Statements for the 2020 calendar year will be mailed in late January 202l by request only. For tax purposes, donations for 2020 should have already been made. If you would like a tax statement, please call the parish office.

BAPTISMS - PLEASE CALL THE RECTORY TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS.

FUNERAL MASSES WILL NOW BE CELEBRATED IN OUR PARISHES

Cemetery chapels are not yet available for prayer.

Memorial masses are being arranged with families who have lost loved ones during the closure of our churches.

THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

Saturday, January 23rd 1:00pm, Holy Cross Parish - Kelley Hall

OUR ADORATION CHAPEL REMAINS CLOSED AT THIS TIME

Safety Measures

• If you are feeling ill, stay safe at home.
• We highly encourage those who are vulnerable (such as the elderly and people with underlying medical conditions) to continue to participate in Mass via parish livestreaming or CTV: Catholic Television.
• Mass from the Cathedral of Saint Peter will continue to be broadcast daily on CTV: Catholic Television of the Diocese of Scranton. It is also available on the Diocese of Scranton website, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
• People should wash their hands thoroughly before coming to church.

Face Masks

• Face masks must be worn by all lay faithful who attend Mass. The only time a face mask may be removed is for the reception of Holy Communion.
• Clergy are not to wear a face mask during the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy but must wear a face mask for the distribution of Holy Communion which takes place after Mass.

Social Distancing

• Mass attendance will be limited to no more than 25-percent of a church’s seating capacity.
• While within the church, all people need to maintain a safe social distance of six feet from others in all directions. The only exception is for immediate family members who may sit together.
• Several pews may separate individuals/families to ensure the six foot distancing while within the church.
• Parishioners will need to enter through only one designated door, follow social distancing guidelines during the line for communion, and exit the church through a separate door.
• Congregational singing at Mass is discouraged at this time so as to minimize the spread of breath droplets.
• Parishes may still utilize a cantor and organist for Mass as long as they are at least 10 feet away from each other, the assembly, and any ministers in the sanctuary.
• Parishes may still utilize a cantor and organist for Mass as long as they are at least 10 feet away from each other, the assembly, and any ministers in the sanctuary.

Holy Communion

• The distribution of Holy Communion will take place after the conclusion of Mass. After receiving communion, the faithful are to depart and not return to their pews.
• Distribution of the Precious Blood remains suspended at this time.
• Parishioners are strongly advised to receive the Body of Christ in the hand.
• Priests and deacons (or any other minister) will wear a mask for the distribution of Holy Communion and are to use hand sanitizer before, immediately after, and if necessary, during the distribution of communion if contact is made with any person’s hand or tongue.
• Holy Communion on the Tongue: Although it is strongly discouraged, anyone who still wishes to receive Holy Communion on the tongue can be instructed to wait until the end of the Communion distribution after everyone else has received. This will minimize the risk of spreading the virus to others, as well as allow time for the priest to sanitize his hands properly after each person who receives on the tongue.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sunday obligation to attend Mass remains suspended at this time

Please note: these measures will not take effect until June 8, 2020. Masses will continue to be streamed on Facebook until public masses return.

A Message from Monsignor Delaney

Dear Friends,

As Lackawanna County moves into the "Yellow" phase of re-opening, we are preparing to receive parishioners back to public Mass in a limited and responsible way.

In order to abide by social distancing requirements, our seating capacity is fewer than you might expect. Because of this, in order to attend Sunday Mass, you will be required to first call the Rectory to place a reservation. Calls will be received on a first call, first seated basis. Upon filling the number of seats available, you will be placed on the following weeks attendance list. Please do not come to Sunday Mass without having called us first. If not first registered, you will be asked to come to the next available Mass. We know that this sounds very strange and is unusual, but we also are all very aware that the guidelines are for the safety of our community. Masks must be worn in Church. Please, if able, bring your own hand sanitizer/wipes from home.

The Mass schedule is:

Blessed Sacrament Saturday 5:30 PM and Sunday 9:30 AM.

Holy Cross Saturday 4:00 PM and Sunday 11:00 AM.

Please note at this time, the 8:00 AM Sunday Mass is suspended.

You will be greeted upon entering and directed to where you will sit. Please be in church 15 minutes before the beginning of Mass to receive instructions.

For reservations, all the rectory: 570-489-0752, 570-489-1963

Thank you for your understanding and patience in helping us to move forward. As always, your continued generosity and support of our parishes helps us to together continue to conduct our mission.

A special note of gratitude to those who have agreed to set-up, direct and sanitize our churches in preparation for worship. United in the Love of Our God who reveals Himself to us as father, Son and Holy Spirit,

Msgr. Michael J. Delaney June 6-7, 2020

Retired priests continue to be a vital part of our Diocese. Before the COVID pandemic they assisted by offering Mass and administering the sacraments. From the most senior to the newly ordained, our priests selflessly serve us. We now ask you to support them through the Diocesan Annual Appeal.

Support our Diocesan Ministries and Help Our Parish reach its Annual Appeal Goal

Mail your gift to: Diocesan Annual Appeal 300 Wyoming Avenue Scranton, PA l8503

or drop an Appeal gift in your parish collection. Your gift supports Catholic School Students, Parish Food Pantries, assists retired Priests who served generously, Seminarians answering God's call.

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

Lord, in this season of Advent, we thank you for abundant blessings of treasure and abilities. Give us generous hearts to joyfully share our gifts for those in need through the Diocesan Annual Appeal. We pray to the Lord.. OUR DIOCESAN ANNUAL APPEAL GOAL FOR 2020

Blessed Sacrament: $16,000.00

Holy Cross: $47,000.00

TO DATE:

Blessed Sacrament: $15,990.51 99.9% of our goal has been reached with $9.49 to go.

Holy Cross: $28,869.28 64% of our goal has been reached with $l7,l30.72 to go.

We are less than two weeks away from the first day of school in the Diocese of Scranton. That might be an introduction to any school year at this time of the year. This however, is not like any other first day of school. Corona virus and the resulting COVID- 19 have changed our lives dramatically. March 13th will be a day that we will all remember as the day, schooling as we knew it changed drastically.

Two weeks off turned into "until Easter" to "the end of the year." I realize that all our lives were rearranged and we learned how to wear a mask, how to estimate six feet, and how long it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice or recite two "Hail Mary's."

The 2020-2021 Religious Education Year is about to begin. Our first day of class is scheduled for October 4th. This year, our primary focus will be on our preparation for the Sacraments of Confirmation (grades 7 and 8) and Holy Communion (grades 1 and 2). For students in grades 3 to 6, we will be providing them with materials to continue their Religious Education Formation at home. We will not be providing a Kindergarten program this year.

Students in grades 1, 2, 7 and 8 will receive direct instruction on Sunday mornings. Classes will be created based on the number of students who register. We will be following all CDC guidelines and social distancing.

We are working to create an environment that sets a tone that all of our parishioners' health is foremost on our minds. We have been keeping up with the CDC, DOH, and Diocesan Guidelines for re-opening our churches and the programs we can offer. There are protocols and procedures that are being put into place for our students, teachers, and staff. Please remember that we all have to be extremely vigilant and cooperative in order to have face-to-face learning. Parents will be expected to do daily checklist screenings and students and teachers must wear masks.

In an effort to better prepare for this year's program and to make the best use of our limited space, we are asking you to complete the registration form included with this letter as soon as possible. In this way we can best prepare our classrooms and order materials needed for this year's instruction.

Our health will depend on everyone's cooperation and adherence. Specifics will be sent as soon as numbers are totaled based on the registrations we receive.

For our 1st, 2nd, 7th, and 8th grade students, our plan is that if we receive a total of 30 registrations (for example), that class will be divided into three groups of ten. These students would then meet once every third week while completing work at home on their off weeks.

For our 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th graders, we will be providing them with textbooks and an outline to follow allowing your child to continue their religious formation with your help at home.

Specifics as to the keys to a healthy environment so that we can continue face-to- face learning will be sent to you prior to the first day of class. Please continue to stay healthy and safe.

Sincerely,
Monsignor Michael J. Delaney Pastor

Deacon John Musyt
D.R.E. Holy Cross Parish

Karen Doyle
D.R.E Blessed Sacrament Parish

Bishop Joseph C. Bambera has set Monday, September 14, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, as a Day of Prayer and Gratitude for Priests in the Diocese of Scranton.

The bishop invites all priests and the faithful to join together for Evening Prayer with the Renewal of Priestly Promises live at 4:00 PM via CTV: Catholic Television, the Diocese of Scranton website or any of the Diocese of Scranton social media platforms.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, our priests have continued to do Christ's work by offering the sacraments to the sick and dying, finding creative ways to serve parishioners and serve the poor through food pantries and personal outreach. We thank them for their priestly commitment and service.

8:00am mass is back at Holy Cross!

Blessed Sacrament Parish: Saturdays at 5:30pm and Sundays at 9:30am

Holy Cross Parish: Saturdays at 4:00pm and Sundays at 8:00am and 11:00am.

You will be greeted upon entering each church and directed to where you will sit.

Please be in church 15 minutes before the beginning of Mass to receive instructions.

TO MAKE RESERVATIONS FOR MASS

Please call the rectory at: 570-489-0752 570-489-1963

Thank you for your understanding and patience in helping us to move forward. As always, your continued generosity and support of our parishes helps us to together continue to conduct our mission.

A special note of gratitude to those who have agreed to set-up, direct and sanitize our churches in preparation for worship. United in the Love of Our God who reveals Himself to us as father, Son and Holy Spirit,

Sincerely, Msgr. Michael J. Delaney

WEEKEND MASSES ON FACEBOOK

Every Saturday at 5:30pm from Blessed Sacrament and every Sunday at :00am from Holy Cross will continue to be broadcasted Live on Facebook.

May we who are merely inconvenienced remember those whose lives are at stake.

May we who have no risk factors remember those most vulnerable.

May we who have the luxury of working from home remember those who must choose between preserving their health and making their rent.

May we who have the flexibility to care for our children when their schools close remember those who have no options.

May we who have to cancel our trips remember those who have no safe place to go.

May we who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market remember those who have no margin at all.

May we who settle in for a quarantine at home remember those who have no home.

As fear grips our country, let us choose love.

And during this time when we may not be able to physically wrap our arms around each other, let us yet find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our neighbors.

Amen.

-Written by Rev. Dr. William J Barber II

"OPEN WIDE OUR HEARTS: THE ENDURING CALL TO LOVE" USCCB, 2018

"The distinction of body and blood among men are transcended by unity with the Body and Blood of Christ.

The Mass is the re-enactment of the cross's mighty onslaught upon human differences: the breaking down of the wall of partition. We participate in common, as in one family, in the Holy Eucharistic offering. We are united with one another through our union with Jesus Christ in Communion.

John La Farge, SJ. "The Catholic Viewpoint on Race Relations"

A PRAYER FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

Almighty God, Father of all nations, for freedom you have set us free in Christ Jesus (Galatians 5:1).

We praise and bless you for the gift of religious liberty,

The foundation of human rights, justice and the common good.

Grant to our leaders the wisdom to protect and promote our liberties;

By your grace may we have the courage to defend them, for ourselves and for all those who live in this blessed land.

We ask this through the intercession of Mary Immaculate, our patroness, and in the name of your son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, with whom you live and reign, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

"You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4th, not with a parade of tanks and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism." .. Irma Bombeck

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Bishop Joseph Bambera celebrated the Sacrament of Holy Orders ordaining three transitional deacons to priestly service for the People of God of the Diocese of Scranton. We join with all of our brothers and sisters celebrating with and congratulating Father Jonathan Kuhar, Father Shawn Simchock and Father Kevin Miller. The ordination was celebrated this past Saturday in the Cathedral of Saint Peter, Scranton, in a limited way due to measures in place, but also with limitless joy that God has called, these men have responded and the Church has ratified and validated their readiness for ministry. Please pray for Frs. Kuhar, Simchock and Miller as they begin their priestly service in our Diocese.

PRAYER FOR PRIESTS

Gracious and loving God we thank you for the gift of our priests. Through them, we experience your presence in the sacraments.

Help our priests to be strong in their vocation. Set their souls on fire with love for your people.

Grant them the wisdom, understanding, and strength they need to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Inspire them with the vision of your Kingdom.

Give them the words they need to spread the Gospel. Allow them to experience joy in their ministry.

Help them to become instruments of your divine grace.

We ask this through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns as our Eternal Priest.

Amen

Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, save me.

Blood of Christ, inebriate me.

Water from the side of Christ, wash me.

Passion of Christ, strengthen me.

O good Jesus, hear me.

Within Thy wounds, hide me.

Separated from Thee let me never be. From the malignant enemy, defend me.

At the hour of death, call me.

To come to Thee, bid me,

That I may praise Thee in the company Of Thy Saints, for all eternity.

Amen.

On this Father's Day weekend, we celebrate our Fathers, Grandfathers, and Fore Fathers, as well as those who have been like a Dad to us.

God Bless You.

Dear God,

Thank you for all the fathers and father-figures in this world and for the many ways you use them to lovingly guide others to your heart. Bless them and give them great joy and peace. May they see you and know you in new ways. Show them how much you love them and care about them. Guide their steps, use their hands, and make them a blessing to others as you continue to fulfill Your special purpose for their lives.

St. Joseph, pray for our Dads.

Amen

We lift up, honor, and celebrate our graduates! After years of hard work, personal growth, and spiritual development, we ask God to bless you as you move forward, building on the firm foundation built on and rooted in God's gracious love. May God empower you to walk into the future with faith, hope, and great love guided by God's light, using your talents as we build a better, more just and peaceful world.

God bless Deacon Mark DeCelles. We celebrate with the faithful of the Diocese of Scranton the ordination to the transitional diaconate of Mark DeCelles. Deacon DeCelles served in our parishes during the summer of 2018. His remarkable talent is matched by the enormity of his loving heart and desire to serve God's people.

God bless you, Deacon CeCelles.

Notes of support and congratulations may be sent to:
Deacon Mark DeCelles 923 E. Drinker Street Dunmore, PA 18512

As we continue to pray for the sick, for healthcare workers and all those who may be in harm's way. We pause and remember to be grateful.

Lord god, let us never forget all that you do for us. Sustain us with hope and light and love and joy. May we be ever mindful of the many new ways we are learning to encounter and experience you as we long to receive you in the Eucharist and share one another's company. May our lives continue to be a testimony to your incredible blessings, that your love may be known and experienced by all we are called to serve. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Vacation Bible School will not be held this summer-Holy Cross Chicken Bar-B-Q and Blessed Sacrament Family Festival will not take place this year.

Masses: Sunday 8 am, 12 Noon

Monday - Saturday 8 am, 12 Noon, 7 pm Rosary: Sunday - Saturday 7:30 am/P>

Stations of the Cross - Fridays 7 am & 4 pm Comcast - Channel 12 & Channel 1668 (HD) for EWTN and CTV/P>

Directv - Channel 370 for EWTN - CTV not available./P>

Parishioners that do not have Comcast can view through websites./P>

Dish Network - Channel 261 for EWTN - CTV not available. Parishioners that do not have Comcast can view through websites./P>

You can also watch live at www.ewtn.com/tv or www.DioceseaOfScranton.org, then click on media tab.

The coronavirus outbreak is stirring up anxiety, confusion and major inconveniences. It is a situation in which we can easily overreact or underreact. How can our faith tradition guide and comfort us through this troubling time?

ENOUGH FOR EVERYONE- Of course, we see these same dynamics play out in Scripture, where fear leads to hoarding. The most famous story is when the Israelites are in the desert without food (Exodus 16). God rains down manna from heaven but also cautions them to take only what they need for now. They disobey but find that the food they attempt to store away goes bad immediately. The consistent message we hear in the Bible is that we need to trust in God, who will provide enough for everyone. The problems come when people begin to take more than they need.

Fear of the coronavirus has cause some to stockpile and hoard unreasonable amounts of hand sanitizer, face masks and other supplies against the recommendations of leaders. The problem is that this wipes out supplies for those who truly need them the most-health care workers and those most vulnerable to the disease- without really making the buyers safer.

PROTECT THE VULNERABLE- Scripture and the social teachings of the church remind us again and again that we-as individuals and a society-must protect and give priority to those who are most vulnerable and at risk. We see this from the laws in the Old Testament that looked out for the poor and the widows, to Jesus' embrace of people on the margins of society, to the early church's adamant support of those who had less. The Bible urges us to put those who are most at risk first.

In the midst of the coronavirus, the vulnerable take many forms. Most obvious are those who are elderly or have other health conditions that make them most susceptible to illness. Those who are younger may not be concerned about our own health risks, but if we help pass on the virus, it can be a life-or-death situation for others.

Others are financially vulnerable and do not have the flexibility to take sick leave that many of us take for granted. That puts them in a difficult situation when they become ill and may have to choose between putting their job at risk and staying home to protect others. Likewise, many parents do not have the flexibility to stay home when school is canceled for their children.

The situation is impacting many others, such as small business owners who may already be on shaky financial ground.

A SPIRIT OF SACRIFICE- This health crisis is challenging many of us to make sacrifices in our lives. Some are huge, such as those made by exhausted health care workers around the world, desperately trying to keep patients alive (while avoiding the illness themselves.)

Other sacrifices fall more in the category of inconveniences. It is inconvenient when events are canceled, schools close, and travel is limited. It is inconvenient to wash our hands intentionally and regularly.

But this kind of sacrifice is at the very center of our faith. Every time we gather around the Lord's Table, we celebrate the powerful way Christ showed us how to love others. He sacrificed everything in self-giving love for us. Truly loving others will always cost us something.

Actions that may not entirely make sense to us can have huge effects. Scientists point to the 1918 flu when St. Louis proactively and aggressively closed its schools to prevent infections. Death rates in the city were about one third those in Pittsburg, which was much slower to close its schools. Thousands of lives were saved.

We may grumble about or resist changing our habits, especially if it's unclear what's in it for us. But we need to remember that many of these actions are more about protecting others. Perhaps the invitation amidst this crisis is to embrace the inconveniences fully, and then move beyond them to seek out the best ways to serve those who are most in need.

LOVING OUR NEIGHBOR- Community is essential to us as Christians, We are the Body of Christ, and we know that when two or more gather in Jesus' name, he is present with us. So it may be a bit harder for us to handle the "social distancing" happening in many communities.

Our call to community is not only in the context of our church but also in our neighborhood community. How do we literally love our neighbor? How can we be witnesses on our streets?

One way is to regularly check in on your neighbors who may be vulnerable and isolated. Offer to deliver groceries or other items for them or to run other errands so they won't have to risk infection by leaving their home.

Be a positive, calming influence in any online neighborhood communities. Don't spread rumors or hysteria, but find ways to support each other through the crisis.

LIVING THE VIRTUES- Ultimately, as with life in general, we are called to live out the four cardinal virtues:

• Prudence-Carefully discern the best course of action not just for ourselves, but for the good of all. Ask: What action does God want me to take?

• Justice- Seek fairness for everyone, especially those who need it most. Ask" Who is not getting the help that they need?

• Temperance-Fina a healthy balance between self care and care for others. Ask: Do I err toward selfishness or an unhealthy co- dependence?

• Fortitude- Persevere in times of trial and difficulty. Ask: Do I have the courage to do the right thing even when the going gets tough?

Is your marriage going down the right road…or is it a little off track? Are you already separated? Retrouvaille can help and offers hope for a better relationship. Retrouvaille is a peer ministry of volunteer couples that can help you learn the tools of healthy communication. Couples of al faiths as well as non-religious couples are welcome. For more information contact 717-356-2185 or visit the website at www.HelpOurMarriage.org.

(1) THE ANNULMENT PROCESS

If you are or know someone looking for information how to proceed and move forward after a divorce, please call the Rectory (570-489-0752).

(2) “HOW DO I GET MY MARRIAGE BLESSED IN THE CHURCH?”

If you’ve been married civilly (judge, mayor, justice of the peace, etc.) and are looking to have your marriage convalidated (blessed in the Church, celebrating the Sacrament of Matrimony), and need information or have questions, please call the Rectory and ask for Monsignor Delaney.

Cancelled until further notice.

Catholic Social Services of The Diocese of Scranton offers compassionate counseling in a safe, comfortable environment where your privacy is always respected. Counseling is about self-discovery and can be used for personal growth or when distressing conditions exist and you need a bit of extra support… help is available. Anyone who struggles with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, life transitions or a variety of emotional or psychological conditions is welcome. For more information or to make an appointment, call 570-207-2283.