Christmas Eve
Holy Mass 4:00 P.M. – WITH YOUTH PARTICIPATION
Shepherd’s Holy Mass 10:00 P.M. – GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Christmas Day
Holy Mass 10:00 A.M. – GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Join us to celebrate the birth of our Lord
— Father Joseph and Family and Holy Cross Family
ALL ARE WELCOME!
Holy Cross Parish – Nativity schedule Read More »
Fr. Joseph continues his weekly visitations of the homebound. He administers the Sacraments of Penance and Holy Communion, and has been providing our brothers and sisters with calendars and Christmas wafers. The Holy Cross Church gives to each homebound a beautiful poinsettia through the efforts of St. Nicholas Ministry. Please join us in remembering our homebound in prayer. Each Thursday evening we have special healing Mass for the sick and homebound.
Caring for our homebound brothers and sisters Read More »
Sunday, December 6th proved to be a festive event with the celebration of St. Nicholas Day at Holy Cross Church – Woodland Park, N.J. Delicious Slavic food, music, dancers, and a visit from “Jolly Old St. Nick” delighted the adults as well as the children.
Sunday school students performed for their audience and were accompanied by Anthony Serrao- talented pianist, organist and vocalist. Students distributed gifts to those who attended. These hand made items were created by the children with the assistance of their teachers – Claire Centrella, Michele Lazor, Penni Lazor, Karen Paulison, and Jamie Santos.
At the closing of the performance and the singing of “Here Comes Santa Claus” the children were surprised by a visit from St. Nicholas in his elegant outfit with staff and lantern. Children were delighted by the traditional gifts that he bestowed upon them.
Diners were entertained by the Christmas music of “D.J. Rosario” and the children enjoyed the dancing and games that he played with them. Eighteen young dancers from St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Garfield enthralled the crowd with Slavic dances in traditional ethnic costumes.
This event would not have been possible without the support of the members of the “Parish Life Committee”. The next social event – Annual New Year’s Dinner – will take place on Sunday January 10, 2010. For more information call 973-256-4999 or E-mail us. Welcome!
Here comes Santa Claus! Read More »
The main event in the month of November was the celebration of the blessing of the church rectory on Sunday November 15, 2009. We cherished the presence of Rt. Rev. Dr. Anthony Mikovsky, Bishop of the Central Diocese of the Polish National Catholic Church. He presided over the Mass with co celebration of available Sunday morning clergy of NY / NJ Seniorate. The Bishop’s inspirational homily invited us to witness our faith in building the Holy Cross Church family as our testimony of God’s presence in our community.
The celebration of the Mass with the presence of the Bishop Anthony Mikovsky was spiritual nourishment for us all. The beautiful liturgy with the youth and congregation participation was remarkable. The Adoration Society took part in the procession, the youth read the prayers of the faithful, the children sang an offertory hymn – “The Prayer of St. Francis – Make me a channel of your peace.” The lectors, altar servers and ushers took part in the celebration.
Following the Mass, on a beautiful day, the blessing of the enlarged rectory took place in front of the rectory. The blessing of engraved pavers with family names of generous donors took place in the parish hall. A delicious dinner was sponsored by my Cyman family as our little appreciation for the rectory expansion. Delightful food was prepared by my wife, Mrs. Renata Cyman with the help of volunteers Hughie and Beverly Vickerilla, Angela Bucci, Tatiana Mludzik and desserts donated mostly by the ladies of Adoration Society.
During the reception, Dominick Bucci, the rectory expansion project coordinator, commented on the power point presentation. Several pictures described the progress of the building expansion. We thank Dominick for his remarkable involvement throughout the time of preparation and expansion of the rectory.
My family would like to thank the Parish Committee who not only initiated the rectory expansion in 2007 but made important decisions to help finalize this project. We would like to thank each and everyone who in any shape or form supported and helped to build the rectory expansion and who continue to support the Building Fund. We thank also those who were part of the dedication ceremony on Sunday Nov. 15, 2009.
Today on Sunday November 29, 2009, we begin the holy season of Advent. Four Sundays of joyful time of Advent are given by the Church as our preparations for the Solemnity of the Nativity of our Lord. I wish that we all prepare our souls to welcome Jesus once again into our hearts and into our lives. On this special Solemnity of Christmas, we need to let Jesus be born again in us and in our homes. Before this celebration takes place, there will be a lot of responsibilities that we must accomplish either in our homes, work places, or schools. In addition to that we need to set aside time for private prayer and Sunday worship with our parish family. Advent is above all time to set aside for our spiritual growth. Furthermore in this time we need to be aware about the needs of others, especially those who are less fortunate in our society. Therefore, we keep in our parish a wonderful program called the ADVENT TREE. This will help boys and girls of DYFS (Division of Youth and Family Services), senior men from EVA’S SHELTER and women with babies from SHELTER OUR SISTERS. All gifts are due on Sunday, December 13, 2009. Next Sunday, December 6th the children of School of Christian Living will present a Christmas program during the dinner after 11:00 a.m. Mass. Let us invite our friends and enjoy together this spiritual event. We thank you in advance for your generosity toward our parish especially at Christmas time so that we can balance our annual budget. Soon we begin New Year “2010”. I strongly encourage all of you to make an important resolution to attend Christmas celebrations and attend regularly Sunday Masses in year 2010.
May we all keep Christ in our hearts at Christmas and throughout the New Year 2010.
May the Lord send upon you, and your dear ones, His abundant blessings in this Holy Season and throughout the New Year – 2010!
Father Joseph with Family and the Parish Committee
P.S. I keep you in my daily prayers. Please remember me in your prayers. – Fr. Joseph
CONVO 2010:
CONVO 2010 will be held July 26-30, 2010. Cost will be $285. All payments must be postmarked no later than June 1, 2010. After June 1st, a $25 late fee will be required to be paid in addition to the initial $285. All late payments must be in by June 25th. No payments may be made after June 25th, 2010
Spaces are filling up!!!! Make your reservation before all rooms are gone!!!! For more information check out the CONVO 2010 website or send an E-mail.
Next Convo Meeting will take place on January 30, 2010 at 11:30AM (Inclement weather will cause a re-schedule to February 6th) at Holy Mother of Sorrows Parish in Dupont, PA. All who can please attend! Remember, this is Central’s year to bring the youth of Christ’s Church together at Convo, let’s make it the best yet!!!
STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE PLANS:
At the last Stewardship Committee meeting the following plans have been made:
CONGRATULATIONS:
ANNUAL HALLOWEEN PARTY:
On Friday October 30, 2009 the Bucci family hosted its third annual Halloween Party. Food, drink and snacks were abundant and the decorations were outstanding. A disc jockey was provided to entertain the youth and the adults. Games and a costume contest added to the fun. Ironically, a young man dressed as a rabbi was one of the winners in the most creative category. The parishioners are enthusiastically looking forward to the next Halloween party. Another new idea and a great success for Holy Cross…..
Thank you to all who participated in the guess the weight of the “great pumpkin fundraiser and helped our youth in their plans for the convocation. A “big” thank you is given to Michael Lazor who donated his “great pumpkin” for this fundraiser.
During the months of October and November our parishioners were asked to guess the weight of the “great pumpkin” at $1.00 per guess. This fundraiser is one of many that the teen youth group of Holy Cross has planned to raise money for the religious convocation that will be held on last week of July 2010 at Monmouth College, NJ. Guesses ranged from 1 lb. to 5,000 lbs which is quite comical. The actual weight of the pumpkin is 45 lbs. and 9 ounces. Congratulations go out to Jasmine Cabrejos who came closest to the exact weight!
S.O.C.L. THANK YOU
The School of Christian Living class Brianna Harth, Matthew Montero, Michael Lazor, Alissa Paulison and Mrs. Claire Centrella would like to thank parishioners for donations of non-perishable food items and six Shop Rite gift certificates each valued $25. Six large food baskets were prepared and delivered to Memorial School on Monday Nov. 23, 2009.
In addition to that, five bags of groceries, bag of toys and three turkeys were given to Father English Food Pantry, Paterson. It was a wonderful gesture to be mindful of those who are less fortunate in the time of Thanksgiving and approaching Christmas. The next Food Drive is scheduled on Sunday January 17, 2010.
On Sunday, November 15, 2009 we host Rt. Rev. Dr. Anthony Mikovsky the Bishop of the Central Diocese.
After the 11:00 A.M. Mass the blessing of the rectory addition will take place followed by a reception in the parish hall. The buffet dinner style will be provided and sponsored by the Cyman Family as a token of appreciation for rectory expansion. Let us take the opportunity to meet Bishop Anthony Mikovsky, the Shepherd of our diocese.
Reminder: Tomorrow’s blessing of our rectory addition Read More »
Please enjoy the following pictures and notes reflecting important events which took place in October 2009
SOCL FIELD TRIP – Picture perfect weather, a great turnout of parishioners, and a tremendous amount of fellowship and fun led to a very successful event on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009. After 11:00 A.M. Mass and a hot dog lunch at the parish hall, Sunday school students, families, and friends, participated in this fall outing at “Farms View Roadstand” – Wayne, N.J. A hay ride through the farms, pumpkin picking, fresh apple cider, homemade donuts, a farmer’s market, and a petting zoo were enjoyed by many families. Grandparents, parents, and their children (three generations) participated in this event.
The Ladies of the Adoration Society took a group picture which will be included in the new church pictorial directory. We thank them for their service for the good of our parish.
Fr. Joseph participated in The National Clergy Conference held in Lancaster, NY October 20-21-22, 2009. On the picture are bishops and the clergy seated in the sanctuary of the Holy Rosary Cathedral, Lancaster, NY. The cathedral has several beautiful wood carvings in the main altar, side altars, stations of the cross and other items which were diligently done by Very Rev. Walter Madej. The statues of St. Helen and St. Stanislaw Bishop and Martyr in the sanctuary of our church were also carved by Very Rev. Walter Madej.
Look for the Rainbow Tricky Tray 2009 – On Friday October 23, 2009 annual Tricky Tray took place at Three Saints Cultural Center, Garfield. Because of the generosity of many parishioners and several corporate sponsors we had sufficient amount of regular, super and special trays. There were over 300 people who enjoyed our fund raiser. Our net profit was over $12,000.00 (twelve thousand dollars).
Our Tricky Tray MC this year – Karen Hitchcock and Jason Cabrejos with the help of Eddie Obssuth. We thank Master of ceremonies for a wonderful job they did.
THANK YOU — Our successful Autumn Tricky Tray event, the biggest annual fundraiser since 1982, took place on Friday, October 23, 2009 at Three Saints Orthodox Church, 464 Outwater Lane, Garfield, NJ.
Our special thanks are expressed to those who:
According to our Treasurer, Richard Daum, we made over $12,000.00 (twelve thousand) of net profit.
More specifically: Thank You and God Bless you!
Our future events?
Election Day – Tuesday, November 3, 2009 – Please remember to vote and use your priviledge and rights of the United States of America citizens.
THE BLESSING OF THE RECTORY ADDITION will take place on Sunday November 15, 2009 by Rt. Rev. Dr. Anthony Mikovsky the Bishop of the Central Diocese. On that Sunday there will be ONE Mass celebrated at 11:00 A.M. followed by the blessing of the addition. The reception will take place in the parish hall. The buffet dinner style will be provided and sponsored by the Cyman Family as a token of appreciation for needed rectory expansion. All are invited to attend this event with the opportunity to meet Bishop Anthony Mikovsky. Please write the name of your family and number of people attending on the sign up list located in the parish hall. Thank you.
November 22, 2009 (Sunday) – Advent Tree Project Begins
ADVENT TREE – Our Annual Advent Tree project will begin on Sunday November 22, 2009. Through our efforts it will be benefiting the less fortunate of our society. On Sunday November 22, 09 you will be 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 will be due on Sunday December 13, 2009. Your generosity will be appreciated and rewarded by the Lord who asks us to take care for the needy.
THANKSGIVING HOLY MASS – Everyone is invited for a Thanksgiving Eve Mass on Wednesday, November 25, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. Let us give thanks for the Almighty God for all His gifts which we so often take for granted.
CHRISTMAS DINNER – December 6, 2009 after 11:00 A.M. Mass – Don’t forget to mark your calendars for an enjoyable afternoon with great food and Christmas Program by the children of our School of Christian Living. The Menu will be provided in upcoming Sunday bulletins. Please reserve your tickets early. THE CHILDREN WHO WILL PARTICIPATE IN CHRISTMAS PROGRAM ARE FREE OF CHARGE. The deadline to purchase tickets is Sunday, November 29, 2009.
ATTENTION BAKERS – We are asking all the bakers in our parish to please honor us with desserts such as cakes, cookies etc. for our Christmas Dinner which will be held on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009 after 11:00 a.m. Mass. A sign up list will be located in the parish hall. We thank you in advance for your cooperation.
HEALING MASS – The next Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, November 19, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. You are invited to attend this Mass especially if you have any health problems to present them to our Lord and please pray for those who are affected by any kind of illness. After the Mass the Bible study will be available for interested parishioners.
CHURCH PICTORIAL DIRECTORY – Last week we had pictures taken for our new church pictorial directory by Universal Church Directories, of Mansfield, Ohio. Those who were not able to attend can submit their pictures or tell the church office 973-256-4888 to use the pictures from the previous directory. The fee to submit the picture is $8 payable to Holy Cross Church. The parish will pay that fee to Universal Church Directories. For submitting the picture you will receive the copy of the church directory. Please be a part of our church project. Thank you.
YOUTH PICTURE – Sunday Nov. 15, 2009 At 10:15 A.M. – On Sunday November 15, 2009 the children and youth will have a choir practice at 10:15 A.M. At the beginning of the practice there will be a group picture taken of our youth in the church sanctuary. Dear parents, please bring your children for the choir practice and for the group picture. The picture will be included in the church pictorial directory – the youth are our future.
PARISH HALL PAINTING – We need more volunteers to paint our parish hall on Saturday November 7, 2009 from 9:00 A.M. You can sign your name in the parish hall or call Dominick Bucci, Maintenance Committee Chairman at 973-703-6473.
S.O.C.L.
TEACHERS and PARENTS MEETING – SUNDAY – November 8, 2009 at 10:10 AM
The S.O.C.L. teachers and parents of S.O.C.L. students will meet on Sunday November 8, 2009 at 10:10 A.M. for their monthly updates and planning. Please be reminded that students will be attending “choir practice” in lieu of classes. They will sing the Offertory Hymn at the Mass presided by the Bishop Anthony Mikovsky on Sunday November 15, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. Your support and cooperation is very important to the success of our new endeavor – A YOUTH CHOIR!!
FOOD COLLECTION FOR THE NEEDY – THANKSGIVING MEALS – Our Class of the School of Christian Learning would like to donate baskets of Thanksgiving Meals (non-perishables) to those in Woodland Park who are less fortunate than we are. Please bring your items (listed options below) to church on Sunday November 15 and 22, 2009 so baskets can be put together and delivered for the holiday. Thank you, Alissa, Matthew, Brianna & Michael
Items Needed: $25 Gift Cards for supermarkets ( to be used for turkeys), Canned Goods (vegetables), Cranberry Sauce, Canned Pumpkin for pies, Pie Crust Mix, Boxed Stuffing Mix, Canned gravy, Boxed Potato Mix, Paper Products, and anything else you think of.
Kids prayers and sayings
Dear God, I think the stapler is one of your greatest inventions. –Ruth
Dear God, I think about you sometimes, even when I’m not praying. –Elliott
Dear God, I bet it is very hard for you to love all the people in the world. There are only four people in our family and I can never do it. –Nan
Dear God, Of all the people who worked for you, I like Noah and David the best. –Rob
My Dear Parishioners, I thank all those who share their time, talent and treasure to build our parish family in different aspects of our ministry. I encourage all of you to serve in our parish and to work together so that the Holy Cross will continue to be a “second home” for each one of us.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Joseph
P.S. I keep you in my daily prayers. Please remember me in your prayers.
Welcome Back!
The beautiful calendar summer with its good adventures is almost ended. Our children went back to school to continue their education. The regular schedule of our parish ministry begins today, September 13, 2009. The School of Christian Living program starts as well and our teachers are eager to hear children’s summer stories. The teachers Mrs. Michele Lazor, Mrs. Karen Paulison, Mrs. Claire Centrella and Mrs. Jamie Santos, who joined the faculty are ready to serve our children for their spiritual benefit in school year 2009 – 2010.
For me and my family it was a unique and special summer. Two months of the rectory expansion took place from June 26 to August 21, 2009 and passed very quickly. It was a time filled not only with some noise, dust, and little discomfort but also a good time of witnessing all stages of the project. There were several meetings with many people that were involved in the construction. It was a time to observe the fruits of hard labor. Sometimes and my family and I were involved with making decisions and doing a little of the work as well. The Parish Committee accepted Dominick Bucci to be a coordinator for this building project. My family and our parish can’t thank him enough for his remarkable service he did and the time he spent to communicate with SRK General Contractor LLC, Garfield, NJ. Because of his involvement, the job was well done. At the end of the project according to our plans, the painting was done by the volunteers of the parish to defray the cost of the project. In addition to Dominick, we are thankful to his sons, Brian and David and Lenny Hrinuk who gave us a hand. I can’t forget my wife’s work and children who did their share too. After a couple of days of painting, my daughter had a question: father, you are a priest and you are painting? Yes my honey, I do it for you. Yes we enjoyed being part of this project.
In conjunction of this expansion there were other jobs done in our parish. The old ceiling tiles with leaking marks going to the choir loft were replaced with new one. The floor in the parish hall by the windows was fixed by Dominick Bucci. The old wooden floor in the Break Panel Room was replaced with the new tiles. The old electric outlets in the rectory were replaced with new ones. The old wooden floors in the rectory were refurbished. The cement ramp was poured and the double door to the parish hall was accommodated as handicap accessible. Men of the Parish Committee moved furniture from the tea room and church kitchen and the floor was cleaned and waxed. Bob Sleece moved the furniture back. The crack on the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary along Browertown Rd. was fixed, ASIES Group, Fairfield, NJ. The cement footing was poured for the “small” statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary in front of the rectory. The patio in front of the rectory was completed. The old and cracked counter-top and old cabinets in the rectory kitchen were replaced with the generosity of SRK General Contractor. Many of these jobs were charitably done or done with a great discount in lieu of advertisement placed in our bulletin. Let us pray and support our benefactors. We thank all parishioners who supported our project and showed their generosity by giving donations toward Building Fund.
THE BLESSING OF THE RECTORY ADDITION will take place on Sunday November 15, 2009 by Rt. Rev. Dr. Anthony Mikovsky the Bishop of the Central Diocese. On that Sunday there will be one Mass celebrated at 11:00 A.M. followed by the blessing of the addition. The reception will take place in the parish hall. A buffet style dinner will be provided and sponsored by the Cyman Family as a token of appreciation for the accomplished project. All are invited to attend this event with the opportunity to meet Bishop Anthony Mikovsky. Please write the name of your family and number of people attending on the sign up list located in the parish hall.
We are getting ready for Flea Market sponsored by combined efforts of ANS and Daughters of Holy Cross on Friday September 19, 2009,
Our Fourth Annual Beefsteak Dinner Saturday will be held on September 26, 2009
Our annual Tricky Tray on Friday, October 23, 2009.
In addition to that with the efforts of Parish Committee our parish will have new Parish photo directory taken
on October 27-28-29, 2009 by Universal Church Directories of Mansfield, Ohio.
Finally, we all have the responsibilities and a privilege to worship our God on Sunday – Keep Holy the Lord’s Day. We come to the church to present to the Lord many personal intentions and the needs of others. Each Sunday our Savior invites us and nourishes with His Word and His real presence in the Holy Eucharist. We all need Jesus, His guidance, support, and His love.
May God richly bless you. I keep you in my daily prayers. Please remember me in your prayers.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Joseph
August-September 2009 Read More »
My Dear Parishioners and Friends, some important events at Holy Cross Church in the past month.
1. The Adoration Society had meeting, election and oath of officers on Sunday June 7, 2009. The oath of new members was taken by Helen Skawinski, Elaine Rotsaert, Stella Skawinski, Loretta Offmann and Michele Desch. The new members received the Constitutions and the laws of the Adoration Society. Then the democratic election of officers was held. Adoration Society Officers for year 2009: President – Karen Peano; Vice-President – Nancy Mupo, Recording Secretary – Elaine Rotsaert; Financial Secretary / Treasurer – Alice Kriskewic, Sunshine Committee – Michele Desch. We congratulate the officers and new members of the ANS. The members discussed upcoming fundraiser – FLEA MARKET on Saturday, September 19, 2009. The next meeting is scheduled for Sunday August 30, 2009 after 9:00 A.M. Mass – 10:10 A.M. Daughters of Holy Cross merged with Adoration Society on Sunday March 1, 2009.
2. Sacrament of Matrimony between Eduart Rojas and Rosa Quinones on Saturday, June 6, 2009. We congratulate Eduart Rojas and Rosa Quinones on their special celebration of the wedding. Our congratulations are extended to Eduart parents – Paula and Mario; congratulations to Rosa’s parents – Nilda and Ramon; Best Man –Mario Rojas, Maid of Honor – Elizabeth Matias, family members and friends. We wish Rosa and Eduart God’s blessing and happiness in life together as Christian family.
3. The Sacrament of Baptism of Armond Clay Hockman III took place on Monday, June 22, 2009. We congratulate Armond on this special day, his fiancé, Christina Morello, Godfather Michael Morello and Godmother Christina C. Morello.
4. Parish picnic took place on Sunday June 14, 2009. Music was provided by DJ Rosario. Children and adults enjoyed the live entertainment.
5. The Balloon Magic – Dee Best – entertained the children.
6. Adults enjoyed musical chairs as well. The winner was Rafal Daniewski. The winner for children’s musical chair was Amber Harth.
7. The School of Christian Living end of school took place on Sunday June 14, 2009. These are those who received perfect, good and recognition of participation awards: Perfect Attendance – Neil Kiame; Good Attendance: Ned Kiame; Natalie Cyman, Nicholas Desch , Nayef Kiame, Michael Cyman, Alissa Paulison , Christopher Paulison , Matthew Montero; Recognition of Participation in S.O.C.L. Amber Harth; Brianna Harth, Michael Lazor, Gabriella Rotsaert, Daniel Sung. On the picture from left Edward Obssuth, Jason Cabrejos, Nayef Kiame, Ned Kiame, Nail Kiame, Michael Cyman, Natalie Cyman, Amber Harth, Brianna Harth, Alissa Paulison, Chris Paulison, Nicholas Desch, Gabriella Rotsaert. Teachers from left: Karen Paulison, Claire Centrella, Karen Peano (substitute), Michele Lazor (Superintendent) Thank you teachers for job great done! Missing on the picture are: Carol Montero (substitute teacher) Annie Montero, Matt Montero, Michael Lazor, Daniel and Emily Reyes, Aubrey Santos, Kayla Price.
8. Father’s Day Brunch was served on Sunday June 21, 2009 after 9:00 A.M. Mass. We thank Mr. Ed Obssuth who was in charge of the preparations for the brunch as well as all those who brought dishes, bake goods, served and cleaned afterwards. At the end of both Masses on Father’s Day, all fathers and fathers to be received gifts of appreciation – mugs with the text “Blessed is the father who travels with God.” We thank Mr. & Mrs. Ed Lazor for sponsoring Father’s Day gifts.
9. Beata Lazor was very busy on the day of parish picnic painting faces of several children.
10. The children watching Balloon Magic – Dee Best on the parish picnic.
11. The Fun Time Kids Academy was using our parish hall for their graduation ceremony. Eleven students graduated that day including Natalie Cyman (daughter of Fr. Joseph and Mrs. Renata Cyman). The parish hall was filled with parents, children and teachers on this joyous day.
During the summer month’s people travel and take summer vacations. I wish all children safe and enjoyable vacation time. In the summer we don’t have a break from payment of our regular church bills. Therefore, on behalf of the Parish Committee I ask all of you to donate by mail your regular donations to the parish if you will not be present on a particular Sunday.
I invite parishioners to take advantage of Saturday evening Mass at 6:00 P.M. in July and August so that you could enjoy more time on Sunday with your family. In July and August there will be only one Sunday Mass at 9:00 A.M. I remember you in my daily prayers. Please remember me in your prayers each day.
Yours in Christ,
Father Joseph
My Dear Parishioners and Friends, some important events at Holy Cross Church in the past month
1. Baptism of Stivet Salcedo Jr. son of Stivet Salcedo and Deyanira Pena on May 3rd.
2. Cinco De Mayo Dinner on May 3rd. On Sunday May 3rd our parish enjoyed Cinco De Mayo Dinner beautifully organized by the Parish Life Committee. Here is the article submitted by the Chairperson of the Parish Life Committee Michele Lazor: “CINCO DE MAYO” Ole, Ole !!
3. Baptism of Rylee Alexandra Loyas, daughter of Cassandra Loyas on May 24th .
4. The 70th Anniversary of Sacrament of Marriage between George and Gene Kapchonick was on May 27th 2009. Father Joseph went to visit Gene and George with Holy Communion, Anniversary blessing prayer and flowers donated by St. Nicholas Ministry. Congratulations to Gene and George!
Genevieve Piontkowski and George Kapchonick our lifelong parishioners celebrated their 70th Anniversary of Marriage. They both have a great influence on the life of our parish. When the Woodland Park (formerly West Paterson) church was being built, George was at the site daily and was Fr. John Slysz’s right hand man. He was a board member for years and active in the many activities and fund raisers. Gene was involved in the ANS (altar guild) and helped maintain the altar linens. For years she grew a garden of flowers just for the church. Her prize gladiolas adorned the altar for many years. She was also involved in many fund raisers. Originally from Little Falls, they moved to Tom’s River in 1983. We thank George and Gene for their service and wish them God’s blessing in the future. They have one daughter, Alice, who resides in Little Falls.
On Mother’s Day May 10th, 2009 after 9:00 A.M. Mass the breakfast in honor of our mothers took place with the menu (Sausages, Bacon, Eggs, French Toasts, Home Fries, Danish, Rolls and Butter, Coffee, Tea) provided by catering Hughie’s Red Kettle. During both Masses all mothers received corsages which were donated by the church and umbrellas generously sponsored by Edward and Michele Lazor. We thank them for their generosity.
We congratulate Paulette (Rodriguez) and Fernando Sung on the birth of their son, Stefano Sung 7 lb 1.6 oz, 19 3/4 inches on Wednesday May 13, 2009. We congratulate Gianfranco – Big Brother and other relatives and friends on this special occasion. May the Lord bless Sung family with good health and happiness.
We will celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony between Edvart Rojas and Rosa Quinones on Saturday June 6, 2009 at 3:30 P.M. We wish Rosa and Edvart God’s blessing and happiness in their life together as Christian wife and husband.
On Sunday June 14, 2009 our School of Christian Living student will conclude their Christian education with attendance and participation awards. After the 11:00 A.M. Mass all are invited to attend Annual Parish Picnic.
On the same Sunday, June 14, 2009, the Corpus Christi Procession will take place at SS Peter and Paul Parish in Passaic at 4:00 P.M. Refreshment will be served. All are invited to venerate the presence of the risen Lord in the Holy Eucharist.
On the third Sunday of June, 21, 2009 we will honor all fathers on Father’s Day. The refreshment will be served after 9:00 A.M. Mass.
Our youth will have their fundraiser – CAR WASH – on Saturday June 27, 2009. This event will be held in our parking lot on from 10 am to 3 pm. The youth will serve also refreshments. Everyone is asked to enjoy this event and support our youth. Bring your children for this good cause and activity full of fun.
During the summer months people travel and take summer vacations. I wish all children safe and enjoyable vacation time. In the summer we don’t have a break from payment of our regular church bills. Therefore, on behalf of the Parish Committee I ask all of you to donate/send your regular donations to the parish if you will not be present on a particular Sunday.
I invite parishioners to take advantage of Saturday evening Mass in July and August so that you could enjoy more time on Sunday with your family. In July and August there will be one Sunday Mass at 9:00 A.M.
I remember you in my daily prayers. Please remember me in your prayers each day. Wishing you a Happy Father’s Day.
Yours in Christ,
Father Joseph
The month of April gave us not only beautiful spring weather with some temperature records set but we also had some wonderful events at Holy Cross Church. Let me share with you the events that we wish to keep in our memories.
On Palm Sunday the Parish Committee Members took an oath. Hughie Vickerilla (Trustee), Edward Obssuth (Chairman of the Parish Committee), Maria Makos (Trustee), Alice Kriskewic (Trustee), Karen Hitchcock (Secretary), Adele Merson (Trustee); Fr. Joseph Cyman (Pastor), Dominick Bucci (Trustee); Bob Sleece (Vice-Chairman), Lenny Hrinuk (Trustee); Richard Daum (Financial Secretary/Treasurer); Absent was Mary Margo and David Obssuth.
On Sunday April 19, 2009 the children of Sunday School enjoyed Easter egg hunt followed by Easter Party in the Parish hall.
In the month of April we continued to have ALMS FUND DRIVE – This year the Parish Committee has decided to send our Alms Fund to the “Christian Appalachian Project,” This organization with over 40 years of reaching out to people in the 13 states that make up Appalachia with basic needs and services, including seeing that the children get food! They deliver food and supplies through local churches and community organizations. They provide lunch to children during the summer when they aren’t in school. They help families learn about planting backyard gardens. Their main concern is to provide for the hundreds of thousands of AMERICA’S poorest right here in the United States of America. Total donations for that cause was $387. On behalf of the poorest we thank those who supported this worthwhile project.
On Palm Sunday April 5, we had youth fundraiser selling PALM CROSSES AND EASTER PLANTS. These beautiful items were provided by Oak Farms owned and operated by Ed, David and Justin Obssuth. All profit will help finance the youth who will participate at Convo 2010 gathering. This project raised $154. There will be other fundraisers in the future as announced.
On Sunday, May 10, 2009 we will celebrate Mother’s Day and honor all mothers with special prayers during both Masses. Teachers and children will present a special program for mothers after the Mass in the parish hall. The Mother’s Day Breakfast will take place in the parish hall after the 9:00 A.M. Mass. (10:10 A.M.) All parishioners and friends especially Mothers are cordially invited to attend this special celebration.
Beginning Wednesday, May 6th I invite everyone May Devotions during the month of May. We will honor the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Jesus. The Christians from the beginning had a special devotion toward the Mother of our Savior. I invite everyone each Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. for May Devotions. We will give praise and honor to God with the prayers and intercessions of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We likewise will sing the Litany to the Blessed Virgin Mary in the presence of the Most Blessed Sacrament. In addition to that, we are going to sing hymns dedicated to our spiritual Mother and reflect on her life. I invite all parishioners to attend these celebrations. May Mary, the mother of Jesus and our spiritual mother fill your hearts with her love and lead you to her Son our Lord.
I remember you in my daily prayers. Please remember me in your prayers each day. Wishing you a Happy Mother’s Day.
Christ has risen! Indeed He has risen!
Father Joseph R. Cyman, Pastor