In this issue: Thanksgiving, Anointing of the Sick, Mass of Thanksgiving, Lift High Holy Cross Campaign, Giving Tree 2021, Christmas Recital, Respect Life News, iGiveCatholic, December Marian Morning, CYO Basketball Registration Reopens, Advent Lessons and Carols, Synod of Bishops, Thanksgiving Food Drive, Living Nativity, Holy Cross Spring Gala, Bible Study-new time, Faith Direct Donor Match Program, Please Share Your Pictures, Current Mass and Confession Schedule . . .
The priests and staff
of Holy Cross
wish you a blessed holiday
with friends and family.
On Thanksgiving day,
Mass will be offered at 10 am only.
The Blessed Sacrament will not be exposed for adoration on Friday, November 26.
Rectory Office will be closed Thursday and Friday.
The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick
Sunday, November 28, during the Noon Mass
What? The Sacrament of Healing by which the Lord, through His Church, gives His healing touch and forgiveness to those who are ill and trust in Him.
For Whom? The Baptized who are suffering from acute or chronic illness (physical or mental), are suffering from the pain or frailty of advanced years and those who are anticipating a serious medical procedure or operation.
How? During the Sunday Mass, after the homily, the Priests will anoint with the Oil of the Sick. The Eucharist will then continue as usual.
60th Anniversary Mass of Thanksgiving on November 21
“Give thanks to the LORD for he is good, his mercy endures forever!” Pslam 107:1
Holy Cross Church rejoices in the generous spirit shown by the people who made our liturgy and reception a fitting tribute to 60 years of fruitfulness in Faith, Hope and Love! We are especially grateful for the presence of the Holy Cross Sisters who made the building of this parish possible. You will always be close to us in prayer and well wishes. Our sincere gratitude goes out to His Eminence, Wilton Cardinal Gregory, who honored us with the celebration of the Holy Mass! We look forward to many more years of fidelity to the Gospel as one Holy Cross Parish!
Our capital campaign, “Lift High Holy Cross,” is underway. Materials on Lift High Holy Cross can be found on the parish website, www.hcrosschurch.org, 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 thru 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 (www.faithdirect.net Code MD22). Many, many thanks to everyone who has responded so favorably so far! Any questions, please call the rectory at 301-942-1020.
Giving Tree 2021
‘Tis the season to be giving
33rd Holy Cross Giving Tree Season
Again this year, instead of a physical Giving Tree we will have a virtual one, providing a variety of gift cards for designated charities. We began the Giving Tree season November 16 with a Flocknote outlining this year's program. If you have any questions or concerns, please email the Holy Cross Giving Tree Committee at givingtree.hcc@gmail.com. The 2021 Holy Cross Giving Tree Program ends on December 5.
You are invited to:
“The Little Road to Bethlehem”
(a Christmas recital)
Saturday, December 4, at 6:30 pm (after Mass) in Church
with our own Dr. Mariana Mihai-Zoeter, soprano;
Garrick Zoeter, clarinet; Sarah Nelson, piano
Having sung annual Christmas recitals Mariana has seen how inspired, and moved the audiences have been. As a result, the concert will have great and wide-ranging appeal. The varied and most likely unfamiliar repertoire presented will offer a snapshot of the season, creating a heartfelt bridge between various cultures. This concert is a mix of different composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Joaquin Nin, Gustav Holst, Peter Cornelius, and lesser- known composers who have written gorgeous testaments to Christmas. Older, and newer visions of the season!!!
News from our Respect Life Committee...
In case you haven’t heard, there is a Mississippi case (Dobbs vs Jackson Womens Health) being heard at the Supreme Court of the United States on December 1, 2021, which has the potential to turn the tide against legalized abortion and could be the most important pro-life case since the infamous Roe vs. Wade in 1973.
You are urged to pray on Wednesday December 1, attend Mass, participate in Eucharistic Adoration, or pray the Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Holy Cross will have an hour of Eucharistic Adoration after Mass on Wednesday, December 1, from 9 to 10 am in Church. Come and pray with us. The Adoration Chapel at Holy Redeemer Parish is open from 4-8:30 pm Monday-Friday. Of course you can also invite a friend and go to the Supreme Court to pray while the case is being heard. Click on links below to learn more.
Here is a short video by Lynn Fitch, the Mississippi Attorney General, who is arguing for the law banning abortion after a heartbeat is detected in utero in Mississippi.
And here is a written piece by Robert George on the same case.
CYO BASKETBALL AT HOLY CROSS
Holy Cross School CYO has reopened registration for the 14U Boys Basketball team. We welcome the participation of players from the parish and are looking forward to entering a team into the competitive tournament league. Please register through Sports Pilot by November 30th. Any questions can be directed to hcrosscyo@gmail.com.
SYNOD OF BISHOPS. The entire Catholic Church is called to participate in the upcoming Synod of Bishops! In preparation for the international Synod of Bishops in 2023, Pope Francis wants your input on the topic of
“For a Synodal Church, Communion, Participation, and Mission.” People of all ages, Catholics and non-Catholics, are invited to give their feedback on the Church’s mission. To participate in the survey, visit www.adw.org/synod. An in-person Listening Session will be planned in the new year.
Thank You, Holy Cross!
The Thanksgiving Food Drive was amazing, estimating approximately 2,000 pounds of food (200 bags of food – 10 pounds each) from the Parish and School Community. The agencies were surprised and grateful!
In addition, the generous Poor Box donations enabled us to give each agency Giant gift cards for families to purchase turkeys and perishable items.
The Social Concerns Committee will also be able to provide assistance for several parish families.
Thank you to the numerous volunteers from the Parish and School who participated in this effort.
Wishing Thanksgiving Blessings to all!
Gratefully,
Holy Cross Church
Social Concerns Committee
Outdoor Living Nativity
Holy Cross School will offer an outdoor Living Nativity on Friday, December 17, at 5:00 pm on the Church steps and green space between the Church and School. Details will be available in the coming weeks! The HSA will be selling coffee, hot chocolate and cookies. We hope to see you all there!
Holy Cross School Spring Gala! Please save the date for the Holy Cross School Spring Gala! The gala and auction will be held on Saturday, April 2nd. Please save the date! More details will be coming out in the next month. If you are interested in getting involved, sponsoring or donating items, please contact Megan Harbold (megan.harbold@gmail.com).
60th Anniversary Request
Please share your pictures!
We are celebrating our 60th anniversary of the founding of Holy Cross Catholic Church and School in November 1961.
We would love to have your photo of events that happened at Holy Cross over this 60 year period. You might have photos of First Communions, Confirmations, or other sacramental moments. Maybe you have a photo of a community event like a play, dance, reception, the 25th,30th, 40th or 50th anniversary celebrations at Holy Cross? We would love to add it to our Holy Cross album. Would you take time to locate those photos for our archive and email them to: hc60anniversary@gmail.com ? Or bring a copy to the rectory so we can scan it and return it to you. If possible, we ask that your submission identifies the event, the date and the names of those present in the photo. Thank you for your effort in making the history of Holy Cross possible.
CURRENT MASS AND CONFESSION SCHEDULE
Please note that wipes for the pews and hand sanitizer continue to be available for your use. The clergy will continue to wear a mask and sanitize their hands during the distribution of the Eucharist. The faithful are encouraged to remain respectful of their neighbor in all circumstances. For updates, visit www.adw.org/coronavirus.
Saturday Vigil Mass - 5:00 pm
Sunday Mass with choir 9:30 am (live-stream link: www.hcrosschurch.org)
Sunday Mass – 12 Noon (live-stream link: www.hcrosschurch.org)
Weekday Masses are offered Monday thru Saturday at 8:30 am
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.
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