The Parish of the Holy Cross

95 Nichols Road + Nesconset, NY 11767 + 631.265.2200 + www.pothc.org

WE CELEBRATE EUCHARIST

Monday—Thursday: 9:00 A.M. (Chapel)

Saturday: 5:00 P.M.

Sunday: 8:00 A.M. + 9:30 A.M. + 11:30 A.M.

WE CELEBRATE RECONCILIATION

Saturday: 3:45 P.M.—4:30 P.M.

or call Father Michael for an appointment.

WE CELEBRATE BAPTISM

Baptisms are celebrated on the second and last Sunday

of each month at 1 P.M. Please contact the Parish

Office for more information.

WE CELEBRATE WEDDINGS

Couples should contact the Parish Office at least six

months in advance of the proposed wedding date.

LET ALL BE WELCOMED AS CHRIST!

Come and pray with us! Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

January 31, 2016

Love is patient, love is kind… It bears all things,

believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never

fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

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We are here for you!

Rev. Michael F. Holzmann Pastor

Ms. Ellen Fox Director of Religious Education

Mrs. Connie Calabro Mrs. Mary Anne Mc Culloch Co-Coordinators of Parish Outreach

Mrs. Judith Pickel Pastoral Associate

631.265.2200 + Fax 631.265.2229 + pothc@optonline.net Parish Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (closed 12:15-1:00 PM)

Deacon Ralph Rivera Pastoral Minister

Mrs. Elizabeth Shea Business Manager

Mr. Brian Reich Director of Music Ministry

Mr. Salvatore Finocchiaro Coordinator of Youth Ministries

PASTORAL TEAM

PASTORAL STAFF

Mrs. Jane Wirth Parish Secretary

Mr. Edward Guise Mr. Gerald Farrell Custodians

Mrs. Mary Inghilterra Weekend Sacristan

Mr. James Reiss Religious Education Secretary (hcreled@optonline.net)

Dr. Vincent Mazurek Music Minister

Mass Intentions Schedule

Week of January 31st, 9 AM Mass

Mon. Edward Fusco

Tue. Madelyn Clarke

Wed. Rinaldi Family

Thu. Steve Drey (living)

Saturday, February 6th, 5 PM Mass

Patrick Keena Sr., Lina Mori, Audrey Graf

Sun., Feb. 7th, Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

8:00 AM People of the Parish

9:30 AM Michael Corcoran

11:30 AM Agnes Fitzpatrick, Henri-Robert

Lamarque, Loretta Gesimondo

Celebrants for Next Weekend’s Masses

February 6th/7th

5:00 PM Fr. Michael

8:00 AM Fr. Kenan Peters

9:30 AM Fr. Michael

11:30 AM Fr. Michael

Scripture Readings for February 7, 2016 + Isaiah 6:1-8

+ 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

+ Luke 5:1-11

New Life in Christ

New Life in Christ

Stewardship Corner

As you share your gifts with others, what quality of love from our Second Reading best describes you? Which quality is most challenging to you?

Remembering our Sick

Please pray for the sick of the parish, their families and caregivers:

Cheryl Maniaci

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Farewell, January by Father Michael

This was a humdinger of a cold month. Perhaps February will be a little kinder, but after all, we are in the midst of winter. This article is being written about two weeks ago. Because of my time away last week and bulletin deadlines, I had to prepare ahead of time for this column. Pope Francis has declared this The Year of Mercy. It sounds like a nice proclamation, but can this really make a difference in the lives of people? I believe it can make a profound difference if people are open to work for and receive God’s mercy. There are many people who struggle with something from their past. They may have deep shame, embarrassment and/or guilt. Jesus does not want us to carry heavy burdens. This may be a time to move beyond something that has haunted you for too long. There are many ways in which we can move beyond our failings, but in many instances the Sacrament of Reconciliation can be a rich experience of God’s mercy. I encourage those who are struggling with something to pray about how God may be reaching out to you through Pope Francis’ proclamation that this is a Year of Mercy. There are times we need to find peace in our relationship with God. And, there are times we need to seek peace in our relationship with one another. There are many families where there is resentment, and hard feelings. There are many relationships where forgiveness is needed. In a similar way, is there anything that you can be doing to address this kind of issue in your life? Sometimes when we have been hurt by others, our response can be digging our heals in and holding on to the wrong that was done. Rarely is this a means to find peace. Perhaps we need to seek resolution with another. But, there are also times when we simply need to let go and move forward. Again, may Pope Francis’ proclamation be an invitation for you to find healing and new beginnings in your relationships. This year Easter comes very early (March 27). Ash Wednesday is only 10 days away. I hope to have some more ideas to share with you how we as individuals, as well as a parish community, may come to know more deeply the gift of God’s mercy as well as being instruments of that gift to one another. Begin to consider now what it is you will do for Lent. Giving up chocolate may be a challenging discipline for you, but will it bring you closer to God? I do not believe God wants us to embrace empty practices, but rather to truly grow in knowing and serving Him. Have a blessed week.

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ATTENTION: LITURGICAL MINISTERS!

The Parish of the Holy Cross Lent/Holy Week Sign Up Form

Name_______________________________________

Phone #__________________ E-Mail_________________@_______

Check one:

___Altar Server ___Lector ___Usher ___Extraordinary Minister

Palm Sunday – April 12/13, 2014 ___Saturday - 5:00 P.M. ___Sunday - 8:00 A.M. ___Sunday - 9:30 A.M.

___Sunday – 11:00 A.M. ___Sunday – 12:30 P.M. ___Sunday – 5:00 P.M.

Holy Thursday – April 17, 2014 __9:00 A.M –Morning Prayer (Lector only) __8:00 P.M. – Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper

Good Friday – April 18, 2014 __9:00 A.M –Morning Prayer (Lector only) __3:00 P.M. – Solemn Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion

Holy Saturday – April 19, 2014 __9:00 A.M –Morning Prayer (Lector only) __8:00 P.M. – Easter Vigil

Easter Sunday – April 20, 2014 ___ 8:00 A.M. ___ 9:30 A.M.

___ 11:00 A.M. ___ 12:30 P.M.

Please drop in the basket or return to the Parish Office NO LATER than Sunday,

March 9, 2014. Thank you for your help in helping us get our Holy Week Schedule completed ASAP!

The Parish of the Holy Cross Holy Week Sign Up Form

The Parish of the Holy Cross Lent/Holy Week Sign Up Form

Name_______________________________________

Phone #__________________ E-Mail_________________@_______

Check one:

___Altar Server ___Lector ___Usher ___Extraordinary Minister

Palm Sunday – April 12/13, 2014 ___Saturday - 5:00 P.M. ___Sunday - 8:00 A.M. ___Sunday - 9:30 A.M.

___Sunday – 11:00 A.M. ___Sunday – 12:30 P.M. ___Sunday – 5:00 P.M.

Holy Thursday – April 17, 2014 __9:00 A.M –Morning Prayer (Lector only) __8:00 P.M. – Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper

Good Friday – April 18, 2014 __9:00 A.M –Morning Prayer (Lector only) __3:00 P.M. – Solemn Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion

Holy Saturday – April 19, 2014 __9:00 A.M –Morning Prayer (Lector only) __8:00 P.M. – Easter Vigil

Easter Sunday – April 20, 2014 ___ 8:00 A.M. ___ 9:30 A.M.

___ 11:00 A.M. ___ 12:30 P.M.

Please drop in the basket or return to the Parish Office NO LATER than Sunday,

March 9, 2014. Thank you for your help in helping us get our Holy Week Schedule completed ASAP!

I am not available to serve during Holy Week and Easter_____. I am available, and interested to serve at: Holy Thursday - March 24, 2016

____9:00 AM - Morning Prayer (Lector only) ____8:00 PM - Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper

Good Friday - March 25, 2016

____9:00 AM - Morning Prayer (Lector only) ____3:00 PM - Solemn Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion

Holy Saturday - March 26, 2016

____9:00 AM - Morning Prayer (Lector only) ____8:00 PM - Easter Vigil

Easter Sunday - March 27, 2016

____8:00 AM ____11:00 AM ____9:30 AM ____12:30 PM

Please drop in the basket or return to the Parish Office NO LATER than Sunday, February 7, 2016. Thank you for your help in helping us get our

Holy Week Schedule completed ASAP!

On Wednesday, February 10th, countless Christians will be signed with ashes on their forehead. This symbolizes the beginning of our

40 day journey through Lent. Ashes will be distributed at: 7 AM, 9 AM Mass, 12 Noon, 4 PM, 5:30 PM & 7:30 PM

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Youth Ministry Here are our upcoming Youth Events:

Sunday, January 31: Youth Night, 6 - 8PM

Saturday, February 6: 5PM Mass and Youth Night, 6 - 8PM

If you are thinking about coming to the church to see what we are all about. . .do it! You will not regret it. Come with a friend or family member, and join us as we continue to grow in the endless love of Christ. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Sal Finocchiaro, the Coordinator of Youth Ministries, at HCyouthgroup@hotmail.com, or call the parish office.

Food Pantry

Next Saturday and Sunday,

February 6/7 will be our

monthly Food Drive for our

Parish Outreach Pantry. The

following items would be

most helpful:

Please check expiration dates! It will

greatly assist the volunteers who stack the

pantry with your donated goods. Thank you!

Men’s Fellowship will not be meeting in February. The next scheduled date is Saturday, March 5th, at 9AM in the Fr. Joe Room.

PARISH NEWS Anointing of the Sick

You are strongly encouraged to receive this Sacrament if you are

having upcoming surgery, are dealing with a chronic or debilitating

illness, are suffering from addiction, mental health issues or frailty.

On the first Sunday of each month, the Sacrament of the Anointing of

the Sick is offered after the 9:30 AM Mass. Sunday, February 7th is

the next date the Anointing will be offered.

Holy Hour for Peace We offer our Holy Hour for Peace on the first Saturday of the month from 3:45-4:45PM in the Worship Area. The next one will take place on Saturday, February 6th. Please come and spend some time before the Blessed Sacrament praying for God’s gift of peace to touch our wounded world.

Tuna

Mayonnaise

Peanut Butter

Jelly

Paper Towels

Bar Soap

Spaghetti

Pasta Sauce

Macaroni & Cheese

Juice Boxes

Pancake Mix & Syrup

Cookies, Snacks

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CASH CALENDAR

Please use caution when walking in the parking lot after a winter storm. Although the plows have removed snow and sanded, there are still icy patches.

A handrail was installed last year along the path by the Children’s Memorial Garden to aid you in walking from the parking lot to the courtyard.

Please be safe!

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Saturday, January 30th 10AM - 12 Noon

WOMEN’S ENRICHMENT Fr. Joe Room LEVEL 5 BLESSING OF BIBLES 5PM Worship Area

Sunday, January 31st All Masses

LEVEL 5 BLESSING OF BIBLES Worship Area K OF C COMM. BREAKFAST 9:30 Mass Worship Area VISIONING COMM. MTG. 12:30-2PM Conference Rm. BAPTISMS 1PM Worship Area YOUTH NIGHT 6-8PM Atrium

Monday, February 1st 5:00 - 6:00 PM

1:1 CLASS All Areas

K OF C GENERAL MTG. 7-8:30PM Fr. Joe Room

Tuesday, February 2nd 7:30 PM

FINANCE COMMITTEE MTG. Conference Rm.

Wednesday, February 3rd 11AM-2:30PM

SENIORS Atrium LEVEL 2 RECONCILIATION 7PM Wor.Ar./Atr. BAPTISM PREP 7:30PM Fr. Joe Room

Thursday, February 4th 7:00 PM

RCIA Fr. Joe Room

Saturday, February 6th 10:30AM & 1PM

LEVEL 2 RECONCILIATION Wor.Ar./Atr. HOLY HOUR FOR PEACE 3:45-4:45PM Worship Area YOUTH NIGHT After 5PM Mass Atrium

Sunday, February 7th 9:30 AM Mass

BOY SCOUT SUNDAY Worship Area ANOINTING OF THE SICK Worship Area RCIA DISMISSAL 11:30 Mass Sacristy

MEETINGS THIS WEEK

Boy Scout Sunday Tell your Scouting friends……All Are Welcome! When: February 7th at 9:30 Mass (arrive 15 minutes before to sign in and get ready) Where: The Parish of the Holy Cross Who: All Scouts and their families are invited to attend. What to wear: Class "A" Uniform

Please let us know by Thursday, February 4th, if you will be attending. For more information call or email Andy & Kim Bodor at 516-996-2297 or Akjlb23@optonline.net

Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus are holding their Communion Breakfast after the 9:30 Mass on January 31st. The breakfast will be held at Paradise

Diner (credit cards are accepted). Thank you for supporting the Knights!

Women’s Retreat

The women of Holy Cross are planning a

Retreat at the Bishop Molloy Retreat

Center:

March 11-13, 2016

“A Journey Worth Taking”

We will trust the Holy Spirit as guide

while we reflect on our life’s journey

and our destiny.

There will be sign-ups on February 13th

and 20th in the Holy Cross atrium. A

$50 deposit is required at registration.

Balance is due upon arrival at the retreat.

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