Martin Muldowney, father of Monsignor Thomas M. Muldowney, former pastor of Holy Cross Parish, passed away on April 15th. To send messages of condolences…

Monsignor Thomas M. Muldowney, V.G.
Office of the Vicar General
300 Wyoming Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

We are hoping to re-open our Wednesday lunch in a limited way, sharing a take-out only box lunch for our guests. We can only do that if we have a sufficient number of volunteers. If you were a Wednesday lunch volunteer and feel comfortable returning to assist, or would like to join us in this worthwhile venture, please call the Parish Office at 570-489-0752.

With the limited space and the wonder of limitless generosity, we have to take a break from the collection of non-perishable foods. We will continue to collect gift cards from local grocery stores. Thank you!

From the Office of the Bishop

The Fraternite Notre Dame Community, since its acquisition of the former Saint Mary of Assumption Parish complex in South Scranton in 2020, has generously provided support to the poor, particularly during the course of the current health crisis. The Community, however, describes itself as a Traditional Catholic Religious Order that is not in union with the Pope. As such, it is not a legitimate religious order of the Catholic Church.

The faithful of the Diocese of Scranton should not attend Masses nor receive the sacraments provided by the Fraternite Notre Dame Community when Masses are available in nearby Churches of the Diocese. Particularly regarding the sacraments of Confirmation and Marriage, these celebrations would not only be illicit, but also invalid.

Special Thanks

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

Monsignor Delaney will be available for anyone who would like to go to Confessions on Thursday, May 6th at 6:30pm at Holy Cross Parish or by call the Rectory, 570-489-0752, for an appointment.

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

EEFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

We are stopping the collection of non-perishable food items. With the limited space and the wonder of limitless generosity, we have to take a break from the collection of non-perishable foods. We will continue to collect gift cards from local grocery stores. Thank you!

WE ARE STILL COLLECTING CLEANING SUPPLIES

Please place cleaning supplies on the porch (front or back) at Holy Cross/Blessed Sacrament Office, 200 Delaware Avenue, Olyphant. Continued thanks for your donations.

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.

WEEKEND MASSES ON FACEBOOK

Every Saturday at 5:30pm from Blessed Sacrament and every Sunday at 11:00am from Holy Cross will continue to be broadcasted Live on Facebook. Our Facebook name is The Parishes of Holy Cross & Blessed Sacrament.

OUR ADORATION CHAPEL REMAINS CLOSED AT THIS TIME

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.

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./p>

OUR DIOCESAN ANNUAL APPEAL GOAL FOR 2020

Blessed Sacrament: $16,000.00

Holy Cross: $47,000.00

TO DATE:

Blessed Sacrament: $18,205.00 114% of our goal of $16,000 has been reached!

Holy Cross: $41,568.00 86% of our goal of $47,000 has been reached, with $6,532.00 to go.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Unexpected Pregnancy

An unexpected pregnancy may cause one to panic and feel their entire world is falling apart. Pregnancy counseling is available to every pregnant woman regardless of age, race, religion, or marital status. Supportive counseling is also offered to anyone affected by the pregnancy. For assistance or more information call Catholic Social Services at 800-982-4310.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL COUNSELING

Are you or someone you know struggling with problems related to Drugs or Alcohol? For over 80 years Catholic Social Services has helped individuals and families deal with substance abuse. For more information please call Catholic Social Services at 570-829-3489.

In order to hear the voice of God, one has to have silence in one’s soul and to keep silence; not a gloomy silence, but an interior silence, that is to say, recollection in God. One can speak a great deal without breaking silence and, on the contrary, one can speak little and be constantly breaking silence.

……..St. Faustina Kowalska

Meditation is the mother of the love of God, and contemplation is the daughter of the love of God. Contemplation is nothing other than taking delight in the goodness of him whom we have learned to know in meditation, and whom we have learned to love by means of this knowledge.

………..St. Francis De Sales

Let us put our hope in Jesus, the name of salvation given to men and women of every language and race. Confessing his name, let us walk trustfully toward the future, certain that we will not be disappointed if we trust in the most holy name of Jesus. - St. John Paul II

Every moment of prayer, especially before our Lord in the tabernacle, is a positive gain. The time we spend in having our daily audience with God is the most precious part of the whole day.

……….Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

Prayer is nothing else than union with God. In this intimate union God and the soul are like two pieces of wax molded into one; they cannot anymore be separated. It is a very wonderful thing, this union of God with his insignificant creature, a happiness passing all understanding.

……..St. John Vianney

Our Lady of the Rosary

Mary, Mother of Christ, tech us to pray your rosary as it should be prayed. For these ordinary beads strung on threads hold within themselves all the mysteries of our holy faith and all the main ways of prayer. Mary, Queen of the Rosary, open to us its holy secrets. Let it be our door to the heart of your son, his Father, and the Holy Spirit. ………….Catherine Doherty

"May is a month which the piety of the faithful has long dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God. This is the month during which Christians, in their churches and their homes, offer the Virgin Mother more fervent and loving acts of homage and veneration; and it is the month is which a greater abundance of God’s merciful gifts comes down to us from our Mother’s throne."

……..Pope Paul VI

Meditation is the mother of the love of God, and contemplation is the daughter of the love of God. Contemplation is nothing other than taking delight in the goodness of him whom we have learned to know in meditation, and whom we have learned to love by means of this knowledge. ……..St. Francis De Sales

The More you pray, the more you want to pray. It’s like a fish that starts by swimming near the surface of the water then plunges and goes on swimming deeper and deeper. The soul plunges, is swallowed up, loses itself in the delights of conversation with God. ….St John Vianney

Parents who are sitting in the choir loft with their children, are asked NOT to sit in the first row due to safety issues. Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated.

Know a Marriage That Needs Help?  Throw them a lifeline and tell them about Retrouvaille, an international program that helps couples who are experiencing marital difficulties. This program is for all couples, at any stage of marriage that needs help to communicate with each other in a more attentive and loving manner. The next program in the Scranton Diocese begins Feb. 26-Feb. 28, 2016, at The Ramada Inn, Clarks Summit, PA. Please call 800-470-2230 for more information or to register or visit the website at www.helpourmarriage.org.