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

My Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Welcome Back! The beautiful summer is almost over and with thankful hearts we begin our regular life of the parish. We are eager to hear our children telling us of their summer adventures. The regular School of Christian Living classes will begin this Sunday September 7, 2008 at 10:10 A.M.. We are getting ready for our Third Annual Beefsteak Dinner which will take place on Friday, September 19, 2008. Please support this important fundraiser.

Time is drawing near for our annual “Autumn” Tricky Tray fundraiser on Friday, October 24, 2008. We have enough special prizes however we need regular and special trays. We hope that with the help and efforts of all parishioners and many friends of our parish, we will make this event a successful one.

I thank all parishioners who actively serve the Holy Cross Church and I ask everyone to join us to work hard for the good of our parish family. Equally important is to pray and do more efforts to increase membership of our parish. We wish that new members will find satisfaction in joining our family to take advantage to grow spiritually in the Lord.

I take this opportunity to congratulate Rocco A. Cerrato and Tanya Broniszewski on their special day of the Sacrament of Matrimony that took place on Saturday, September 6, 2008. May the Lord bless their family with His love and happiness.

Our regular Mass schedule begins today September 7, 2008 with Masses celebrated at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. and weekday Masses as scheduled in the bulletin. We all have the responsibilities and a privilege to worship our God on Sunday. We present to the Lord many personal intentions as well the needs of others. Each Sunday our Savior invites and nourishes us 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