SOCL

Photo Updates – Life in our Parish

Polish National Union of America District #2 Meeting

The Polish National Union of America District #2 fraternal organization of our Church met quarterly at the meeting on Saturday, November 12th at Transfiguration of our Lord parish in Wallington, NJ. The election of new officers took place and various issues of the organization were discussed. In our parish hall you can find several pamphlets telling about PNU programs. For further information you can contact Alice Kriskewic, Judy Lamping or Fr. Joseph.

Confirmation Class

The Sacrament of Confirmation will be administered by Rt. Rev. John Mack, Bishop of the Central Diocese in spring of 2013. The next classes are scheduled as follows: Sunday December 11, 2011, January 15, 29, 2012 at 10:10 AM. The Sacrament of Confirmation is a very important step in youth’s religious education. Confirmation is the sacrament through which we receive gifts of the Holy Spirit to make us soldiers of Christ, ready to profess our faith in word and deed. The bishop confirms by laying of hands on the person to be confirmed and anointing the forehead in the form of the cross with Holy Chrism.

The confirmation imprints on our soul sacramental character, which entitles us to strength needed to show our faith in word and deed. The Sacrament of Confirmation is the completion of baptism, because we are strengthened to live a Christian life within the Church and defend its truths.

SONY DSC — In the picture from the left: Carlos Garcia, Michael Cyman, Chris Paulison, Melissa Betancur, Nicole Romero, Amber Harth, Nayef Kiame and Fr. Joseph. The following students are also in the Confirmation class: Cris Carnemolla, Monica Kulbacki, Alexis Kulbacki and Jasmine Negrini.

First Communion Class

It is an enjoyable time for Fr. Joseph to prepare these students for their special celebration of receiving Jesus in the Holy Eucharist for the first time on Sunday, May 20, 2012. The next preparation classes for First Holy Communion are scheduled as follows: Dec. 11, 2011; January 8, 22, 2012 after 11 AM Mass. The Holy Eucharist is Jesus Christ 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.

New Hymnals

On Sunday, November 13th, after 9am Holy Mass Alice Kriskewic and Judy Lamping presented the new PNCC hymnal to our organist, Neil Estanislao. The choir members are equipped with new copies. We invite and encourage interested parishioners to share their vocal and musical talents for the good of the parish. The choir is helping the congregation to sing hymns during Sunday liturgy. We thank Neil for his service as organist in our parish. We thank, as well, Jessica Muccilli for her service when Neil is not available.

Advent

On Sunday, November 27th we began the season of Advent. At the beginning of Sunday Masses in Advent we light one candle on the Advent wreath. They symbolize hope, love, joy and peace which Jesus brought into our lives.

Our Annual Advent Tree project, coordinated by our parishioner, Pat Olsen, started on Sunday, November 27th. Through our efforts, the project will be benefiting the less fortunate of our society. This will help boys and girls of DYFS (Division of Youth and Family Services) as well as senior men and women from EVA’S Village.

You are being asked to take a tag from the tree and write your name in the registry located near the tree. Please affix the copy of the tag you take from the tree to your gift so that the present may be given to the proper individual. All gifts are due back on Sunday, December 18th. Your generosity will be appreciated and rewarded by the Lord who asks us to take care for the needy.

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Christmas Dinner Details — Tickets Still Available

Announcements, Events, Parish Life, Sunday School (SOCL) / admin

Next Sunday, December 4th, after 11 AM Holy Mass we will have our annual Christmas Dinner with a special program called “Happy Birthday Jesus” provided by the students of School of Christian Living.

Children and youth are free of charge. We ask adults to donate only $12 per person while we provide this special menu: Tilapia with Mango Sauce, Roast Chicken, Roast Pork, Mashed Potatoes with Gravy, Cheese Ravioli and more.

In addition to that, Santa Claus – (St. Nicholas) will come to visit our children and give them presents. SOCL Children prepared gifts for attending guests.

You can’t miss this special event!

So far seventy people made reservations. We presume that some may forgot about this event or didn’t have time to reserve the tickets. Please let us know if you are planning to attend. You can purchase tickets at the parish office or reserve tickets and pay at the door. Let us know ASAP but no later than Wednesday evening. After November 30th we will accept only 10 more guests. You may call us at 973-256-4888 or send an E-mail.

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Events for November and December 2011

Announcements, Events, Sunday School (SOCL) / admin

Food Drive – A food drive to benefit the Father English Food Pantry will be held on Sunday, November 13th. We ask all children to bring one non-perishable food item and place their “gifts for the poor” in the basket which will be located in front of the altar. We all need to remember the words of our Lord: “Whatever you do to the least of my brothers, you have done it to me.” (Matthew 25:40)

Thanksgiving Eve Holy Mass – Everyone is invited for a Thanksgiving Eve Holy Mass on Wednesday, November 23rd at 7 p.m. Let us give thanks for the Almighty God for all His gifts which we so often take for granted.

Christmas Dinner – “Happy Birthday Jesus” – December 4th after 11:00 a.m. Holy Mass – Don’t forget to mark your calendars for an enjoyable afternoon with great menu and Christmas Program by the children of our School of Christian Living. Admission for School Of Christian Living (SOCL) Children will be free.

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School of Christian Living Back to School Orientation

Announcements, PNCC, Sunday School (SOCL) / admin

Sunday school classes will resume on Sunday September 11, 2011. The program is free of charge. Classes are held every Sunday from 10:10 A.M. to 10:50 A.M. Masses are conducted at 9:00 A.M. and 11:00 A.M. Coffee hour takes place in the church hall at 10:00 A.M. for everyone to spent time in fellowship.

“Youth Mass” is held on the third Sunday of the month and children are encouraged to participate as altar servers, greeters, ushers, and choir members; in recitation of the “prayers of the faithful”, and in the “offering of the gifts”. All children especially talented musically or vocally, are encouraged to join the choir.

Sunday school students not only receive a religious education but participate in a variety of enjoyable activities provided by the teachers and the parish. These activities include pumpkin picking / apple picking and hay ride, a visit from St. Nicholas and Christmas party, an Easter Egg Hunt and party, a graduation ceremony, picnic and much more.

Here are our class age groups.

Level I – Pre-school – Kindergarten
Level II – 1st and 2nd grades
Level III – 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades
Level IV – 6th, 7th, and 8th grades

For more information call 973-256-4888 or contact us by E-mail.

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School Of Christian Living Graduation and News

Announcements, Parish Life, PNCC, Sunday School (SOCL) / admin

Last Sunday, June 12th, our School Of Christian Living had graduation day. Good and participation awards were given by the teachers of SOCL to the following students:

Level I – Pre-school – Kindergarten

Jassie Santos – good attendance
Aubrey Santos – good attendance

Level II – 1st and 2nd grades

Natalie Cyman – good attendance
Neil Kiame – good attendance

Level III – 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades

Angie Cardona – good attendance
Nicholas Desch – good attendance
Chris Paulison – good attendance
Elizabeth Fernandez – good attendance
Syera Plitt – good attendance
Nayef Kiame – good attendance
Ned Kiame – good attendance
Amber Harth – participation award

Level IV – 6th, 7th, and 8th grades

Michael Cyman – good attendance
Emily Fernandez – good attendance
Henry Fernandez – good attendance

The students with good attendance received $10 gift certificates and students with participation awards received $5 gift certificates to Barnes and Noble. All students received SOCL certificates signed by Bishop Anthony Mikovsky, Fr. Joseph R. Cyman and the teacher of each class.
The Holy Cross Parish, children and parents thanked the following teachers Mrs. Claire Centrella, Mrs. Natalie Lazar, Mrs. Karen Paulison, and Mrs. Jamie Santos, and substitute teachers Mrs. Karen Peano, Mrs. Carol Montero, and Ms. Alissa Paulison for their time and efforts in preparing and conducting the lessons.

SOCL student list changes in fall 2011: Emily Fernandez will begin high school in fall 2011. Even though she will leave SOCL she will stay as an active member of Holy Cross Church Youth Group. Other students will be placed to SOCL levels according to their age.

We hope that in 2011 we will increase the number of students in our SOCL.

The program is free of charge and special social events were already scheduled for 2011 – 2012 school year. Dear parents and students, invite other children to enjoy our program. School Of Christian Living classes will begin on Sunday, September 11th.

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First Holy Communion

Events, Parish Life, PNCC, Sunday School (SOCL) / admin

Eight wonderful children from our parish received the Holy Eucharist for the first time on May 22nd

We congratulate all students and their parents, relatives and friends on this special occasion. Special thanks to parents for their support and help in preparing children by bringing them to the church and studying also at home. Parents sponsored beautiful flower arrangements which decorated the sanctuary. The First Holy Communion classes are offered to those who are in the second grade or older. Sunday School classes, free of charge, will start again on September 12, 2011.

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Halloween Party Memories

Events, Parish Life, Sunday School (SOCL) / admin

On Sunday October 31, 2010 a Halloween party was prepared by the teachers of the School of Christian Living: Mrs. Claire Centrella, Mrs. Karen Paulison, Mrs. Jamie Santos and Mrs. Natalie Lazar. The children came in wearing their favorite costumes. During the Mass the youth read prayers of the faithful especially for all children who will be out celebrating Halloween: for their safety and well-being … and that all monsters would stay under the bed.

Musical chair game was one of the several games children participated in during their Halloween party. All children received prizes for participation and for winning different games.

The winners of three categories costumes were; from left the prettiest costume – Natalie Cyman, the original costume – Angie Cardona, and the scariest costume – Nayef Kiame.

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National United Youth Project

Announcements, Events, Parish Life, Pastor's Update / admin

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.

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Welcome Natalie and First Communion class news

Announcements, Parish Life, PNCC, Sunday School (SOCL) / admin

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.

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SOCL Awards

Announcements, Parish Life, Sunday School (SOCL) / admin

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.

Level I – Pre-school – Kindergarten
Level II – 1st and 2nd grades
Level III – 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades
Level IV – 6th, 7th, and 8th grades

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