Church of the Holy Cross
631 SOUTH STATE STREET
DOVER, DE 19901
302.674.5787
HOLYCROSSDOVER.ORG
DECEMBER 21, 2014
4TH SUNDAY ADVENT
MASS SCHEDULE
Weekdays
6:30 & 8:00 AM
12:10 PM during Lent
Saturday
8:00 AM and 5:00 PM
1st Saturday 5:00 PM – Children’s Choir
4th Saturday 5:00 PM – Gospel Choir
Sunday
7:30, 9:15, 11:00 AM and 1:00 & 6:00 PM
1:00 PM – Spanish
6:00 PM – Youth Choir
3rd Sunday 3:00 PM – Latin
Holy Days
Times will be announced
CONFESSION SCHEDULE
Saturday
4:00 – 4:45 PM
Thursday before First Friday
8:30 – 9:00 AM
First Friday
8:00 PM – October through June
OFFICE HOURS
Parish
Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
School
Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Sacrament of Baptism
Call the parish office to register and to arrange for the parents’ pre-Baptismal instruction.
Sacrament of Marriage
Couples planning for Marriage must contact a parish priest or deacon one year in advance to set the
wedding date and plan for pre-Cana instruction.
Holy Orders and Religious Life
If you believe you have, or someone you know has, a vocation to the priesthood or religious life, please
contact one of our parish priests.
Hospital Visitation
If a member of your family is in the hospital and would like to be visited, please call the parish office.
From the Pastor’s Desk
“Oh holy night, the stars are brightly shining
it is the night of the dear Savior’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
‘til he appeared and the soul felt its worth.”
The Christmas season is upon, as we enter this final week in Advent. It
bearing down on us is bearing down on us like a high-inside fastball on a
near-sighted batter. But as we approach Christmas day, I want to do a
quick scan of history to highlight a few other events that have happened
on December 25 throughout history; to wit:
Our world afflicted by the taint of original sin and breaking covenant
upon covenant, still has paradise lost to it. The sin of our first parents
put an indelible ding in our relationship with God. How can we be
redeemed from that taint of sin and the error of our first parents? The
answer is that God became man and took on our human nature –
elevating it, allowing the soul to recognize its worth before the God
who made us.
Christmas Day, 1991: Mikhail Gorbachev resigns as President of the
Soviet Union. On that same day, “rushin’” to make the best of an
opportunity, Ukraine declares its independence.
Christmas Day, 1914: In the heat of battle during World War I, a
Christmas truce is declared. Soldiers on both sides of the raging battle,
lay down weapons for the day, sing carols together and engage in joint
religious services.
“A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!”
Christmas Day, 1855: On Lake Ontario, the first ever game of
Hockey is played. As the tale is told: Soldiers called in to clear ice from
Lake Ontario began to play a game on the ice using field hockey sticks
and lacrosse balls. This game soon took-off on a grand scale as ice
hockey. As arena began to be built, and players began to receive big
salaries, it became clear this wasn’t to be a sport for “cheap skates.”
With anxious hearts, the people of Israel waited centuries for a warrior
-like Messiah to save them from their plight; however, a much different
kind of Messiah appeared to redeem all of mankind. Thus, where there
was lament and anxiety, now there was hope for the world to rejoice
in. A new day had begun! Mary, the “New Eve” gave birth to Jesus, the
“New Adam.” As Pope Pius XII wrote: “Mary, in the work of Redemption,
was by God's will joined with Jesus Christ, the cause of Salvation, in much the
same way as Eve was joined with Adam, the cause of death.” On that first
Christmas morning, Jesus, the Lord of the new Creation is born.
Christmas Day, 1776: Future President George Washington famously
his troops across the Delaware River for surprise attack on enemy
forces in Trenton, New Jersey. If made the same excursion today, the
tolls alone would have bankrupted our army.
“Fall on your knees / Oh hear the angel voices
Oh night divine / Oh night when Christ was born
Oh night divine / Oh night divine.”
Christmas Day, 1758: Edmond Halley, in 1705, had predicted that a
comet, later dubbed “Halley’s Comet” would return. And on December
25, 1758 – as he predicted – it did; Johann Palitzsh, who was on the look
out based on Halley’s claims, saw the comet and confirmed Halley’s
theory.
The song makes this point: Get down on your knees, today and often,
to thank God for the love he showed to us, his creation, in coming to
us, dwelling with us, and redeeming us. Just as Mary and Joseph both
heard and listened to the voice of an angel and were open to God’s call
to them, so, too we must listen to those same angel voices who were
present for Christ birth, announcing: “Glory to God in the highest / and on
earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When angels speak, we
should be listening! As the song finishes, remember that that first
Christmas was indeed a “night Divine.” It was not just a silent night or a
holy night, but because the one who was born in that little town of
Bethlehem, in that stable, was God, coming to us, in the flesh, as one of
us.
Christmas Day, 1492: Columbus’ ship, the Santa Maria sinks. The
navigator, wanting to grab some zzz’s gave the helm to a young cabin
boy, who wound up running the ship onto a sandbar near Haiti. On
Christmas day, the ship sank. The timber salvaged from the ship was
used to build a fort on Haiti called La Navidad, as the wreck had
occurred on Christmas.
Christmas Day, 1000: Pope Sylvester crowns St. Stephen as the King
of Hungary, which led to Hungary being a Catholic kingdom. Hungarian
celebrity Zsa Zsa Gabor was not present for the Coronation.
Christmas Day, 800: Pope Leo III crowned, the Europe-unifyingleader Charles the Great (Charlemagne) as “Imperator Augustus” (that
is, Holy Roman Emperor). Prior to his fancy-schmancy new title, Charles
was King of the Franks; in spite of that, he was no weenie.
Because Christ came into this world, I would commend you, tonight
(and every night) to give thanks. And, as you lay your head on your
pillow, think about that first Christmas when our Prince of Peace, our
Lord, and our Savior came into this world, and changed it forever, for
better and for us; and then God rest ye merry, gentlemen. Merry
Christmas!
Christmas Day, 498. French King Clovis is baptized as King of the
Franks (yep, just like Charles the Great). This led to his Kingdom
converting in vast numbers and at break neck speed to Christianity.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. James Lentini
Pastor
_____________________________________________________
Christmas Day, 1 AD: As per John’s Gospel (1:14) “The Word became
flesh and dwelt among us.” Jesus Christ was born!
Keeping the above list in mind, you can take items #1-9 on the above
list, combine them into one big pile and then multiply their significance
by a million, and you would even come near the world altering
ramification, significance and value of item #10. The birth of Jesus Christ,
as they would say these days, was a game changer. It wasn’t a moment in
history; it was the moment in history.
For all of those who are here at this Christmastime, and are attending
Mass with us on Christmas, I have a request. I would ask that you not
look at Mass like it’s the Super Bowl, that is don’t say “It’s good, it’s
important but it’s only once a year.” We are called by Christ to keep
holy His day – Sunday, the day of his Resurrection. Come join every
Sunday (or Saturday evening), to give thanks and praise to the God who
gave you life, the God who blesses you, and the God who comforts you.
On behalf of all of our parish priests, let me say that we’d love for you
to join our Holy Cross and Immaculate Conception parish family, and
gather with us every week for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Our Mass
schedule is in the bulletin.
To reflect on the meaning and significance of this unique and incredible
moment in history, I want to make use of the beautiful and theologically
informative lyrics of the well-known Christmas hymn “O Holy Night. ”
“O Holy Night” begins by eloquently stating the significance of Christ’s
birth:
2
Liturgy
Parish Office
Readings Sunday, December 28
Feast of the Holy Family
Clergy
Fr. James Lentini ................................................................Pastor
Fr. Joseph McQuaide ...................................... Parochial Vicar
Fr. John Olson .................................................. Parochial Vicar
Fr. Jonas Kukatla .............................................. Parochial Vicar
Msgr. Daniel McGlynn .................................. Pastor Emeritus
Mr. Vincent Pisano ........................................................ Deacon
Mr. Robert McMullen ................................................... Deacon
Mr. Phil Belt ..................................................................... Deacon
Mr. John Harvey ............................................................. Deacon
Mr. Scott Peterson ....................................................... Deacon
Mr. Michael Boyd ........................................................... Deacon
First Reading: Genesis 15:115:1-6; 21:121:1-3
God promised Abraham that he would have a son and countless
descendants. Although it seemed unlikely, Abraham trusted in
God’s word.
Second Reading: Hebrews 11:8, 1111-12, 1717-19
From the beginning of the human race, we have examples of
people who remained faithful to God in good times and in bad.
Gospel: Luke 2:222:22-40
Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple to present him to
God. For Simeon and Anna, Jesus was the long-awaited promise
of hope. For Mary and Joseph, their moment of celebration was
also a discovery of anxiety and pain to come.
Parish Office
Mrs. Diane Belt......................... Asst. to the Pastor, ext 113
Mr. Kenneth Trojan .................. Business Manager, ext 119
Mrs. Elizabeth O’Shea......................... Receptionist, ext 110
Mrs. Elaine Cramer ..................................... Records, ext 116
Mr. Phil Belt ................................... Admissions/Dev., ext 136
Mrs. Arline Dosman ................... Hispanic Ministry, ext 118
Mr. Len Dornberger ................................ Cemetery, ext 135
Mr. Bill Wojtkiewicz ........................... Maintenance, ext 110
Christmas Mass Schedule
Wednesday, December 24
4:00 pm in Church
4:00 pm in Gymnasium
6:30 pm in Church
9:00 pm in Church (Spanish Mass)
Midnight Mass in Church
Thursday, December 25
8:00 am in Church
10:00 am in Church
Friday, December 26
8:00 am Mass Only
Saturday, December 27, Sunday, December 28
Normal Mass Schedule
Wednesday, December 31
7 pm Mass
9 pm Bilingual Mass
Thursday, January 1, 2015
8 am Mass
10 am Mass
Holy Cross School
302-674-5787 ext. 111 (Jr. High Office)
Mrs. Haydee Rosario ...................................................Principal
Mrs. Linda Pollitt ................................................ Asst. Principal
Religious Education and Youth Ministry
302-674-5787 ext. 121(Office Coordinator)
Mrs. Cindy Krebs.................................. Coordinator Rel. Ed.
Mrs. Linda Darling .......................................... Youth Ministry
Music Ministry
Mr. Michael Perza .................................... Director, 698-9302
Tabernacle Sanctuary Lamps
The lamp in the Church is sponsored this week in
memory of Lazaro Rodriguez.
The lamp in the Adoration Chapel is sponsored this week
in memory of Mary Ketchum.
Christian Formation
Offertory—Week ending 12/14/14
Offertory
Type
Received
Budgeted/
Needed
Difference
Offertory
$28,435
$31,325
($2,890)
YTD
$712,703
$716,700
($3,997)
Needs
$1,915
$1,827
$88
Religious Education
No Religious education Classes! Merry Christmas
from the Religious Ed Office! Classes resume January
6/7, 2015!
Coming Soon to Holy Cross!
Light of the World
Evangelization Ministry!
This process promotes a personal encounter with the
living Christ, a loving relationship with Him, and the
building of a supportive community of believers.
Look for more information coming in 2015!
Thank you for your offering. It is with your continued support and the sharing of your
time and talent that the ministries, programs, and activities of Holy Cross are made
possible. “Whatever you give to the Lord, He will return to you a hundred fold.”
Year End Giving
You may like to give an extra gift to the parish. Your
generosity will be a great help to the parish and may
benefit you as you prepare your taxes. Please make sure
end-of-the-year donations are received in the Parish Office
by December 31, 2014 by Noon. Thank you for thinking of
Holy Cross.
Youth Ministry News
Reminder - no Confirmation classes or Life Nights
until January 4.
A blessed Christmas to all our families.
3
Social Concerns
Parish Family Life
Sustaining Hope for the Future
Campaign
Pro Life Corner
•
•
•
•
Thank you for your generous support of
the Sustaining Hope for the Future
campaign. We now have pledges totaling
$1,665,948.00, which is above our Success
Goal.
We would still like to reach our other goals and we still have
some pledges coming in. If you would like to make a pledge and
need an envelope, please contact the Parish Office. If you want
to make an outright donation before the end of 2014 to use if for
a tax write off, please be sure to have your contribution to the
Parish Office by December 31, 2014 at Noon. Thank you all of
helping us reach our goal and strive to reach our other goals in
order to accomplish those other needs that should be done at
Holy Cross.
•
Remember to celebrate the gift of life on Christmas.
Support Mom's House of Dover.
Adoption may be the loving option. Let's end abortion!
Join the Holy Cross pro-life team, help save lives of the
unborn, participate in the perpetual Thursday Prayer Vigils
at Planned Parenthood 8 AM - 3PM. For more information
call Donna Latteri at 302-538-5730.
As we prepare for Thanksgiving Day, let us thank God for
the gift of life.
“I'm pro-choice. But I hope that choice will be life.” ~Rush
Limbaugh
Food Pantry
We are now collecting turkeys or pork roasts to be used for
our Christmas baskets. Turkeys or roasts can be left in the
freezer on the side porch of the Rectory. Thank you for helping
us feed the many families in our community who are in need.
“For I was sick, and you visited me…”
Bringing Holy Communion to the homebound and nursing
homes or hospital is a graced act of service that is dearly
needed and sincerely appreciated. The scheduling of this
ministry is now being done by Deacon Mike and his wife,
Pam.
Nuestra Familia
Anuncios
We are in need of more volunteers to be Extra-Ordinary
Ministers to the Sick and Homebound. A variety of
opportunities are available for your service. Please
contact Deacon Mike at [email protected] or
by calling him at 659-5140. You can also pick up an
application in the Parish Office. One you apply there is
some training that must take place, and we will supply you
with that information. Please pray about becoming part of
this most important ministry. Those who cannot attend
Mass with us truly appreciate your service.
•
Marriage Moments
It's almost here - Christmas of course. It's easy to feel
pretty frantic and busy at this time of year. We want to get
a nice gift for our spouse, the kids, whoever, decorate, etc.
Take some time out today. It needn't be long; just a pause.
Look at each other and be thankful.
•
•
•
Parenting Pointers
How do you feel about the way you spend Advent and the
Christmas holidays? Are you comfortable with the customs
and pace you’ve adopted? Don’t be a victim. Set your own
pace. Don’t be so busy being Martha that you forget to be
Mary to your child.
Baptismal Preparation Class
If you have an infant child to have baptized, you need to
attend our Baptismal Preparation Class. It is held on the
third Tuesday of each month at 7 pm in the Early Learning
Center. Call the Parish Office 674-5787, ext. 110 or 113
register for the class. Baptism will be scheduled shortly
after taking the class.
4
Todos los viernes tenemos el Foro Cristiano.
Venga y aprenda más acerca de su Fe Católica.
La Misa de Nochebuena es el 24 de diciembre.
9:00 de la noche. En nombre de nuestros
Sacerdotes, diáconos y el personal que labora en la
parroquia, queremos desearles muchas bendiciones
en esta Navidad, que sea llena de alegría, esperanza
y paz que solo Dios puede darnos. Feliz Navidad y
un Próspero Año Nuevo.
Se les invita a que participe de los distintos
ministerios que tenemos en la parroquia Ministerio
de Música, Lectores, hospitalidad.
El 31 de diciembre, a las 9:00 de la noche
celebraremos, la Misa de la Octava de Navidad y la
Solemnidad de Santa María, Madre de Dios. Es día
de obligación asistir a la Santa Misa.
Community News
Parish News
Samaritan Tree
Natural Family Planning (NFP) Classes
Due to the large demand placed
on the Samaritans this year, we
are seeking donations to help
offset the cost of purchasing food
supplies for the food pantry.
Therefore, we also have a smaller,
separate tree, which will contain
envelopes to make an anonymous
donation for the Samaritan Food
Pantry. These envelopes can be
put into the collection basket,
mailed to the Parish Office, or
handed directly to the priest at mass. Thank you for your
continued support and generosity.
Natural Family Planning (NFP) is a general term for certain
methods used to achieve and avoid pregnancies. NFP reflects
the dignity of the human person within the context of marriage
and family life, promotes openness to life and recognizes the
value of the child. By respecting the love-giving and life-giving
natures of marriage, NFP can enrich the bond between husband
and wife. Natural Family Planning classes will be taught by
certified members from the Couple to Couple League in a series
of 3 classes. The winter classes will be held at St. Margaret of
Scotland Parish in Newark, DE. The class dates are January 31,
February 28 and March 28 at 1:00 pm. The method taught,
Sympto-Thermal is safe and highly effective. To register, visit the
Couple to Couple website at www.ccli.org. For additional
information please call the Office for Marriage and Family Life at
302-295-0667.
New CD From Holy Cross For Sale
The Holy Cross Chamber Ensemble is pleased to announce the
release of a recording entitled “Blest Is the Son of God”, a
collection of music for the Advent and Christmas seasons
arranged by Parish Music Director, Michael Perza. The CDs are
available in the Parish Office. All proceeds from the sale of the
CDs will benefit and remain at Holy Cross to subsidize the
conversion of a classroom into a chapel. The cost of the CDs is
$15. We will accept cash or checks. All checks should be made
available to Holy Cross. The CDs make great stocking stuffers
and are an excellent venue to reflect on the meaning of the
Christmas season. The parish and school graciously thank you
for your support.
Marriage Encounter
God gave us the greatest gift of love when He sent His son to
redeem us. He asks us to love one another as He loves us. Take
the time to grow deeper in love with God, your spouse and your
family at a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend. The next
Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend is February 13-15, 2015
in Rehoboth Beach, DE. For more information, visit our website at
www.wwme-delmar.org or to register for the weekend, please call
Dave and Cyndi Germack @ 302-220-9833.
Catholic Forum
Listen to Catholic Forum every Sunday morning at 10:05 a.m. on
1150AM WDEL and www.wdel.com. Next Sunday, December
28th, tune in to hear an interview with Fr. Richard Veras, author of
the book, “Jesus of Israel: Finding Christ in the Old
Testament.” For photos, information regarding upcoming guests
and more, “Like” Catholic Forum on Facebook
at www.facebook.com/catholicforum.
Bingo at Holy Cross
Bingo is held Monday evenings at Holy Cross beginning at 7 pm.
We have many from our community who come out weekly to
play. We need some volunteers to help work on Monday
evenings. If you can help, it’s only a commitment once a month
to work. We can work out a working schedule to fit your
availability. Contact the Parish Office if you would like to help!!
Vocations
The angel Gabriel greeted Mary by saying “Hail, full of grace!” Every
day, priests, deacons, religious sisters and religious brothers work
to help women and men recognize and respond to God’s grace in
their lives. Is God calling you to serve His people through a
religious vocation? If you think so, please call or write Father David
Kelley, Diocesan Director of Priestly and Religious Vocations (302573-3113 or [email protected]). Be sure to visit our website:
www.CalledByTheLord.com!
Seasons of Hope - Regional Bereavement
Support Series
If you are experiencing the grief that follows the death of loved
one, you may be interested in this eight week program.
Seasons of Hope is a Catholic support program for the
bereaved searching for hope and healing. The program is
centered on Jesus Christ and grounded in the healing wisdom,
traditions and practices of the Catholic Church. Seasons of
Hope was created by nationally recognized hospice care and
bereavement specialist, M. Donna MacLeod. Weekly sessions
follow the same simple format and flow with a topic and
comforting blend of commentary, scripture, prayer, simple
group exercises, faith-sharing and Catholic tradition.
Participant journals are provided for use in group gatherings
and home journaling. This program is not meant to take the
place of or provide therapy/counseling. Seasons of Hope will
be offered at St. John the Beloved Parish in Wilmington every
Thursday morning from 9:30-11:30 January 8 through February
26, 2015. A fee of $8.00 will cover the cost for program
materials. For more details and a registration brochure please
contact the Office for Marriage & Family Life at 302-295-0667.
Holy Cross Cemetery
A friend of mine was telling me that he’s beginning to think
about a suitable Christmas gift for his wife. He admitted that his
wife hasn’t used the gift he gave her last year. When I asked him
what he gave her, he replied “a cemetery plot”. Well, maybe not
the ideal Christmas gift, but planning for the inevitable and
securing space in our cemetery is a wonderful gift for the whole
family. When that day does come, with all its emotional trauma,
sparing your spouse and children those difficult decisions is a
blessing. Contact Len Dornberger at the parish office to begin
the planning process.
5
Mass Intentions
Ministry Schedule
We invite the family members of those for whom each Mass is
being offered to bring the offertory gifts to the altar. Please
make yourselves known to the ushers before Mass.
Weekend of Dec 27/28, 2014
Day
Mass
Ministers of
Holy
Communion
Lectors
Altar Servers
Saturday
5:00 PM
D. Devigili
S. Waidley
R. coppadge
J. Alexander
C. Helwig
C. Sheppard
T. Dupuis
J. Killman
M .Hitch
P. Watson
J. Bieker
F. Urick
J Benzin
F. Tamesis
K Tamesis
J. Gigliotti
Sunday
7:30 AM
H. Speed
K Speed
D. Baaden
J Baadden
A. Mackey
E. Henderson
R. Campanicki
R. Pritchett
D. Kilby
C. Mangubat
C. Mangubat
9:15 AM
R. Seliga
C. Jones
G. Yourek
V. Pepper
V. McKoy
J. Reynolds
K. Kelly
M Malloy
C. Fortier
C. Pitts
C. Bugglin
M. Seliga
P. Jones
T. Petka
J. Crawford
A. Windham
11:00 AM
M. Hermance
P. Keller
C. Barnes
A. Marano
B. Reed
B. Richards
G. Richards
N. West
E. Hartnett
C. Petka
N. Umobi
T. Murphy
P. Hankoua
6:00 PM
D. Darling
L. Darling
M. Stang
J. Zajac
S. Lang
M Rathbun
R. Comollo
To be Assigned
M. Guthrie
H. Olmstead
J. Windham
Monday, Dec 22, 2014
6:30 am Living Intention: Virginia Schoen
8:00 am Ernest Davison
Tuesday, Dec 23, 2014
6:30 am Ray E. Jones
8:00 am Robert H. Smith
Wednesday, Dec 24, 2014
6:30 am Living Intention: Belt Family
8:00 am Anna Rogalla
Eve Masses For the People
Thursday, Dec 25, 2014
8:00 am For the People
10:00 am For the People
Friday, Dec 26, 2014
8:00 am Deborah Parkowski
Saturday, Dec 27, 2014
8:00 am Tom and Doris Costello
5:00 pm John Dewey, Jr.
Sunday, Dec 28, 2014
7:30 am Hans Crews
9:15 am Trudy Coroniti
11:00 am John M. Sclesky
1:00 pm H. Leroy Sparr
6:00 pm Deceased Members Looney Family
Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration:
God is looking for you to spend an hour with Him. We
have many openings for you to choose from.
Monday:
Tuesday:
Wed:
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:
Sunday:
12 am, 1 am, 2 am, 3 am. 2 pm
12 am, 1 am, 2 am, 3 am, 4 am,
3 am, 4 am
1 am, 2 am, 3 am, 4 am, 5 am , 6 am
12 am, 3 am, 4 am
1 am, 2 am, 3 am, 10 pm
2 am, 3 am, 1 pm, 2 pm, 10 pm
Please fee free to stop by the Adoration Chapel at any time to spend
some time with Jesus. Contact JoAnn Pate by calling 674-4496 if you
can spare one hour to be with Jesus and would like to take one of the
open hours.
6