Third Sunday of Easter

Thoughts from Fr. Bill…….

Dear friends, Saint Therese of Lisieux once said “I just wonder
what I am to do when Easter Day dawns and I’m not able to sing
‘Alleluia’ because I really don’t feel the joy of Easter. Oh, for sure
in some ways I’m glad that Lent is over and that the season of
spring has arrived; I am not always, however, in an Alleluia frame
of mind or heart at this time of the year. For that’s what it’s all
about, isn’t it? I want to feel the joy of Easter and sing ‘Alleluia.’
I really want to mean that with all my heart.”

As we journey through the 3rd week of Easter we ask ourselves if
we still have Easter Joy? Easter is a long season with a very important
message. As we listen to today’s Gospel we speculate why
153 fish? Some say that 153 as the number of known fish species
while others think it was the number of counties known to exist.
So, one way to look at today’s celebration is to see it as an invitation
to spread the Good News to the whole known world. This is
part of our mission to evangelize.

Spring is beginning to take full bloom. One of the most beautiful
flowering trees is the Dogwood Tree. The legend of the Dogwood
Tree is this: In Jesus’ time, the dogwood grew to a stately size and
a lovely hue. Twas strong and firm its branches interwoven For the
cross of Christ its timers were chosen. See the distress at this use
of their wood. Christ made a promise which still holds good:
“Never again shall the dogwood grow Large enough to be used so.
Slender and twisted it shall be with blossoms like the cross for all
to see. As blood stains the petals marked in the brown the blossom’s
center wears a thorny crown. All who see it will remember
ME. Crucified on a cross from the dogwood tree. Cherished and
protected, this tree shall be a reminder to all of my agony. Author
Unknown. So, when you see the Dogwood Tree bloom this spring
take a good look and be thankful for the Cross that Set us Free!

A special Thank You to All who have given to the DLA. As you
can see in today's bulletin we are inching closer to our goal. God
Bless You!

This week’s psalm response, I will praise you Lord, for you
have rescued me, reminds us that the Lord will change our mourning
into dancing!

LET’S GO PENS!

Fr. Bill
Peace

Trying to live a full life in the service of the Lord,
failing frequently and falling on the mercy of God each time….

The Second Sunday of Easter

Thoughts from Fr. Bill…….

Dear friends, HAPPY EASTER! Our Easter celebration continues
today and for the six more weeks as we unpack the
meaning of Jesus Christ’s resurrection in our lives today.
Thomas had to see to believe. What do you believe about the
Resurrection? We are to believe that God is here! “Do not
be afraid” is a common opening line when the divine makes
an appearance in scripture. From that face we can infer that
the humans who come face to face with glory are usually
scared half to death! However, God’s visitations are not intended
to cause fear. Rather they reveal an important truth:
that God is, was, and always will be with us. Bolstered by
that knowledge, we may accept whatever hard task presents
itself with courage and the joy of knowing we are not alone.

Monday April 8 is the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the
Lord, and Mary has a messenger for you! Mary’s response to
the startling news announced by God’s messenger Gabriel is
a very human one – a mix of awe and shock. It’s a safe bet
that that was not the outcome she imagined for herself as she
grew up and became engaged to Joseph. Yet, despite what
surely was fear and apprehension, Mary chose to say “yes” to
God’s invitation. Mary can be your inspiration for also participating
in God’s work in the world even when fear holds
you back and doubt threatens to paralyze you. Just as Gabriel
came to Mary, Mary comes to you with the message that with
a simple “thou will be done”. You, too, can bring healing,
hope and peace into the world.

On May 5 our Parish will celebrate First Holy Communion
with 29 of our young people. Please keep them in prayer during
this final month of preparation. You can find a list of
their names on the message boards in church.
This week’s psalm response, Give thanks to the Lord,
whose love endures forever, reminds us to be grateful for
God’s love and mercy.

LET’S GO PENS!

Fr. Bill
Peace

Trying to live a full life in the service of the Lord,
failing frequently and falling on the mercy of God each time….

Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord

Thoughts from Fr. Bill…….

Dear friends, HAPPY EASTER! May the faith and hope given on
that first Easter morning strengthen, uplift and inspire our daily
lives that we may truly live the meaning of Resurrection!

A study by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life found that
79 percent of Americans believe in miracles. This belief spans generations;
young people are just as likely to believe in miracles as
older Americans. How hard would it have been for the disciples to
believe in the resurrection of Jesus? They saw his miraculous powers
firsthand. But Saint John tells us that the disciples did not yet
understand that Jesus had to rise from the dead. The news from
Mary Magdalene came as a shock. The empty tomb was soon confirmed
by Peter and the other disciple. The resurrection is a mystery
we must grasp personally. Without Easter faith, we would not
be with the community today proclaiming, “ALLELUIA!”
A special THANKS to those who participated in the many Lenten
activities. I hope your Lenten journey was a life fulfilling experience.
Special THANKS to all who helped build the garden for
Holy Thursday and decorate the church for Easter, GOD BLESS
YOU ALL!

Congratulations to those who celebrated the Sacraments of Initiation
at the Easter Vigil: Nyla and Geone Barlow, Crystal and
Sebastian Colinear, Christianna and Christopher Deaner, Abigail
and Zachary Farlow, Enrico and Helen Mucci and Janine Peterson.
God Bless You!

Monday we begin the month of April. The word April means “to
open.” This is the time of year that leaf and flower buds open, a
time of transformation. The day is now longer than the night. Even
if the nights are still chilly, the daytime sun is strong and growing
stronger. The earth itself seems to take part in the Passover of the
Lord. Think Spring and Let’s Go Bucs

“We are Easter People and Alleluia is our song” (St. Augustine).
Let us pray and live this week’s psalm response, This is the day
that the Lord has made, Alleluia! With great joy!

LET’S GO PENS!
Fr. Bill

Peace

Trying to live a full life in the service of the Lord,
failing frequently and falling on the mercy of God each time….

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

Thoughts from Fr. Bill…….

Dear friends, today we begin an annual retreat we call Holy Week.
Even in the midst of our busy lives, we are invited to take time to
reflect on where we are spiritually. Who is Christ for us? What do
we want from our Christian faith? If possible, consider accepting
the invitation to retreat this week. Cancel the less important business
and come pray together this Holy Week, so that on Easter
Sunday we may rejoice together!! And so, The Honor of your
presence is requested for the Church’s commemoration of the
Passion, Death and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ: Holy
Thursday: Mass at 7:00 PM followed by prayer in the garden till
10:00 PM. Good Friday: Morning Prayer 9:00 AM, Service at
1:00 PM; Stations of the Cross at 7:00 PM: Easter Vigil: Mass at
8:30 PM. Easter Sunday: Mass at 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM.

Please keep in your prayers those who will be received into
Full Communion with the Catholic Church at the Easter
Vigil: Nyla and Geone Barlow, Crystal and Sebastian Colinear,
Christianna and Christopher Deaner, Abigail and Zachary
Farlow, Enrico and Helen Mucci, and Janine Petersen.

Many Thanks to all who have given so generously to the
DLA. We are currently at $47,084 from 173 families. Offer a
prayer that we may meet our Parish Goal of $65,000. God
Bless You!

The Gospel passion narratives that we hear today on Palm
Sunday and again on Good Friday do not move us to say
“Thank you, Jesus, for dying for me,” but, “Thank you, Jesus,
for showing me how to die.”

March 25 is normally the Annunciation of the Lord, when
Mary said Yes to God. But March 25 is Monday of Holy
Week, so the Feast has been transferred to Monday April 8.
HOPE TO SEE YOU THIS AFTERNOON AT OUR PALM
SUNDAY CELEBRATION, my talk will consist of three
parts: the last 7 words of Christ; what is Easter all about; and
our new Holy Father, Pope Francis.

This week’s Psalm Response, My God, my God, why have
you abandoned me reminds us to pray for all those who are
suffering in our world today.

LET’S GO PENS!

Fr. Bill
Peace

Trying to live a full life in the service of the Lord,
failing frequently and falling on the mercy of God each time….

The Fifth Sunday in Lent

Thoughts from Fr. Bill…….

Dear friends, welcome to a very exciting week! Saint Patrick’s
Day, Saint Joseph’s Day and the arrival of the first day of Spring
are all celebrated this week! And, in the spirit of today’s Gospel
about forgiveness our Region begins our Lenten Penance Services
at 2:00 PM today here at Holy Cross. Make plans in your Lenten
preparation to attend one of the Regional Lenten Penance Services
this week. The schedule can be found in today’s bulletin.
Thank you for Generous response to the DLA. We currently are
over $40,000 from close to 150 families. Perhaps the remaining
550 families can help us reach our Parish Goal of $65,000!

Next Sunday is PALM SUNDAY and weather permitting we will
begin the 10:00 AM Sunday Mass outside on the sidewalk of 8th
Street with the blessing of Palms and procession into Church.
Please plan on joining your Church Family for a very special Palm
Sunday Celebration beginning at 3:30 PM on Sunday March 24.
Help our Parish and Diocese identify spiritual needs by taking a
short survey. This survey will help parish and diocesan evangelization
and faith formation leaders move forward in developing spiritual,
formational, and educational opportunities. You can either
take the survey on-line at www.surveymonkey.com/
s.spiritualneeds or a “hardcopy” that can be found at the Doors of
the Church. The survey can be completed anonymously, and
March 31 is the deadline. Thank you for your participation in this
very important endeavor!

In honor of Saint Patrick (March 17) let us pray: Loving God, your
servant Patrick brought the Christian faith to the people of Ireland
in the 5th Century, through Patrick’s prayers, O God, drive from
our hearts all that comes between us and yourself, as Patrick once
drove all the snakes from Ireland. Saint Patrick pray for us! Dia
Dhuit! Slainte, La Fheile Padraig! (God be with you! Cheers,
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!)

In honor of Saint Joseph (March 19) let us pray: Loving God, you
chose Joseph to be the husband of Mary and to be the one to serve
as your Son’s foster father in this world. Joseph was completely
open to all that God wanted him to do. He was a risk-taker and a
man of deep faith. Through Joseph’s prayers, O God, help us to
seek and follow your will. St. Joseph, pray for us!

This week’s Psalm Response, The Lord has done great things for
us; we are filled with joy, reminds us to give thanks for the wonders
God has worked in our lives.

LET’S GO PENS!

Fr. Bill

Peace

Trying to live a full life in the service of the Lord,
failing frequently and falling on the mercy of God each time….

The Fourth Sunday in Lent

Thoughts from Fr. Bill…….

Dear friends, today is Laetare Sunday, a day to rejoice! Are we

rejoicing because we have reached the halfway mark of the Lenten

season? NO! We are called to rejoice in one of the most familiar

Gospel passages in our tradition, the Prodigal Son. The story reminds

us that God is always ready to forgive, always willing to be

reconciled with us. And so, we ask ourselves: How have our

Lenten disciplines opened us up to the wonder of God’s reconciling

love? How are we willing to be likewise reconciled with our loved

ones, our neighbors, and even those who have hurt us? Take advantage

of the Regional Penance Services that begin next Sunday,

March 17 here at Holy Cross at 2pm.

I am happy to report that we have met our Diocesan goal of

$29,791. At the time of this writing of my Thoughts we have received

$32,859 from 109 families. Let us continue to the journey

to meet the parish goal of $65,000. Thanks and God Bless You!

Our parish, and every parish of the Diocese of Greensburg, will

have the opportunity to sign and send postcards to our U.S. Representative

and 2 U.S. Senators to urge our federal elected officials to

support and strengthen existing laws against government funding

and promotion of abortion and to reject attacks on our religious

freedom. You will have to opportunity to sign the postcard this

Sunday at the Pancake breakfast and next weekend after Mass. A

small donation of $1 will help pay for the postage. Thank you for

making your voice heard on these important matters.

Help our Parish and Diocese identify spiritual needs by taking a

short survey. This survey will help parish and diocesan evangelization

and faith formation leaders move forward in developing spiritual,

formational, and educational opportunities. You can either

take the survey on-line at http://catholiclifeandfaith.net/spiritualneeds-

survey/ or a “hardcopy” will be in the March 14th edition

of the Accent. The survey can be completed anonymously, and

March 31 is the deadline. Thanks for your participation in this

very important endeavor!

This week, our psalm response, Taste and see the goodness of the

Lord, helps us to remember to savor Christ’s presence in our daily

lives.

LET’S GO PENS!

Fr. Bill

Peace

Trying to live a full life in the service of the Lord,

failing frequently and falling on the mercy of God each time….

The Third Sunday in Lent

Thoughts from Fr. Bill…….

Dear friends, our Lenten season moves into the third week. We
hear the Gospel story of the fig tree that is spared for one more season
to see if it will bear fruit, one lesson we can learn is that God is
always willing to give us another chance, but for our part, we must
be receptive to God’s nurturing. Are you being nurtured so far this
Lent? If not, perhaps you may consider the following: attend Daily
Mass at 8AM, attend Stations of the Cross on Fridays at 7PM,
attend the Youngwood Ministerium Luncheon and Service on
Wednesday’s from 12Noon-1PM, held at a different Church each
week. As you continue your journey through Lent don’t be afraid
to turn to God.

This past Thursday Pope Benedict XVI resigned from the papacy.
Be sure to pick up a special prayer card located at the doors of the
Church. Let us also pray that the College of Cardinals will be true
to the promptings of the Holy Spirit as they prayerfully consider
who will next lead our Church. During a homily on Palm Sunday
Pope Benedict XVI said that “Jesus…was making his way to the
heights of the Cross, to the moment of self-giving love. The ultimate
goal of his pilgrimage was the heights of God himself; to
those heights he wanted to lift every human being.” May Pope
Benedict know the blessing and love of God during the remaining
years of his life on earth.

We know find ourselves in the month of March. March is the
month of the vernal equinox, when daytime grows equal to nighttime,
and spring begins in the Northern hemisphere. The lengthening
days warm the air and help create the March winds. A few days
in March are as cold as deep winter, a few are as warm as springtime,
and many of the days are stormy. No wonder March is named
after Mars, the Roman god of war. The struggle against winter is a
sure sign of Lent. Be sure to move your clocks ahead one hour next
weekend!

This week, our psalm response, The Lord is Kind and Merciful,
helps us to remember that God is compassion and love.

LET’S GO PENS!

Fr. Bill
Peace

Trying to live a full life in the service of the Lord,
failing frequently and falling on the mercy of God each time….