On Sunday September 12, 2010 after 11 AM Mass we enjoyed the Spaghetti Dinner. Dominick Bucci and Edward Obssuth worked in the kitchen to prepare the food.

School of Christian Living classes started on Sunday, September 12th. Pictured are teachers from left – Mrs. Jamie Santos, Mrs. Claire Centrella, Mrs. Karen Paulison, Alissa Paulison – teachers aid and Mrs. Natalie Lazar. Mrs. Natalie joined the group of teachers teaching the 6 and 7 years old students. We welcome her and wish happiness from serving the children of our parish. That day the following students came for the class from left Amber Harth, Ned Kiame, Michael Cyman, Andres Aldas, Nicholas Desch, Chris Paulison, Justin Palman, Josephine Palman with her mom Patricia, Gabriella Rotsaert and Neil Kiame. The picture was taken by Nayef Kiame. We ask parents to bring their children for SOCL cases and take advantage of wonderful program is provided for them.

On Saturday Sept. 25, 2010 our parish organized Country Western Square Dance Night. It was a Buffet Style Dinner with great Menu: Chili, Baked Beans, Cornbread, Barbecued Spare Ribs, Pulled Pork and Chicken, Corn on the Cob, Potato Salad, Pickles & Olives – Watermelon, Lemonade, Coffee and Desserts and Entertainment provided by Ron Kapnick who taught us Square Dance and Calling. 50/50 and Raffle – Basket of Cheer took place. We thank Deacon David and his wife Laurie Gaydos who with the help of Michael Merson and Dominick Bucci prepared the fantastic meal. The net profit of the dinner was $1,439. We thank Deacon David and Laurie Gaydos for donation of food and those who brought delicious desserts.

On Sunday September 26, 2010 the Shopping Certificates Sale offered beautiful mums for everyone who purchased at least $50 in shopping certificates in appreciation for their support of this fundraiser. The great news is that recently the Shopping Certificate sales deposited a second thousand dollars into our Building Fund. We appeal for more parishioners to participate in this project to raise more for the Building Fund. Please join us.

Karen Paulison, Richard Daum and Gabriella Rotsaert, and John and Verna Swider with their beautiful flowers. Thank you and all who participated in this fundraiser.

We thank Lucy Daum, Merry Sleece and Richard Daum for selling shopping certificates. We thank Richard Daum who brought in mums for this occasion.

The Melissa Centrella Scholarship Foundation Beefsteak with Tricky Tray took place in our parish hall on Saturday, September 11th. The church hall was filled with maximum capacity with those who supported this worthwhile event.

PRAYERS OF SYMPATHY: We express our sympathy to Gene Kapchonick on the loss of her husband, George Kapchonick (92) who passed away peacefully at home on Friday, September 17, 2010. Our condolences to his daughter, Alice of Little Falls, his brother, Basil Kapchonick of Maryland; and his sister, Ann Sagaert of California. George Kapchonick was born in Paterson, NJ he lived in West Paterson and Little Falls before moving to Toms River. George was a Letter Carrier with the Little Falls, NJ Post Office for thirty years before his retirement. He was a United States World War II Navy Veteran, serving as a ship fitter second class. He received the Asiatic Pacific Theater Philippine Liberation Medal, Distinguished Service Medal and one Battle Star. George was our active parishioner for many years helping with the maintenance and several fundraisers. He also was a life member of V.F.W. Post 10185, Toms River. George’s funeral services took place on Tuesday, September 21st. He was buried at the East Ridgelawn Cemetery, Clifton. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

YOUTH MEETING: On Sunday, September 19th the following youth attended the youth meeting: Jason Cabrejos, Jasmine Cabrejos, Michael Cyman, Eddy Obssuth, Emily Fernendez, Veronica Reyes, Elizabeth Fernandez. We thank Juan Reyes for his input to bring together this meeting and we thank Edward and Beverly Obssuth, Nelly Cabrejos, and Teresa Yi parents for their support. The youth who participated in CONVO 2010 event Jason, Jasmine, Eddy and Michael shared their memories. It was a great event. At the meeting the youth planned the following: Cooking together / Exercise to keep good health / Exhibitions of our hobbies / Talent shows performed by our youth / Invite informative speakers / Organize safety plan for the families / Field trips / Help the church with social events and fundraiser, etc. The next youth meeting is scheduled for Sunday October 17, 2010 after 11 AM Holy Mass in the parish hall.

ANS NEWS: On Sunday, September 19th the Adoration Society members: Alice Kriskewic, Karen Peano, Stella Skawinski, Nelly Cabrejos and Renata Cyman with Fr. Joseph attended NY/NJ Seniorate ANS Convention which was held at Transfiguration of the Lord Parish, Wallington, NJ. The Prime Bishop Robert Nemkovich and his wife Florence attended this event. Prime Bishop gave presentation on how to increase the membership of ANS. To join the membership ladies need to be 16 and not 65 or older. He encouraged members to ask for help younger generation.

SPÓJNIA SUNDAY: On Sunday, September 26th we celebrated the Polish National Union of America and prayed for all deceased members as well as for blessing and growth of our fraternal organization.

NEW LECTORS: In September two new lectors joined to serve Holy Cross Church – Jasmine Cabrejos and Alissa Paulison. Thank you.

ANNUAL BLESSING OF PETS: Will take place on Sunday, October 3rd at the beginning of the 11 o’clock Holy Mass. The Mass will take place in the parish hall. Well behaved dogs, cats, fish, birds and all God’s creatures are invited with their owners. The blessing will be given in commemoration of Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi (Oct. 4). As we know, animals trusted St. Francis and he treated them with courtesy. Near the end of his life St. Francis composed a song of praise and thanks to God for all his creations, called “Canticle to Brother Sun” – also known as the “Canticle of the Creatures.” From this song we know that St. Francis did not perceive himself isolated from other creatures. He simply assumed that all creatures – not only humans – form one family of creation. So we are encouraged to bless and praise God with cats, dogs, birds and all God’s creatures.

ALL SOULS DAY ENVELOPES: Are available in the vestibule of the church. On Tuesday, November 2nd the Church will celebrate All Souls Day. On that day the Masses with the reading of All Souls remembrances will be held at 12 PM and 7:30 PM. It is our Catholic custom to remember the souls of the faithful departed on that day and throughout the entire month of November. The reading of All Souls Remembrances will take place after the 9:00 A.M. and 11:00 A.M. Holy Masses on Sunday, October 31st. Please use the All Souls Day envelopes printing the names of the departed you wish to remember and send it to the parish office or place it in Sunday collection basket. You may also E-mail the names. The envelopes with the names will be kept on the altar during the month of November. In addition to that, Father Joseph will celebrate Holy Masses for their intentions in upcoming weeks and months. Please suggest the date when you wish to have the Holy Mass celebrated for the intention of your departed loved ones. Thank You.

ALL SOULS CEMETERY SERVICE: Will take place on Sunday, October 31st in the PNCC section of East Ridgelawn Cemetery, Clifton beginning at 2:00 p.m. For this annual event the clergy and faithful from four parishes, SS Peter and Paul, Passaic, Transfiguration of Our Lord, Wallington, The Most Holy Name of Jesus, Passaic, and from our Holy Cross Parish, Woodland Park are invited to attend. Please remember your departed loved ones who need your prayers and they depend upon your remembrance.

TRICKY TRAY: In October our greatest fundraiser “Luck of the draw” Tricky Tray will take place on Friday, October 22, 2010. Let us make our best to use and share our God’s given talents for the well being of our parish. You received mail about this event and your captain may have called you asking for donations. We need more regular and super trays. Please see the special flyer and advertise OUR event.

It is our hope that every organization and group of our parish would increase its membership. Ask others to join. With the beginning of the regular parish life I noticed an increase of Sunday Mass attendance. It is very important for the life of the parish and for your spiritual growth to regularly attend Sunday Liturgy on the day of the Resurrection of our Lord. Each Sunday our Savior invites us to nourish with His Word and His real presence in the Holy Eucharist. We all need Jesus; we need His guidance, His support, and His love.

I remember you each day in my prayers. Please keep me in your prayers. May God richly bless you,

Yours in Christ,

Father Joseph