Brothers and Sisters, On Behalf of the National United Youth Association Board and its President Lauren Bilinski, may I take this opportunity to invite you to share in a ministry project.
By now, I’m sure you have no doubt heard of the report that Lauren had made to the 23rd General Synod. Therein she had asked all of us to participate in “Operation Christmas Child”. For some of you, this is an annual project in your parish; for some, this may be new. Your participation involves filling shoeboxes with various items that a child would like to have (small toys, personal hygiene items, crayons, coloring books; well, you get the idea.) Along with your box, Samaritan’s Purse will provide a copy of the Scriptures in that child’s language, so that the whole story of God’s love will be shared. I have provided a sheet of labels that you can place in your box -just indicate whether it is for a boy or a girl and their age. Feel free to place a greeting from your parish in your box(es); there is a good chance you’ll receive a reply. After filling as many as your congregation is able, you need to check out the Samaritan’s Purse website to find out where the closest collection point is in your area. The website is also filled with helpful hints, downloadable and requested promotional materials. They do ask a small donation for each box to help with the shipping.
I remember the year our parish received a card back from a young girl in Zimbabwe. She wrote that she enjoyed all the gifts in the box; and learning about Jesus. What a gift we can give to someone we will probably never ever meet somewhere in the world – a joyful gift and the joy of Jesus! The collection week is 15-22 November; so get busy fillin’! And may our gracious Lord bless whatever sacrifice you make for His kids!. Fr. Stan, Chaplain.
Dear Youth – You are all invited to participate in this worthwhile project. In our parish hall you can see one shoe box already filled in. Bring empty shoe box and any items you can donate for the children who will greatly appreciate your Christmas Gift. – Fr. Joseph.
In September 2010 Natalie Lazar joined our group of School of Christian Living teachers. On the picture you see her with her husband John Held. Here are few words which Natalie was kind to write about herself and her family.
I am a proud member of the Holy Cross Church. I have been working with youth in many capacities. I have taught Sunday school for many years. I taught at the Calvary Temple Church in Wayne and the Life Christian Church in West Orange. I was a youth leader for Learning For Life with the Law Enforcement Explorers Program in Passaic County. I am an advisor with the (S.A.D.D.) Students Against Destructive Decisions Program in Passaic County Technical where I am currently assigned as a school resource officer from the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department. My husband and I are both law enforcement officers. We have a total of 5 children in our family. Four of them are adults. I am also a part time student at Montclair State University.
We are glad to welcome Natalie and her family to our Holy Cross Church family
First Holy Communion Classes: The next preparatory classes for First Holy Communion are scheduled Sunday, October 24, November 7, November 14, November 28, December 12, 2010 after 11 AM Mass. We are asking the parents of whose children who started the second grade in September 2010, and those who are older and didn’t receive First Holy Communion, to register them for classes. Please call 973-256-4888 or contact Fr. Joseph.
We pray for all our students who are preparing to receive the Holy Eucharist for the first time. The First Holy Communion celebration is scheduled on Sunday May 22, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. Holy Mass.
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,
On Sunday, June 13th, the Students from School of Christian Living received good attendance awards: Nayef Kiame, Ned Kiame, Neil Kiame, Michael Cyman, Natalie Cyman, Amber Harth, Brianna Harth, Alissa Paulison, Chris Paulison, Nicholas Desch, Matt Montero, Gabriella Rotsaert, Holly Trinka, Armani Jimenez, and Aubrey Santos. The students received pizza 46 gift cards or Carvel ice cream gift cards.
We thank teachers: Michele Lazor, Karen Paulison, Claire Centrella, Jamie Santos, Karen Peano, and Carol and Annie Montero (substitutes) who served in 2009-2010 school year. Thank you teachers for job great done!
We wish children and teachers enjoyable summer.
Although there is no Sunday School in summer, please take advantage of summer Mass schedule from July 4th to Sept 5th 2010 celebrated at 9 AM and 10:30 AM, to attend the liturgy of the Mass. We need to keep holy the Sabbath Day – Sunday.
On Sunday September 12, 2010 the children will begin SOCL classes after summer. Please register your child/children for fall 2010. Applications are available in the parish hall. Thank you.
There are several students of School of Christian Living who will receive attendance awards this Sunday, June 13th at the end of 11 AM Mass. Their names will be revealed on Sunday!
All students attending SOCL classes will receive certificates. Parents, please come with your children to enjoy the closing ceremony.
On Sunday, September 12, 2010, the children will begin classes after summer recess. Please register your child/children for Fall 2010. The application is available for download here, and in the parish hall. Thank you.
Last Sunday May 23, 2010 nine (9) students of Holy Cross Parish received the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist for the first time. We congratulate all of them, their parents and families on their special occasion.
The children participated in the liturgy of the Mass be reading the prayers of the faithful and by bringing the offertory gifts to the altar. We also thank the parents for their monetary donations to defray the cost of flowers and First Holy Communion books. The flower arrangements beautified our sanctuary and decorated the children on this special Sunday.
To continue Christian education, I ask all parents to register your children for our School of Christian Living program. In the fall we will begin SOCL classes on Sunday, September 12, 2010.
In addition to that, boys and girls are invited to join the group of altar servers at any time. To continue practice of serving as altar servers please contact Fr. Joseph or Deacon Bill Gaydos. Thank you.
On Sunday, May 9, 2010 we will celebrate Mother’s Day and honor of all mothers with special prayers during both Masses.
Holy Mass for the intention of all mothers living and deceased at 9am
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 at 10:10am. All parishioners and friends especially Mothers are cordially invited to attend this special celebration. Mother’s Day Breakfast menu: Sausages, Eggs, French Toast, Home Fries, Danish, Rolls and Butter, Coffee, Tea.
We thank teachers of S.O.C.L. for organizing the Easter egg hunt. The children enjoyed hunting for over 100 eggs inside and outside of the church premises. Snacking on many food items which were donated were enjoyed by all in the parish hall.
Today’s Parish Christmas Dinner was one of the most enjoyable events we had at Holy Cross. Thank you to all who in any shape or form made this event possible and successful. — Fr. Joseph
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!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year – 2010!
Wesołych Świąt Bożego Narodzenia i Szczęśliwego Nowego Roku – 2010!
Joyeux Noël et Bonne Novell L’Année 2010!
Feliz Navidad y Buen Ano Nuevo 2010!
Froehliche Weinachten und ein gutes neues Jahr 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:
We would like to restart our Prayer Chain (by telephone). We need ten members of the committee. We have six people. We need additionally four. The Payer Chain members would help by informing other member of the parish of someone who is ill or needs help. In case of inclement weather, the members will inform about different Mass Schedule if such case will occur.
Would you be interested in coming and sharing your time and treasure for a project(s) to help the less fortunate of our society. For example supplies for homeless (sleeping bags), school supplies for children, tray favors for veterans etc. We would meet only when there is a need to share our time and talent. Please sign your name to the sign up list in the parish hall if you are interested but nothing will begin until the end of January.
CONGRATULATIONS:
We congratulate Jennifer and Richard Bartolozzi for being blessed with the birth of their daughter Kaylan Grace, 9 lb 9 oz, 22 inches on November 1, 2009. We congratulate big brother, Logan and big sister, Kiley as well as Bartolozzi, Hitchcock and Niedzwiecki families.
We congratulate our Organist Neil Estanislao and his wife, Mylen for being blessed with the birth of their precious baby girl, Isabella Bernadette. She was born Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 8:33pm in Christ Hospital (Jersey City). 7-lb 5-oz and 18-in long. Organist Neil received a gift for his daughter presented by members of St. Nicholas Ministry, Alfreda Bazanowski and Richard Daum.
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.