My Dear Parishioners and Friends, some important events at Holy Cross Church in the past month.
MEN’S CAKE BAKING CONTEST – FEBRUARY 22, 2009 KEVIN PRICE 1ST PLACE “HATS OFF TO THE RED, WHITE AND BLUE,” MICHAEL LAZOR 2ND PLACE “THE DOLLY MADISON DESSERT,“ FR. JOSEPH 3RD PLACE “GOD BLESS THE U.S.A” To all the bakers: Fr. Joseph, Jerry Rotsaert, Ed Lazor, Mike Merson, Dick Daum, Kevin Price, Steve Marricone, Dominick Bucci, Dave Obssuth, Ed Obssuth, Bob Sleece, Len Hrinuk, Hughie Vickerilla and Michael Lazor, we say thanks for their enthusiastic participation.
If you walked into a bakery and saw the 14 beautiful, clever “Americana” cakes you would be hard pressed to choose one. It was obvious that each contestant put thought and MAN power into their production.
The two cakes which won “BEST PORTRAYAL OF OUR AMERICANA THEME”, as determined by our National American Judges, John Surak, Irene Legawiec and John Swider were Dominick Bucci’s “YANKEE DOODLE CAKE” with George Washington’s picture and Fr. Joseph’s “GOD BLESS THE U.S.A.”.
Our sincere thanks to the cake cutters; Karen Peano, Verna Swider, Karen Hitchcock, Alfreda Bazanowski, Beverly Obssuth and Adele Merson and Elaine Rotsaert. We are grateful for the many people who pitched in to clean up after the contest. Thanks to all who attended and supported the 2009 MEN’S CAKE BAKING CONTEST. Thanks too, to Irene Legawiec and Dick Daum for handling the ballot sales. While this was a FUN RAISER (not to be confused with a FUND RAISER) we did bring in $90. While we were eating cake, we know that many people were going hungry. Therefore, the proceeds will be donated to the FATHER ENGLISH FOOD PANTRY.
After I signed my name on the sign-up list to participate in the contest, a serious question came – am I able to fulfill my commitment? I thought that I have to bake something that will not scare people and will not taste too awful. I called my father, who has a lot of experience in baking, to give me some advice. First I baked a sample cake and then the second one which was in the contest. I think my surprising achievement can be attributed to my father’s advice and encouragement and the young members of my family who tried hard to help me.
On Sunday February 8, 2009 at the Annual Parish meeting we reviewed different reports in regard to our church service in the year 2008. Because of the efforts of several dedicated parishioners the year 2008 was filled with many successful activities. At the annual meeting we elected the Parish Committee for the year 2009. I wish all of the members a fruitful and happy service in using their time and talents for the benefit of our parish. The installation of the members of the Parish Committee will take place on PALM SUNDAY April 5, 2009 after 9:00 A.M. Holy Mass in the church.
I thank those who serve or joined the parish committee and other societies and ministries in our parish in order to rejuvenate the life of our parish family. We need more members to join existing organizations of Holy Cross Church. Last year Karen Peano joined the Adoration Society. She is a wonderful asset for the ANS. We desperately need women to join Daughters of Holy Cross. Please contact Elaine Rotsaret or myself. Follow the example of Neil Kiame, who recently joined the group of Altar Servers. He is proud to join his two older brothers as well. Neil, great job!
The Parish Life Committee is making preparations for the ST. PATRICK’S DINNER with great entertainment on Sunday March 15, 2009 after the 11:00 A.M. Mass. The tickets are now available. Buy them in the church hall or send donations by April 10, 2009. You can’t miss “IT”! Come and enjoy!
My Parishioners and Friends, the season of Lent started last Wednesday. With very good attendance on Ash Wednesday we have begun this season to renew our spiritual life through Lenten observances. We are ready to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009. I ask you to intensify your personal prayer, fasting and alms giving as our preparations for the resurrection of the Lord in the Spirit and truth. The ALMS BOX placed in the vestibule of the church will help you with the practice of alms giving.
In February we lost Mrs. June Pettegrew (74) who passed away on February 5, 2009. Our sincere condolences to her daughter, Karen Paulison and her husband Russell, grand children Alissa and Christopher Paulison, relatives and friends. We miss our parishioner who served as a teacher and past superintendent of School of Christian Living. Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.
Upon the decision of the Parish Committee the dedication of Sunday School classroom in the parish hall in memory of departed SOCL teacher June Pettegrew will be held on Sunday March 1, 2009 after 9:00 A.M. Mass.
In February we also lost Mrs. Irene Pastor (89) who passed away on February 10, 2009. Our sincere condolences to her daughter, Darlene and her husband Paul Wagner, son Theodore Pastor and his wife Loretta, six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Irene Pastor was a member of the church choir and served as a secretary of Daughters of Holy Cross for many years. We shall all miss her and pray eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.
P.S. I keep you in my daily prayers. Please remember me in your prayers.
– Fr. Joseph