Heavenly Father,

you entrusted your Son Jesus,

the child of Mary,

to the care of Joseph, an earthly father.

Bless all fathers

as they care for their families.

Give them strength and wisdom,

tenderness and patience;

support them in the work they have to do,

protecting those who look to them,

as we look to you for love and salvation,

through Jesus Christ our rock and defender.

Amen.

On Saturday, June 26, 2021 at 10:00am at the Cathedral of Saint Peter, Scranton, Deacon Mark DeCelles will be ordained a priest for the Diocese of Scranton by Bishop Joseph Bambera. We join with Mark’s parents, Dr. Charles and Millie, his brothers, family and friends as we give thanks to God and rejoice in this time of celebration!

Deacon Mark served in our parishes during the summer of 2018. We are blessed by Mark’s service among us, and ask God to bless him as he begins his priestly ministry.

PRAYER FOR PRIESTS

Mother of Jesus Christ and Mother of priests,
accept this title which we bestow on you to celebrate your motherhood and to contemplate with you the priesthood of your Son and of your sons, O holy Mother of God.

Mother of Christ,
to the Messiah Priest you gave a body of flesh through the anointing of the Holy Spirit for the salvation of the poor and the contrite of heart; guard priests in your heart and in the Church, O Mother of the Savior.

Mother of Faith,
you accompanied to the Temple the Son of Man, the fulfillment of the promises given to the fathers; give to the Father for his glory the priests of your Son, O Ark of the Covenant.

Mother of the Church,
with the disciples in the Upper Room you prayed to the Spirit for the new People and their shepherds; obtain for the Order of Presbyters a fullness of gifts, O Queen of the Apostles.

Mother of Jesus Christ,
You were with Him at the beginning of His life and of His mission, you sought the Master among the crowd, you stood beside Him when he was lifted up from the earth consumed as the one eternal sacrifice, and you had John close by you, your son; accept from the beginning those who have been called protect their growth, accompany your sons in their life and in their ministry, O Mother of Priests. Amen.

By Pope St. John Paul II
in Pastores Dabo Vobis

Thanks to the response of so many who have volunteered to assist us, and with the great generosity of St. Francis Kitchen, we have resumed our Wednesday lunch, but as a take-out only lunch. Guests will be given instructions when they arrive. There is never a charge for our Wednesday lunch, and all are most welcome!

Attention Lectors! We are looking to resume a regular schedule of lectors to assist with the Proclamation of the Word of God at Mass. Please call the rectory at 570-489-0752 to let us know if you are able to return to this important ministry at this time. A meeting will be scheduled. We are always looking for new people to assist in this wonderful liturgical ministry.

• Individuals who are fully vaccinated from COVID-19 are not required to wear masks while attending Mass or receiving Holy Communion. Fully vaccinated individuals are welcome to continue wearing masks at Mass if desired for personal protection and/or comfort.
• Individuals who have not been fully vaccinated must continue to wear masks while attending Mass. Individuals who are not fully vaccinated must wear a mask while receiving Holy Communion but may briefly remove the mask in order to consume the Sacred Host.
• All individuals aged two or older who are not fully vaccinated, whether indoors or outdoors, must wear a properly-fitting face covering that covers their mouth and nose while attending Mass.
• Holy Water fonts may be refilled.
• Priests, Deacons and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are still required to wear a face mask during the Distribution of Holy Communion at this time.
• Parishes will continue to clean and disinfect surfaces at least daily. Parishes should continue to be mindful of high-touch surfaces, including door handles, railings and bathrooms.
• Distribution of the Precious Blood remains suspended at this time.
• With parental permission, altar servers may assist at Mass once again. They must wear masks during the Mass if not fully vaccinated.
• Congregational singing continues to be discouraged at this time. Music led by a cantor or organist supports the Sacred Mass. The community is encouraged to pray along silently.
• While Holy Communion may now be received on the tongue, the faithful are strongly encouraged to receive in the hand for greater caution at this time.
• While ongoing progress is being made to address the spread of COVID-19 with vaccinations, the obligation to attend Sunday Mass and Masses on Holy Days remain suspended at this time.
• If you are feeling ill, please stay at home. We highly encourage those who are vulnerable (such as elderly and people with underlying medical conditions) to continue to participate in Mass via our Parish Livestreaming on Facebook or CTV. Mass from the Cathedral of St. Peter will continue to be broadcasted daily on CTV. It is also available on the Diocese of Scranton website and all of their social media outlets.

WEEKEND MASSES ON FACEBOOK

Saturday at 5:30pm from Blessed Sacrament and 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. Note: There may be occasions where a mass may not be streamed for one reason or another. This does not mean that the streaming of masses has been stopped entirely. In these cases you can find the mass on CTV or the Diocese of Scranton Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/DioceseOfScranton) or The Sacred Hear Peckville Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/sacredheartpeckvillePA).

HOLY CROSS PARISH

BLESSED SACRAMENT PARISH

“Confirmation unites us more firmly to Christ. It strengthens our relationship with the Church, and it gives us special strength from the Holy Spirit to defend the faith and confess the name of Christ.” Pope Francis

Monsignor Delaney has confirmed our candidates from both Blessed Sacrament Parish and Holy Cross Parish. Congratulations to our young people, their sponsors, parents, grandparents, families, and friends.

CONFIRMATION PRAYER

Sprit of God, grant me:

The gift of wisdom
to see the world through your eyes,

The gift of counsel
to make difficult decisions,

The gifts of knowledge and understanding
to use my mind to know You and to love You,

The gift of fortitude
to have the courage to live in the faith despite the difficulties and disappointments,

The gift of piety
to be able to express my special love and commitment to You, and the right kind of awesome fear that makes me pause to wonder and revere God’s Love.

Amen.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THOSE RECENTLY CONFIRMED IN OUR PARISHES!

Special thanks to parents, sponsors, grandparents, families, and friends for the example and support you provide to your children. Our gratitude to Deacon John Musyt and Karen Doyle - our Directors of Religious Education, Mrs. Alison Lott and Mrs. Maureen Pitcavage – our catechists; Mrs. Mary Therese McKane, Mr. Ned Dructor, Mrs. Gina Pascolini, and Mrs. Michele Malewicz – our organists and cantors; and Jackie Musyt and Judy Novak for all of your preparation and organization. May God bless you all.

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.

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.

OUR ADORATION CHAPEL TO REOPEN

The Saint John Paull II Chapel at Holy Cross Parish is now open for Eucharistic Adoration. Please note - at this time, the Chapel is open for a limited number of hours and only those who have a scheduled hour will be using the chapel. We look forward to a more general opening in the not too distant future. If you would like to schedule an hour for when hours are extended (Mondays at 10:00pm and Tuesdays at 6:00pm are currently still available), please call Eydie Kenny at 570-489-8816.

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

Monsignor Delaney will be available for anyone who would like to go to Confessions on Wednesday, June 23rd @ 6:30pm, Holy Cross Parish You may also call the rectory at 570-489-0752 to make a separate 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.

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.

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: $18,240.00 114% of our goal of $16,000 has been reached!

Holy Cross: $48,400.00 103% of our goal of $47,000 has been reached! THANK YOU!

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.