Christian hope is not some kind of wishful thinking, far from it! Saint Peter said, “By his great mercy we have been born anew to living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1 Peter 1:3).

We celebrate new life in Christ this Easter – in the newly initiated; in the hearts of those who have done the blessed work of Lent and come to Easter renewed; and in the lives of all those seeking a deeper relationship with and in the Risen Christ as that is experienced in community and family living.

Pope Francis reminds us: “This virtue of Hope…is hard to live. It is the smallest but strongest of the virtues. And our hope has a face: the face of the Risen Lord…The triumph of Jesus at the end of time will be the triumph of the Cross, the demonstration that the sacrifice of oneself for love of neighbor, in initiation of Christ, is the only victorious power, the only stable point in the midst of the upheavals and tragedies of the word.”

This Easter Season we celebrate the hope which is ours in the Risen Christ. We pray that we will persevere, especially in the daily difficulties we experience.

Renewing our Baptismal promises we respond resoundingly “I Do” to questions asked: Do you Reject Darkness, Sin, Satan “I Do”, Do you Believe in Father, Son and Holy Spirit “I Do”.

May, we pray O Gracious God, our Easter response echo in living Easter hope each and every day. Alleluia!

Blessed, Happy Easter to one and all.

Monsignor Delaney

EASTER SUNDAY, LIVING IN THE SCHOOL OF HOPE

“I plead with you – never, ever give up on hope, never doubt, never tire, and never become discouraged. Be Not Afraid”. ……… St. John Paul II

CATHOLIC PRAYER AT EASTER

“THE GREAT GIFT OF EASTER IS HOPECHRISTIAN HOPE WHICH MAKES US HAVE THE CONFIDENCE IN GOD, IN HIS ULTIMATE TRIUMPH, AND IN HIS GOODNESS AND LOVE, WHICH NOTHING CAN SHAKE.” ……….Cardinal Basil Home

Saint Paul reminds us: “That at the Name of Jesus, every knee should bend in the heavens and on the earth; and every tongue proclaim, to the glory of God the Father that JESUS CHRIST IS LORD.”

After living a life proclaiming that “Jesus Christ is Lord”, Mary Ann was called home to God’s love on April 3rd, on the Octave of Easter. Mary Ann worked tirelessly and spent her life selflessly for our parishes for twenty years.

Born in Jessup, Mary Ann Bisignani was the daughter of the late Helen Jakunski and Geremia (Frank) Galli. Mary Ann loved serving the Gospel as a member of our parish staff and shared her faith and creativity on many committees as well as carrying the Lord to God’s people as an extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. Her talents were shared participating in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of the Diocese of Scranton. She believed deeply in the love God has for us and in the power of prayer, always remembering the needs of those around her.

We ask the kindness of your prayers for Mary Ann’s family and those who love her, especially her husband Richard (married 59 years) and children: Kathryn Tomsofsky and husband Paul; Richard (Ricky); Maria Harrell and Ron, and Dr. Lynn Mailloux and Brian as well as her treasured grandchildren: Christian, Morgan, Nicole, MaCayla, Parker and Sean; and her sisters Gerri Dunda and Nancy Casama and brother frank Galli, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Eternal rest grant unto Mary Ann Bisignani, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

The Social Concerns Committee of Holy Cross & Blessed Sacrament Parish will be hosting a Baby Shower on Sunday, April 22 from 2 to 4 PM at Blessed Sacrament Parish Hall. Admission is $15.00 or a comparable gift for St. Joseph’s. Come enjoy some food, desserts, beverages, party games, basket raffle and 50/50 raffle. All proceeds to benefit St. Joseph’s Center. RSVP by April 16, call 570-489-5125 or 570- 393-0710.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION will take place Saturday, May 5th at 10:00 AM at Holy Cross Parish and on Sunday, May 6th at 9:30 AM at Blessed Sacrament Parish. Parents and/or guardians are asked to please make sure your children attend all practices. Please contact John Musyt or Rosemarie Liesiefsky if you have any questions about the dates or times of practices:

Sunday, April 29th – during class (both churches)

Tuesday, May 1—6 to 8 PM. Both churches

Thursday, May 3 – 6 to 8 PM Both churches

All parishioners are reminded of their obligation to fulfill their “Easter Duty.” A person’s Easter duty consists of receiving Holy Communion at least once between Ash Wednesday and Pentecost Sunday as well as celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This year Pentecost Sunday is May 20.

Holy Cross Parish is at 98.2%; only $903 still needed. We are grateful to the 319 parishioners who supported the 2017 Annual Appeal. IF you have not given your support, please:

• Call the Development Office at 570-207-2250 to make a pledge or give a gift by credit card

• Mail a check to the Diocesan Appeal Office at 300 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503

• Give online at www.DioceseofScranton.org Our parish is reimbursed 75% for any gifts made to the Appeal in excess of our Appeal goal. Every donation counts!! If you have not pledged, please.

Tuesday, January 23, 2018, 6:30 PM Holy Hour/Adoration/Benediction

Join us as we lift up in prayer our faith in the holiness of all life, the dignity of each woman person created in the image and likeness of God. January 22nd marks the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion in the United States. We earnestly pray for the safty of all unjborn children, for all expectant Moms and their families, and that the love of God will touch and transform human hearts to be dedicated to care for, treasur and cherish every man, woman and child from conception until natural death.

On Monday, January 9th, our Merciful Father called his devoted daughter, our sister and friend, Therese Peko, home to eternal life.

Therese began her service to the Church of St. Anthony of Padua in 1948, 70 years ago, continuing to share her gentle spirit and gifts with the people of our community after the consolidation of parishes until very recently.

Therese was born in Throop, daughter of the late Stephen and Tessi Lewandowski Peko, she was a graduate of Throop High School and attended classes at Marywood College. She served our parish with exemplary commitment and devotion as parish secretary, organist, companion and dear friend. She leaves us with an extraordinary model of faith and service for us to follow.

As we mourn her passing, we pray for her sister Estelle Hanis and her brother Henry Peko and for her many nieces and nephews. Therese was preceded in death by four sisters and four brothers: Ceil Borden, Ann Rudzinski, Stepheny McCurl, Martha Mallas, Stanley, Stephen, Chester and Gene Peko. After sharing 70 years of love and service to our parish, we pray…..Eternal rest grant unto Therese Peko, O Lord.

“They whom we love and lose are no longer where they were before. They are now wherever we are.” ………St. John Chrysostom

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. Maura C. Burns, a University of Scranton pre-dental student and co-founder of Ready, Set, Brush is working with our Social Concerns Committee collecting new toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, etc. during the month of February. Items collected will be distributed to local charities such as the Children’s Advocacy Center and United Neighborhood Center. Collection boxes will be placed in the vestibules of both parishes.

Father Nalazala Irudaya Raj (Father Raj) celebrates the 25th anniversary of ordination to priestly ministry for the Diocese of Nellore, India. This Silver Jubilee will be celebrated on January 17, 2018 in the company of his Bishop and family and friends. We join with them in prayerful gratitude to God for Father Raj’s priestly service. Father Raj’s address:

Rev. Fr. N.A. Irudaya Raj
Infant Jesus Church
Kandukur (Post & Mandal)
Prakasam (Dt.) 523105
A.P. (ST) India

Join in for “Best Advent Ever”

Remember the excitement you felt leading up to Christmas when you were a child?

We have Advent every year – this period of time leading up to Christmas. It’s meant to be a time of preparation. But very often the world steals that time from us in a hundred different ways by distracting us. Don’t let this be just another Advent where you get distracted and busy. Rediscover the joy in the season with a free e-mail program Best Advent Ever.

Starting December 3, the First Sunday of Advent, you will receive daily e-mails with:

*Short inspirational videos from Matthew Kelly and Allen Hunt.

*Simple tips to incorporate what you learn into your everyday life.

This year, you will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience at Christmas because you’ve had your best Advent ever. Get ready for the best Christmas of your life! Sign-up – Go online: DynamicCatholic.com Best Advent Ever.

Join us at Kelley Hall at 12 Noon each Wednesday for a free community meal. The nutritious meal, prepared at St. Francis Kitchen, Scranton, is served cafeteria style. All are welcome.

The Christmas shopping season will officially be underway this Friday! When purchasing items from Amazon.com, please consider logging into your account via the Amazon Smile Program. A portion of your sale will be donated to our home at no additional cost to you!

To help, log in to your account at smile.amazon.com/ch/24-0832764.

Our parish family welcomes all who joined us for the celebration of the Eucharist this weekend. If you are not a registered member of the parish and would like to join the parish, please contact the parish office or see Monsignor Delaney for more information.

SOCIAL CONCERNS COMMITTEE will meet on Monday, April 16 at 6:30 PM, Blessed Sacrament Parish.

Events

The Social Concerns Committee of Holy Cross & Blessed Sacrament Parish will be hosting a Baby Shower on Sunday, April 22 from 2 to 4 PM at Blessed Sacrament Parish Hall. Admission is $15.00 or a comparable gift for St. Joseph’s. Come enjoy some food, desserts, beverages, party games, basket raffle and 50/50 raffle. All proceeds to benefit St. Joseph’s Center. RSVP by April 16, call 570-489-5125 or 570- 393-0710.

Our Catholic life begins and ends in the Parish because a Parish is the gathering of God’s faithful people. Today, more than ever, we must connect with our fellow parishioners, reinforcing our faith and keeping it vital for the next generation of Catholics. It is crucial that we foster a rich parish life, where families and friends come together in the spirit of Catholic fellowship. The Office for Parish Life assists in all aspects of Liturgy and Worship, Service & Social Concerns, Community and Family Development. Your gifts fund such programs as networking and training for Youth .Ministry Leaders, Directors of Religious Education, Music and Liturgical Ministry, Bereavement Support, Social Concerns and Parish Councils.

Care & Education to Priests:

“Answering God’s call to a life of service to His People” Our priests and deacons unconditionally answer the call to serve God’s people meeting increasing needs throughout our Diocese. Contributions to the Annual Appeal fund ongoing formation of our priests, permanent deacons, seminarians and deacon candidates. These funds also help us to care for and support our 96 retired or ill priests, many of whom continue to generously assist with the celebration of Masses, the visitation of the sick and by offering spiritual guidance to all in need. Appeal gifts also assist the Vocation Office, which has been blessed with encouraging growth, in guiding those who are considering priesthood through a comprehensive discernment process. We are grateful to currently have 11 seminarians pursuing the priesthood in the Diocese of Scranton. Your gift to the Annual Appeal directly supports the celebration of the Eucharist, men in clergy formation, proclamation of the Gospel and administration of the Sacraments within our parish communities.

Educating the future generations of the faithful

Shaping the next generation of the faithful through a Catholic education in our schools and parishes is an essential mission of the Diocese of Scranton. Last year, more than 5,100 elementary, middle and high school students benefitted from the academic programs and spiritual guidance offered by our Catholic Schools. More than 15,000 children received religious education in parish based-programs, instilling in them an intimate knowledge of the faith and the love of God and fostering a desire to serve one another.

If you didn’t bring your phone to Mass today, it’s not too late to make a gift or pledge using your cell phone. Gifts are appreciated in any amount and are fully tax-deductible. Will you help by sharing your gifts?

To text a gift using your cell phone to support the ministries and services supported by the Diocesan Appeal, just…Text the word “Appeal” to number 91999, and follow the prompts. We appreciate your generosity. May God bless you.

Living Faith, Serving with Mercy “The great gift of mercy lies at the heart of all that we do as a church, and it also lies at the heart of the support we receive from the Diocesan Annual Appeal.”

Where we stand:

Holy Cross Parish: HOLY CROSS:We are at 99.66% of our $50,000 goal; $49,830.00 ($170.00)

Blessed Sacrament: Congratulations!! We are at 107% of our $17,000 goal;$18,515.00, $1,515.00 over. Remember that 75% of collected appeal donations above goal will be returned our parishes.

As Augustine is remembered as saying “He who sings prays twice” Come join our parish choirs and help lead our parishes in prayers.

Choirs began meeting on Wednesday, September 7th at 6:30 pm. In both Holy Cross and Blessed Sacrament Parishes. Holy Cross is under the direction of Mary Therese McKane, Blessed Sacrament.

Too Busy to Pray?

If we are too busy to pray, maybe we are just too busy. In today's world many people are busy doing good and necessary things. Accomplishing primary tasks instead of dwelling on secondary ones is a matter of setting our priorities aright. Jesus set the example as he withdrew from the crowds to pray and commune with his heavenly Father. "But the news about Him was spreading even farther, and large crowds were gathering to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray (Luke 5:15-16 NASB). Surely, preaching and healing the sick were good and necessary pursuits; but despite the clamor of the crowds, Jesus often forsook them for a higher priority, prayer.

Provident God, You bless us with the gift of Jesus Who cares for us as a good shepherd. By our Baptism we are anointed and sent to continue the mission of Jesus. Guide Your people to prayerfully choose a way of life that best serves you with their gifts. Empower us by Your Holy Spirit to live dedicated lives as married and single people, as deacons, priests, and religious. United with Jesus, our shepherd, we are one with You, now and forever. Amen.

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.

CHRISTIANS IN ACTION (Youth Group)

Our linked-parish youth group will meet on Sunday, January 15 at 5:00 PM in Kelley Hall, Holy Cross Parish, Olyphant.

Come join us as we begin a new year of activities, service projects and events. All are most welcome.

CONFRATERNITY OF CHRISTIAN WOMEN

Will hold their meeting on Sunday, April 8, 2:00 PM Kelley Hall. All are welcome.

THE CONFRATERNITY OF CHRISTIAN WOMEN is seeking new members!

The Confraternity is one of our parish’s oldest and most dedicated ministries. Members of the Confraternity serve Holy Cross Parish by living out their call to holiness distinctively as women, who are the backbone of this spiritual and charitable organization, which is under the banner of our Blessed Mother. They share a social bond as well as a love of their parish, and the need to participate in helping it grow and prosper. While primarily a spiritual group, the Confraternity also helps organize and run a number of different events throughout the year. Members are also active in volunteering with other parish ministries. Meetings are held monthly. The Confraternity of Christian Women welcomes women of any age for prayer, community, spirituality, service and friendship.

Catholics are exposed to Scripture primarily through the Sunday readings from a book known as the Lectionary. The Lectionary is a book of selected passages from the Bible set in the context of a liturgical season, such as Advent, Lent, or Ordinary Time. There are four readings assigned to any Sunday: the first reading (usually from the Old Testament), the responsorial psalm, the second reading (usually from a New Testament letter), and the Gospel reading.

These readings together give them a new context. The selected readings relate to one another in a unique manner that is not present in the Bible text itself. In close proximity to each other, these readings now have the opportunity to converse with each other in a way that would have not been possible before. A homilist pays attention to all four readings, preparing a reflection that speaks of this conversation among the readings. Thus, the homily can be a good way of connecting the readings, enabling us to zero in on what this unique combination of God's word has to say to us this particular Sunday. Next time that you celebrate Sunday liturgy, prepare by reading the Scripture ahead of time and see how this new relationship among the readings addresses and challenges you to be a better Christian here and now.