My Dear Parishioners and Friends, some important events at Holy Cross Church in the past month.
On Sunday March 15th, our parish celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with its annual holiday dinner. The delicious meal included a soup and salad bar, corned beef and cabbage, baked chicken, two types of potatoes, and a variety of vegetables. All food was prepared by the talented Deacon David Gaydos with the assistance of his wife Laurie and brother Deacon William Gaydos. Thanks to the “Parish Life Committee” the meal was accompanied by authentic Irish music, green beer, and dessert with Irish coffee. Entertainment was provided by the “Bergen Piper band” which included two bagpipers and a drummer. A 50/50 raffle, door prizes, and a “crazy green things game” further enhanced the fun and camaraderie of the parishioners and guests.
The Holy Cross Church Adoration Society hosted ANNUAL NY/NJ ANS AGAPE on Sunday March 29, 2009 at 4:00 P.M. Adoration Society members, guests and clergy attended the event. Agape celebration commemorates the feast of Passover celebrated by Jewish people as remembrance of their deliverance from the slavery in Egypt. It also reminded us the feast of Passover celebrated by our Lord with His disciples the day before His passion. The last Passover was celebrated by our Lord on Holy Thursday when He instituted the Sacraments of the Holy Eucharist, Penance and Holy Orders. Our Lord replaced the offering of the lamb by giving his own life on Good Friday for the sins of the world. A delicious dinner provided by Andy’s Market and tasty bake goods donated by several ladies of our parish made a delightful reception for our guests. O yes a little taste of a kosher wine was available as well.
On Sunday March 1, 2009 after the 9:00 A.M. Mass a dedication of Sunday School classroom located in the parish hall in memory of departed teacher June Bielke Pettegrew took place. We are grateful for her many years of service.
On March 5, 2009 a free financial seminar took place in our parish hall on provided by David Lerner Associates Inc, business since 1976, member of FINRA & SIPC. If you couldn’t attend this interested seminar and wish to have information about how to build and preserve assets in a conservative way; how to make a decent income without being exposed to the stock market; information about Life Insurance, Long Term Care please contact Jacob Vaknin SVP & Rakema White SA at 201-371-2625. There is no obligation but the advise is worth the time.
On March 11, 2009 I have begun a new series of Bible Study. This time using DVD resources that make the lesson relevant to our daily life needs.
On March 21, 2009 I attended meeting held in Reading parish as preparation for Convo 2010. Our parish has fundraisers to help youth of our parish to defray the cost of retreat. The Palm crosses are available in the parish hall to help support our youth for Convo 2010. There will be other fundraisers in the future as announced.
Before Easter I will continue home bound visitations administering sacraments of penance, Eucharist and if needed Holy Unction. At the same time I will bring them recent bulletins with April newsletter and beautiful flowers donated by St. Nicholas Ministry. The flowers are from “Oak Farms and Garden Center.”
Dear Parishioners and Friends – Our parish traditionally uses the Alms Box in the vestibule of the church for the benefit of the poor. Easter Sunday will be the last day to support the poor using the Alms Box. This year the Parish Committee has decided to send our total Alms Fund to “The Christian Appalachian Project,” They have a history of over 40 years of reaching out to people in the 13 states that make up Appalachia with basic needs and services, including seeing that the children get food! They deliver food and supplies through local churches and community organizations. They provide lunch to children during the summer when they aren’t in school. They help families learn about planting backyard gardens. Their main concern is to provide for the hundreds of thousands of AMERICA’S poorest, right here in the United States of America!
My Dear Parishioners and Friends during the celebration of the Holy Week particularly on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday April 9, 10, 11, 2009, I invite everyone to participate in these liturgies as final preparations for the celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord on Sunday April 12, 2009. The schedule of services for Holy Week and Easter Sunday is in the bulletin. If you search for a spiritual renewal, the Holy Week – Triduum (three days) is the place to be, to pray and reflect on the sufferings and passion of Jesus that brought us forgiveness and salvation.
Wishing you a Happy and blessed Easter, Christ has risen! Indeed He has risen!
Father Joseph R. Cyman, Pastor