On Saturday, December 3, 2022 Holy Cross Church welcomed Isaiah Huertas into the parish family through the Sacrament of Baptism celebrated with the Holy Mass. We congratulate his proud parents, godparents, relatives and friends on this special occasion.
The Sacrament of Baptism and later Confirmation is the foundation of our Christian faith, is a gateway to new life in the Spirit, and the door that gives access to other sacraments. Through the Sacrament of Baptism and Confirmation we are regenerated and incorporated into Christ’s body – His Church.
The Catechism of the PNCC
As God made the covenant with his people so through Baptism, Jesus makes a new and everlasting covenant with his followers. As Jesus won new life for us on the cross, with the symbol of the cross, Isaiah was marked to receive the new life in the Lord. As the waters of the Red Sea led the people of Israel to freedom so the water of Baptism gave new life and led to Salvation. Parents, godparents and all members of our parish pledge to help this child to grow in Christian faith.
Jaylanie Maria Batista, the daughter of Juan and Jacqueline Batista, was baptized on Sunday, October 16th. Proud parents were: Juan M. Santos and Nancy Acevedo. We congratulate Jaylanie’s parents, godparents, family members and friends. God bless you all!
Joan Helene Ruyzam, 72, of Pompton Lakes, passed away peacefully at home while in the loving presence of her family on Friday, September 30, 2022.
Joan was born in 1950 in New York City and raised for a short time in Astoria Queens. Her life got off to a bumpy start as she was prematurely born resulting in lungs that were not fully developed. To assure the best chance for survival, Joan’s pediatrician advised her parents to move out of New York’s congested atmosphere to a place where the air quality would be cleaner. Her parents took the advice and moved to Ocean Township in South Jersey. By God’s grace, Joan’s condition continually improved to the point where she was able to lead a perfectly normal life.
In her teenage years, Joan attended Asbury Park High School while waiting for the completion of the newly constructed Ocean Township High School where she graduated in 1967. In pursuit of higher education, she attended Monmouth College in West Long Branch, NJ and graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Education in 1971.
Joan really loved the sun, sand, surf and everything else there was to enjoy about life near the ocean. While in college during the summer of 1970, she decided to compete in the Miss Seaside Heights Beauty Pageant. No surprise, Joan won the contest and, in efforts to boost tourism to Seaside, a large promotional poster featuring Joan was posted in prominent locations including Grand Central Station in New York City.
Joan’s “get your foot in the door” first job was at a business school in Asbury Park. After that, she subbed until getting a job teaching typing at a grammar school in central New Jersey. Being a teacher meant summers off and she’d typically waitress to supplement her income. One summer, Joan was waitressing down the shore at a place called the Thunderbird Hotel. It was there that she waited on a couple who knew about a job opening for a business teacher at Lakeland Regional High School in Wanaque Township, NJ. Taking their advice, Joan interviewed for the position and got it. She ended up staying at Lakeland for the next thirty years until retiring in 2007.
While teaching at Lakeland, Joan enjoyed the respect of her students and colleagues. One colleague was a history teacher named Joseph Ruyzam. She and Joe eventually fell in love and married. (….)
Joan had a love for life filled with many interests. She was an avid reader who enjoyed anything from the latest Danielle Steele romance to countless writings about political history and current political events. When she and Joe travelled, she could never resist picking up a book about the places they went. She and Joe’s travels took them all over the USA including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Nashville, the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Boston and New Orleans. There was also a very much enjoyed trip to Aruba where the restaurants were a highlight. Joan’s favorite music featured songs from the 1950’s. (….)
Throughout Joan’s life, her faith in God was foundational. Even in recent years as she fought through various battles with her health, her faith was a constant source of strength. She was beloved by her students, her professional colleagues, and especially her family. Intelligent and quick witted, Joan was a pleasure to share company with. Here range of knowledge was vast and conversations with her were always interesting and thought provoking. Her smile was as beautiful as her heart from which her smile emanated.
Joan was the beloved wife of Joseph, blessing in marriage for 22 years. She is also survived by her brother-in-law John Ruyzam of Wayne, and her cousin-in-law Valerie Levine (Victor Barber) of Boonton. Joan was predeceased by her parents Edward F. and Edna R (Ford) Ringenberger.
The wake service took place at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne, on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 from 4-8 PM.
Funeral Service was celebrated at 11:00 AM at Holy Cross Polish National Catholic Church, 220 Browertown Road, Woodland Park. Burial followed at Laurel Grove Cemetery, Totowa. Those planning an expression of sympathy in Joan’s name are asked to consider: Holy Cross Polish National Catholic Church 220 Browertown Road Woodland Park, NJ 07424
Joan is missed by the members of her family, relatives, friends and parishioners. She is leaving an empty spot in the hearts of many people. May her kindness and other good qualities, which she developed with God’s grace inspire us. All members of Holy Cross Parish, my family, we extend our deep sympathy to husband Joseph, brother-in-law John, relatives and friends. Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen. – Fr. Joseph
On Sunday, October 2nd, in the Commemoration of St. Francis of Assisi, the annual blessing of pets took place at the beginning of the 11 am Mass. The Holy Mass was celebrated in the parish hall with good attendance.
We thank all for attending the Holy Mass and those who brought well behaved pets for this special day. St. Francis of Assisi showed his remarkable love for all the creatures. He called them brothers and sisters and wrote a Canticle of the Creatures, giving glory to God for all living things He created.
Steven Ortega and Amy Tarazona were married by Fr. Joseph on Sunday, September 4th. Congratulations also to Best Man – Martin V., Maid of Honor – Diane T., parents: Emilia & Luis, Jennifer & Daniel, grandparents, relatives and friends.
Marriage is presented on the first pages of the bible, at the beginning of Jesus ministry and on the last pages of the Holy Scripture as a vision of eternal life – the wedding feast.
We all wish Steven and Amy that God’s love be present in their marriage life each day. May their lives be filled with joy and assurance that God is always with them with support from their family members, friends and faith community of Holy Cross. The example of the Holy Family gives them inspiration in their daily lives. – Fr. Joseph
On Sunday, May 15th we witnessed the celebration of First Holy Communion administered to Cameron Rodriguez, Marc Gutierrez, and Stephanie Tapia-Nunez. We congratulate them and their families on this special occasion.
The new recipients of the Holy Eucharist are welcomed to participate in the life of the parish in different ministries such as members of Sunday School (School of Christian Living), serving as altar servers, and later as lectors reading the Word of God.
The Holy Eucharist is Jesus Christ who is 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… (Catechism of the PNCC)
We congratulate Marc Gutierrez on the occasion of his baptism administered on Saturday, May 14th. Proud parents were Gustavo and Glenda (nee Rivera) Gutierrez, honoured godparents were Eduardo Montoya and Diana Velez. We congratulate grandparents, family and friends. The Sacrament of Baptism and later Confirmation is the foundation of our Christian faith, is a gateway to new life in the Spirit, and the door that gives access to other sacraments. Through Baptism we are regenerated and incorporated into Christ’s body – His Church. As God made the covenant with his people so through Baptism, Jesus makes a new and everlasting covenant with his followers. As Jesus won new life for us on the cross, with the symbol of the cross, Marc was marked to receive the new life in the Lord. As the waters of the Red Sea led the people of Israel to freedom so the water of Baptism gave new life and lead to Salvation. Parents, godparents and all members of our parish pledge to help this child to grow in Christian faith.
We wish to congratulate our parishioner, Mrs. Sophie Barnes on her recent 103rd Birthday. She is the only parishioner who remembers the groundbreaking ceremony for our first church built in Paterson in 1926. She was 7 years old at that time.Sophie was a member of the Moniuszko choir and an active and proud member of our parish. She is truly a blessing to our parish family. She remembers Bishop Francis Hodur who came for that special day and who visited the parish for other special celebrations. We wish Sophie God’s blessing of good health and happiness and blessing to her proud and loving family members.
Congratulations to Jorge Maldonado and Carla (née Rojas) on the first Birthday and Baptism of their precious daughter, Avery Hope Maldonado which took place on Saturday, February 5th. Proud godparents were Kevin Maldonado and Maria Baldwin.
