In this issue: February Women's Marian Morning, Synod 2021-2023, Maryland Right to Life, Maryland March for Life, "The Talk" Announcement, Eucharistic Adoration, Holy Cross School Open House, The Gabriel Project, Please Share Your Pictures, Remember in Prayer...
“As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 12:12-13
It is with deep gratitude that we praise and thank our Lord for the participation of those who attended the Parish Listening Session with a heart of synodality – the path and process of the Church as communion. Our journey together was representative of many voices in the parish community.
“This Synod is a unique gift for our local Church. It is a gift of time - a chance to take a step back and reconnect with our parish communities. It is an opportunity to invite people not only back to Sunday Mass but also to parish life. This invitation to parish life starts with listening. Listening to each other’s joys, hopes, sorrows and anxieties. Listening to each other is the basis of dialogue, friendship and community life. This Synod is not about changing doctrine or church structures, but rather encountering each other as brothers and sisters in Christ in post-pandemic world.” Archdiocese of Washington “Synod Listening Session Toolkit.” (2021)
While our Listening Session is meant to be a contribution to the archdiocese in preparation of the participation of the bishops in the Synod on October 2023, an overview of the dialogues from the Listening Session on January 22nd will be shared in the coming weeks. Those who were not able to join us are strongly encouraged to complete the survey online. https://adw.org/about-us/resources/synod-surveys/
“The synthesis that each particular Church will elaborate at the end of this work of listening and discernment will constitute its contribution to the journey of the universal Church…We recall that the purpose of the Synod, and therefore of this consultation, is not to produce documents, but to plant dreams, draw forth prophecies and visions, allow hope to flourish, inspire trust, bind up wounds, weave together relationships, awaken a dawn of hope, learn from one another and create a bright resourcefulness that will enlighten minds, warm hearts, give strength to our hands.” Vatican “ Synod Preparatory Document.” (2021)
For our parish community, we pray that we may continue to journey together through a path of perseverance, patience, and mutual understanding as formed disciples of Christ.
Maryland Right to Life is a Proud Sponsor of the Maryland March for LIFE! Join us Thursday February 3rd in Annapolis on Lawyers Mall. We are expecting a HUGE crowd this year with a great list of speakers including MDRTL Director of Legislation, Laura Bogley. Bring your family and friends. Bring your signs, and get ready to be inspired to use your pro-life voice! There will also be a powerful candlelight vigil at the conclusion of the event to light up the night with Hope for LIFE in Maryland. You don't want to miss it!
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!
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