Pastor’s Update

Prayers for Boston

Our prayers and thoughts are with all the victims and their families affected by the senseless tragedy that took place in Boston, MA. We wish a speedy recovery to those who are in the hospitals. Our prayers and appreciation are with the first responders who helped to alleviate the suffering of innocent people.

Fr. Joseph and parishioners of Holy Cross Church

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Poetry for Mother’s Day

Mother by Unknown Author

Mom is such
A special word
The loveliest
I’ve ever heard.
A toast to you
Above all the rest
Mom, you’re so special
You are simply the best.

Everything Mom by Joanna Fuchs

How did you find the energy, Mom
To do all the things you did,
To be teacher, nurse and counselor
To me, when I was a kid.
How did you do it all, Mom,
Be a chauffeur, cook and friend,
Yet find time to be a playmate,
I just can’t comprehend.

I see now it was love, Mom
That made you come whenever I’d call,
Your inexhaustible love, Mom
And I thank you for it all.

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Ash Wednesday – The Beginning of Lent

On Wednesday, February 22nd, the Church begins the season of Lent. On that day two Holy Masses will be celebrated: at 12 and 7 P.M. along with the Blessing and distribution of Ashes.

Spiritual reflection for Ash Wednesday: Beginning on Ash Wednesday we are called to repent, to change our minds about the way we live our lives in the sight of God. In the reading from the Book of the Prophet Joel we will hear that he summoned infants, children, the newly married and the elderly to an assembly of prayer indicating that they were repenting. Ash Wednesday summons everyone to enter into a forty-day fast. All are called to pray. All are invited to give alms. We will all gather on Ash Wednesday because we know that we need to “to return to the Lord.” Joel tells us that we can do that only by returning with our whole hearts, that is, with a motivation that is deep inside us. The ashes marking a cross on our foreheads will indicate that we are entering in the Lenten period of change that will leave us never to be the same again.

During the season of Lent all parishioners are welcome to attend Lenten Devotions. On Fridays in Lent you are invited to attend Stations of the Cross with the reading on the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ at 7:15 PM. This will give us the opportunity to reflect upon the redemptive sufferings of our Lord.

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Sunday Holy Mass Schedule Canceled, Stay Safe

Dear Parishioners,

Most of you received a phone call in regard to our Sunday Holy Mass schedule that was changed due to the severe weather caused by Hurricane Irene.

We celebrated Holy Mass Saturday at 4:30 PM.

I thank those who made phone calls and those who attended the service.

Sunday Holy Masses are cancelled. Please stay safe and dry. Our prayers are with you.

Fr. Joseph

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Holy Masses For The Homebound And The Sick

Parishioners and community members are welcome to attend Holy Masses for the homebound and the sick on Thursdays at 7:15 PM. You can pray for your intention or for someone else. “Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord…” — James 5:14.

Upcoming dates for Healing Holy Mass: Thursday June 9, 16, 23, 30 at 7:15 PM.

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Ś+P Letizia Gulla

Prayers of Sympathy and condolences to Angela Gulla (formerly Bucci) and her family on the loss of her mother and our dear sister in faith Letizia Gulla

Wake service will be Friday May 27, 2011 from 2 – 4 PM and from 7 to 8 PM at the Bizub-Quinlan Funeral Home, 1313 Van Houten Avenue, Clifton, NJ. Fr. Joseph will offer prayers at the Funeral Home at 3PM. Requiem Holy Mass on Saturday, May 28th at 9:30 AM.

Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her.
May she rest in peace. Amen


GULLA – Letizia (nee Casella), 85, of Paterson, formerly of Passaic, passed away on May 26, 2011. Born in Gioiosa Marea, Messina, Sicily, Mrs. Gulla came to the United States in 1953 and settled in Passaic. She lived there for many years before moving to Paterson in 1992. Prior to her retirement, she was the owner of Lydia’s Dress Shop in Passaic for many years. Mrs. Gulla was a former parishioner of St. Anthony R.C. Church in Passaic.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Anthony Gulla, Sr. in 1992.

Survivors include: her devoted daughters, Rosemary Furtek of Wayne and Angela Gulla of Little Falls; her devoted sons, Anthony Gulla, Jr. of Blairstown and Rossano Gulla of Westfield; seven loving grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

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One Pair of Hands…

During Chrism Mass we were inspired by Bishop John Mack’s sermon that God gave us gift of hands as a blessing for others. God created this beautiful world and gave us life. Jesus our Savior used his hands to heal, feed, encourage and bless so many.

Enjoy the song “One Pair of Hands” composed by Carroll Robertson and performed by Elvis.

Wishing you a Happy and Blessed Easter

Christ is Risen! He is truly Risen!

Fr. Joseph Cyman and Family

You can enjoy other songs by Carroll Robertson at YouTube.

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The Season of Lent at Holy Cross

During the Lenten time all of us should remember personal prayers, to read and reflect on Holy Scripture, and to attend the liturgy of Sunday Mass. Fasting – we are called to abstain from meat on Wednesdays and Fridays for those who are 14 years old and above and are otherwise physically able. During Holy Week we abstain from meat from Wednesday through Saturday in preparation for the Lord’s resurrection and in recognition of all He did for us.

You are invited to attend Lenten Devotions to reflect on the redemptive sufferings and death of our Lord on Wednesdays at 7:15 P.M.

Ash Wednesday – The Beginning Of Lent

On Wednesday, March 9, 2011 the Church begins the season of Lent. On that day two Masses will be celebrated: at 12:00 P.M. with the Blessing and distribution of Ashes and at 7:15 p.m. with the Blessing and distribution of Ashes. Beginning on Ash Wednesday we are called to repent, to change our minds about the way we live our lives in the sight of God.

Wednesday Lenten Devotions

  • March 16, 2011 @ 7:15 PM — Bitter lamentations #1
  • March 23, 2011 @ 7:15 PM — Stations of the Cross (Youth Group members and 1st Holy Communion Students)
  • March 30, 2011 @ 7:15 PM — Bitter Lamentations #2
  • April 6, 2011 @ 7:15 PM — Stations of the Cross (Youth Group members and 1st Holy Communion Students)
  • April 13, 2011 – @ 7:15 PM — Bitter Lamentations #3
  • April 22, 2011 – Good Friday @ 3 PM — Stations of the Cross with youth and children participation

Alms Box

Our parish traditionally uses the Alms Box in the vestibule of the church for the benefit of the poor. Please continue to support this great cause to help the less fortunate of our society particularly as a sacrifice during Lent. “When you give alms, your left hand must not know what your right is doing – your almsgiving must be secret, and your father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.” — Matthew 6:3-4.

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Annual Parish Meeting

Our Annual Parish Meeting will be held on second Sunday of February, February 13th after 9 AM Holy Mass. The second Holy Mass will be at 12:00 PM (please note that the hour of the Mass has been changed). There will be light refreshment after the 9 AM Holy Mass. The School of Christian Living will have a program provided by high school youth in the Fr. John Slysz building. All the societies of our parish are asked to give annual report from year 2010 and a report of their projects for the year 2011.

Another important aspect of our Annual Parish Meeting will be the election of the Parish Committee. The Parish Committee is the council, which meets once per month (usually for about 1 hour on the 3rd Wednesday evening of the month) to discuss concerns and make decisions for the parish. Would you consider serving on this committee? Please contact Fr. Joseph or Dominick Bucci for additional information.

God bless you for your dedication in serving the needs of your fellow parishioners and our Holy Catholic and democratic Church.

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