In this issue: Parish Synod Listening Session, March for Life, February Women's Marian Morning, Maryland Right to Life, Eucharistic Adoration, Racism and the Catholic Church, Holy Cross School Open House, Learn more about Catholic Schools, The Gabriel Project, Please Share Your Pictures, Remember in Prayer...
SYNOD OF BISHOPS
January 22
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.
Holy Cross Church will proceed with the in-person parish synod on Saturday, January 22. We will begin in Church with Mass at 8:30 am then move to Lewis Hall. After light refreshments, the session will begin at 9:30 am and is expected to end at 12:30 pm.
Holy Cross observes local government guidelines regarding masking. Tables and chairs have been spaced out for social distancing. Please consider your own safety when deciding to attend. You may still participate in the synod through the ADW website, www.adw.org/synod, or sending us a printed copy of your reflections on the core questions provided by the Vatican.
If you are planning to attend, please call the Parish office at 301-942-1020 or
email the Parish Secretary at parishsecretary@hcrosschurch.org.
Pray for the Protection of the Unborn
Since the March for Life is this Friday, please consider attending the 8:30 am Mass on that day to pray for the protection of the unborn. Perhaps you could offer a Holy Hour for the same intention during Eucharistic Adoration in the Church on Friday from 3 to 6 pm.
9 Days for Life Novena
9 Days for Life is a US Catholic Conference of Bishops novena for the protection of human life. Each day’s intention is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life. Join us at 9daysforlife.com January 18-27.
49th March for Life
Friday, January 21, on the National Mall
This Friday, January 21, the 49th March for Life will take place on the National Mall in Washington, DC between the Washington Monument and 12th Street. The pre-rally concert will begin at 11:00 a.m. followed by the rally at 12 noon. The march begins immediately following the rally at approximately 1:00 p.m. and proceeds east from the Washington Monument, between 12th and 14th Streets on Constitution Avenue and ends in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. We encourage you to visit your congressmen in the House and Senate office buildings after you finish the march. Together we can make a difference! For more information, visit marchforlife.org.
If you would like to connect with other Holy Cross parishioners call Barbara at 301-704-6682.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
at
HOLY CROSS
has moved to the Church
on Fridays from 3 pm to 6 pm.
Come spend some time with Our Lord!
Do you know a teen or young adult who have questions about the topic of Racism and the Catholic Church?
The Office of Life Issues of the Archdiocese of Washington, in collaboration with several other diocesan teams from across the country, will be hosting a civil dialogue on Racism and the Catholic Church during the month of February. This is a continuation of our civil dialogue series on human life and dignity, which kicked off in October 2021. These conversations will offer youth (ages 15-21) to share their experiences and thoughts on topics that are sometimes considered controversial in our Church and world. All conversations are moderated by trained adult facilitators and promote engagement with Catholic teaching.
Interested? Please contact Michelle Ilagan at (301) 942-8790 or email ilagan@hcrosschurch.org as soon as possible.
Holy Cross School Admissions Event
Are you searching for a great school? Save your spot to attend an Admissions Event at Holy Cross School! We are planning an in-person event on Sunday, January 30th at 1:00 pm and a virtual option on Wednesday, February 2nd at 9:00 am. The format for both events will be a virtual tour, followed by a presentation by Principal Kane. We will finish our time together with a Q & A session where prospective families may ask questions of Mrs. Kane and our parent panels. Additionally, we plan to offer guided school and campus tours after the presentation portion on January 30th.
Please find more details and registration information at www.hcross.org
SUSPICIOUS EMAILS: "(Disclaimer) The clergy and Holy Cross will never email individuals of the Parish asking for monetary favors. In the event you should receive any email requesting untraceable monetary items such as: bank cards, iTune Cards, bitcoin, etc. Please do not respond to those communications whether it is email or telephone. If you receive any communications from Holy Cross that are threatening or seem out of character with our Parish, please flag those emails as “junk” or SPAM and contact us."
The Gabriel Project Cluster of Montgomery County serves mothers and their families in crisis pregnancies. We are so thankful for the support we received during our recent Christmas Appeal. January is March for Life month. Please help us support our client families. Our client moms have said yes to life. With 79 new client mothers added within the past 12 weeks, your continued support is appreciated. Please visit our website, www.gpmoco.org, click on our Amazon wishlist, and choose from any number of items. Also, we are in need of volunteers, especially bi-lingual ones. If you have any questions, please contact Natalie Ray at natalieanneray@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.
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.
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