Junior Crossroads March 2006
HOW ARE WE CALLED?
God goes everywhere with us! If we walk with God, He will always be with us. God calls each of us to do something special with our lives. This “call” is our vocation.
Living out this vocation requires a committed ‘yes’ to the Lord. Each way of life is meaningful, life-giving, and enriches the life of the community—the church. There are different “ways of life” on the pathway of the Lord: married, single life, ordained life (bishop, priest, deacon) and consecrated religious life (sister, brother, priest).
How do you know which call is meant for you? You have to listen. Not with your ears—but with your heart. You won’t hear “words”, but messages will come through. You will somehow know that “this” is what your life is meant to be. Sometimes, it isn’t what we expect—or what others expect for us. And it’s often not easy. But God’s grace is plentiful and our trust in Him will lead us to make good choices.
So open your heart. Be true to who you really are—what God calls you to be—and rejoice in it.
Come, Lord Jesus,
startle me with your presence,
life-sustaining as air,
to open my heart to praise you,
to open my mind to attend you,
to open my spirit to worship you,
to open me to live my life as authentically and boldly as you lived yours.
Come, Lord Jesus, be with me in my longing;
come stay with me in my needing;
come, go with me in my doing;
come, struggle with me in my searching;
come, rejoice with me in my loving.
Amen.
LENT EVENTS
Tradition calls for fasting, alms and prayer during Lent. Holy Cross has many activities that help families do these things. Not all of them work for every family. The key? Take a good look at your family—maybe have a family meeting. See where your family needs to grow. Is it in patience with each other? How about how you minister to people you don’t know? Any prayers, traditions or Catholic practices you’d like to learn together?
Make a list and choose things you may actually do. Then check them off the list as you accomplish them. Keep track so that at Easter you can celebrate—not only Christ’s resurrection—but your own rebirth to a better way of life and living together.
SAINT JOHN VIANNEY
St. John Vianney
Patron of Priests
Feast Day: August 4
John Mary Vianney was not a very good student and his Latin was terrible. So much so that it took him several years of study before he was ordained in 1815.
In 1818, he was assigned to Ars, France –a tiny village near Lyon. The parish had very low attendance at Mass, so he began visiting parishioners at their homes (especially the poor and sick).
Eventually his reputation for hearing confessions and helping sinners spread around the world. It was recorded that even the biggest sinners were converted after listening to him.
He was a parish priest for 40 years, doing endless works of charity and love. To this day, he is considered the living image of a priest after the heart of God.
When you see a priest, you should say, “There is he who made me a child of God, and opened Heaven to me by holy Baptism; he who purified me after I had sinned; who gives nourishment to my soul.”
~ St. John Vianney
SACRAMENTAL UPDATE
Holy Orders/Vocations:
' David DeJesus, a seminarian from St. Mary’s Seminary, is working with Generations of Faith at Holy Cross this year. Be sure to introduce yourself and welcome him.
Reconciliation:
Y The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available on Saturdays in the Church at 3p and by appointment.
Y A Communal Reconciliation Service will be available during the Parish Mission (March 29th).
Confirmation and Eucharist:
Å Children of Light Retreat is Saturday, April 8th from 9a to 12n in the church hall. Bring your white folder of papers from this year, your scrapbook (even if it is not finished), markers, pencils/pens, scissors and glue.
Å Return your liturgy choice papers back as soon as you can. There are limits to the number of families who can celebrate per liturgy and choices are honored first-come, first-served.
Confirmation:
ÿ Baptized adults who would like to be Confirmed and have already made First Eucharist, should contact Fr. McNulty.
Baptism:
U The next Baptism Day will be June 4, 2006 from 12:30p to 2:30p at the Rectory.
Anointing of the Sick:
N People who need to be anointed (at any time) should have family and friends present and call the rectory.
Marriage:
7 Marriage preparation is arranged with the priest. Please call the rectory for an appointment.
Catechumenate:
™ Full initiation for candidates and catechumens is at the Easter Vigil, April 15 at 9p.
™ If you are interested in becoming Catholic (adult or child older than 7), please call the rectory for information.
This year, we will welcome 2 adults into the Catholic faith:
Patrick Plickert will be celebrating Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
Daniel Wedler will be making a Profession of Faith, and celebrating Confirmation and Eucharist.
Please keep them in your prayers and join us for their initiation at the Easter Vigil, Saturday, April 15th, 2006 at 9p in the Church.
FAITH ON THE GO...TRADITIONS
The Lent season is full of traditions. Traditions are not just routines—they are actions we repeat because they have meaning to us. Churches are full of Christians on Ash Wednesday seeking to receive ashes on their forehead as a sign of the beginning of Lent. Grocery stores kick into high gear promoting “Bags for the Hungry” you can either fill or purchase to donate to hunger centers all over the country. Rice bowls appear in Catholic schools to motivate children and families to stretch their sacrifice to include those we don’t know.
What other traditions do you embrace in your family? Do you celebrate Fat Tuesday or St. Patrick’s Day, bless food on Holy Saturday, sacrifice during Lent? Does your family have any unique traditions—something you think only your family does?
Because Lent is such a rich time for reflection, it is also a perfect time to think about how the traditions your family celebrates reflect who your family is. Try these Faith in traditions tips:
1. Think about the things your family does routinely. It may be chores or scheduling, but sometimes routines have a way of becoming traditions to us. They symbolize something important and we have a desire to continue them. What parts of your family’s routine can become tradition? Can lighting a candle during dinner become a tradition that symbolizes Jesus’ presence at your meal? How about saying a quick prayer for the hungry and homeless as you commute past the Hunger Center?
2. As you are celebrating a family tradition, talk about why it’s important to you and how it got started (if you know).
3. Ask your grandparents or another older person about a tradition they celebrated when they were young. How do they feel about it now? Do they still celebrate it?
4. As a Lenten project...instead of giving something up, devote time together learning about a Church tradition, saint, scripture story or charity you didn’t already know about or understand. If you can’t all meet at the same time, promise to work on the subject individually, then gather once or twice to share what you have learned. Maybe this will become a new tradition...
HOLY ORDERS—WHAT ARE THEY?
Those who receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders are consecrated in Christ’s name to feed the Church by the Word (Bible and Eucharist) and grace of God. Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission Christ entrusted to His apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time. Jesus chose 12 men as His apostles, and it was to the apostles that Jesus gave the power of Holy Orders.
There are three degrees of Holy Orders in the apostolic ministry; episcopate (bishops), presbyterate (priests) and diaconate (deacon). Ordination to Holy Orders is a religious and liturgical act of consecration which integrates a man into the order of episcopate, presbyterate or diaconate. Holy Orders confers the gift of the Holy Spirit and permits exercise of a sacred power which can come only from Christ Himself through His Church through the laying on of hands by the bishop.
Bishops have an unbroken succession going back to the beginning of the Church. They pass on Holy Orders through the laying on of hands and calling down of the Holy Spirit. Bishops share in the high priesthood of Christ. The Bishop of Rome is the Pope. Our current Pope is Benedict XVI.
Priests are the co-workers of the bishops. Priests are ordained to preach the Gospel, shepherd the faithful and celebrate the Mass and the Sacrament of Penance.
Deacons are ordained to the order of service, but not priesthood. The Deacon’s role is to assist bishops and priests in the Divine Mysteries and at the Eucharist—he may proclaim the Gospel, distribute Holy Communion, assist at blessings of marriages, preside at funerals and perform ministries of charity. His ministry is in serving the faithful, especially the poor. A Deacon may be married at the time of his ordination, but promises not to remarry when his wife dies.
Vocation Prayer of Parents for their Children
Loving God,
You have given us the privilege as well as
the responsibility of being loving parents.
In the name of Jesus, we ask you
to guide us as we invite our children
to hear your call to service and leadership.
May our children respond with deep faith
and generosity to the needs of God’s people.
Help us to be a source of encouragement
to our children by our own desire to be
committed people who serve with love and enthusiasm.
Amen.
TOP 10 WAYS TO HELP......your children become witnesses for Christ:
10. Realize that it is a privilege to have your children chosen by God for his service.
9. Recognize examples of holiness and point them out to your children.
8. Be prepared to encourage whatever path your children are called to—even if it’s not what you envision.
7. Use unconditional love to demonstrate your trust in the Holy Spirit working in your children from Baptism.
6. Let your children observe you pray, participate in Mass, go to confession, read the bible, and so on.
5. Teach them to make things last and happily go without. Remind them the value of sharing.
4. Expose them to serving the disadvantaged—soup kitchens, nursing homes, hospitals, etc.
3. Instill an appreciation of God’s great world in the beauty of nature, literature, music or art.
2. Encourage them to participate in Catholic programs for youth that are faith-sound, call for accountability and fun.
1. Pray daily for your children
YOUTH MINISTRY NEWS
LIVING STATIONS
Friday, April 7 at 7:00 p.m.
Note: All practices will be held in Church from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Practice Schedule:
Sunday, March 12
Wednesday, March 15
Sunday, March 19
Wednesday, March 22
Sunday, April 2
Monday, April 3
Tuesday, April 4
Wednesday, April 5
Thursday, April 6
PARISH MISSION
Our parish will join with St. Christine Parish to host a parish mission from March 25, through March 30. Youth from both parishes will collaborate and provide babysitting for pre-school age children. If you can help, please contact either Mrs. Testa or Mrs. Rossman. Thank you.
EVENING PRAYER
Take time during Lent to pray! Evening prayer will be held in Church each Sunday of Lent from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. All are welcome.
WEBSITE NEWS! Did you know you can find information about our meetings and events on the parish website? Check it out! Go to: www.holycrossoh.org! Click on ministries then click youth ministry. Information is updated regularly!
Holy Cross Youth Ministry
Rita Testa 216/486-0850
Rita@holycrossoh.org
PARISH MISSION
Have you ever been to a parish mission? Yes, I’m asking adults and children. The Parish Mission will be March 25-30, 2006 and include people of all ages. We are working with St. Christine Church to sponsor the mission. The missionaries will be at all the masses on March 25/26 and then lead the evening sessions Sun.-Thurs., as well as other activities. Each evening will include babysitting for children ages 0-4 and Children’s Liturgy of the Word for ages 5-12.
A social will follow each evening session with refreshments and fellowship. Mark your calendars and bring the whole family!
Volunteers are needed to help with greeting people, refreshments, and various other tasks. If you are interested in volunteering to help with the Parish Mission, please call the rectory (486-0850).
**Time can be used for Holy Cross School service hours.
LETTERS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
Our service project for the March Gatherings was to write a letter of encouragement to your local priest, deacon or a seminarian preparing for ordination.
These men have dedicated their lives to God’s Word. Your few words of encouragement will go a long way toward supporting their efforts. Letters can be mailed directly to the person or delivered to the rectory (clearly labeled). If you have a letter of encouragement for a seminarian, you may deliver it to the rectory also. Just be sure to label it with the recipient’s name (if known) and we’ll be sure it gets to him.
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Junior Crossroads February 2006
A COLT IN DISGUISE - ALONE & ABANDONED
Recently I watched an awesome natural spectacle of survival in the merciless Kalahan desert. A lone zebra colt was looking for her mother. She was caked with mud from a hole in which she tried unsuccessfully to suck a few drops of water. The herd had abandoned her because they too were dying of thirst and were in search of a fresh supply.
What happened next could touch the hardest of hearts. There was an elephant nearby. The colt tried to adopt the elephant, but the elephant repelled her with a bellow and a nudge of her trunk. So the colt remained alone near the large mud puddle abandoned by all. What a pitiful sight.
Then came the most disturbing incident;
the zebra herd returned and the colt immediately ran toward it to be accepted. Lo and behold, it was rejected again, this time because the zebras did not recognize the colt as a zebra in her mud-caked disguise.
Several days later the monsoon rains erupted on the Kalahari. It was a blessing to the entire plant and animal kingdoms. The water washed the mud off the colt and naturally the herd welcomed her back to the fold.
We, too, are at times oblivious to the fact that all persons are God in disguise. How often do we refuse to recognize others because they look and talk differently than we do? How willing are we to welcome outsiders back into our flock?
~by Fr. Fid Levri, Glanmarian
Prayer for Forgiveness
Forgiving God, we are sorry for the wrong choices we have made. We are sorry for the times that we have been lost from you. We know that you forgive us and that you rejoice when we come back to you. We thank you for the feeling of peace that comes from your forgiveness.
Help us to forgive others. Help us to share your peace with the people around us. Amen.
LENT IS COMING
Ash Wednesday is March 1st this year. It begins a season of fasting, reflection and giving of our time and talents. What a perfect time to work on ways to improve parts of ourselves that could be better—patience, compassion, generosity, etc.
The parish has many opportunities to help celebrate the richness of the season. Watch parish publications for upcoming events and see how many you can attend!
Upcoming Events:
2/15 Generations of Faith—Design/Implementation for March
2/27 Children of Light—Reconciliation Service 7p
3/1 Ash Wednesday
3/5 Baptism Day 12:30p
3/12-14 Generations of Faith—Holy Orders
3/25-30 Parish Mission with Paulists
4/8 Children of Light Retreat Day 9a-12
SAINT JOSEPHINE BAKHITA
Mother Josephine Bakhita was born in Sudan in 1869 and was kidnapped by slave-traders at age 9. No one knows what her birth name was, but the kidnappers named her “Bakhita,” which means “fortunate”. Bakhita was eventually bought by an Italian Consul, Callisto Legnani, who treated her with love and respect.
In Italy, she worked for the Michieli family as a nanny and grew to love the country. While there, she received the sacraments of initiation and took the new name, “Josephine” which means “whom the Lord adds”. Italian law backed her choice to join the Institute of Canossian Daughters of Charity in 1898.
Her gentle presence, her warm, amiable voice and her willingness to help with any menial task were a comfort to the poor and suffering people who came to the door of the Institute. She became a noted and popular speaker who raised many funds to support missions.
The Lord has loved me so much:
we must love everyone...
we must be compassionate!
~ St. Josephine Bakhita
SACRAMENTAL UPDATE
Reconciliation:
Y The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available on Saturdays in the Church at 3p and by appointment.
Y Children of Light Reconciliation Service is February 27th at 7p, in the Church
Y A Communal Reconciliation Service will be available during the Parish Mission (March 29th).
Confirmation and Eucharist:
Å Children of Light Reconciliation Service will be February 27th at 7p.
Å Liturgy choice papers were sent home at the Just4Kids—send your choice back as soon as you can. There are limits to the number of families who can celebrate per liturgy and choices are honored first-come, first-served.
Confirmation:
ÿ Baptized adults who would like to be Confirmed and have already made First Eucharist, should contact Fr. McNulty by February 15.
Baptism:
U The next Baptism Days will be March 5, 2006 and June 4, 2006 from 12:30p to 2:30p at the Rectory.
Anointing of the Sick:
N People who need to be anointed (at any time) should have family and friends present and call the rectory.
Catechumenate:
™ If you are interested in becoming Catholic (adult or child older than 7), please call the rectory for information.
Vocations:
' David DeJesus, a seminarian from St. Mary’s Seminary, is working with Generations of Faith at Holy Cross this year. Be sure to introduce yourself and welcome him.
Marriage:
7 Marriage preparation is arranged with the priest. Please call the rectory for an appointment.
DID YOU HEAR...the one about the monks who were told that Jesus himself was living among them? They were astonished and amazed and began speculating which monk was in disguise. Because there was no way to tell, they began treating each other with courtesy, respect and consideration—just in case “he” might be “The One.”
FAITH ON THE GO
If your house is like mine, you are sometimes lucky to catch a glimpse of your kids before you fall into bed. You’ve been running all day between work, household chores, sports, etc. and even though you’ve been in your kids’ presence, you may not have actually been “present” to your kids. Bedtime is a great time to slow down and catch up. Try these Faith at bedtime tips…
- Trace the sign of the cross on your child’s forehead and say, “May God bless you and bring you peace in your dreams.”
- Together, fold your hands and say, “Thank you, God, for all we have—each other, our home, …”
- Let your child decide who to pray for tonight. If he/she needs prompting, ask about people who may have had a hard day (peers left out of play, grumpy teachers, sullen siblings, etc.).
- Let your child write down (or draw a picture of) things that are bothering him/her (maybe a fight with a friend, a disappointment at play or school, remorse for “messing up”) and put the paper under his/her pillow. Say a prayer to God for strength and wisdom to reconcile with those we care about the most.
FAMILIES SOMETIMES NEED HELP
Reconciling within families can sometimes be hard. Either we don’t know how to do it; or we don’t know where to start; we may not even know why “the wall” is up—or realize that it is.
There are many organizations and sources to help families who aren’t as close as they’d like to be. If you need help reconciling with someone else or even yourself, give one of them a try.
Y Retrouvaille—a weekend of forgiveness and hope for troubled marriages.
Al and Diane Miskinis (330-665-3506) www.retrouvaille.org
Y Rainbows for God’s Children—an international organization that fosters emotional healing among children and teens grieving a loss from death, divorce or crisis.
RAINBOWS Headquarters (847-952-1770) www.rainbows.org
Y Domestic Violence Center—offers comprehensive, coordinated programs and services that address the immediate and long-term needs of domestic violence victims, their children and abusers.
(216-391-HELP) www.domesticviolencecenter.org
Y AA, Al-Anon, Alateen—12 step programs for adults and children living with alcohol or drug addiction.
Al-Anon/Alateen (1-888-425-2666) www.al-anon.alateen.org
Y American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists—a fantastic source for finding qualified counselors, books and resources.
(703) 838-9808 www.aamft.org
Y Department for Marriage and Family Ministry—sponsors many programs for divorce support, stepfamilies, bereavement, etc.
Bill Boomer (216-334-2978) www.clevelandcatholiccharities.org/mfm/
A Family Pledge
Loving God, you love us beyond our understanding and continually invite us to be people of reconciliation, working to unite that which is divided.
As a family, we commit ourselves to:
Y Bring love where there is hatred
Y Bring pardon where there is injury
Y Bring faith where there is doubt
Y Bring hope where there is despair
Y Bring light where there is darkness
Y Bring joy where there is sadness
Grant us what we need to be your reconciling force in our home and world. Amen.
CHECK OUT THESE INTERNET SOURCES
www.homefaith.com
www.faithfirst.com
www.focusonyourchild.com
www.family.org
www.activeparenting.com
www.helpguide.org/mental/improve_relationships.htm
SYMPTOMS OF FAMILY HEALING
Watch for these signs of healing:
· A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than from fear based on past experiences
· An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment
· A loss of interest in judging other people
· A loss of interest in judging self
· Frequent overwhelming episodes of appreciation
· Contented feelings of connectedness with others and with nature
· Frequent attacks of smiling
· An uncontrollable urge to extend love to others
If you have all or even most of the above symptoms, please be advised that your condition may be irreversible. If you are exposed to anyone exhibiting these symptoms, remain exposed at your own risk.
~ Leif Kehrwald
FAMILY PROJECT
Make a Claddagh, which has become an international symbol of good will and friendship. You will need cardboard, construction paper, glue and scissors.
1. On the pieces of cardboard draw a circle about 8” across. Then draw another circle inside the first one, about 5” across, to form a ring. Cut out the ring.
2. Cut out several hearts (or other shape that represents your household)—enough to cover the ring.
3. Trace your hands on a sheet of construction paper. Cut out the hands.
4. Draw a heart on red construction paper and cut it out.
5. Place the hands on the bottom of the cardboard ring. Put the heart between the hands. Then glue the hands and heart onto the ring.
6. Glue the hearts (or other shapes) onto the ring, making sure they overlap so that no cardboard shows through. Hang the Claddagh somewhere in your home where everyone can see it.
YOUTH MINISTRY NEWS
Mrs. Rita Testa is our new Youth Minister. She is married and has three children—Steven (21), Lauren (18) and Brian (16). She comes from St. John Vianney Parish, where she had many responsibilities, including coordinating the Jr. High Youth Ministry.
After careful consideration , much reflection and a blessing from God, she has joined the Holy Cross staff and we are happy to have her!
You will see her often as she not only organizes events specific to Youth Ministry, but as she collaborates with many Holy Cross ministries in promoting a youthful presence throughout our parish. Keep your eye out and be sure to welcome her. She looks forward to meeting you!
YM VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
LIVING STATIONS
It’s that time again! Preparations have begun for Living Stations. If you are a junior or senior high youth and are interested in participating, please contact Mrs. Testa.
COFFEE & DONUT SUNDAY
Youth Ministry will host the next Coffee and Donut Sunday. It will be Sunday, February 26th. We need helpers after the 8:00, 9:30, and 11:30 a.m. Liturgies.
Please call Mrs. Testa to sign up. This is a great opportunity to fulfill service hour requirements!
PARISH MISSION
Our parish will join with St. Christine’s to host a parish mission from March 25, through March 30. Youth from both parishes will collaborate and provide babysitting for pre-school age children. If you can help, please contact either Mrs. Testa or Mrs. Rossman. Thank you.
YOUTH MINISTRY NEEDS HELP!
We need adults to serve on an adult leadership team for our junior and senior high youth ministry programs. Requirements and Responsibilities include: attending a training retreat, attending a monthly or bi-monthly one hour leadership team planning meetings, and chaperoning events from time to time. Service hours are available,. If you are interested, please contact Mrs. Testa.
WEBSITE NEWS! Did you know you can find information about our meetings and events on the parish website? Check it out! Go to: www.holycrossoh.org! Click on ministries then click youth ministry. Information is updated regularly!
Holy Cross Youth Ministry
Rita Testa 216/486-0850
Rita@holycrossoh.org
PARISH MISSION
Have you ever been to a parish mission? Yes, I’m asking adults and children. The Parish Mission will be March 25-30, 2006 and include people of all ages. We are working with St. Christine Church to sponsor the mission. The missionaries will be at all the masses on March 25/26 and then lead the evening sessions Sun.-Thurs., as well as other activities. Each evening will include babysitting for children ages 0-4 and Children’s Liturgy of the Word for ages 5-12.
A social will follow each evening session with refreshments and fellowship. Mark your calendars and bring the whole family!
FAMILY TRANSITIONAL HOUSING
Thousands of people are homeless every year. They lose their job, their home, their dignity and (often) hope. Family Transitional Housing provides a temporary place for families to live, helps them find jobs, teaches good money management, helps them find an affordable, permanent place to live, sometimes provides transportation to school and day care for children, and more. They accept donations of non-perishable food, new bedding, cleaning products, office supplies, school supplies, new/used large appliances, furniture, kitchen ware (including cookware, dishes & silverware), mattresses, infant/child car seats and household/work tools and equipment.
These families need so much to get their lives back together. For many of them, they are starting with nothing but each other. As they go through the program—learning, working and growing together—they need ways to feel connected to each other.
The puzzles we collected at the Generations of Faith Gatherings in February (Reconciliation) will go to Family Transitional Housing so families can have a fun, relaxing way to re-connect with each other and feel productive about becoming whole again.
If you would like to donate a new or “gently-used” puzzle (for any age), please bring it to the rectory by Feb. 19th.
