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April Newsletter Volume 6 Number 8 |
| Pastoral Team
SACRAMENT PREPARATION PROGRAMS Holy Cross is on the Internet! SOCIAL ACTION IN OUR COMMUNITY |
| Pastoral Team
Pastor: Fr. Norm Marcotte
Absolutely Free Today's Gospel passage contains probably the most well known and quoted verse in the whole Bible: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life." This is from John, chapter 3, verse 16. When we compare our sins with the love of God, there is no contest. So many times we agonize about things we have done wrong and repented of, giving ourselves unnecessary grief. God's love covers over all of our past wrong-doing. This is really hard for us to believe because it goes against the way that our society operates. Do something criminally wrong and you end up in prison until you pay your debt. Sometimes the Good News is too good. We are so used to earning everything that we have, we also want to earn our forgiveness. The teaching on Justification clearly goes against any sense of discouragement we may have because of our past wrongdoings. When God forgives, God forgets. There is no book up in heaven where God is keeping track of our sins. If God does keep track it is more like putting information into a computer. When a person wants to get rid of such information one or two keystrokes wipes everything away. Then we start fresh with no trace of the past anywhere to be found. This is what our Lenten season is calling us to--complete trust in the goodness and forgiveness of the God who sent his only Son to save us from ourselves. May we gladly and joyfully accept that gift. Peace, We were very fortunate to have had Fr. Dave Cottingham and Bob Williston begin our Lenten season with a parish mission. It was a spirit filled mission and well received by those attending. Lent is fast drawing to a close and we are now looking forward to Easter, just as winter is ending and spring is near. Easter like spring is a time of new life, of new beginnings. During Lent, with prayers and sacrifices, we follow Christ in love as we atone for the times we added to his sufferings and pains by our wrongdoings. Thus we have the Sacrament of Reconciliation allowing us to truly put our past behind and begin anew. Reconciliation, Form III (General Absolution) will be on Sunday, April 9, at 2:30 p.m. and privately at times announced in the bulletins or by appointment. Throughout Holy Week we will recall the passion and death of Jesus Christ and finally join in the celebration of his glorious Resurrection. Make Holy Week special by attending all the celebrations. (Check the newsletter and bulletins for Mass times, etc.) Easter is a wonderful gift which enlivens the spiritual life of individuals, families and the parish. Make time to prepare your hearts to celebrate the greatest feast of the year - the Resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!. God bless, Fr. Norm Seeking Forgiveness In The Jubilee Year As part of the preparation for the new millennium, Pope John Paul II asked Catholics to make an examination of conscience regarding the behavior of Christians past and present. The Church "cannot cross the threshold of the new millennium without encouraging her children to purify themselves, through repentance, of past errors and instances of infidelity, inconsistency, and slowness to act." (Tertio Millennio Adveniento, #33) Accordingly, the Pope's observance of Ash Wednesday will include a special request for pardon for these past sins, including instances of intolerance and even resorting to violence in the name of the truth. A reevaluation of the past has been a theme of the papacy for John Paul II. He has expressed regret for the treatment of minorities in Christian lands, for the violence of wars of religion during the Reformation and for the Church's handling of such judicial cases as that of Galileo. "Although holy by virtue of its incorporation into Christ, the Church always acknowledges as her own her sinful sons and daughters." Such an acceptance of the past paves the way for dealing with the present. "Acknowledging the weaknesses of the past is an act of honesty and courage which helps us strengthen our faith, which alerts us to face today's temptations and challenges and prepares us to meet them." The threefold Lenten practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving express the dynamic tension in genuine baptismal faith combining both the personal and community dimensions of our call to seek forgiveness and reconciliation in our own lives and thus follow Christ more closely. Our Lenten prayer is a time for us to look at ourselves and reorder our priorities in light of the Gospel. We are called to spend a few minutes each day of our busy lives listening to God in the silence of our heart, and to pray together as family and community for our needs and those of others. Fasting during lent empties us and can bring about a level of consciousness quite different from that of being "full, fat and happy." It requires individual effort and discipline which can be the source of grace for us to make the changes necessary in our lives. Fasting also provides an experience of communion with those of our world who are hungry. The giving of alms and works of mercy ought to flow from our fasting.
They are tangible expressions of our conversion to follow Jesus more closely.
Our offering for the poor should reflect the money saved through penitential
fasting and set aside for God's poor. LENT AND EASTER AT HOLY CROSS Ash Wednesday: Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, March 8. Palms from last year may be brought to the church before that date. Blessing and distribution of ashes is a reminder of our mortality and need for conversion and renewal throughout the Lenten season. This is a day of fast and abstinence from meat. Parish Mission: The Redemptorist Mission Team will be here March 11-15 to lead us in a Jubilee Mission. This is an excellent way for us, individually and as community, to begin our Lenten journey of conversion and reconciliation. Sacraments: The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be part of the Mission on Tuesday, March 14. A communal celebration will be held on Sunday, April 9th. Opportunity for individual celebration of reconciliation will be scheduled throughout Lent as well as be available by appointment with Father Norm. On Sunday, April 2nd we will celebrate the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick at the 11:00 a.m. mass. The Rite of Election for our catechumens and candidates will be held the first Sunday of Lent. Lent is a time of intense prayer and discernment for them before they become full members of the Church at the Easter Vigil. Journeying with those seeking Baptism and Confirmation provides a living context for our ongoing conversion and rededication to an ever-deepening communion with the death and resurrection of Jesus. Enrichment Programs: The Spiritual and Education Committee is providing Scripture reflection and prayer booklets for your use at home. You are also invited to attend any of the Bible Study groups that meet. Each Friday during Lent a different group of parishioners will lead the community in the Way of the Cross. On Saturday, April 15th, following the evening mass, we will have a Passover Supper. This special meal is rooted in the Jewish Sedar meal that commemorates the deliverance of the Hebrew people from slavery in Egypt. Parallels are drawn between the Sedar meal and our celebration of the Eucharist. This supper is open to everyone. If you are interested in participating in it, please call the office by April 1. Lent reaches its climax with the Paschal Triduum at the end of Holy Week. Over three days we commemorate the essential parts of our redemption: Christ's sacrifice, his burial and his resurrection. Each "day" begins in the evening, as was the custom in biblical times. Each day fulfills one of the three main Lenten disciplines of fasting, almsgiving and prayer. We introduce the Triduum with the Liturgy of Passion (Palm) Sunday and carry the celebration of this high feast of the year through the 50 days of Easter. Passion (Palm) Sunday - April 16 At our Saturday evening Mass, a solemn blessing of palms will take place in the Gerein Centre, followed by a procession into the church. This marks the beginning of the most holy week of the year. Wednesday of Holy Week - April 19 - 7:30 p.m. Presentation of the Oils and Grinding of the Wheat During the Liturgy this evening the sacred oils, blessed by the Bishop and Priests during the Mass of the Oils at the Cathedral, are brought in procession into the parish community by our RCIA candidates and Stephen Ministers. We will also have the Grinding of the Wheat and blessing of the Bread Bakers. Like olives and wheat we must allow ourselves to be crushed, to die to our selfish and sinful ways, in order to be transformed by the power of God. An opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be provided at 6:45 p.m. and again after the Mass. Holy Thursday - April 20 - 7:30 p.m. Mass of the Lord's Supper The liturgy this night celebrates Christ's love for us made manifest
in the Eucharist and in the sacrifice of Calvary. The Washing of the Feet
recalls Christ's command that we love and serve one another. We will have a special collection of food on Holy Thursday, which
can be dropped off in baskets at either entrance. There will also be an offertory
collection for monetary donations. Both the food and money will be given to
the Marian Centre to assist them in their ministry to the poor and hungry
among us. Following Mass, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will continue until midnight. You are encouraged to spend some time in personal prayer on this special night. Sign-up sheets will be posted at both entrances to ensure we have someone in attendance throughout this time. The closing prayer for the time of adoration will begin at 11:45 p.m. The Gerein Centre doors will be locked after the Mass for security reasons. Please use the main church doors on Douglas Ave. to enter and leave the church throughout the night. An opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be provided at 6:45 p.m. and again after the Mass. Good Friday - April 21 - 1:30 and 4:00 p.m. Celebration of the Lord's Passion Good Friday features the Adoration of the Cross in a solemn liturgy focused on Christ's death and burial. This day is marked by the Paschal Fast, a solemn observance of fast and abstinence from meat. This solemnity carries through Holy Saturday on which the Church celebrates no official liturgy, but silently prepares for the Easter Vigil celebration in the evening. Students from Miller and LeBoldus High Schools have joined together to form a mime group this year. They will present the passion of our Lord Jesus at the 1:30 p.m. service. Using only actions, no words, the group will vividly portray the final hours of the Life of Jesus from the Last Supper through his death and burial. The collection on Good Friday goes to support the Papal Charities. Following the 4:00 p.m. service, the Vigil of the Cross will begin
and continue until 10:00 a.m. Saturday. This is an opportunity for your to
come and spend some time in quiet meditation and prayer at the foot of the
Cross. Sign-up sheets are posted at both entrances to ensure we have someone
in attendance throughout the night. The closing prayer for the time of adoration
will begin at 9:45 a.m. Saturday. The Gerein Centre doors will be locked
after the 4:00 p.m. service for security reasons. Please use the main church
doors on Douglas Ave. to enter and leave the church throughout the night.
Easter Vigil - Saturday, April 22, 8:00 p.m. Resurrection of the Lord The Easter Vigil recounts all of salvation history culminating in baptism and the renewal of our baptismal promises to share the very life of God. Baptism is the prototype of all prayer: we ask for the fullness of God's mercy and we receive God's life in return. This is the high point of the Liturgical year. Those who have been journeying through the RCIA process will be baptized and/or confirmed as well as receive the Eucharist for the first time. We all renew our Baptismal Promises. To mark the joyous nature of this festive celebration, we invite you to bring bells of all kinds to be rung during the Gloria. Easter water will be available for you to take home. Bring your own container. At the end of the Mass, Easter foods will be blessed in the Gerein
Centre. This will be followed immediately by a reception. You are invited
to bring your personal Easter baskets of food to be blessed and are asked
to bring some Easter bread for sharing at the reception. Please bring your
food to the Gerein Centre before the Vigil celebration begins. A special
table will be marked for the personal baskets. This reception is also a time
for parishioners to meet and welcome our RCIA candidates. Easter Sunday - April 23, 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. At these Masses we will also renew our baptism promises. As at the
Vigil, we invite you to bring bells of all kinds to be rung during the Gloria.
Easter water will be available for you to take home. Bring your own container.
EASTER FLOWERS Easter Flowers for our church are supplied through the generous donations given by parishioners in memory of deceased loved one or in honor of the living. If you wish to make such a memorial donation, complete the bottom
half of this sheet and place it along with your gift in an envelope clear
marked Easter Flowers. That envelope can be placed in the collection
basket anytime over the next few weeks or turned in to the Parish Office.
All memorials will be published in the Church bulletin over the Easter season
unless otherwise requested. Thank You! Spring is a grand time of the year - You start to think about growing things You might even be thinking about the Easter Can we take a moment of your time and tell Easter is special because it is a time to Two thousand years ago God did send His Son. Then, on Easter Sunday, this Jesus was raised So Easter is a special time for His family, Because Easter is a special time. . . COLLECTION REPORT Mar. 25/26, 2000 "Honor the Lord with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine." Proverbs 3: 9-10 Thank you! Welcome . . . WE WELCOME YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES IN MEMORIAM If someone from your family has passed away and you would like them to be remembered by the community, please notify the office. ANNIVERSARY CONGRATULATIONS Don & Gemma Jackson - 40 years JUBILEE PLEDGE FOR CHARITY, JUSTICE & PEACE The fourth theme of our Jubilee Pledge is Serve Others. "How can I make a return to the Lord for all God has given me?" (Psalm 116) By our baptism we are commissioned to be like Christ, to serve the
poor and vulnerable, to defend life, to care for the earth, to work for peace.
There are many ways to do this in our parish. Participate in Social Action
activities, support our Pro-life projects, become a committee member. And
remember to pray for those in need as well as the courage to get involved
in other's lives. PASSOVER SUPPER The Jewish Passover and Sedar Meal are fundamental to our celebration of Holy Week and the Easter Mysteries, and our celebration of the Eucharist. This Passover Supper imitates the Sedar Meal and shows the connection between Jewish tradition and our liturgy today. Registration deadline extended to April 4 Mass of the Holy Oils The Mass of the Holy Oils brings together the Archbishop and all the priests of the Archdiocese along with representatives from all the parishes to celebrate the ministry of the priesthood. The oils used in the churches' liturgy throughout the year are blessed and are then distributed to all the churches: the Oil of Catechumens used in the rite of Baptism, Sacred Chrism used for Confirmation and Orders, and the Oil of the Sick used for the Anointing of the Sick. Everyone, especially those exercising ministry in our Parish, is
invited to participate in the special Mass at Holy Rosary Cathedral. Refreshments
will be served following the Mass. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS PANCAKE BREAKFAST - April 9, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Parish Hall. Enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast and support our Knights at the same time! ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT PARISH CONFERENCE FOLLOW-UP - Supper Meeting Friday, April 7, 5:30 p.m. All who attended the conference are welcome to attend. Phone the office 757-1325 by April 5 to confirm your attendance. FOUND - CELLULAR PHONE - A cell phone was turned into our office on Tues., March 28. Contact the office to identify and claim: 757-1325. HANDICAPPED PARKING SPACES - Parishioners are reminded that there
are spaces marked for handicapped parking in both the Douglas Avenue and
Gerein Centre parking lots. Please respect these spaces and reserve them
for those in need. Thanks! Let a bible study make a difference in your life. " Do not deceive yourselves by just listening to God's word; instead,
put it into practice. " Mon. 1:30 p.m. Bible Study & Rosary You are invited to participate in these sessions. If you are in need of prayer or know someone who is, please contact the prayer group or leave a message with the office. Newsletter Deadline: April 19, 2000
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION WEEK: April 9 - 15 Thank You to all who volunteer in any way for our parish! Each year for the past 10 years, Volunteer Regina has asked community organizations to nominate volunteers in their organizations as Vital Links in the community. The following names have been submitted as this year's Vital Links for their long time service to the parish. Most of these people have been involved with the parish from its beginnings in 1959 (what follows is a partial listing of their activities) and continue to serve the parish in some way. They were selected by Parish Council in March and represent all of our long time parishioners who built the strong foundation of our community. Congratulations and Thank You to the members of our parish, who from the beginning have served the community so well.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 14, 2000 A special welcome to new members of Pastoral Council who were elected at our annual meeting - Cal and Joyce Murphy (2nd Vice-Chair), Garth Parkinson (Social Action), Jim Thauberger (Liturgy), Shannon Reich (Public Relations), Cathleen Devraj (Ecumenism), Tony and Debbie Howell and Marjorie Lavallee (Members at Large), Dorothy Bresciani (CWL) and Eugene Achtemichuk (K. of C.). To all other members who are continuing on as Pastoral Council members thank you for your time and dedication in serving our Christian community of Holy Cross. We wish to extend a special thank you all past members who have served on Pastoral Council in the past year(s) - Frank Laurans, Elinor Agar, Dennis Pageot, Dan Cameron, Bruce Lipinski and Dave Nichols. Our visioning discussion was on the Shortage of Clergy in our Archdiocese. At a recent Deanery Meeting, pastoral teams were asked to discuss the pressing shortage of clergy. In 1999, the Archdiocese of Regina had 70 priests active in parish ministry. In 5 - 10 years there is expected to be between 28 - 35 priests active in parishes in the Archdiocese. Now is the time, "The Laity must rethink their expectations". The laity must be willing to take leadership, exercise its ministry and be open to the ministry of other lay persons. Our pastoral discussion resulted in the following points:
Holy Cross will be participating in the Vital Link dinner recognizing our parish's active volunteers over the past 40 years. Several names have been forwarded for recognition in the program. The volunteers selected by Pastoral Council as our representatives at the dinner are Ralph & Eleanor Neigum, Harold & Shirley Leibel, Dennis & Jeanette Pageot and Pastoral Chair Wayne & Trudy Rutten. To all volunteers, present and past, we thank you for your contributions of time, talent and treasure. "Volunteering is a Work of the Heart". A special thank you to Sean Kukura, his organizing committee and to all who attended and participated in the Box Lunch and Magic Show. This community building fundraiser raised $308.00. THANK YOU!!! The Pastoral Council extends an invitation to any and to all parishioners to become involve in our community and activities of Holy Cross. If you are interested in participating in one of our many committees, have some new ideas or opinions or have a question, please call a member of the Pastoral Council. Food for Thought - Stewardship Stewardship is the proper use and sharing of the time, talent and treasure that has been given to us by God. It's the wise and responsible use and sharing of these special gifts that God has entrusted to each of us. The mission God has for us includes: April May June August SACRAMENT PREPARATION PROGRAMS If you have a child ready to prepare for sacraments this year, please take note of the following registration requirements: FIRST EUCHARIST: Preparation for First Eucharist has begun. Parent & Candidate Meeting #2 is Tue., Apr. 11 at St. Andrew or Wed., Apr. 12 in the Lower Gerein Centre. Please note the change in location for April 12. BAPTISM: Parishioners who have a child to present for BAPTISM are
asked to pre-register for the upcoming session. The preparation classes will
be held 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. in the Lower Gerein Centre as follows: If you have any questions regarding Sacramental Preparation, call
Dollette at 757-1325. Sunday: The Day of the Risen Lord This article hi-lights the third segment of Pope John Paul II Apostolic Letter, Dies Domini, "The Day of the Lord". In the last newsletter article, we saw how Sunday is rooted in the
work of creation and the biblical "rest" of God. It is the Resurrection of
Jesus, however, that gives full meaning to Sunday as the "Lord's Day". According
the Gospels the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead took place on "the first
day after the Sabbath." Other appearances of Jesus after the Resurrection
are recorded as taking place on a Sunday as well. Pentecost, the outpouring
of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles as promised by Jesus, occurred fifty
days after the resurrection, on a Sunday is the day above all other days which summons Christians to remember the salvation given to them in Baptism. The sacred liturgy underscores this baptismal dimension of Sunday, both in calling for the celebration of Baptism on the day of the week "when the Church commemorates the Lord's Resurrection," and in suggesting an appropriate penitential rite at the start of Mass, the sprinkling of holy water. Keeping the first day of the week as the Lord's Day became a characteristic that distinguished Christians from the world around them. The Jewish people gathered on Saturday for the Sabbath. Many of the early followers of Jesus who were Jews (including St. Paul) observed both the Jewish tradition of the Sabbath and the Christian observance of Sunday as the Lord's Day. Christian thought readily linked the Resurrection, which took place on "the first day of the week", with the first day of cosmic creation: the day of the creation of light. This link invited an understanding of the Resurrection as the beginning of a new creation, the first fruits of which is the glorious Christ. By contrast, the Sabbath's position as the seventh day suggests Sunday is not only the first day, but also the eight day: a unique position which evokes not only the beginning of time but also its end in "the age to come". Sunday is the ceaseless foretelling of life without end, which renews the hope of Christians and encourages them on their way. In celebrating Sunday as both the "first" and the "eighth" day, the Christian is led toward the goal of eternal life. In contrast to pagan Roman worship of the sun on Sunday, Christians worshiped Jesus as humanity's true sun. Sunday was the day illuminated by the triumph of the Risen Christ over the darkness of sin and death. It could also be called the day of "fire" in reference to the Holy Spirit. The light of Christ is intimately linked to the fire of the Holy Spirit. Pentecost is not only the founding event of the Church, but is also the mystery that forever gives life to the Church. The weekly Easter thus becomes, in a sense, the "weekly Pentecost", when Christians re-live the Apostles" joyful encounter with the Risen Lord and receive the life-giving breath of his Spirit. Given these different dimensions which set it apart, Sunday appears as the supreme day of faith. By the power of the Spirit the first appearance of the Risen Lord becomes an event renewed by the "today" of each of Christ's disciples. Gathered in his presence in the Sunday assembly, believers sense themselves called like the Apostle Thomas: "Put your finger here, and see my hands. Put out your hand, and place it in my side, Doubt no longer, but believe. Listening to the Word, professing our common faith, receiving the body of the Lord, the baptized contemplate the Risen Jesus present in the "holy signs" and confess with Thomas: "My Lord and my God!" Coming Next month: The Eucharistic Assembly -- heart of Sunday. Altar Server Thanks Thank you to the following Altar Servers who have served at special
celebrations in March: Thank you to all altar servers who have signed up for Holy Week celebrations. If you have volunteered, please ensure you arrive at least 20 minutes prior to Mass to receive any special instructions. For those who have signed up for Easter Vigil, there will be a practice on April 22 at 2:00 p.m. Thanks to Gary Schmidt (Belgian Cleaners) for cleaning our altar
server robes. CELEBRATE 2000 PENTECOST FESTIVAL Saturday, June 10 at
Regina Exhibition Park. Christians gather to
share their talents, to experience ecumenism Booths displaying the
diversity of our Christian family "Noah's Ark" performance
stage: "The Garden of Eden":
where children will find Workshops: ranging
from brass rubbings and banner making, Rent a booth or share
your talents. Passports (which will
ensure your seat for the 4:00 pm Agridome service) For more information
call Jim Toth 586-5357, Come and visit us at www.geocities.com/holy-cross/ In addition to information on
the parish services, schedules and history, you will find up-to-date plans
on parish activities, and links we recommend to other Catholic sites.
We are compiling an e-mail directory.
If you have e-mail send us a message with your address at holycrosschurch@cableregina.com
The Spiritual and Education Committee would like to thank Marjorie Lavallee for facilitating our Cross Cultural Workshop. Special thanks also to Marcey Agopsowicz for preparing the traditional lunch. Don't forget the Discussion/Action Group meeting April 25, 2000 at 7:30. The topic will be announced at a later date. A planning meeting will be held Tuesday, April 4, at 7:30 p.m. for this summer's VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL. If you can serve God in this way, please plan to attend. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL is very exciting and meaningful for the children of the parish. Help make it a success again this summer. Angela Eddy
LAY MINISTRY FORMATION Eldon Ell Jim Butchko Year 3 Topics for April: Year 2: We are now accepting applications for the 2000 - 2001 year.
If you are interested, contact Jane Kryzanowski 757-1325. Greetings! Do you know how I know when it's Spring? We have warm days and cold days, but regardless of how warm or cold it is, the kids that I supervise on the playground are confused. They have Spring Fever and the shorts come out. Some, no matter how cold they are, will not put their coats on! So, what's been going on? Well, the mission was very rewarding and uplifting. Our youth were very generous with their time providing childcare and altar serving. Many of the parents who brought their children to the Mission commented that, without the youth providing this service, they would not have been able to attend each evening. So, a huge thank you to Jessica Schmidt, Rebecca Schmidt, Stephanie Adams, Mark Turh, Michael Marcotte, Amanda Montanini, Jennifer Buckingham, Ryan Dorey, Ariel Chow, Adrianna Gair, Mallory Strickland and Stephanie Costron. Thanks also to Jason Hubelit, an adult volunteer. Fifteen of our youth led the Way of the Cross on March 24. James and I were so proud of how well the youth read. Thanks to Debra Schaan, Janelle Herauf, Stephanie Leier and Jason Hubelit who assisted in the preparations for this event. And, as always, to Jessica Schmidt, Rebecca Schmidt, Stephanie Adams, Bryant Adams, Taylor Workman, Kayla Farmer, Adrianna Gair, Jennifer Buckingham, Derrick Fahlman, Michelle Harazny, Lindsay Martin, Krissy Maloughney, and April Sefton who came to practice and perfected their parts for a prayerful Way of the Cross last Friday evening. Please help yourself to one of the April "Parent Letters" that are located in the "Youth Stuff" pamphlet holder - located in the Gerein Centre. Youth Group Meetings for the next 3 weeks will be based on Lenten themes, so it would be fabulous to see as many youth as possible. On May 6 & 7 there will be a CYC (Catholic Youth Conference) in Moose Jaw. This is a big, overnight youth rally. Youth, grades 6 - 12, from across Saskatchewan are invited to attend. It promises to be an excellent experience, as a motivational speaker is being flown in for the weekend from California. Bernie will be attending this weekend and the Parish will gladly pay for 1/2 of the Registration Fees to make it easier for you to attend. Youth are billeted out to families for Saturday Evening. Watch for Registration Pamphlets that will be available soon! We will need a couple of parents to drive us there Saturday morning and pick up on Sunday afternoon. You will be reimbursed for gas costs. There will be a Search Retreat at LeBoldus High School on May 12 - 14. It is a weekend retreat for those 15 and over. The cost for the entire weekend is $40. Registration forms are available at both entrances of the church, or contact James at 924-0315. We will be having High School Youth meetings 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. every Sunday, with the exception of April 16. Instead we will have a games night from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Bring your friends! In Christ, Cute Thought: Never criticize a man unless you've walked a mile
in his shoes, and if you still don't like what he has to say - don't worry
because you are now a mile away and you have his shoes! SOCIAL ACTION IN OUR COMMUNITY Needed for Distribution for the Poor
Please leave small items in the Gerein Centre marked to Theresa
or call her at 757-8882 for larger items. THANK YOU for donations received
in March: Sofa & chair, sofa-bed, carpet, loveseat, coffee table and
dishes, utensils, lamp and pictures helped improve living conditions for
6 needy families. Thank you for caring and sharing with Jesus' poor! REMINDERS: Food Bank Donations Stamps and Eye Glasses Did you know?
"Bear one another's burdens; In that way you will fulfill the law
of Christ." The Stephen Ministry Program has been established at Holy Cross Parish to provide presence, listening and prayer to parishioners who are hospitalized, house bound and all those in distress and sorrow. We offer our time, our understanding, our "ears" and our prayers. Contacts: The Catholic Woman's League (CWL) is a national organization of Catholic women under the patronage of "Our Lady of Good Council" bound in Christian solidarity and friendship for the furtherance of religion, cultural and intellectual interests and the development of Social Action. Its motto is "For God and Canada". Our CWL Council meets on the 1st Tuesday of every month, September to June, at 7 p.m. in the Holy Cross Gerein Centre. All ladies are welcome. Dollar A Month Envelopes: A special thanks from the Holy Cross CWL to all parishioners who have donated to the "Dollar-a-Month" envelopes. Some of the charities we help support by your donations are as follows: Camp Monahan, Rainbow Youth Centre, Birthright, Save the Children Community Development, Share Lent, Marian Centre, Circle Project, Sask. Pro-Life, Autistic Children Program, Peru Mission, Early Learning Centre, Jean Vanier School, Sofia House and Amnesty International. 77th Annual Convention of the Regina Diocesan Council of the CWL of Canada: May 1-2, in Assiniboia. April 15 is the registration deadline. Holy Cross CWL held its General Meeting and Installation of Officers
on Tues., March 7, 2000. The Executive for 2000 are as follows: The Box Lunch, held Sunday, March 5 in the Gerein Centre, earned $308.00. Thanks to Holy Cross's resident auctioneer, Frank Laurans, for emceeing the evening. Holy Cross Spring Fling Tickets available 2nd week in April A major fund raiser in the form of a $100 - $150 a plate sports dinner, including a silent auction and elimination draw, is proposed for next spring. In keeping with the ecumenical spirit, it is planned to involve two other churches including one non-catholic in this endeavor. We hope to sell 750 tickets in total and raise $12 - $15,000 after expenses for each church and provide a tax receipt for a portion of the cost. We plan to involve the corporate community in this also. Some members of Parish Council have already volunteered to assist in contacting the corporate community. We would welcome assistance from others who would be willing to use their contacts to support this effort. Also needed are those willing to canvas business for quality donations for the silent auction. Tony Howell, PC member at large, has proposed a golf tournament to be held probably in August. Again, anyone interested in becoming involved, please let us know. Your enthusiasm could be catching! NEWSLETTER ADVERTISING: Space is available in the monthly
newsletter. See the back page (paper edition). You can promote your
business and support our parish at the same time. To place your ad or for
more information, call the office 757-1325. ST. MICHAEL'S RETREAT HOUSE
Cal & Joyce Murphy, 789-1983 Apr. 24 - 30 June 19 -25 All retreats begin at 7 p.m. of the first day which is a Monday and will end the following Sunday with lunch. Persons travelling a distance are very welcome to arrive early. Supper can be provided if arrangements are made ahead of time. Cost: $360/6 day retreat. JOHN PAUL II CENTRE
Come to the Oasis: Relax, Pray, Be Nurtured: 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Apr. 11. Spend a day nurturing mind, body and spirit. Relax in your room or take advantage of personal spiritual direction or other options. Cost: $15 includes lunch. Christopher Leadership Course: led by a team of trained Christopher Leaders, weekend Apr. 28-30, Friday 7 p.m. - Sun., 4 p.m. "Colours of the Spirit": a variety of watercolour paintings by local artists will be exhibited April 29 - June 26. Open for viewing weekdays 9:30 - noon, 1:30 - 4 p.m. Stations of the Resurrection: led by Debbie Matt, Ramona Rodych & Theresa Whalen-Lux, Tuesday, May 2, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. Humor Helps - The Joy of Healthy Humor: led by Vincent Murphy, Wednesdays
May 3 & 10, 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. CATHOLIC FAMILY SERVICES Active Parenting of Teens - 6 sessions: Tuesdays or Thursdays. Gain
the tools to parent teenagers while exploring discipline, communication and
self identity issues. Start date: May 4, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Cost: $35/person.
FAMILY SERVICE REGINA WORKSHOPS Becoming a Love and Logic Parent: Parenting Chidlren who have ADD/ADHD
(New!) - Learn to successfully parent your child(ren) who are ADD (Attention
Deficit Disorder)/ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) by creating
understanding, empathy, and using logical consequences and choices. 6 Thursdays,Apr.
20 - May 25, 7 - 9 p.m. $60/person or $80/couple + $12 book. REGINA CATHOLIC SCHOOLS PARENT CONVENTION "Hand in Hand; The Journey of Learning" - Wed., Apr. 5, Registration 6 - 6:30 p.m., Sessions 6:30 - 10 p.m. at Miller Comprehensive High School, 1027 College Ave. Free registration. 12 different sessions. Free childcare. REGINA CATHOLIC SCHOOLS BAND DAYS - celebrating 25 years of Band Days & 50 years of the band program will be held at the Centre of the Arts Apr. 8, 7:30 p.m. Tickets available at all CBO outlets. Other events: Thurs., Apr. 6 at LeBoldus: 8:45 a.m. - 4 p.m. Solos and Ensembles, 8 p.m. Spotlight on High School Bands. Fri., Apr. 7 at LeBoldus: 8:45 a.m. - 4 p.m. Solos and Ensembles. Sat., Apr. 8 at Center of the Arts: 9 a.m. - noon - Festival of Elementary Bands. SEEKING YOUTH MINISTRY COORDINATOR for St. Martin's Parish - 15 hrs./week starting Aug. 15. To coordinate programming for youth aged 12 - 18 and to recruit assisting volunteers. Applicants need strong leadership ability, organization, enthusiasm and initiative, 1 - 5 years experience in parish ministry, training in youth ministry or related fields (education, religion, or program planning), experience in volunteer management, a solid understanding and practicing of the Catholic faith, availability to work evenings & weekends with own transportation. Submit resume with references by April 30 to Youth Ministry Position c/o St. Martin's Parish, 4720 Castle Road, Regina, SK S4S 4X1. Phone 586-5655 or Fax: 586-1011. EASTER/SPRING CRAFT SALE - Sunday, Apr. 9, St. Cecilia Parish Hall, 12 noon - 4 p.m. To rent a table Laurie 771-4200 (days) or Jan 543-9343 evening. SACRED HEART PARISH COMMUNITY SPRING SUPPER - Saturday, Apr. 15 with two sittings 4:45 & 6:15 p.m. Advance tickets only. Adults $7.50, children 5 - 10 $3.50, children under 4 free. Tickets: Audrey/Gordon 545-5005 or Theresa 352-2379. WHIST DRIVE AT ST. CHARLES HALL - 1171 Broder St., Apr. 16 & May 7, 7 p.m. sharp. $2/person. CANVASSERS URGENTLY NEEDED FOR CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY RESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN - April. 16 & 17. If you can help call Marie 757-0406. The area in urgent need of canvassers borders south of Broadway Ave. to Douglas Road, between McDonald St. & Winnipeg St. LeBOLDUS 5TH. ANNUAL FUNDRAISING PANCAKE BREAKFAST - Wed., Apr. 19, 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 am. Tickets: $3 available at the school or at the door. Phone 791-7250. In support of Hogar Belen Orphanage, Moquegua, Peru. WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER - April 28-30, Parktown Hotel, Saskatoon. Examine your relationship from a new perspective and deepen your communication as a couple. Call Mel & Cheryl Zimmer (306) 955-9036. MILLER HIGH SCHOOL COURTYARD 2000 GARAGE SALE - Sat., May 12 to raise money for courtyard renovations. 6 foot tables/$20. Call 791-3561 between 8 a.m. & 4 p.m. before May 5. SEEKING YOUTH MINISTRY COORDINATOR - in Swift Current. Submit a resume with 3 letters of reference (one from your parish priest) to Fr. Stephen Bill, 800 - 2nd. Ave. N., Swift Current, SK S9H 0R4 before May 15. For information: Fr. Stephen (306)773-8427. FOR WOMEN ONLY: REFLECTION WITH DARCI LANG - Experience how faith and positive attitude can make a difference. Tuesday, May 16, Royal Saskatchewan Auditorium. Door open 7 p.m. Guest speaker 7:30 p.m. Silent Auction to follow. Tickets: $25. (An income tax receipt for $20 will be issued. Proceeds in support of the Arthritis Society "Joints in Motion" Training Program. Tickets: Maureen 777-7263(w) or 525-8184(h). VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: REGINA INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL - Downtown Victoria Park, May 28-31. Volunteers are needed for arts & crafts, ushers, set-up and strike, merchandise sales, traffic control, site decoration, security, environment. Call Christine 546-5437. PASQUA HOSPITAL PALLIATIVE CARE REQUESTS DONATIONS - of video tapes, CD's and children's books. These may be dropped off at Holy Cross Church Douglas Ave. Entrance. WORLD YOUTH DAY IN ROME: AUG. 2000 - with Catholic Christian Outreach for young adults 18 - 30, August 5 - 21, 2000. For more details see the poster at your church or contact CCO at (306) 652-5100. For more information: www.cco.ca/rome2000. PILGRIM JOURNEYS 2000 - More than a tour. Sponsored by the Ministry
of Tourism, Diocese of Saskatoon. THE MISSION, VISION, VALUES AND GOALS OF HOLY CROSS PARISH MISSION: VISION: VALUES: GOALS: OBJECTIVES: STATEMENT OF BELIEFS: We believe in God who is present in scripture as well as in people
of faith. By building upon the legacy of our seniors and shaping the future
with our youth, our Parish provides an atmosphere that reflects our beliefs
and provides direction and focus for all. A Memorial Fund has been established at Holy Cross for some time. This fund is used to make purchases of a liturgical nature and articles for the Sanctuary, which remain in the Parish. You are invited to make donations to this fund in memory of a deceased family member or friend at the time of a funeral or at any time. Simply leave your donation and the information at the parish office. The family of the deceased is notified by the parish of your donation, and you receive a card to acknowledge your gift in memoriam and a donation receipt for income tax purposes. The name of the deceased is inscribed in the "Memorial Book" of the parish. If you have any questions call Jane at 757-1325. Arthritis Society “Joints in Motion” Dear Fellow Holy Cross Parishioners: I am writing to tell you of a personal challenge I have undertaken. It’s a challenge of physical endurance and an amazing opportunity to make a difference in our community…
I recently joined The Arthritis Society “Joints in Motion” Training Team to run my first marathon in Dublin, Ireland on October 30, 2000. I am committed to raise $5,000 for The Arthritis Society to be eligible to participate in the marathon. The Arthritis Society is the only not-for-profit voluntary health association seeking the cause, prevention and cure for all types of arthritis. Did you know that one in every seven Canadians lives with the pain of arthritis? And it’s not only a disease of the elderly. Over 1,000 children in Saskatchewan have arthritis. I know about arthritis firsthand because I suffer from fibromyalgia, a form of arthritis, so this will be no ordinary challenge. My goal is to raise $5,000 by July 1, 2000 so I can secure a place on the team and focus on my physical and mental training. The money raised from this program will go towards arthritis research. Would you like to help me reach my goal and make a difference in our community? Donations of any amount are tax deductible and will be greatly appreciated. As an added incentive to being generous, I have donated a special prize to be won by a lucky donor. For a donation of $100 or more, your name will be entered into a draw for a limited edition Gail Adam’s print. Please complete the form below. Thank you for helping me reach my goal! Sincerely, Maureen Blaquiere, F.M.F. (Future Marathon Finisher) I will be a donor contributing $_________ Cheque enclosed. Please make cheques payable to: Return your form to: Maureen Blaquiere
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Holy Cross Parish
315 Douglas Avenue East
Regina, Saskatchewan S4N 1H7
Phone: 757-1325
Fax: 757-8641
| E-mail:holycrosschurch@cableregina.com
Please come back soon and visit us. |