Holy Cross Parish Community

225 Purchase Street   South Easton,  MA  02375
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Weekly Bulletin, May 19, 2013

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Easton Journal Columns

Landings Program

 

 

 

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.    

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Save the Date!

Sunday, June 23rd

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 20th 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

 

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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.


 

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Baccalaureate Mass

Congratulations to our graduating high school seniors.  Our annual Baccalaureate Mass, which will be celebrated on Sunday, June 2nd 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 30th.

 

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The parish fiscal year runs from July 1, 2012 through                June 30, 2013.  As of April 30th, 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 31st.

 

 

“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. 

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

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

 


 

May 25th & 26th

               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

2400x2400 at 600 PixelsPerInch (16 Kb)Parish Appreciation Weekend

We will again celebrate Parish Appreciation Weekend with a coffee and catered pastries reception after all masses on June 1st & 2nd.  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!

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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!

 

Pilgrimages to
Ireland

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 25th 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 13th at 12:30 p.m. through Thursday, July 18th 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 1st

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 20th, $20,775 has been collected for the Appeal.  Thank you!

 

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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

 


 

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If you are anticipating choosing godparents for a child’s baptism, please be aware of the following qualifications for a Catholic to serve as a godparent:

Ø  Be a baptized and confirmed Catholic at least 16 years of age

Ø  Be currently living a sacramental life, i.e. faithfully attending mass

Ø  Lead a life of faith in harmony with the role that the godparent has the intention of undertaking

Ø  If married, be married in or with the permission of the Catholic Church

Ø  Not be a parent of the individual to be baptized

Please seriously consider these qualities to be sought in a godparent who should be a true role model of Christian faith for your child. 

 

The next baptism dates are June 9, July 7, August 4, and September 8.  All are at 11:15 a.m.  The next baptism prep dates are June 8, July 13, August 10, and September 14 at 10 a.m. 

 

 

The Spring/Summer Respect Life Committee brochure is available in the magazine rack in the church vestibule, at the side entrance of the church, and at the respect life bulletin board in the great room. 

 

 

Join the Chili Cookoff at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Sunday, May 19th, at 2 p.m.  $5 taster fee; cash prizes for 1st and 2nd place.  Contact Dan Callahan at dcallahan@abrockwater.com for more information. 

Description: Description: A4502G Parish Rosary Walk

Remember that the Rosary Walk, located to the right of the parish residence, is available for prayer.  Rosaries with instructions on how to pray the rosary are in the box located at the Rosary Walk.  Each rock of the labyrinth represents one of the prayers of the Rosary.  Walking the labyrinth, the pilgrim stops at each stone and prays the appropriate prayer.  Or you can sit on one of the benches and pray in this beautiful prayer space. 

 

Dealing With Grief & Loss Support Group

You are invited to attend this special group to share your personal grief experience and to learn new ways to live with your loss.  Wednesdays, May 29th through July 3rd, 6:00-7:30 pm here at Holy Cross Parish.  Please call 781-341-1711 to register.  Sponsored by Guardian Hospice.


 

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ϯ Saturday, May 18

4:00 p.m.:  Mike & Margaret Cunnane, 9th & 4th Anniversaries

                                requested by Peg Malpiede

                    Debbie Almieda, 2nd Anniversary

                                requested by Sonja Brown & family

ϯ Sunday, May 19

8:30 a.m.:  Alice Montell, 1st Anniversary

                                requested by her family

10:00 a.m.:  Marion Gaffney, Birthday Remembrance

                                requested by the Croak family

5:30 p.m.: 

ϯ Monday, May 20

9:00 a.m.:  Helen Sanpietro, 3rd Anniversary

                                requested by her family

ϯ Tuesday, May 21

9:00 a.m.:  Kay Bird, living

                                requested by Kay Thurber & Jane Gordon

ϯ Thursday, May 23

9:00 a.m.:  For the People of the Parish

ϯ Friday, May 24

9:00 a.m.:  Raymond Smith, 30th Anniversary

                                requested by Kevin & Penny Brennan

ϯ Saturday, May 25

4:00 p.m.:  Richard Cote

                                requested by Bill & Cecile Ryan

ϯ Sunday, May 26

8:30 a.m.:  Annamay & Edward Gioiosa

                  75th Wedding Remembrance

                                requested by her family

10:00 a.m.:  Joan McAloon, Birthday Remembrance                                                 requested by the John & Joyce Micciantuono

 

Morning Mass

Remember that morning mass is celebrated in the Brother Andre Chapel in the parish center Monday through Friday at 9:00 a.m., except Thursday when mass is followed by Benediction and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the church.

 

Bulletin On Line – If you’re away from the parish for a Sunday mass, you can read the parish bulletin at www.holycrosseaston.org.  The parish bulletin is an important way to keep informed of upcoming parish programs and activities.

 

Today is the last 5:30 p.m. Teen Mass until mid-September. 

 

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