Parish Life

New Year’s Blessings 2026

My Dear Parishioners and Friends,

It is my great honor and source of joy to wish you a Happy, blessed and healthy New Year 2026.

In this season of transition from one year to the next, may God watch over you and bless you abundantly. May God bring clarity to your thoughts, calm to your soul, and joy to your heart. As the New Year unfolds, may you feel God’s presence guiding you toward hope, healing, and happiness.

Our Holy Cross Church begins this year one 100 years of service for the spiritual benefit of our parishioners, in the community of Woodland Park and beyond. We are getting ready for our main celebration on May 17.

May the New Born Baby Jesus, prince of Peace bring justice, peace and restoration in all parts of our beautiful world. May his Mother Mary, our Spiritual mother, the Queen of Peace be a role model for all mothers and women leading to holiness and service in daily lives. May St. Joseph, her husband and earthly guardian of Jesus, give strength and guidance to all men fulfilling their daily responsibilities.

I extend my heartfelt and best wishes on behalf of my family, Deacons Bill and Mark and members of the parish committee.

May your life be filled with love, health, and endless opportunities.
May the Joy and Peace be with you now and throughout entire New Year

Happy New Year
Szczęśliwego Nowego Roku- 2026!\
Bonne Nouvelle Année 2026!
¡Buen Año Nuevo 2026!

May God bless you all!

Fr. Joseph C.

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Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve at 4 pm we traditionally celebrated Holy Mass with our youth participation. They wear costumes of Mary, Joseph, Angel Gabriel, Shepherds, Three Kings, Angels and a Little Lamb. The youth read the Holy Scriptures, and sang together with participants of the Mass the Silent Night with lighted candles and well received Feliza Navidad. We thank the youth, parents, School of Christian Living teachers, Ms. Natalie and Mr. Paul and all who helped to celebrate the Birth of Jesus in such a joyful and meaningful way.

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Susan Hornak (Koscinski) Obituary

It is with sadness we inform you about the passing of Susan Kornak (Koscinski) wife of Deacon Mark Koscinki, who passed away on Dec. 22, 2025. With solemn reverence, we commemorate Susan Hornak (Phillipsburg, New Jersey), whose life came to an end on December 22, 2025 at the age of 55, leaving behind cherished memories. Family and friends can send flowers and/or light a candle as a loving gesture for their loved one. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Susan Hornak to show support. In the hush of twilight, as the stars twinkle in silent homage, we reflect on the legacy Susan leaves behind and her impact on the lives of her loved ones. Though Susan may no longer walk among us, her spirit lives on in the memories held dear by her family and friends, a guiding light that illuminates their paths in times of darkness. She is survived by: her husband Deacon Mark Koscinski; her brother Paul Hornak; and her friends, Julie Bair and Fran Taylor. She is also survived by three children by marriage and five grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 28th from 6 PM until 8 PM at the Rupell Funeral Home (465 Memorial Pkwy, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865). A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, December 29th at 11:00 AM at the Our Lord’s Ascension Polish National Catholic Church (2105 Jennings St, Bethlehem, PA

Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and may the perpetual light shine upon her. May her memory be eternal!

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Now Hiring – Organist

Organist Job Description

  • Responsibilities
    • Perform and accompany congregational singing during worship services, special events, and choir rehearsals
    • Collaborate with the pastoral team to select appropriate music and hymns that align with the liturgical calendar
    • Provide musical leadership for weddings, funerals, and other church-related events as needed
    • Create an uplifting spiritual atmosphere through the art of organ performance and singing.
    • Enrich our services with connection to our faith and traditions.
    • Maintain the organ and ensure its proper functioning, coordinating any necessary repairs.
    • Foster a welcoming environment for musicians and congregation members, encouraging participation and engagement
  • Required and Preferred Qualifications
    • Required:
      • Proven experience as an organist, preferably within a church setting
      • Ability to read and interpret sheet music and lead congregational singing effectively
    • Preferred:
      • Formal education in music, particularly organ performance or music education
      • Experience in conducting choirs or leading musical ensembles
      • Knowledge of liturgical traditions and practices
    • Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies
      • Expertise in organ performance, including familiarity with various organ types and styles
      • Proficiency in music notation software and audio recording tools
    • Soft Skills and Cultural Fit
      • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups
      • Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
      • A passion for worship music and a commitment to enhancing the spiritual experience of the congregation
      • Flexibility and adaptability to participate in various church activities and events
  • Benefits and Perks
    • This role offers
      • Salary $100 per each Mass (negotiable and with annual salary increase)
      • Allen MADC organ, 2 manual
      • Flexible scheduling to accommodate worship services and personal commitments
      • A supportive community environment that values creativity and collaboration

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Did You See Our New Anniversary Sign?

To express our joy in celebrating 100th anniversary of our presence in the community of Woodland Park and beyond we ordered an aluminum and reflective sign. The sign was mounted above the front door of our church.

Our special 100th Anniversary Mass and Dinner will take place on Sunday, May 17th. Help us to organize this event and plan to attend with your family members and friends. Save the date. More information will follow.

Did You See Our New Anniversary Sign? Read More »

Parish Pictorial Directory by Universal Church Directory

Our parish had the last pictorial church directory done in 2009. Next year, as we know, we will celebrate our 100th anniversary. It is a great occasion to have another church directory honoring our service to our community for the past one hundred years. In contact with the Universal Church Directory, we scheduled the date. The pictures of individuals and families will be taken on Monday,April 13th. Based on the number of parishioners taking pictures we may have a second day. This directory will not be complete without you. If you are a member of Holy Cross your entire life or you just joined our parish family, please feel that it is a privilege and honor to be part of our project. Volunteers would be needed. Please contact our church office or simply contact one of our parish committee members. Thank you in advance. God bless!

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Advent Tree

This annual project began on Sunday, November 30th and will continue until Sunday, December 21st. Our gift items will be distributed to boys and girls under DYFS care, senior men and women living in Eva’s Shelter in Paterson, NJ. Your generosity is appreciated and rewarded by the Lord who asks us to take care of the needy. All gifts are due on Sunday, December 21st.

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Thanksgiving Baskets – Job Well Done

Ten large Thanksgiving trays with nonperishable food items including $50 ShopRite gift cards were donated to Passaic Valley Regional High School in Little Falls, NJ on November 24th. They were distributed to needy families in our community. We thank all parishioners who gave donations for this noble cause. May the Lord reward them abundantly for helping the disadvantaged.

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