My Dear Parishioners and Friends, some important events at Holy Cross Church in the past month

1. Baptism of Stivet Salcedo Jr. son of Stivet Salcedo and Deyanira Pena on May 3rd.

2. Cinco De Mayo Dinner on May 3rd. On Sunday May 3rd our parish enjoyed Cinco De Mayo Dinner beautifully organized by the Parish Life Committee. Here is the article submitted by the Chairperson of the Parish Life Committee Michele Lazor: “CINCO DE MAYO” Ole, Ole !!

3. Baptism of Rylee Alexandra Loyas, daughter of Cassandra Loyas on May 24th .

4. The 70th Anniversary of Sacrament of Marriage between George and Gene Kapchonick was on May 27th 2009. Father Joseph went to visit Gene and George with Holy Communion, Anniversary blessing prayer and flowers donated by St. Nicholas Ministry. Congratulations to Gene and George!

Genevieve Piontkowski and George Kapchonick our lifelong parishioners celebrated their 70th Anniversary of Marriage. They both have a great influence on the life of our parish. When the Woodland Park (formerly West Paterson) church was being built, George was at the site daily and was Fr. John Slysz’s right hand man. He was a board member for years and active in the many activities and fund raisers. Gene was involved in the ANS (altar guild) and helped maintain the altar linens. For years she grew a garden of flowers just for the church. Her prize gladiolas adorned the altar for many years. She was also involved in many fund raisers. Originally from Little Falls, they moved to Tom’s River in 1983. We thank George and Gene for their service and wish them God’s blessing in the future. They have one daughter, Alice, who resides in Little Falls.

On Mother’s Day May 10th, 2009 after 9:00 A.M. Mass the breakfast in honor of our mothers took place with the menu (Sausages, Bacon, Eggs, French Toasts, Home Fries, Danish, Rolls and Butter, Coffee, Tea) provided by catering Hughie’s Red Kettle. During both Masses all mothers received corsages which were donated by the church and umbrellas generously sponsored by Edward and Michele Lazor. We thank them for their generosity.

We congratulate Paulette (Rodriguez) and Fernando Sung on the birth of their son, Stefano Sung 7 lb 1.6 oz, 19 3/4 inches on Wednesday May 13, 2009. We congratulate Gianfranco – Big Brother and other relatives and friends on this special occasion. May the Lord bless Sung family with good health and happiness.

We will celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony between Edvart Rojas and Rosa Quinones on Saturday June 6, 2009 at 3:30 P.M. We wish Rosa and Edvart God’s blessing and happiness in their life together as Christian wife and husband.

On Sunday June 14, 2009 our School of Christian Living student will conclude their Christian education with attendance and participation awards. After the 11:00 A.M. Mass all are invited to attend Annual Parish Picnic.

On the same Sunday, June 14, 2009, the Corpus Christi Procession will take place at SS Peter and Paul Parish in Passaic at 4:00 P.M. Refreshment will be served. All are invited to venerate the presence of the risen Lord in the Holy Eucharist.

On the third Sunday of June, 21, 2009 we will honor all fathers on Father’s Day. The refreshment will be served after 9:00 A.M. Mass.

Our youth will have their fundraiser – CAR WASH – on Saturday June 27, 2009. This event will be held in our parking lot on from 10 am to 3 pm. The youth will serve also refreshments. Everyone is asked to enjoy this event and support our youth. Bring your children for this good cause and activity full of fun.

During the summer months people travel and take summer vacations. I wish all children safe and enjoyable vacation time. In the summer we don’t have a break from payment of our regular church bills. Therefore, on behalf of the Parish Committee I ask all of you to donate/send your regular donations to the parish if you will not be present on a particular Sunday.

I invite parishioners to take advantage of Saturday evening Mass in July and August so that you could enjoy more time on Sunday with your family. In July and August there will be one Sunday Mass at 9:00 A.M.

I remember you in my daily prayers. Please remember me in your prayers each day. Wishing you a Happy Father’s Day.

Yours in Christ,
Father Joseph

The month of April gave us not only beautiful spring weather with some temperature records set but we also had some wonderful events at Holy Cross Church. Let me share with you the events that we wish to keep in our memories.

On Palm Sunday the Parish Committee Members took an oath. Hughie Vickerilla (Trustee), Edward Obssuth (Chairman of the Parish Committee), Maria Makos (Trustee), Alice Kriskewic (Trustee), Karen Hitchcock (Secretary), Adele Merson (Trustee); Fr. Joseph Cyman (Pastor), Dominick Bucci (Trustee); Bob Sleece (Vice-Chairman), Lenny Hrinuk (Trustee); Richard Daum (Financial Secretary/Treasurer); Absent was Mary Margo and David Obssuth.

On Sunday April 19, 2009 the children of Sunday School enjoyed Easter egg hunt followed by Easter Party in the Parish hall.

In the month of April we continued to have ALMS FUND DRIVE – This year the Parish Committee has decided to send our Alms Fund to the “Christian Appalachian Project,” This organization with 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. Total donations for that cause was $387. On behalf of the poorest we thank those who supported this worthwhile project.

On Palm Sunday April 5, we had youth fundraiser selling PALM CROSSES AND EASTER PLANTS. These beautiful items were provided by Oak Farms owned and operated by Ed, David and Justin Obssuth. All profit will help finance the youth who will participate at Convo 2010 gathering. This project raised $154. There will be other fundraisers in the future as announced.

On Sunday, May 10, 2009 we will celebrate Mother’s Day and honor all mothers with special prayers during both Masses. Teachers and children will present a special program for mothers after the Mass in the parish hall. The Mother’s Day Breakfast will take place in the parish hall after the 9:00 A.M. Mass. (10:10 A.M.) All parishioners and friends especially Mothers are cordially invited to attend this special celebration.

Beginning Wednesday, May 6th I invite everyone May Devotions during the month of May. We will honor the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Jesus. The Christians from the beginning had a special devotion toward the Mother of our Savior. I invite everyone each Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. for May Devotions. We will give praise and honor to God with the prayers and intercessions of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We likewise will sing the Litany to the Blessed Virgin Mary in the presence of the Most Blessed Sacrament. In addition to that, we are going to sing hymns dedicated to our spiritual Mother and reflect on her life. I invite all parishioners to attend these celebrations. May Mary, the mother of Jesus and our spiritual mother fill your hearts with her love and lead you to her Son our Lord.

I remember you in my daily prayers. Please remember me in your prayers each day. Wishing you a Happy Mother’s Day.

Christ has risen! Indeed He has risen!

Father Joseph R. Cyman, Pastor

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

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