Dear Friends,

This Sunday is a joyful day here at Holy Cross Parish as we bless our new respect life garden and statue.  My hope, and that of our respect life committee, is that the garden will become a popular, frequently-used place for prayer and quiet meditation by our parishioners and, perhaps, by the wider Easton community. 

When I first approached the respect life committee about this project, I expressed my desire that whatever we decide upon express the consistent ethic of life embraced by the Catholic Church, which teaches that all human life, from conception to natural death, is sacred and to be protected.  To this end, the committee and I decided upon a statue of the Holy Family, which portrays Jesus as a young boy with Mary and Joseph.  We felt that a statue of the Holy Family is a powerful symbol and reminder of the sanctity and importance of the family in the life of the church and society.  It is within the family that children learn from their parents the sanctity of human life at all stages and in all conditions of human existence. 

The statue is a four-foot marble statue of the Holy Family.  It is mounted on a beautiful base that includes a quote from Cardinal Joseph Bernardin: “When human life under any circumstance is not held as sacred in a society, all human life in that society is threatened.”  Cardinal Bernardin is credited with popularizing the concept of the consistent ethic of life, or the “seamless garment of life” as it was called by many back in the 1980s.  I heard Cardinal Bernardin speak on this subject at the 1983 commencement exercises at the University of Notre Dame when I received my master of divinity degree, and it made a powerful impression on me that day. 

Cardinal Bernardin made it clear that not all respect life issues carry the same weight.  We all understand abortion to be, as I call it, the “foundational” life issue.  If we do not allow children in the womb to be born, we don’t need to worry about proper nutrition, health care, or education for them.  But as Catholics who embrace the consistent ethic of life, we are concerned about poverty and economic justice, and the effects of war, on human beings both young and old.  We declare our opposition to the death penalty because we hold out hope for conversion and redemption for even the most heinous of criminals. 

Our respect life garden has been beautifully sculptured by PJ, our plant manager, and has two marble benches so that you can spend time in prayer before the statue of the Holy Family.  I can certainly see becoming another location, like our Mary garden and statue on the north side of the church, for photos at baptisms, first communions, Confirmations, graduations, and weddings.  But most of all, it will become a place of prayer and meditation.  I would suggest that, in our visits, we remember to place our needs and prayers under the intercession of the Holy Family and to pray for a greater respect for the dignity and sanctity of human life, from conception to natural death, in our society and world. 

I wish to thank our respect life committee for all its work in seeing this project to completion, for all they do throughout the year to promote life issues, and for hosting the reception on the front lawn right after the blessing.  I thank the Easton Knights of Columbus and the many Holy Cross parishioners who made donations toward the statue and garden, and to Jack & Linda McTernan of Easton Memorials for their great assistance and generosity with the statue, base, engraving, and benches.  I pray that this garden and statue will help us as a parish community to grow ever stronger and more fervent in our commitment to protect the dignity and sanctity of all human life.

Mary, Mother of Life.  Pray for us!

Yours in Holy Cross,

Father Jim 

How well do I use the Gifts of the Holy Spirit?

You are invited to use this question for personal and/or family reflection during the month.  Parish groups are reminded to begin one meeting this month with a five to ten minute shared reflection on this question.    

Save the Date!

Sunday, June 23^rd

Br. Jim Madigan Memorial Golf Tournament

1:30 p.m. Shotgun Start

Sponsor a Day Update

276 households have thus far sponsored

345 days to cover our $99 per day utility costs.

We have thus far raised $34,220 toward our goal of

$36,135 to cover this year’s bills.

We are in the final days of this campaign.  We need only 20 more households to pledge $99 in order to cover the parish utilities for the year!

The next meeting will be held on May 20^th at 7 p.m.  We are reading “And Their Eyes Were Opened”, by Fr. Michael Scanlan.  Please join us!

Monday, May 20

7 p.m.:  Landings Program

7 p.m.:  Spiritual Book Club

Tuesday, May 21

9:30 a.m.:  Coffee after Mass

7 p.m.:  Bible Study

Wednesday, May 22

7-8:30 p.m.:  Seeking God with Deacon George

Thursday, May 23

9 a.m.:  Mass and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

7 p.m.:  Social Action Committee Meeting

Friday, May 24

9:30 a.m.:  Bible Study

Saturday, May 25

8:30 a.m.:  Saturday Morning Rosary

Sunday, May 26

Looking Ahead

June 1:  Parish Appreciation Reception, 5 p.m.

June 2:  Parish Appreciation Receptions,9:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.

               Baccalaureate Mass, 10 a.m.

June 23:  Golf Tournament, 1:30 p.m. shotgun start

July 14-21:  Youth Ministry Appalachia Service Project

August 12-16:  Summer Vacation Bible School

Hurting from a past abortion experience?  Contact Project Rachel at: 508-997-3300 or email: pla@plrachel.com. 

God is calling.  Are you listening?

Finding the time to slow down, listen for, and consider God’s call can be difficult but what could be more important?  The Congregation of Holy Cross has multiple retreat programs for high school, college, and post graduate men designed to guide you along the way as you seek to hear and answer God’s call.  Contact our office to find out more, 574-631-6385 or email vocation@holycrossusa.org.  Visit us at holycrossvocations.org.

Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered and Bible-based 12-Step Recovery Program.  The purpose is to focus on God’s healing power through fellowship with others.  This program is not only for those caught up in and or recovering from drug and alcohol abuse; it is helpful to anyone dealing with any kind of addictive behavior. For example: compulsive overeating, internet addiction, gambling, co-dependency, physical, emotional or sexual abuse.  Celebrate Recovery is a safe place to get real about your hurts, habits and hang-ups, and is conducted by Christians who have been through 12-step recovery themselves.  It crosses all denominational and cultural boundaries.   CR meets every Thursday evening from 7:00 pm. – 9:00 p.m. at Easton Baptist Church., 197 Bay Road, North Easton.

Baccalaureate Mass

Congratulations to our graduating high school seniors.  Our annual Baccalaureate Mass, which will be celebrated on Sunday, June 2^nd at 10 a.m.  We will have a coffee and pastries reception following the mass in the parish center great room.  All graduating seniors are invited.  Please wear your cap and gown.  If you did not receive an invitation, please notify the office by calling (508) 238-2235.  Please R.S.V.P. by May 30^th.

The parish fiscal year runs from July 1, 2012 through                June 30, 2013.  As of April 30^th, we are 45 weeks into our fiscal year.  Our collection results are as follows:

                Amount budgeted:              $385,500

                Amount collected:               $403,135

Our collections to date are $17,635 favorable to budget, while our fundraising to date is $4,000 below budget.  Thank you for your support of our parish.

Fr. Murphy Scholarship

The Fr. John Murphy, C.S.C. Scholarship is available to any high school graduating senior who is an active member of Holy Cross Parish and who will be pursuing college studies next year.  Applications for the scholarship are available at the parish office.  The completed application must be returned to Father Jim or to the parish office by Friday, May 31^st.

“Misperceptions”

The latest parish “Misperceptions” column in the Easton Journal is now also available on our parish website, www.holycrosseaston.org.  Along with this month’s column, entitled “Can You Ever Dispose of Blessed Items? ” by Deacon George Zarella, you can also find the previous three month’s columns. 

Bible Study will be wrapping up for the summer this week.  The final meetings will be May 21^st & 24^th.  We will begin again in September.

Forever Young will meet again on  the 1^st Wednesday in October.

May 25^th & 26^th

               Lectors                   Altar Servers   Communion Ministers

4 p.m.     Bill Sullivan          Kylee Gleeson       Brenda Sullivan

 Linda Sullivan                                       Joe Kennedy

                                                                                  Chino Angeles

                                                                                  Michele Azevedo

  Mary Cleary

8:30 a.m.  Brian Sheehan  Isabella Hoffman                 Barbara O’Donnell

                   K. Shubitowski  Nick Manos            Sue Sessler

                                                                                  Bill VanLaarhoven

                                                                                  Maura Carney

                                                                                  Robin Durgin-King

10 a.m.   Roy Owens           Joe Ferguson          John Dwyer

                 Gary Donahue    Liam McMorrow  Paul Giorgio

                                                                                  Joanne Kelly

                                                                                  Fran Long

                                                                                  Hugh McLaughlin

                                                                                  Pat Brophy

                                                                                  Chris Behan

Parish Appreciation Weekend

We will again celebrate Parish Appreciation Weekend with a coffee and catered pastries reception after all masses on June 1^st & 2^nd.  We invite all parishioners to come over to the reception in the great room after whichever mass you attend.  This reception is offered in appreciation for the many and varied ways in which all of our faithful parishioners support our wonderful parish.  Hope to see you at the reception!

Mark Your Calendars!

Holy Cross Parish will once again be offering Vacation Bible School for children grades K-5.  It will be held August 12-16, from 9 a.m. to noon.  Don’t let your children miss out on this wonderful experience!

Pilgrimage with Family Rosary to Sainthood Candidate Patrick Peyton’s Ireland  - Sept. 14 – 23, 2013.  Don’t just visit Ireland … go on Pilgrimage for an unforgettable journey.  Join Father John Phalen, CSC, on a meaningful Pilgrimage through Ireland, including Mass and Rosary daily. Tour will visit Dublin, a guided tour of Belfast, walking tours of Derry and Ennis; visits to Mount Steward House and Gardens, St. Patrick Centre, Downpatrick Cathedral, Giant’s Causeway, Bushmills Distillery, Ulster American Folk Park, Slieve League Seacliffs, Knock Shrine, and a special visit to the Father Peyton Centre.  For complete details:  www.FamilyRosary.org/Events or call/email Ann Melanson of Holy Cross Family Ministries at 508-238-4095 / amelanson@hcfm.org

The Christian Leadership Institute, now in its 25^th year, is a six-day leadership training experience for high school age youth.  CLI is not a retreat experience but seeks to foster the leadership potential of our young Church by heightening each person’s gifts and talents for various ministerial roles and responsibilities in their parishes, schools, and greater communities.  Candidates for CLI should exhibit leadership potential and a willingness to make a commitment to their parish, school, community and diocese.  Maturity, openness, the ability to work with peers and adults, good communication skills, and a sense of faith are essential. 

CLI will be offered on Saturday, July 13^th at 12:30 p.m. through Thursday, July 18^th at 2:00 p.m.  the cost is $230; a partial scholarship from the parish can be requested.  Participation in CLI, held at Cathedral Camp in East Freetown, is limited to 50 teens.  If you wish to be considered for CLI, please contact Father Jim by June 1^st. 

The Annual Catholic Charities Appeal is the only time the Diocese of Fall River asks its parishioners to come together to SHARE what they have with those in need by helping to fund the charitable works of its agencies and apostolates.  For 71 years Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fall River has been ministering to those in need throughout southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and the Islands.  For more information or to donate, visit the Appeal website at www.frdioc-catholiccharities.org. Please be as generous as your means allow.  As of May 20^th, $20,775 has been collected for the Appeal.  Thank you!

Thank you to Michelle Hassan, Victoria Hassan, Evan Sousa, Kim Sousa, Nicole Sousa and Nancy Zarella, members of God Squad #11, for all their work in keeping our church clean and looking presentable.  We appreciate the time you devote to maintaining our church for Sunday masses, funerals, weddings and other liturgical services that take place in our worship space. 

June 8, Wompatuck State Park, Hingham

50 mile circuit begins at 7:30 a.m.

25 mile circuit begins at 9 a.m.

(781) 337-7744, x 12