HOLY CROSS CHURCH

711 Depot St., Youngwood, PA 15697

Phone: 724-925-7811 Fax: 724-925-6170

Email: holycross@dioceseofgreensburg.org

Website: www.holycrossyoungwood.org

MASS SCHEDULE

Saturday Vigil 5:00 PM Sunday 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM Holy Day Vigil 7:00 PM 8:00 AM Weekdays 8:00 AM Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday

Confession Saturday 4:00 PM

Marriages Call the par ish office at least 6 months in advance. Baptisms Contact the par ish office.

Anointing of the Sick Call the par ish office.

Parish Office Hours Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-4:00 PM

HOLY CROSS DIRECTORY

Rev. William C. McGuirk

Pastor & Trust Administrator

Email: Wmcguirk@dioceseofgreensburg.org

Pastoral Council: Gerald Andrews, Bob Kimmick, Anthony & Sharon Rizzardi, Debbie Schotting, Kay Sofranko, Joe Sostarich, Rose Yoder

Faith Formation: Brian Lohr Youth Ministry: Bob Chappell

Finance Council: Joseph Adamoski, Mark Frick, Georgie Gamberoni, Sally Hurrianko, Dennis McManus

Ministry of Care: Facilitator Joan Jones Prayer Chain: Pat Cassa

Parish Staff Business Manager: Sara Thomas Sacristan: Eleanor Hamrock Choir Director: Carol Sostarich Organists: Linda Eismont, Carol Kalich, Mimi McManus

Women’s Guild: President: Eleanor Hamrock

Health Ministry Coordinator/Parish Nurse: Melanie Orndoff

Knights of Columbus: Charles Stack Meeting 2nd Wednesday at 7:30 PM

facebook.com/hcyoungwood

A Pennsylvania Charitable Trust

A Parish of the Diocese of Greensburg

Second Collections This week’s Second Collection is for the Annual Appeal for Retired Religious and Diocesan Priests. Seventy-five percent of the funds collected will support retired men and women religious communities around the country, and 25 percent of the funds will stay in the dio-cese to support the retired diocesan priests’ fund.

Maria Poerio

Angeline Miller

Donald Perruquet

Thomas K. Miller

Viola Marshall

Harry Zadell

J. Paul Nedel

Dolores Griffin

Ellsworth (Bud) Clark

Helen P. Cunningham

Becky Hibbs

Alex Shuba

Harrold Marshall

John Rolka

Frederick J. Brown

Michael A. Pacelli

Mary Lishego

Pauline Brandt

Karen Rega

Eternal rest Grant Unto Them, O Lord

31st Sunday in Ordinary Time

November 5, 2017

Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time, November 5, 2017 “In you, Lord, I have found my peace.” Psalm 131:1

MASS INTENTIONS

Sat: Nov 4 Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time (Vigil) 5:00PM Soltis Family and Friends (George & Bernadette Soltis)

Candlelight Mass Knights of Columbus Nite at the Races

Sun: Nov 5 Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time 8:00AM+ Living & Deceased Holy Cross Parishioners 10:00AM+ Pauline Brandt (Michael & Bill Brandt)

Mon: Nov 6 Weekday 8:00AM+ Hamrock Family (Eleanor)

Tue: Nov 7 Weekday 8:00AM+ Stella Morgan (Dr. Jack Nemec)

Wed: Nov 8 Weekday 8:00AM+ William Capretti, Jr. (B) (Mom & Dad)

Thu: Nov 9 Dedication of the Lateran Basilica 8:00AM+ Michael A. Frye (Louis, Paul & Roberta Minardi)

Fri: Nov 10 St. Leo the Great, Pope & Dr. of the Church 8:00AM No Mass

Sat: Nov 11 Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time 5:00PM+ Donald Perruquet (Wife & Family)

Sun: Nov 12 Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (Vigil) 8:00AM+ Living & Deceased Holy Cross Parishioners 10:00AM+ Mary Lou Smolka & Mary Golek (Tom & Martha Smolka) Knights of Columbus Donut Sunday

.UNDERSTANDING THE WORD The book of Malachi appears to have been written during the fifth century B.C. after the exiles had returned to Jerusalem. The author’s name may be “Malachi” (1:1) or the name may be a pseudonym based on the meaning of malachi as “my messen-ger” (3:1). Despite God’s love of Israel (1:2-5), the people re-spond poorly failing to tithe (3:6-11) and providing defiled food for sacrifice (1:7). The blame for such behavior is placed on the priests who “have turned aside from the way and have caused many to falter” by their poor instruction (2:8). In the verses not included in today’s reading, the prophet is graphic in his portrayal of God’s displeasure: “I will rebuke your offering; I will spread dung on your faces” (2:3). Paul continues his description of his relationship with the Thessalonians, reminding them that he and his coworkers were “as a nursing mother” toward them, sharing not only the gospel but also “our very selves” (1 Thessalonians 2:7-8). Paul’s use of the plural “we” demonstrates that he means to include those who were also sending them out on mission, Silvanus and Timothy. It is not only Paul who supports himself; Silvanus and Timothy also seem to be self-sufficient. The refusal of the apostle and his team to receive financial support may have led some to accuse Paul of being “less than an apostle,” since he did not take full advantage of his rights (1 Corinthians 9:15-18). But Paul answers that his financial independence means he can proclaim the gospel without burden (1 Thessalonians 2:9). The Gospel is best read as a bookend to Jesus’ earlier an-nouncement that the disciples’ righteousness must surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees or they would not enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:20). In today’s reading, Jesus returns to the theme of appropriate behavior for religious leaders. The scribes and Pharisees “have taken their seat on the chair of Moses,” so disciples are to do and observe what they are told but not follow their example. The teachings of the scribes and Pharisees are not the subject of Jesus’ condemnation. Their behavior is. “For they preach but they do not practice” (Matthew 23:3). Jesus accuses them of burdening people by their scrupulous interpretation of Torah (Matthew 23:4), performing works in order to be seen (Matthew 23:5), and seeking honor and status (Matthew 23:7). To their self-aggrandizement, Jesus responds, “Whoever exalts him-self will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalt-ed” (Matthew 23:12). Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.

Reflecting on the Word Jesus tells his hearers to respect the scribes and Pharisees, but not to follow their example. Their deeds did not match their words, so do as they say, not as they do. How often has a parent, teacher or pastor said that and later regretted it? Jesus, who hum-bled himself, lived what he taught. So follow his example. Pope Francis does the same. He tells church leaders to smell like the sheep and he lives those words. We are to pay attention to and be with people, like the nursing mother in the second reading who cares for her children. If we do as we say, others will want to do as we say and do, too. Malachi’s message is similar. Listen to God’s command-ments, take them to heart and live them, or experience the Lord’s curse rather than God’s blessing. We are all children of one God, so show no partiality. These words are difficult.... But we are to do as God does. God loves us all like a nursing mother who cares for all her children. Humble yourself. Serve all. Smell like the sheep of the flock, be blessed, and be a blessing Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.

Daily Mass Readings: www.usccb.org Daily Mass Schedules: www.dioceseofgreensburg.org

The inner word: What’s in Your Heart? Today’s Focus: Learn It, Live It

Today’s Gospel passage is likely the source of the maxim “Practice what you preach.” Though the saying has been

around a long time, we still have trouble doing it. How do your deeds match your words of faith? To whom do you easily offer service and to whom do you begrudge it? How?

Mass Intentions: If you would like to have a Mass said for a loved one or any other intention, please use the request forms which can be found at the church entrances.

Nite at the RacesSponsored by Knights of Columbus

Saturday, November 4, 2017 in the school hall. Doors open @ 6:00 PM. Races begin @ 7:00 PM.

Refreshments will be available.

Stewardship 10/29/17

Offertory $4,560 Loose Collection $318 Monthly Inflation $67 Children’s Collection $28 Accent $4 Total $4977 Candles $121 All Saints/All Souls $305 Thanksgiving $25 Mission Co-op Plan $40 Poverty Relief $25 Retired Religious $20 Budget $6,600 Over/Under -$1,623

Sincere thanks for your financial stewardship to Holy Cross Parish.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A WAY TO SERVE?

We are in need of Eucharistic Ministers to serve at all our

weekend Masses. In order to be eligible for this min-istry you must be a baptized Catho-lic in good standing and a regular

Mass attendant who is comfortable and familiar with Liturgical practices. You must have the

proper clearances or be willing to obtain them.

Training will be provided before commissioning.

Please contact Father McGuirk or the office for more information or to sign up for the next group to be

commissioned.

* Aquinas Academy is in need of Substitute Teachers *

You must be PA certified and have the necessary clearances. If you are interested, please send or email your resume to:

Joseph Rice, Principal 340 North Main Street, Greensburg, PA 15601

Or you may drop it off at the school office. Contact Info: 724-834-7940 Ext. 407 or jrice@aquinasacademy.org.

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The Youngwood Ministerial Community Thanksgiving Service will be hosted here at

Holy Cross Church on Sunday, November 19

at 7:00 p.m. Monetary donations or

canned goods for the Food Bank would be welcome.

St. Paul Rosary Altar Society Christmas Sale will be held at St. Paul Par -ish, 820 Carbon Road on Thurs., Nov. 9, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri., Nov.10, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat., Nov. 11, 9 a.m.-6pm. (1/2 Price Sale); Mon., Nov. 13, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. ($5 Bag Sale). There will be Basket Raffles and Dollar Tables, as well as a Bake Sale. Pizza, hot dogs and drinks will be available for sale.

Sister Speakers at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral: Join us for our four -part series brought to us by the Sisters of Charity. Come to each one, or just to the topic that interests you. Each talk will be from 7pm to 9pm in the parish social hall. Refreshments and discussions will be included in the evening. There is no charge to attend, but please RSVP to the Parish Office at 724-834-3710. The schedule of speakers is as follows: November 6: “Listening to the Longing” with Sister Colette Hanlon November 13: “The Suffering Servant” with Sister Marian Madden

Westmoreland Manor Mass Sunday, November 19 is the scheduled day for Holy Cross parishioners to help with the 10:30 a.m. Mass at Westmoreland Manor. Volunteers are asked to re-port at 9:30 a.m. to assist residents in getting to and from the chapel for Mass.

Any personal injury on church property, please make sure you call the office or speak to Fr. McGuirk.

Youngwood Food Bank Donations: Paper products will be collected this weekend. Donations should be left inside the church at the entrances.

Altar Flowers This week are In Memory of

William Capretti, Jr.

Requested by Mom and Dad

Sanctuary Candle This week is In Memory of

Donald Perruquet

Requested by Wife and Family

Upcoming Meetings at Holy Cross

Parish Pastoral Council will meet at the Rectory on Mon-day, November 13 at 7:00 p.m.

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Finance Council will meet at the Rectory on Tues-day, November 14 at 6:00 p.m.

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Women’s Guild will meet in the Church Hall on Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 6:30 p.m.

Sacred Steps Sacramental Celebrations

at Holy Cross

In Sympathy

Please remember in your prayers

the soul of Mildred Pearl Brett

sister of Martha Smolka.

May God welcome her into the joy of

everlasting life and bring peace and

comfort to her family.

Window Candles If you would like to reserve a window candle in honor or in memory of a loved one, please call the parish office. Advent Candle—$25

Coffee & Donuts Knights of Columbus will host coffee & donuts in the church hall following the 8:00 & 10:00 AM Masses next weekend.