The Parish of the Holy Cross

95 Nichols Road + Nesconset, NY 11767 + 631.265.2200 +

www.pothc.org + www.facebook.com/pothcnesconset

WE CELEBRATE EUCHARIST

Monday—Thursday: 9:00 A.M. (Chapel)

Saturday: 5:00 P.M.

Sunday: 8:00 A.M. + 9:30 A.M. + 11:30 A.M.

WE CELEBRATE RECONCILIATION

Saturday: 3:45 P.M.—4:30 P.M.

or call Father Michael for an appointment.

WE CELEBRATE BAPTISM

Baptisms are celebrated on the second and last Sunday

of each month at 1 P.M. Please contact the Parish

Office for more information.

WE CELEBRATE WEDDINGS

Couples should contact the Parish Office at least six

months in advance of the proposed wedding date.

LET ALL BE WELCOMED AS CHRIST!

Fourth Sunday of Lent - March 26, 2017

Come and pray with us!

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We are here for you!

Rev. Michael F. Holzmann Pastor

Ms. Ellen Fox Director of Religious Education

Mrs. Connie Calabro Mrs. Mary Anne Mc Culloch Co-Coordinators of Parish Outreach

Mrs. Judith Pickel Pastoral Associate

631.265.2200 + Fax 631.265.2229 + pothc@optonline.net Parish Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (closed 12:15-1:00 PM)

Deacon Ralph Rivera Pastoral Minister

Mrs. Elizabeth Shea Business Manager

Mr. Brian Reich Director of Music Ministry

Mr. Salvatore Finocchiaro Coordinator of Youth Ministries

PASTORAL TEAM

PASTORAL STAFF

Mrs. Jane Wirth Parish Secretary

Mr. Gerald Farrell Custodian

Mrs. Mary Inghilterra Weekend Sacristan

Mr. James Reiss Mrs. Mary Pannone Religious Education Secretaries (hcreled@optonline.net)

Dr. Vincent Mazurek Music Minister

Mass Intentions Schedule

Week of March 26th, 9 AM Mass

Mon. Stephen Proniewych & Carol Baker

Tue. William Ford

Wed. Maryann Biangar (living)

Thu. Frances Costantino

Saturday, April 1st, 5 PM Mass

Margaret Areiter, Emma Bruno, Dominick DiGiorgio,

Robert Huttner, Ron Jensen

Sunday, April 2nd, Fifth Sunday of Lent

8:00 AM Angelo Capone

9:30 AM People of the Parish

11:30 AM Eileen Trube, Mr. & Mrs. Walter Tafuri,

Mr. & Mrs. Leon Yashian, Susan Hull,

Diane Milton

New Life in Christ New Life in Christ

Scripture Readings for April 2nd, 2017 + Ezekiel 37:12-14

+ Romans 8:8-11

+ John 11:1-45

Celebrants for Next Weekend’s Masses

April 1st/2nd

5:00 PM Fr. Michael

8:00 AM Fr. Michael

9:30 AM Fr. Michael

11:30 AM Msgr. Jim Vlaun

Prayers for our Sick

Please pray for the sick of our parish, their

families and caregivers:

Andrew Gallo Denise Lamarque

The Bread and Wine for the

week March 26th - April 1st

have been donated in loving

memory of David A. Williams

by his family.

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Our Lenten Journey Continues by Father Michael

Because of my being away for retreat and not getting back before the next bulletin deadline, I needed to write this article on March 14th. I am writing it on the afternoon of the great storm that never happened (I’m not complaining). As much as we try to predict and anticipate what may happen, Mother Nature always has a surprise up her sleeve. Please remember our Youth Group this weekend in your prayers. They are out east in Watermill for their Spring Retreat. I will be with them on Saturday afternoon and evening offering the Sacrament of Reconciliation and celebrating the Eucharist. These retreats are always very rich experiences for our young people. We are grateful to our Core Group that puts in many hours of preparation. Thank you also to the parishioners who provided many of the supplies needed for their weekend. We are blessed to have a Youth Ministry program that touches so many of our kids. It took me some time, but I got through all the letters from our Confirmation candidates. It is remarkable to see how many of them are grateful to their catechists for explaining the different elements of our faith. Interestingly, grandparents also got high praise for being a source of Catholic wisdom. Many children also have faithful parents who teach the foundations of our beliefs, but sadly that is not the case in every home. We are so grateful to our catechists in providing these essential teachings to our young people. I was recently elected by the priests in the deanery (our group of surrounding parishes) to be the representative on the Diocesan Presbyteral Council for a three year term. This is a priest advisory committee to the Bishop. I was very happy to be chosen for this role. I attended the first meeting two weeks ago. Fr. Frank Pizzarelli made a presentation on the drug epidemic (particularly heroin) that Long Island is experiencing. Unfortunately, there are limited facilities that can offer adequate treatment. There will be an ongoing conversation on how this important issue can be addressed on a parish level. It is one of those realities that touches more people than we might think. Later this spring we will be having our parish’s first Variety Show. I am certain it will be an entertaining and enjoyable evening. I hope you can be part of the festivities. Here is an update from the Travel Club corner of my desk. Mark your calendars for September 14th & 15th. I am planning an overnight trip to return to the Sight and Sound Theatre in Lancaster, PA. Their next offering will be “Jonah.” More details will be forthcoming after Easter.

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PARISH OUTREACH

“Eat Simply So Others May Simply Eat” Pope Francis has asked us to reconsider the heart of our activities during the Lenten

season. According to Francis, fasting must never become superficial: "Fasting makes sense if it really chips away at our security and, as a consequence, benefits someone else, if it helps us cultivate the style of the good Samaritan, who bent down to his brother in need and took care of him."

He often quotes the early Christian mystic John Chrysostom who said: “No act of virtue can be great if it is not followed by advantage for others. So, no matter how much time you spend fasting, no matter how much you sleep on a hard floor and eat ashes and sigh continually, if you do no good to others, you do nothing great.”

Your fasting and sacrifices during Lent directly benefit those we serve in Parish Outreach. You make the connection in your heart of how your “giving up” of something is really “giving forth” compassion and assistance to those in need. The words of Pope Francis also challenge us to discern in what other ways we can assist our struggling neighbors, perhaps in a more personal and involved way.

Thank you for your prayerful participation in our Eat Simply program, which supports our efforts to “bend down to our brother/sister in need and take care of them.”

Outreach Food Pantry

Next Saturday and Sunday, April 1st/2nd, will be our monthly Food Drive for our Parish Outreach Pantry. The following items would be most helpful:

Please don’t forget to check expiration dates! It will greatly assist the volunteers who

stack the pantry with your donated goods. Thank you!

Mayonnaise Macaroni & Cheese Boxed Potatoes/Rice Canned Fruit

Pasta Sauce Juice Boxes Cookies Diapers Sizes 4 & 5

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PARISH NEWS

Pre-Cana Ministry Help Needed!

Pre-Cana is looking for married couples to join their ministry. The purpose of this ministry is to share the dynamics of the marriage relationship while facilitating meetings with 3 to 5 engaged couples. The time commitment includes an informational training meeting and working at least one session per year of the three sessions offered (January, April and September). We will have a meeting for interested couples this Sunday, March 26th, after the 11:30AM Mass. For more information please contact Patti and Frank at 631-585-0344 or email to purplepatti1128@aol.com .

Anointing of the Sick

In the past, people received the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick only when they were

gravely ill. However, the Church believes that the Anointing of the Sick should be

experienced while we are still able to be aware of God’s peaceful presence within us. You are

strongly encouraged to receive this Sacrament if you are having

upcoming surgery, are dealing with a chronic or debilitating illness, are

suffering from addiction, mental health issues or frailty.

On the first Sunday of each month, the Sacrament of the Anointing of

the Sick is offered after the 9:30AM Mass. Sunday, April 2nd, is the

next date the Anointing will be offered.

Holy Hour for Peace We offer our Holy Hour on the first Saturday of the month from 3:45 to 4:45PM in the Worship Area. The next one will take place on Saturday, April 1st. Please come and spend some time before the Blessed Sacrament praying for God’s gift of peace to touch our wounded world.

Long Island Cares Food Drive this Weekend!

Please place your non-perishable food items in the boxes in the Atrium. Thank you

for reaching out beyond our community to help the struggling on Long Island.

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This weekend at the offertory we will also have the Catholic Relief Services Collection (CRSC) which helps six different Catholic agencies to answer the knock of Jesus in disguise around the world. The CRSC provides services for immigrants, humanitarian aid in the wake of natural disasters, refuge for the displaced, and advocacy for peace and justice around the world. In Niger, changes in climate in western Africa are adversely affecting poor and rural farmers. No matter how hard these farmers work, droughts are shortening the rainy season, leaving harvests too small to support families and communities. Thank you for your support of the Catholic Relief Services Collection this weekend!

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2017

Tenebrae Service Tenebrae is a liturgical service of light to darkness, traditionally celebrated during Lent. It is

a presentation of the Passion of Jesus Christ through seven Scripture readings,

meditations and song. It involves our Choir, Readers and the Congregation. Join us

for our Tenebrae Service on Friday, April 7th, at 7:30PM as we prepare our hearts

and minds for the great gift of Holy Week to follow.

LENTEN ACTIVITY

SPECIAL COLLECTION

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YOUTH MINISTRY

Hi Everyone! Are you in high school? Do you want

to make new friends as you play fun games and

activities? Do you want to build more of an

understanding about yourself and your faith? If

you answered "Yes!" to any one of those questions,

then you MUST check out the Holy Cross Youth

Group! You will be glad you did!

If you made your Confirmation, then come on down with a friend and check out the

wonderful opportunities the Youth Group has for you! We would love to see you! Here

are our upcoming youth events and happenings! Take a look:

Friday - Sunday, 3/24 - 3/26: Youth Spring Retreat!

Sunday, 4/2: Youth Night, 6-8PM, Retreat Recap!

If you have any questions or concerns, or if you are thinking about joining us and you

would like more information, then please do not hesitate to contact Sal Finocchiaro,

Coordinator of Youth Ministries, at HCyouthgroup@hotmail.com or call the parish

office.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY We are always looking for individuals to join the ministry of Catholic Charities and offer “Care With Dignity…Life With Hope.” Full-time CLINIC OFFICE ASSOCIATE – Mental Health Outpatient Services – Bay Shore, LI We are seeking an experienced self-starter to provide front desk reception and general clerical support in a busy healthcare practice setting. Basic requirements include HSD/GED, relevant office experience in a multi-priority, deadline environment, strong customer service & PC skills. To apply, transmit resume & cover letter via email or fax. Please reference “Clinic Office Associate” in the subject line of your email/fax. Fax: 516.733.7038 Email: jobs@catholiccharities.cc For a full listing of jobs and their descriptions, please go to: www.catholiccharities.cc and click on the “jobs” tab.

Catholic Charities – An Equal Opportunity Employer

A MESSAGE FROM CATHOLIC CHARITIES

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“May the Holy Spirit lead us on a true journey of conversion so that we can rediscover the gift of God’s word, be purified of the sin that blinds us, and serve Christ present in our brothers and sisters in need.”

- Pope Francis

Almsgiving in Lent

During the Lenten Season we are asked to pray, fast and give alms.

Lent is a perfect time for us to pray for those in need - whether it is for their material, emotional or spiritual needs.

And when you practice fasting and abstinence during these forty days, please remember those of our neighbors who are hungry, and consider sharing your gifts with them.

One way to do this is by making a gift to the Catholic Ministries Appeal, which supports programs that help to feed people in our community each year through

Catholic Charities and our Parish Outreach programs.

For more information about the Catholic Ministries Appeal, please visit CatholicMinistriesAppeal.org or call 516-678-5800 ext. 296.

There are also materials available at the back of the Parish for you to

review.

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Parish of the Holy Cross Nesconset, New York

December 1, 2016 thru February 28, 2017

Quarterly Financial Report- Fiscal Year 2016/2017

Dear Parishioners,

In an attitude of responsible stewardship and fiscal accountability, we publish a simple reporting of

our financial position for your information now on a quarterly basis. Our new Fiscal Year began with the

month of September 2016.

We are reporting on what you have provided through your Stewardship of Treasure and how we

are using your gift. The format follows the categories of Diocesan accounts on which our extensive year-

end Financial Reports are based. This report is for the second quarter of the year.

We thank you for your support. If you have questions and/or suggestions, we would welcome

them. May God continue to bless us all. The Pastoral Team

As of February 28, 2017:

Assets: Liabilities:

Checking A/C: $ 51,273. MAC Loan: $ 85,000.

Unitas Funds: $ 138,685. A/C’s Payable: $ 7,772.

Institutional Invest: $ 56,386.

Money Market: $ 106,301.

R.O.M.R.: $ 74,156.

For the Period December 1, 2016-February 28, 2017:

Revenue:

Sunday Collections: 12/1/16-2/28/17 $ 144,119. Average Weekly Collection in Quarter: $ 11,086.

Christmas: 37,743.

R.A.M.R.: 8,891.

Donations & Fees Parish Programs: 19,999. Includes: Rel Ed(8,880),Par Out(6,196), Seniors(2,498), Youth(2,425)

Fund Raising: 8,850. Includes: Cash Calendar (4,930),Wreaths (3,920) Catholic Ministries Appeal Rebate: 14,177. Auxiliary Revenue: 60,417. Includes: Donations*,Baptisms,Funerals,Masses,Candles,Verizon

Collection on Behalf of Others: 2,859. Includes: Religious Retirement, Reg. Schools Interest: 2,957. Includes: Unitas Fund (2,473) Bank A/Cs: (74) Inst. Invest (410) Total Revenue: $ 300,012.

Expenditures:

Clergy & Lay Salaries: $ 90,851. Includes: Priests, Rel.Ed, Parish Out, Clerical, Maintenance

Pastoral Assoc., Bus Mgr., Music, Youth, Sacristan Clergy Fringe Benefits: 9,228. Includes: Health & Dental, Sick/Dis/Ret, Cont. Education, Allow.

Lay Fringe Benefits: 11,582. Includes: Medical, Pension, Workmen’s Comp. FICA Employer Taxes: 5,886. Quarterly Regional School Assessment: 20,978. Quarterly Diocesan Assessment: 16,081.

Parish Programs: 12,822. Includes: ParOut.(3934),RelEd(1956),Youth(1408),Sen(4095),Hosp&Oth(1429)

Fund Raising: 5,401. Includes: Cash Calendar(2 months-3950),Wreaths(1451) Printing & Office: 5,920. Includes: Office Supp, Printing, Phone, Cable, CC fees Liturgical Expenses: 3,742. Includes: Altar Hosts,Wine,Flowers,Palms,Purificators,Stipends Charity and DRVC Collections Paid: 5,238 Includes: Heifer(365),CCHD(1253),RelRet(1733),Arch(1241),ResLife(646)

MAC Interest: 748. Includes: Estimated Interest for quarter on MAC loan

Snow Removal: 6,556. Building Utilities: 9,691. Includes: Electric(6,085), Gas(3,477),Water(129) Buildings’ Maintenance & Supplies: 3,389. Includes: Supplies&Maint(704),Cont.Maint.(1386),Misc(1299) Rectory: 3,655. Includes: Gas, Elec., Food, Phone, Cable, Maint.

Total Expenditures: $ 211,768.

Surplus– Dec. 1, 2016—Feb. 28, 2017: $ 88,244.

*Includes a one-time Memorial Donation of $38,500 which will be saved and invested.

Current Year to Date-Sept. 1, 2016-Feb. 28, 2017: Prior Year to Date-Sept. 1, 2015-Feb. 29, 2016:

Revenue: $ 588,563. Revenue: $565,311.

Expenses: $ 455,699. Expenses: $467,514.

Surplus: $ 132,864. Surplus: $ 97,797.

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CASH CALENDAR

Parish of the Holy Cross

Cash Calendar—March 2017

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Saturday, March 25th 5:00 PM

L.I. CARES FOOD DRIVE Atrium

Sunday, March 26th All Masses

L.I. CARES FOOD DRIVE Atrium LITURGY COMMITTEE MTG. 10:30AM Conference Rm. PRE-CANA MEET & GREET 12:30PM Conference Rm. BAPTISMS 1PM Worship Area

Monday, March 27th 5:00 - 6:00 PM ONE TO ONE All Areas K OF C OFFICERS’ MTG. 7-8:30PM Sacristy PASTORAL COUNCIL 7:30PM Fr. Joe Room

Tuesday, March 28th 7:15 PM

FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY Chapel

Wednesday, March 29th 6:30 PM

LEVEL 6 SEDER Atrium

FINANCE COMMITTEE 7:30PM Fr. Joe Room

Saturday, April 1st 3:45 - 4:45 PM

HOLY HOUR Worship Area

Sunday, April 2nd After 9:30 Mass

ANOINTING OF THE SICK Worship Area YOUTH NIGHT 6-8PM Atrium

MEETINGS THIS WEEK COMMUNITY NEWS

St. James RC Church 429 Route 25A

Setauket, NY 11733

The Bereavement Ministry at St. James Parish is pleased to announce their :

Spring 2017

Bereavement Support Group

for adults grieving the loss of a loved one

Facilitators: Catherine Horgan and Dennis Reardon Sessions begin on Saturday, April 1st, from 10:30 AM to 12 noon. Registration is required as seating is limited. Please call 631-941-4141 x341 to register. Please note that in order to participate in this group, the loss must have occurred prior to January 1, 2017.

The Lord said, “The

times when you have

seen only one set of

footprints, is when I

carried you.”

“Footprints in the

Sand” by Mary

Stevenson, 1936

COMMUNITY NEWS

Military Hiring Fair for veterans, military service members,

guard, reserve and military spouses

Date: Thursday, April 13, 2017

Time: 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Location: Farmingdale Armed Forces Reserve

Center, 25 Baiting Place Rd., Farmingdale,

NY 11735

Jobs will be available for all ranks and levels of

experience. At 8:30AM, a free employment workshop

is offered for job seekers featuring resume building,

networking and interview tips. Employers and Military

Job Seekers register at HiringOurHeroes.org .

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