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Mission Statement Holy Cross Parish, a community centered in the
Eucharist, is committed in faith and love of Jesus Christ to
fulfill the profoundly human and spiritual needs of its
parishioners and the larger community it serves. We seek to inspire
all,
through deeds and by example, to do the work of Christ: to make
God known, loved, and served.
Pastoral Staff Fr. Brad Metz, C.S.C., Pastor Margaret
Dwyer-Hogan, Dir.of Faith Formation Fr. Jim Preskenis, C.S.C.,
Parochial Vicar Paul Celia, Plant Manager Deacon Gary Donahue,
Pastoral Associate Deborah Kelley, Finance Christopher Iannitelli,
Director Of Music Lindsay Franzoni, Parish Administrative
Assistant
Contact Information 225 Purchase Street • Easton, MA 02375
Phone - (508) 238-2235 Email– [email protected] Web
Address - www.holycrosseaston.org
Please submit bulletin notices to the office in writing by noon.
on Mondays
Office Hours Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Mass Schedule Saturday: 4:00 p.m. - Sunday: 8:30 a.m., 10:00
a.m.
Monday through Friday - 9:00 a.m. Holy Days of Obligation - 9:00
a.m. & 7 p.m.
Sacraments Baptism: Contact a member of the pastoral team to
schedule a baptism for your child or for preparation for adult
baptism. Sacrament of Christian Marriage: Please contact one of the
priests eight months to a year in advance to schedule your wedding
and begin preparations. Sacrament of Reconciliation: Saturday from
3:15 - 3:45 p.m. or anytime by appointment. Sacrament of the Sick:
This sacrament is available to anyone who is ill. Please let us
know if you or anyone you know is hospitalized or homebound.
Welcome Please introduce yourselves and register in order to
become a member of this community of believers.
We welcome your gifted presence in the life of our parish.
HOLY CROSS PARISH COMMUNITY Founded and Staffed
by the Congregation of Holy Cross
Visit us on Facebook at: Holy Cross Parish Easton, MA
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Holy Cross Church
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Dear Parishioners and Guests, Happy Epiphany and Happy New Year
2021! This weekend marks the great manifestation or revelation by
God, that in Jesus God’s love, grace, and life is for all peoples
and not just Israel, as the Magi, three foreigners (Gentiles), are
invited by God’s heavenly realm to visit the Savior of the world.
For most of the world this is the major feast of the Christmas
season when gifts are exchanged, not because of Santa Claus, but
because of the gifts given this day to the Baby Jesus by Gaspar,
Melchior, and Balthazar. We have also moved the celebration of this
feast to the second Sunday after Christmas, while many other places
in the world traditionally still celebrate it on January 6th.
Nonetheless, no matter when we celebrate it and how we celebrate
it, the Epiphany is always a feast of inclusion and unexpected
mystery into the marvelous love of God. The gifts of gold (for a
King-signified in the yellow garments worn by this figure in the
Nativity), frankincense (for a Deity- signified by the royal purple
gar-ments worn by this figure in the Nativity), and Myrrh (a
fragrant spice used for burial- signified by green garments worn by
this figure in the Nativity), all point to who and what Jesus is
and will be to the world, it’s King of Kings and Lord of Lords,
and, it’s Suffering Servant who will die to set humanity free from
Original Sin. This is also why Epiphany is the feast when people
are baptized into the faith on this day. Similarly, with the
blessed holy water from baptisms, houses are sprinkled with the
blessed water and signed with chalk above the main door man-tle
with the insignia: +G+M+B+2021 (of course the date changes each
year as the three Magi letters and blessing remains the same). May
you and yours know the blessings of our God this day and every day
in the New Year unfolding before us. Thank God for a New Year! And
I thought 2019 was bad. I have had enough of pandemics and politics
for the rest of my life, not to mention masks, quarantines, hand
sanitizer, and social distancing. But guess what, even though the
ball dropped and it’s now 2021 – the diligence, perseverance, and
resilience to continue fighting this covid 19 pandemic together
continues. There is hope though – there always is with God, even
though God’s tim-ing and ours isn’t always on the same calendar.
There are vaccines, hopefully there will be more financial aid, and
there is plenty of goodwill among men and women of good cheer to
depend on as the days are getting longer!!! I think most if not all
of us were lifted in spirit by seeing children’s smiling faces on
family and friends Christmas cards. One of my friends on the west
coast turned fifty this year – better her than I – OK, only in two
more years now. I delight in knowing I will likely be able to visit
family and friends later this year. I will hopefully be able to
walk on the beach this summer and say “Hi” again to people without
having them and me hiding behind a mask. I look forward a Fall
Festival and in-person Holly Fair 2021!!! Thank you to all who
supported our various agency this Outreach Sunday. Your thoughtful
and kind donations help many people in need each month. Mainspring
meals from Holy Cross Parish are something the people of Fr.
Bill’s/Mainspring Homeless Shelter look forward to in Brockton.
Birthright, Family & Community Resources, and the Jon David
Louisan Family Shelter depend on food, baby, and childcare items
each month. My Brother’s Keeper helps families keep going by
bringing the love and hope of Jesus Christ to those in need. Holy
Cross is a very generous and caring parish. I am awed by your
ongoing generosity pandemic or not. Well, by the time this column
is printed, and in your hands, we will know whether Notre Dame was
able to topple the Crimson Pride. I doubt it. Maybe this isn’t that
much of a New Year after all. At least only 10 more weeks until
spring starts. I better start dreaming of how my garden will be
laid out. That always gives me hope. Hang in there. Though the
Patriots likely won’t be in it, the Superbowl is only a few weeks
away. Though who knows what movies will be up for nominations and
if we’ve seen any, the Golden Globes and Oscars are coming. Who
knows what that pesky ground hog will do next month? See all the
things we have to look forward to this New Year? Stay well. God
Bless, Fr. Brad
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The Epiphany of the Lord
Saturday, January 2 4:00p.m. Michal and Norah Connor Requested
from Family Sunday, January 3 8:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. Annette Sutera
Requested from Tim O’Leary Monday, January 4 9:00 a.m. A.J. Nykiel
Requested from Virginia Polanski Tuesday, January 5 9:00 a.m. Angie
Walker Requested from Rosemary and Gerry Burke Wednesday, January 6
9:00 a.m. Thursday, January 7 9:00 a.m. Paul Goebel Requested from
Virginia Polanski Friday, January 8 9:00 a.m. Saturday, January 9
4:00p.m. Christine Muchowski Requested from Kathleen Nardi Sunday,
January 10 8:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m.
Season of Christmas
All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God
(Psalm 98:3c)
Isn’t this the ‘reason for the season’?!
Parish Special Appeal
Our sincere thanks to all who have already made a pledge on
behalf of our Parish Special Appeal, dedicated to raising funds
needed for the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of our parish plant
as well as some major projects.
Our Goal: $45,000 Pledged as of 12/20/20: $32,480 Still Need:
$12,520
It is through your generous support that we are able to maintain
our high level of parish activity as well as the quality of our
par-ish facilities. We appreciate your generosity in this year’s
Spe-cial Appeal.
Please place your pledge card and envelope in the regular Sunday
collection baskets in the back of the church. You can also mail or
bring it to the parish center. Extra pledge cards are available
upon request after Masses or call the parish office. You can also
give online. Click the “Online Giving” button on our website
holycrosseaston.org. Thank you to the following parishioners that
gave during the week ending 12/20/20: Fred & Mary Adams Claire
Berg David & Christine Blelloch Patricia Boucher Virginia
Bulger David Catinella Cross Family John & Denise Curran Paul
& Ellen DeCristofaro Dan & Kristen Denette Jim & Diane
Dias Kerim Evin Susan Fornaro Patricia Gentile Ed & Erin Gianni
Paul and Janice Golder Lori Grant Marie Hassan Roberta Hobaica
Vincent & Joan Iacono Susan Johnson Bob & Mary Kirk Laura
McIntyre Tomas & Jame Madden James & Mary Marsh Elaine
Mather Margaret Merlino Karen Michetti Christopher & Kerry
Mills Dan & Jane O'Brien Mary O'Brien Geraldine Osborne Roy
Owens Jeff & Tray Robarge Harold & Claire Smith Denise
& Bill Urquhart
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January 3, 2021
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We concluded this year's Sponsor-A-Day fundraiser at the end of
the fiscal year on June 30th.
420 parish households donated $43,220 to our goal of $43,800,
sponsoring 360 of the 366 days in the 2020
calendar. Very good for a very unusual year!
Thank you to the following parishioners!!!
October:
Karen Roche Ed & Patricia Miller
Jeff Muir
Barbara & Charles Delpidio
William & Judith Pope
Catherine Creamer
Fred & Carrie Clark
The Peloquin family
Brad & Sandra McMenimon
Robert White
Angela & Mike Grazioli
Thomas Bono
Glyn West
Susan Johnson
Karen Michetti
Wayne Brundige
Deneen Cloutier
Kristyn Glennon
Scott & Jasmin Tower
Forrest & Janice Lindwall
Kerry Bourne
November:
Lisa McLauglin
Peter Passanisi
Steve & Kerry Pires
Stephen Wilson
John and Barbara O’Donnell
John & Jackie St. Cyr
Kathleen Crane
David & Christine Blelloch
Bryan Blood
Bryan Abramoske
Thomas & Natalie Fitzgerald
Bob & Donna Cunha
Breef-Pilz Family
Tim Meyers
Mike & Amy Grucan
May Anderson
Lloyd & Gail Douglas
Jean O’Neil
Mary Nathan
Manny Domingos & Kay
Curtis
Julie Hanscom
Erin Cahill
December:
Wayne Brundige Deborah Brown
Stephanie Sanpietro James Abate
Matt & Clare Leitzmann Joseph Rolfe
Deborah Brown Elizabeth Hocking
Bill & Leslie Van Laarhoven Mary Jane Brophy
Vincent & Joan Iacono Anne Desmond
Suzanne & Thomas Botelho Robert & Kristin Byron
Paul Cahill The Edward’s family
Claire Pacchielat Jane Pike-Benton
Anthony Fontes
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Holy Cross Church
THE NICENE CREED
I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and
earth, of all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord
Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father
before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true
God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through
him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came
down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the
Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under
Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on
the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into
heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come
again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom
will have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver
of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the
Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through
the prophets. I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic
Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I
look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the
world to come. Amen.
READING 1
Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory
of the Lord shines upon you. See, darkness covers the earth, and
thick clouds cover the peoples; but upon you the LORD shines, and
over you appears his glory. Nations shall walk by your light, and
kings by your shining radiance. Raise your eyes and look about;
they all gather and come to you: your sons come from afar, and your
daughters in the arms of their nurses. Then you shall be radiant at
what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow, for the riches
of the sea shall be emptied out before you, the wealth of nations
shall be brought to you. Caravans of camels shall fill you,
drom-edaries from Midian and Ephah; all from Sheba shall come
bearing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the
LORD.
READING 2
Brothers and sisters: You have heard of the stewardship of God's
grace that was given to me for your benefit, namely, that the
mystery was made known to me by revelation. It was not made known
to people in other generations as it has now been revealed to his
holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that the Gentiles are
coheirs, members of the same body,
GOSPEL
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King
Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,
"Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its
rising and have come to do him homage." When King Herod heard this,
he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all
the chief priests and the scribes of the people, He inquired of
them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, "In
Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the
prophet: And you, Bethlehem, land of Ju-dah, are by no means least
among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who
is to shepherd my people Israel." Then Herod called the magi
secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star's
appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search
diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word,
that I too may go and do him homage." After their audience with the
king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its
rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place
where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on
entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They
prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their
treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they
departed for their country by another way.
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The Epiphany of the Lord
Please recycle this bulletin.
The Social Action Commission will meet on Mon-day, January 11th
at 7 p.m. in the parish center. Our Commission coordinates the Holy
Cross Par-ish outreach programs of the Easton and greater-Easton
communities. Our parish supports: Birth-right of Taunton, The
Louison Shelter, MainSpring House, My Brother’s Keeper, Family and
Commu-nity Resources, Abundant Hope Pregnancy Re-source Center, The
Giving Tree and We Do Care. All are welcome. For questions and more
infor-mation, please contact Claire Smith at 508 238-1899 or
[email protected]. Thank you.
Saint Vincent de Paul Society would like to thank all the
parishioners who have been so very generous donating to us
throughout last year. Without your support, it would be impossible
to continue doing our works of charity. We wish you a very safe,
healthy and happy New Year.
https://projecthelping.org/helping-with-heart-volunteering/helping-hands-heart-1276562/