In this issue: Lift High Holy Cross Capital Campaign, Marian Morning, High School Volunteers Needed, Blessing of the Animals, 60th Anniversary Church and School Service Project, "Into the Breach" Invites Men, Grief Support Group, Do You Play Piano?, Weekly Bible Study, Msgr. Hill's Funeral, Remember in Prayer, Current Mass and Confession Schedule, Walking with John Paul II . . .
We are happy to announce that “Lift High Holy Cross”, our capital campaign, recently rolled out to the parish on September 11 and 12, is underway. Materials on Lift High Holy Cross were distributed after Masses and can be found on the parish website including details on the renovation of our former convent, Quinn Hall, to serve as a parish and school center, and the other projects incorporated in this campaign.
We encourage everyone to participate in this capital campaign. 100% of your contribution remains at Holy Cross, solely for capital improvements. No professional fees were undertaken.
We ask for your pledge in support of Lift High Holy Cross. Once you have prepared your pledge card, you may:
- Bring it to the Rectory (Monday-Friday between 9 am to 4 pm),
- Drop it thru the mail slot in the Rectory door anytime,
- Mail it to Rectory (PO Box 249, Garrett Park, MD 20896) or
- Place it in the collection basket.
Donations may be made by check, direct transfers of stocks or securities, or online thru Faith Direct. Many, many thanks to everyone who has responded so favorably so far! Any questions, please call the rectory at 301-942-1020.
Saint Francis of Assisi is the Patron Saint of Animals and his feast day is October 4. People all over the world celebrate his love of animals by having their animals blessed. At Holy Cross, you are invited to bring your pets in front of Church on Sunday, October 3, following the noon Mass, for a special blessing.
60th Anniversary Church and School Service Project
The church and school are partnering to donate bags for the homeless.
We are asking Holy Cross parishioners and school families to donate items between Monday, October 4 and Sunday, October 17. Donation boxes will be in the back of the church and outside of the main entrance of school. Items needed: toothbrushes, toothpaste, travel size shampoo & conditioner, travel size body wash, soap, brushes, combs, socks, hats, gloves and scarfs. Please be sure all items donated are new. The lower school students will be making cards and decorations for the bags and the upper school students will be assembling the bags.
Do you play the piano? Every month, Father Perkins celebrates Holy Mass at Brighton Gardens Assisted Living Facility (5550 Tuckerman Lane, Rockville 20852). This Mass is a joyous occasion attended by the Catholic community as well as followers of other denominations. Volunteers from our parish serve as cantor and pianist for two hymns. Currently, we are in need of a pianist. Please share your musical skills and talent with us by playing the piano at the monthly Mass. All visitors to Brighton Gardens must be fully vaccinated against the COVID virus. For more information, please contact Charlotte King, Ministry to the Sick and Homebound at 301-816-0176.
Msgr. Robert Cary Hill - The Funeral Mass for our former pastor, Msgr. Hill, will take place on Thursday, October 7, at noon at Holy Cross Church with interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. He died at the age of 80 at his home in Metairie, Louisiana on August 7, where he was living in retirement.
Remember in Prayer those who have died.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.
Montgomery County’s indoor mask requirement went into effect August 7.
Masks should be worn in Church by everyone 2 years and older.
CURRENT MASS AND CONFESSION SCHEDULE
The dispensation from Sunday and Holy Days Mass obligation has been lifted and the obligation was reinstated beginning Saturday, June 26, and Sunday, June 27. To see the full statement of the Bishops of the Province of Baltimore and the Archdiocese of Washington, visit the Archdiocesan website at www.adw.org.
We look forward to safely welcoming you back into our beautiful sacred space. Wipes for the pews and hand sanitizer will continue to be available for your use. The clergy will continue to sanitize their hands during the distribution of the Eucharist. The faithful are encouraged to remain respectful of their neighbor in all circumstances.
Saturday Vigil Mass - 5:00 pm in Church
Sunday Mass - 9:30 am in Church
Sunday Mass – 12 Noon in Church (live-stream link at www.hcrosschurch.org)
Weekday Masses are offered Monday thru Saturday at 8:30 am in Church
On Saturdays, Confessions are heard from 9:00 to 10:00 am.
You can access the parish bulletin by:
- viewing it here,
- select "News" on the parish website (www.hcrosschurch.org) or
- pick up a copy at Church.
- select "News" on the parish website (www.hcrosschurch.org) or
- pick up a copy at Church.
Saturday, October 16, 2021
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM EDT
Be not afraid – The Saint John Paul II National Shrine invites you to journey in the spiritual footsteps of Saint John Paul II to renew our spirits and deepen our faith during these extraordinary times! Join us for a 12-mile spirit-filled walk from Our Lady Queen of Poland Parish in Silver Spring, MD to the Saint John Paul II National Shrine in Washington, DC (shorter routes of 6 and 2 miles will also be available). The pilgrimage will conclude at the Shrine with Mass followed by a celebration with music and food. Come join with your family, friends, school, council, or religious community!
Click here for more information and to register.
WAYS TO SUPPORT HOLY CROSS
ONLINE - Make a donation by credit card via Faith Direct. Go to the parish website: www.hcrosschurch.org and click on One-Time Donation. You do not have to enroll in Faith Direct or, if you are enrolled in Faith Direct, you can elect to not sign in.
RECURRING - Visit www.faithdirect.net or call 866-507-8757 (toll-free) to enroll in our electronic giving program using your bank account or credit card (Holy Cross Code is MD22). Another way is to use your bank's bill pay.
DROP OFF your contribution in the mail slot in the Rectory office door
MAIL your offertory to Holy Cross Church, PO Box 249, Garrett Park, MD 20896