In this issue: Rediscovering the Eucharist Series, Register for Religious Education, Registration for Fall Soccer is Now Open, First Annual Wedding Anniversary Mass, Exploring the Catholic Faith, "The Blue Army" Invitation, Aid for Ukraine, Remember in Prayer Those Who Have Died, Current Mass and Confession Schedule...
When is it possible to give Holy Communion to other Christians?
Catholic ministers may give Holy Communion licitly to members of the Oriental Churches which are not in full communion with the Catholic Church whenever they ask for it of their own will and possess the required dispositions. Catholic ministers may licitly give Holy Communion to members of other ecclesial communities only if, in grave necessity, they ask for it of their own will, possess the required dispositions, and give evidence of holding the Catholic faith regarding the sacrament.
Further reading: CCC 1398-1401
Why is the Eucharist a "pledge of future glory"?
The Eucharist is a pledge of future glory because it fills us with every grace and heavenly blessing. It fortifies us for our pilgrimage in this life and makes us long for eternal life. It unites us already to Christ seated at the right hand of the Father, to the Church in heaven and to the Blessed Virgin and all the saints.
Catholic ministers may give Holy Communion licitly to members of the Oriental Churches which are not in full communion with the Catholic Church whenever they ask for it of their own will and possess the required dispositions. Catholic ministers may licitly give Holy Communion to members of other ecclesial communities only if, in grave necessity, they ask for it of their own will, possess the required dispositions, and give evidence of holding the Catholic faith regarding the sacrament.
Further reading: CCC 1398-1401
Why is the Eucharist a "pledge of future glory"?
The Eucharist is a pledge of future glory because it fills us with every grace and heavenly blessing. It fortifies us for our pilgrimage in this life and makes us long for eternal life. It unites us already to Christ seated at the right hand of the Father, to the Church in heaven and to the Blessed Virgin and all the saints.
In the Eucharist, we "break the one bread that provides the medicine of immortality, the antidote for death and the food that makes us live forever in Jesus Christ." (Saint Ignatius of Antioch)
Further reading: CCC 1402-1405
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Registration for Sunday Religious Education is now open. Registrations due by August 29. Classes meet from 10:45am-11:45am. The first day of class will be on September 11. Click below to start online registration.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION ONLINE REGISTRATION
First Communion and Confirmation Preparation
Did you know that the regular sacrament preparation time in the Archdiocese of Washington is two school years? Children preparing for First Communion must be enrolled in Religious Education Classes in 1st and 2nd grade while Confirmation students are required to start preparation in 7th and finalize requirements and classes in 8th grade.
- Attending private school? Email ilagan@hcrosschurch.org with your child’s name and school to receive a registration form. No tuition payment except for sacrament miscellaneous fee. There are special sacrament preparation meetings and activities that all parishioners preparing for First Communion and Confirmation are asked to join in grades 2, 7 and 8.
- If your child is older than the normal age of First Communion and Confirmation, please contact Michelle Ilagan at (301) 942-8790 or email ilagan@hcrosschurch.org to determine what process will provide your child with the most comprehensive preparation.
Registration for Fall Soccer is Now Open!
Register your child now for fall CYO soccer to ensure we have full teams! The Sports Pilot system is open at
and ready to accept registrations for kids in first through eighth grade (PreK and Kindergarten play Brit-Am soccer).
SEEKING COACHES! We cannot field teams without qualified coaches! For Holy Cross School parents, coaching fulfills your full, 20-hour volunteer requirement for the year. See coaching requirements below. Training can be completed virtually. Coaching is easy, and the children really appreciate parent coaches. There are plenty of YouTube videos on coaching, so please don’t hesitate to volunteer.
Requirements for all coaches:
- ADW Child and Youth Protection & Safe Environment Requirements:
o Virtus Training
o Fingerprint Background Check
- Coach Code of Conduct Form
- Coach CYO Participation & Consent Waiver Form
- Play Like A Champion Today - Coaching As Ministry Clinic
- NFHS Heat Illness Prevention
- CDC's HEADS UP to Youth Sports
To find out more or to volunteer, please contact Holy Cross CYO Coordinator CJ Tresky at hcrosscyo@gmail.com.
First Annual Wedding Anniversary Mass
Cardinal Gregory will celebrate the First Annual Wedding Anniversary Mass to Celebrate the Vocation of Marriage on Saturday, August 20, at 9:30 a.m. at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. This First Annual Mass is a celebration of the living vocation of all couples who provide a
Catholic witness to the beauty of the Sacrament of Matrimony. Jubilarian anniversaries will still be honored in a special way during this Mass.
Each parish is invited to send the first– 3 registered couples to attend in person as the parish’s representatives. To register to attend the Mass in person, please contact the parish office at 301-942-1020 or email parishsecretary@hcrosschurch.org before 3 pm August 5, 2022. Mass will be recorded and posted on the Archdiocesan website so everyone can join the celebration.
If you would like to receive a certificate from Cardinal Gregory in honor of your anniversary, sign up by August 5 at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GVKRC73.
Do you know someone who wants
to explore the Catholic Faith?
Holy Cross offers sessions of instruction and discussion to assist the individual in their spiritual journey as they seek answers to their questions and learn more about the Teachings and sacramental life of the Church. The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) Sessions will be held on Wednesdays from 7-9pm starting on October. Email Michelle at ilagan@hcrosschurch.org for more information or questions.
"The Blue Army" Invitation
In honor of Our Lady of Fatima's fourth apparition in August 1917, the World Apostolate of Fatima, Archdiocese of Washington Division "The Blue Army" invites you to Rosary, Mass, Confession, Divine Mercy Chaplet, and Blessing with St. Rafael Healing oil on Saturday, August 13 at 1 pm in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel, Basilica of the National Shrine, Michigan Ave, DC. For more information call 301-595-1770.
Aid for Ukraine
You can provide assistance to the victims of the war in Ukraine by donating to Catholic Relief Services (CRS). CRS is the U.S. Bishops main international charitable arm. CRS has staff in Ukraine providing humanitarian relief. You can help by donating here.
May the Holy Spirit strengthen and protect the people of Ukraine in this war.
CURRENT MASS AND CONFESSION SCHEDULE
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