubrey Gwen Roberts, daughter of Shawn and Diane (Hitchcock) Roberts, was welcomed to the Christian family during the celebration of Holy Mass at 11 AM. Godparents were James Hitchcock Jr. and Kaitlin Roberts. We congratulate Aubrey Gwen’s parents, grandparents, relatives and friends on this joyful occasion. We wish that the grace of Baptism that Aubrey received will be nourished for the years to come through participation in the life of Holy Cross Church family.
On Sunday, January 8th the Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament (ANS) Society of Holy Cross Church held their monthly meeting followed by a reception and joyful gift exchange. The members wished each other a happy, healthy and blessed New Year and shared those same sentiments with all other members of the Society and the parish. The society takes care of the needs of the church sanctuary such as liturgical vessels, altar linens and candles. They sponsor parish youth activities such as the annual Acolyte Retreat in the summer. They organize fundraisers and social activities. Baking for various church dinners is their specialty. They welcome new members to join this friendly group of ladies dedicated to mutual support and honoring our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. Thank you for your wonderful service.
Holy Cross and Passaic Valley UNICO are sponsoring a pasta dinner at the parish on Saturday, February 18th starting at 6 p.m.. Dessert, soda, water, and coffee are provided.
B.Y.O.B. (over 21). There will also be a 50/50 drawing. Donation: Adults – $10.00, Children 6 – 12 – $5.00, Under 5 “FREE.” Please make your reservations by Wednesday, February 15th. No tickets will be sold at the door.
For reservations call: Dominick J. Bucci 973-703-6473 or Holy Cross Church at 973-256-4888
Our annual parish meeting will be held on Sunday, February 12th after 9 a.m. Holy Mass. The second Holy Mass that day will be at 11:30 AM. There will be slight refreshment after the 9 a.m. Holy Mass. The School of Christian Living will conduct its program in Fr. John Slysz building with presentations provided by the youth enrolled in high school.
All the societies of our parish are asked to give annual reports for 2011 and information on their projects for 2012. Another important aspect of our Annual Parish Meeting will be the election of the Parish Committee. The Parish Committee is the council, which meets once per month (usually for about 1 1/2 hour on the evening of the 3rd Wednesday of the month) to discuss issues and make decisions for the well being of the parish. Would you consider serving on this committee? Please contact Dominick Bucci 973-703-6473 or Fr. Joseph for any additional information.
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas celebration. The weather was great.
I thank our dear SOCL teachers: Mrs. Karen Paulison, Mrs. Natalie Lazar, and Mrs. Jamie Santos for their help organizing Christmas Eve Mass at 4 PM. Mrs. Claire was unable to be with us due to her husband’s hospitalization. We keep him and all our homebound parishioners and friends in our prayers.
Equally, I would like to thank all the students who wore costumes and participated in the liturgy as lectors and altar servers. I thank all parents who brought their children to church.
I also thank those who served as lectors, choir members, altar servers on Christmas Eve Holy Masses at 4 PM and 10 PM, and for the Christmas Day 10 AM Holy Mass, and all who came to share their faith in the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. God bless you all.
Wishing you healthy, happy and blessed New Year 2012!!
With prayers,
Fr. Joseph and Parish Committee
Blessed New Year – 2012!
Szczęśliwego Nowego Roku – 2012!
Bonne Année 2012!
Felice anno nuovo 2012
Próspero año nuevo 2012
Ein gutes neues Jahr 2012!
We thank everyone who participated in the Advent Tree project and our parishioner, Pat Olsen, who coordinated this noble cause. It benefited the less fortunate of our society – boys and girls of DYFS (Division of Youth and Family Services), and men and women living in Eva’s Shelter, Paterson. Over forty gifts were donated to above mentioned institutions. Your generosity is appreciated and rewarded by the Lord who asks us to take care of the needy.
In the picture the Advent Tree (that had been covered in names tags before) has been changed into a Christmas tree due to the generosity of our parishioners.
Our annual Christmas Dinner was held last Sunday, December 4th. We enjoyed great attendance, delicious and abundant festive food prepared by Deacon David his wife Laurie, Edward Obssuth and their helpers. Our School of Christian Living students presented a play which invited the audience to participate in singing Christmas Carols. A special cake was made to honor the birth of Jesus. St. Nicholas came and distributed gifts to the precious children asking them in return to be god for another year.
A Candle basket and 50/50 cash prize were raffled. We thank also ladies who brought delicious bake goods. A thank you is also extended to the parishioners who contributed desserts, sold raffles, and invited friends for last Sunday celebration. Merry Christmas!
Polish National Union of America District #2 Meeting
The Polish National Union of America District #2 fraternal organization of our Church met quarterly at the meeting on Saturday, November 12th at Transfiguration of our Lord parish in Wallington, NJ. The election of new officers took place and various issues of the organization were discussed. In our parish hall you can find several pamphlets telling about PNU programs. For further information you can contact Alice Kriskewic, Judy Lamping or Fr. Joseph.
Confirmation Class
The Sacrament of Confirmation will be administered by Rt. Rev. John Mack, Bishop of the Central Diocese in spring of 2013. The next classes are scheduled as follows: Sunday December 11, 2011, January 15, 29, 2012 at 10:10 AM. The Sacrament of Confirmation is a very important step in youth’s religious education. Confirmation is the sacrament through which we receive gifts of the Holy Spirit to make us soldiers of Christ, ready to profess our faith in word and deed. The bishop confirms by laying of hands on the person to be confirmed and anointing the forehead in the form of the cross with Holy Chrism.
The confirmation imprints on our soul sacramental character, which entitles us to strength needed to show our faith in word and deed. The Sacrament of Confirmation is the completion of baptism, because we are strengthened to live a Christian life within the Church and defend its truths.
In the picture from the left: Carlos Garcia, Michael Cyman, Chris Paulison, Melissa Betancur, Nicole Romero, Amber Harth, Nayef Kiame and Fr. Joseph. The following students are also in the Confirmation class: Cris Carnemolla, Monica Kulbacki, Alexis Kulbacki and Jasmine Negrini.
First Communion Class
It is an enjoyable time for Fr. Joseph to prepare these students for their special celebration of receiving Jesus in the Holy Eucharist for the first time on Sunday, May 20, 2012. The next preparation classes for First Holy Communion are scheduled as follows: Dec. 11, 2011; January 8, 22, 2012 after 11 AM Mass. The Holy Eucharist is Jesus Christ really present under the forms of bread and wine. In the Eucharist Jesus Christ gives us Himself as a food for our souls. The bread and wine becomes the Body and Blood of our Lord during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass when the priest says words of consecration which Jesus used during the Last Supper: This is My Body… This is My Blood.
In the picture from left: Natalie Cyman, Vanessa Smith, Ariana Rubio, and Kaylee Gonzales who are preparing for their First Holy Communion with Fr. Joseph.
New Hymnals
On Sunday, November 13th, after 9am Holy Mass Alice Kriskewic and Judy Lamping presented the new PNCC hymnal to our organist, Neil Estanislao. The choir members are equipped with new copies. We invite and encourage interested parishioners to share their vocal and musical talents for the good of the parish. The choir is helping the congregation to sing hymns during Sunday liturgy. We thank Neil for his service as organist in our parish. We thank, as well, Jessica Muccilli for her service when Neil is not available.
Advent
On Sunday, November 27th we began the season of Advent. At the beginning of Sunday Masses in Advent we light one candle on the Advent wreath. They symbolize hope, love, joy and peace which Jesus brought into our lives.
Our Annual Advent Tree project, coordinated by our parishioner, Pat Olsen, started on Sunday, November 27th. Through our efforts, the project will be benefiting the less fortunate of our society. This will help boys and girls of DYFS (Division of Youth and Family Services) as well as senior men and women from EVA’S Village.
You are being asked to take a tag from the tree and write your name in the registry located near the tree. Please affix the copy of the tag you take from the tree to your gift so that the present may be given to the proper individual. All gifts are due back on Sunday, December 18th. Your generosity will be appreciated and rewarded by the Lord who asks us to take care for the needy.
Next Sunday, December 4th, after 11 AM Holy Mass we will have our annual Christmas Dinner with a special program called “Happy Birthday Jesus” provided by the students of School of Christian Living.
Children and youth are free of charge. We ask adults to donate only $12 per person while we provide this special menu: Tilapia with Mango Sauce, Roast Chicken, Roast Pork, Mashed Potatoes with Gravy, Cheese Ravioli and more.
In addition to that, Santa Claus – (St. Nicholas) will come to visit our children and give them presents. SOCL Children prepared gifts for attending guests.
You can’t miss this special event!
So far seventy people made reservations. We presume that some may forgot about this event or didn’t have time to reserve the tickets. Please let us know if you are planning to attend. You can purchase tickets at the parish office or reserve tickets and pay at the door. Let us know ASAP but no later than Wednesday evening. After November 30th we will accept only 10 more guests. You may call us at 973-256-4888 or send an E-mail.
