I ask you to pray for the deceased Woodland Park Police Captain, Jeffrey O’Brien, son of our parishioners: George and Dorothy O’Brien. George serves as our parish committee chairman.
Jeffery was a dedicated policeman in our town and did volunteer work for the benefit of our parish. We are forever grateful for his service to our community and parish. Jeffrey passed away Monday, November 21st after an eight year battle with Brain Cancer. He was faithfully supported by his family and friends throughout the years.
We express our heartfelt and sincere condolences to his entire family. We support the WP Police Department with our prayers in this sorrowful time.
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!
On Sunday, October 9th the Solemnity of Christian Family, we celebrated a special Holy Mass of thanksgiving and asked God’s blessing for Michael Piascik on his recent 100th Birthday. In the picture is Mr. Michael with his immediate family. GOD BLESS and STO LAT, STO LAT!!!
Our Annual Tricky Tray will be held Saturday, October 15th (doors open at 4pm, calling begins at 6pm) at the United Food & Commercial Workers Hall Local 464 (Meat Cutters Union Hall), 245 Paterson Ave., Little Falls NJ. The facility is handicap accessible.
Pre-Paid admission is $15 and includes coffee/tea and an array of desserts and two sheets of 26 regular prize chances. Purchase pre-packaged raffles Admission fee on day of the event (If available) will be $20 and includes coffee/tea, sweets, and one sheet of 26 regular prize chances. Children 8 – 17 are half-price. Children as runners – Free. No children under 8 years old. Must be 18 to play.
5+ Platinum Trays-over $200 / 25+ Grand Trays – over $100
75+ Super Trays – $50 plus / 100+ Regular Trays – $35 plus
TV 55” LG UHD, Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, All-Weather Speakers, Keurig, Professional Power Station, Powerdash Pet
Scratch Offs / Door prizes and other great prizes
Hot Dogs, Pizzas, Popcorn, Chips, Soda will be available for purchase or bring your own food!!!
Deadline for tickets: Oct. 12, 2022. Contact: Fran or the Parish Office or call/text the Parish cell phone at 201-247-4832 orPenni at 973-768-7917.
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.
Parishioners expressed their special Happy Birthday wishes to Fay Goglia who celebrated her 100th Birthday. We shared a special cake on Sunday, September 18th.
Living 100 years is a gift from above. To be able to walk, talk and smile and celebrate her 100th Birthday is an extraordinary gift from God. Fay is a special, positive and happy person.
We express our best wishes to Fay, her daughter, Mary, family members and friends.
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, June 26th , our parish enjoyed an annual free parish picnic after the 11 am Holy Mass. The picnic continued till about 3:30 pm
We had a happy time as a parish family. It was a part of our Outreach Program to our community.
The 16 feet water slide, Simply Magical – Magician, and dunk water tank gave us laughter and joy on this very hot day.
We had a variety of homemade ethnic foods, hot and cold and desserts donated by several parishioners. We truly appreciate their generosity. The parish provided hamburgers, hot dogs, popcorn, watermelon, and soft drinks. We thank Dominick Bucci, David Obssuth, Edward Obssuth for preparing hamburgers and hot dogs in the kitchen and outdoor grill. We thank Penni Lazor, Natalie Cyman and Patrick Lattre for setting up the hall and outdoor tents. We thank all those who supported our parish with free will donations. Finally, we thank the serving and clean-up crew Fran Cuccinello, Penni Lazor, Beverly Obssuth, Carol and Jaslene Medina and Joan Kaynak and anyone who helped in any way, shape or form to make the picnic a great time for the enjoyment of dozens of parishioners, community members and friends. God bless you all – Fr. Joseph
On Sunday, June 19th, we were honored to give awards to the following children and youth who expressed special service in the life of Holy Cross Church in the past school year 2021-2022:
Best Sunday School attendance:
Marc G. / Justin V. / Cameron R.
Honorable mention attendance:
Veronica M. / Viviana G. / Nicholas G.
Appreciation for serving as altar servers:
Nicholas G. / Chris G. / Daniel G.
Marcella G. / Athena G. / Viviana G. /Veronica M.
Appreciation for serving as lectors:
Natalie C. / Chris G. / Daniel G. / Marcella G.
We wish to thank our Sunday School teachers, Ms. Natalie Lazar and Mr. Paul Murphy for their time, dedication, and for sharing their teaching talents to the benefit of our children. In the last school year, children prepared Thanksgiving baskets, participated in the trip to feed the homeless in Paterson, prepared gifts for the elderly in Totowa, made post cards, prepared gifts for mothers and fathers, served as altar servers during our Holy Masses, and served as lectors. We are grateful for their participation in these and other activities. We especially wish to thank parents and guardians for their support and involvement.
May the Lord bless you all, keep you safe, healthy and a fun filled summer. Sunday school will begin again on Sunday Sept. 11, 2022.
