Information and Links About All Hallows Eve, the Feast of All Saints and the Feast of All Souls

Wednesday, October 31, Halloween
~ Trick or treating hours for Green Bay and the Town of Scott are from 4PM to 7PM.

~ Ever wonder about the origins of Halloween and the connection to Catholicism? To read more about it check out this concise article from the St. Anthony Messenger or this more in-depth explanation from Beliefnet.

~ Check out this neat Halloween story from Catholic Update that explains the legendary Tale of the Jack O'Lantern.

Thursday, November 1st is the Feast of All Saints.
Masses will be offered at Holy Cross Parish at 8AM and 7PM

Friday, November 2nd is the Feast of All Souls.
Masses will be offered at Holy Cross Parish at 8AM and 7PM.

(Click on the blue links above for more info.)

Holy Cross School Lunch Ladies Share Halloween Treats

Submitted by Mrs. Toni Zahn.

This cute recipe is good for October:

Cheesy Spiders

8 round crackers
12 thin pretzel sticks
8 raisins
5 Tbsp. cheese spread or cream cheese

Make a sandwich using 1 tbsp. of cheese spread and 2 round crackers. Insert 3 pretzel 'legs' into the filling on each side of the cheese sandwich. Put a dab of cheese spread on 2 raisins. Place raisins on top to make "eyes'.

Repeat process to make four "spiders."

And a little October lunchroom humor:
~ How do you make a strawberry shake? Take it to a scary movie!
~ What did the banana do when it heard the ice cream? It split.
(From the American School Nutrition Association)

About the Holy Cross Catholic School Nutrition Program
Mary and I have been working together as a team for 14 years. We are proud of the program that we have built. Our latest achievement is the Morning Nutrition Program, which began 4 years ago. We now have 40% of the students participating in morning nutrition, and over 90% in the school Hot Lunch Program.

We tantalize their sense of taste and smell with out freshly prepared foods. We are proud to provide a salad bar with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, and a bread basket of whole grain breads. We have worked hard to provide all this at a price families can afford.

For more information about Holy Cross Catholic School, check out the links under "Holy Cross School Contact Information" located on the right hand side of the blog.

Holy Cross Faith Formation News From Director, Marti Burkard

Faith Formation Schedule
WEDNESDAY: Oct. 31 - No classes today, classes resume Nov. 7
SUNDAY: Nov. 4 – "I Am Special" Pre-School & Gr. 1: 10:00-11:00am (during Mass)

Next Week! Youth Confirmation - Meeting and Mass With Sponsors
Sunday, Nov. 4 - 8:00am - 11:00am in the school gym
Candidates bring your sponsors as we gather for an important meeting.
We will attend Mass as a group at 10:00am

About Holy Cross Faith Formation
All children in the Holy Cross Parish Family have the right and opportunity to be educated in their faith. Children and young adults often have questions about God. The Holy Cross Parish Faith Formation program works with parents to answer these questions and to bring our young people into a closer relationship with God; a relationship which motivates them to make good moral decisions in order to live Christ-like lives.To read all Faith Formation blog posts, click here.

To download Faith Formation Registration forms click on the links listed beneath Faith Formation Contact Information on the right hand side of the blog.

October 27/28th From the Pastor's Desk...

My Dear Parishioners,

This coming Thursday and Friday are two very special Feast Days for all of us Catholics. Thursday is November 1st and the Feast of All Saints, which is a Holy Day of Obligation. Masses for Thursday are at 8 am and 7 pm in the evening. On this Feast we remember our fore-mothers and fore-fathers in our faith, men and women who lives can inspire us and encourage us to continue to live out our faith and the Gospel message.

Friday is November 2nd and is the Feast of All Souls, on which day we remember our beloved dead, those with whom we have shared life, love and our faith in God and Jesus Christ. Masses on Friday will be at 8 am and 7 pm in the evening. Our 7 pm Mass will be our annual Mass, at which we invite families who have lost a loved one this past year and whose names will be read after the Gospel and Homily and representatives of their family will be offered a memorial candle. Anyone who would like their loved one’s names included, and also receive a candle should call the parish office as soon as possible. We will also have in our church during the month of November our “Memorial Book” into which you are welcome to write the names of all your beloved dead and they will be remember in all the Masses offered at Holy Cross during this special month of Remembrance.

A very special word of “THANK YOU” for all who worked on and donated time, treasure and talent to our “75th Celebration of the Dedication of Holy Cross Church” which took place last weekend. I was absolutely delighted by the large turnout for both the 10 am Mass and the celebration which took place in the parish hall. It was delightful to see so many long time parishioners, present parishioners and of course our young children. The exhibits of pictures, artifacts and other treasures from the past were most enjoyable and educational. As I have said in my homilies, it is in knowing about our past that we can know and understand who we are here and now, and the heritage that we must continue. May God continue to Bless and Guide Holy Cross Parish !

You and your family are now asked to take the next step in making certain that we leave behind the same great records and historical documents that our parishioners in the past have left for us. You can do that by becoming part of our New Parish Pictorial Directory. It does not cost you a penny, but does cost you a small bit of time. We ask that you sign up for a time period to come to the school to have your family picture taken. In doing so you will receive “FREE”, a copy of the new directory. As a bonus you will also have the opportunity to purchase copies of your family picture, which can make great Christmas gifts.

Those who have participated in the past know how valuable this directory can be – you can put a name and face together. Please consider participating and encourage others to do so. I appreciate all who have come forth to work on this project especially Melissa Tillmann (866-2313) who is chairing this project.

We have formed a “Worship Committee” for our parish and if you are interested in becoming a member of this special committee, please call the Parish Office.

I do wish that all our children enjoy and have a safe celebration of Halloween, which has developed from “All Hallows Eve” or the vigil of All Saints Day.

Oremus Pro Invicem
Fr. Tom

Holy Cross Parish Youth Stewardship Corner

I shared my TIME and TALENT by:

- I helped Dad with the garden.
- I helped my classmates with math.
- I made supper for my family.
- I helped clean up & plant tulip bulbs at Heritage Hill.
- Opened doors for classmates and washed windows with my Dad.
- Trying to do things the 1st time I'm told!
- Helped my sister babysit.
- I picked up my room every day.
- Donated clothes to the YWCA.

Total TREASURE shared: $26.01

Our Holy Cross Parish Youth Stewardship program is a tool available for us to help teach the basics of stewardship to our youth. Stewardship is a decision we make to live as Christians and to thank God for all of His blessings by helping to take care of the church and the world on behalf of God. Stewardship is often touched upon throughout the Bible and in our faith formation process; the Youth Stewardship Program helps bring all of these teachings together.

For more information about Holy Cross Faith Formation, please check out the links located on the right hand side of the blog.

Priesthood Sunday Brings to Mind Fr. Tom's Special Gifts

Submitted by the Holy Cross Spiritual Life Committee

Father Tom has brought his special gifts of humor and hospitality to Holy Cross Parish. Many of us have enjoyed his Christmas Open House and special dinners. Each June he has baked his specialty Cream Cheese Rhubarb Pie to sell at the parish picnic.

Fr. Tom's Cream Cheese Rhubarb Pie
Rhubarb topped with cream cheese….almost cheesecake!

1 9-inch single pie crust, unbaked

Filling
¼ cup cornstarch
1 cup granulated sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
½ cup water
3 cups fresh rhubarb, cut into ½-inch pieces

Topping
1 8 ounce package of cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
¼ cup sour cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
sweetened whipped cream
2 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted

Preheat oven to 425

Line a baking plate with crust; set aside.

Filling: Stir cornstarch, sugar and salt in a saucepan until well mixed. Stir in water until well blended. Add rhubarb. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until mixture boils and thickens. Pour mixture into prepared crust. Bake 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 325. Remove pie from oven and add topping.

Topping: Beat cream cheese and sugar in a bowl until smooth. Beat in eggs, sour cream and vanilla. Spoon mixture over baked rhubarb filling. Bake at 325 for 30-35 minutes or until topping is set. Remove from oven; cool on a wire rack to room temperature, then refrigerate and chill well before serving. Garnish with sweetened whipped cream and sprinkle with almonds when serving. Refrigerate leftovers.

Makes 8 servings.

Priesthood Sunday an Opportunity to THANK Those Who Have Shaped our Faith

Submitted by the Holy Cross Spiritual Life Committee.

Priesthood Sunday is celebrated worldwide on the last Sunday in October. This is a good time to remember all the priests who have helped to form our faith and worked to establish the kingdom of God on earth.

Rev. Thomas A. Hagendorf, O Praem
Pastor 2003 – present
Holy Cross Parish

Born: May 20, 1937 in Philadelphia, PA
High School: Southeast Catholic, Philadelphia, PA
College: St. Norbert College, De Pere, WI
M.A. University of Wisconsin, Madison
Vestition: August 28, 1955, O.L. Daylesford Priory, Paoli, PA

Simple Vows: August 28, 1957, Daylesford Priory, Paoli, PA
Solemn Vows: August 28, 1960, St. Norbert Abbey, De Pere, WI
Ordained: August 29, 1963, St. Norbert Abbey, De Pere, WI by Bishop Grellinger, Diocese of Green Bay.

Faculty: Archmore Academy, Claymont, DE
1964 - 1988

Sabbatical year: School of Applied Theology, Oakland, CA
1988 - 1989

Associate Pastor: Our Lady of Angels Parish, Burlingame, CA
1989 - 1991

Pastor: Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Baltimore, MD
1991 - 2000

Associate Pastor: St. Jude/Annunciation Parish, Green Bay, WI
2000 - 2001

Associate Pastor: Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, De Pere, WI
2001- 2003

Pastor: Holy Cross Parish, Bay Settlement, WI
2003 - present

The Norbertine Fathers have served Holy Cross Parish for over 100 years. Father Tom is the 100th year Norbertine pastor.

Celebrate Priesthood Sunday This Weekend!

Submitted by the Holy Cross Spiritual Life Committee

Prayer for Priests

Praise to you, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
For in your infinite love you care for your people
by the ministry of priests.
May their faithful service bring lasting good to your Church
and great happiness to them.
Help them to do what is right, that by their teaching and living
we may grow in the knowledge of your love.
As our priests instruct your people, enlighten them with
the wisdom of Christ the Teacher.
As they preach your word and celebrate the sacraments,
sanctify them with the holiness of Christ the High Priest.
As they face weakness, suffering and discouragement,
strengthen them with the grace of Christ the Life-Giver.
As they work for peace, unity and healing in your church,
uphold them with the courage of Christ the Reconciler.
Giver of all good gifts, make the ministry of our priests

a spiritual offering pleasing to you through Jesus Christ,

Amen

Priesthood Sunday is celebrated worldwide on the last Sunday in October. This is a good time to remember all the priests who have helped to form our faith and worked to establish the kingdom of God on earth. Check back for blogposts celebrating Fr. Tom Hagendorf and his service to the Holy Cross Parish Community.

HCCS fourth graders experience Wisconsin history

Submitted by Mrs. Shara Malone

The fourth grade class from Holy Cross grabbed their coats and bag lunches, and filed onto a bus headed for Heritage Hill State Historical Park in Green Bay this past month. We were going on a trip back in time to Fort Howard of 1836.

Every year, the fourth graders learn about Wisconsin history, and a field trip to Heritage Hill is always a terrific hands-on lesson of Wisconsin’s early days. The fourth grade students, along with our terrific chaperones, learned what it was like to live as a soldier at Fort Howard. Our “First Sergeant” taught the students how to march, and even how to “charge the enemy!” He also showed everyone the uniforms worn in that time, and student volunteers demonstrated the various jobs soldiers would have completed at the Fort (“policing” would have been a really MESSY business!).

Students visited the Fort’s hospital, and learned how doctors would tend to injured soldiers, including getting to see the actual tools that the doctor would have used (we have REALLY come a long way in health care!)

Students also saw first-hand what it was like to live in an officer’s quarters, how the kitchens were run, and also completed their own chores (like dishwashing and bringing in the fire wood). They even made their own corn cakes over an open hearth on hot coals (with the help of our guide, of course) and many enjoyed eating them with some grape jelly spread on top!

And while at Heritage Hill, the fourth grade students also got a sense of the old ways as they lived a day in the life of an 1836 student at the Fort while participating in a lesson at the one-room school house. Boy were the teachers strict in those days! (Maybe a lesson they’ll keep in mind? Especially the next time I hand out their homework).

Everyone had a spectacular time! The fourth grade students and I would also like to thank the chaperones for their gifts of time and enthusiasm on our trip, helping to make all of this possible: Mrs. Heather Zeise, Mrs. Tara Quidzinski, and Mr. Joe Staed. Thank you so much!

About Holy Cross Catholic School
Located on the growing northeast side of Green Bay, Holy Cross School has been in existence for 139 years and has an enrollment of 160 students in grades EC3 to 8th grade. The school educates children within the Catholic faith and provides them with opportunities to develop the values, attitudes and skills that will enable them to become vital members of the community. For more information about Holy Cross School, please call 920.468.0625 or check out the links located on the right hand side of the Holy Cross Family Blogspot.

Holy Cross Catholic School Classroom News: Third-graders Delve into 'Worst School Year Ever'

Submitted by Mrs. Mary Wennesheimer

The Third Grade at Holy Cross School are reading and enjoying a book entitled The Best/Worst School Year Ever.

The story features the Herdmans, the terror of Woodrow Wilson School. "They stay away from school whenever they want to and won't learn anything when they are there." The Third Graders are discovering that goodness exists in everyone, even the Herdmans!

We will complete the story by collecting compliments for each member of our class and create a memory booklet for each of them to take home.

This book combines in a fun format everything we have been talking about in religion, (self-discipline, respect for everyone, and finding the goodness in all people) and uses the language skills we are currently working on (the study of adjectives).

About Holy Cross Catholic School
Located on the growing northeast side of Green Bay, Holy Cross School has been in existence for 139 years and has an enrollment of 160 students in grades EC3 to 8th grade. The school educates children within the Catholic faith and provides them with opportunities to develop the values, attitudes and skills that will enable them to become vital members of the community. For more information about Holy Cross School, please call 920.468.0625 or check out the links located on the right hand side of the Holy Cross Family Blogspot.

Holy Cross Parish Youth Stewardship Corner

I shared my TIME and TALENT by:

- I brought home a book for my sister on library day.
- I helped my Dad smile!
- I gave 101/2 inches of my hair to Locks of Love.
- I helped my Mom with the dishwasher.
- I picked up nuts for my Grandma.
- I cooked supper for my family.
- I was polite towards others.
- Someone fell down at recess, I helped them up!
- I cleaned my brothers room without him asking.
- I walked the Breast Cancer walk to raise money!

Total TREASURE shared: $26.38

Our Holy Cross Parish Youth Stewardship program is a tool available for us to help teach the basics of stewardship to our youth. Stewardship is a decision we make to live as Christians and to thank God for all of His blessings by helping to take care of the church and the world on behalf of God. Stewardship is often touched upon throughout the Bible and in our faith formation process; the Youth Stewardship Program helps bring all of these teachings together.

For more information about Holy Cross Faith Formation, please check out the links located on the right hand side of the blog.

October 20/21 From the Pastor's Desk...

My Dear Parishioners,

So very many of you commented to me about how much you enjoyed hearing the history of Our parish and the story of who we are and where we have come from. This week we continue to hear our story as we celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Dedication of our Church. Knowing our history and about our relatives in faith who have built this beautiful church, we come to realize that this worship space is more than bricks and mortar , but is made of living stones which has been placed on a solid foundation.

St. John in the “Book of Revelation” RV 21, 1-5 writes….

“This is God’s dwelling among men and women. He shall dwell with them
and they shall be His people and He will be their God who is always with them.”

A special thank you to all who have given their time and energy to plan our celebration. Let us rejoice and be glad and thank Almighty God for His past blessings upon us and pray that we may be worthy of his continued graces.

I am planning to establish a “Holy Cross Parish Worship Committee.” If you would be interested in serving on this committee please consider attending a meeting on Thursday, October 25th at 6:30 pm in the Rectory Dining Room. The finance committee will be meeting at the same time on the enclosed back porch.

“The overall purpose of the Worship Committee is to assist the pastor in planning and providing for the spiritual development of the members of the parish through liturgical celebrations, significant prayer services and spiritual growth programs. Significant in the functioning of the Worship Committee is its responsibility to assist the pastor in promoting all aspects of the spiritual growth of the parish community. It fosters better worship, varieties of prayer experiences, devotions and understanding of the stages of spiritual growth.”

Oremus pro invicem,

Fr Tom

Holy Cross Faith Formation News From Director, Marti Burkard

Wednesday: Oct. 24 - No classes today or next week!
Sunday: Oct. 28 – No classes today, classes will resume on Nov. 4

Youth Confirmation Retreat
Sunday, Oct. 28 - Norbertine Center for Spirituality - 8:30am - 4:00pm

Next Week! Youth Confirmation!
Don't forget...there is a meeting and Mass with your sponsors!
Sunday, Nov. 4 - 8:00am - 11:00am in the school gym - Remind your sponsors!

About Holy Cross Faith Formation
All children in the Holy Cross Parish Family have the right and opportunity to be educated in their faith. Children and young adults often have questions about God. The Holy Cross Parish Faith Formation program works with parents to answer these questions and to bring our young people into a closer relationship with God; a relationship which motivates them to make good moral decisions in order to live Christ-like lives.

To read all Faith Formation blog posts, click here. To download Faith Formation Registration forms click on the links listed beneath Faith Formation Contact Information on the right hand side of the blog.

Join the Holy Cross Community for a Weekend of Celebration and Fun!

It is the 75th Anniversary of our sacred space!

Please join us as we celebrate this anniversary. A special Mass will be celebrated at 10 AM on October 21, 2007, with a social in the Holy Cross School gym afterwards. Photos and artifacts from the parish history will be on display, and Holy Cross parishioner Pauline LaFrombois will be on hand to sign her book, A Glimpse Into the Past, about the history of Bay Settlement.

And after the celebration, head out to the Shorewood Heights Fall Festival!

The festival will feature games for kids, hayrides, prizes, food and drinks, and entertainment. This is a great way to spend a fall Sunday afternoon with the family! The festival will take place from 11 AM to 3 PM on Sussex Road. Proceeds from this event, which has been generously sponsored by Besaw Realty and Associates, go to Holy Cross School.

Holy Cross School News from Principal Robin Jensen

Ready? Set? Go! Much to share this week! Grab a cup of coffee and read on!

BUTTERFLIES IN FIRST AND SECOND GRADE:
We have some new additions to our school family! The “Painted Lady” Butterflies from the Gr. 1 and Gr. 2 Science Unit are beginning to emerge from their chrysalises! This has been an amazing unit of learning and discovery for our students! They have had the opportunity to learn about the entire life process of these beautiful examples of God’s creation!

MAGAZINE SALE :
Thursday, October 18, 2007 is our Magazine Sale Kick-off Day! This is the only fundraiser that we do as a “school”. The proceeds from the magazine sale are deposited directly as “income” for the school and are used for its day to day operation for this current school year. Please start to think about magazine renewals for your family, your extended family and your friends! For more information, contact your favorite Holy Cross student or call 468.0625.

HCCS STEWARDSHIP AND SERVICE PLAN:
This year Holy Cross School is focusing on monthly Stewardship and Service Projects as out-reach to the local, national and global community. Each grade level will be responsible for initiating contact with an organization and planning the school's donation of time, talent, effort or items needed. The NEW Community Shelter is the focus of the October service project and our efforts are being coordinated by the fourth gade class. We will be collecting items that the shelter is in need of, and donating them at the end of the month. If you would like to participate and support our efforts, please contact school at 468.0625.

75TH ANNIVERSARY OF HOLY CROSS CHURCH (BUILDING):
This weekend our parish will celebrate the 75th Anniversary of our church building at the 10 AM Mass with a social to follow in the school gym. We are very proud of all the Holy Cross School children who have stepped forward to be involved in the Liturgical roles of the Mass!

EC-4 “FULL-DAY PROGRAM OPTION”:
We are in the process of implementing our new “Full-Day” EC-4 Optional Program. The full day option will begin on October 29th. Families will now have the option to have their four-year-olds here at school for a full-day class on Mondays, Wednesdays, and/or Fridays. The existing half-day (2.5 hours) program will still be an option for the families that prefer that schedule.

HOLY CROSS SOCCER:
As the soccer season wraps up, I want to congratulate our teams on a great season! No matter what the team “record” was or what the “scores” were, our athletes, coaches and families should take time to reflect on the good things that came out of the season. Perhaps it was that “one defensive play”, that “one big save”, that “one goal” or perhaps that fact that God simply gave each of our athletes the physical ability to play and have fun with others! Congratulations to our teams on their participating in the Arnie Wolff Parochial School Soccer Tournament.

Gr. 7/8 Team took 3rd Place in their Division,
Gr. 5/6 White took 2nd Place in their Division
Gr. 5/6 Blue took 4th Place in their Division!

Way to go Thunderbolts!

CATHOLIC VIRTUE/VALUE “PATIENCE”:
Please note that the October Catholic Virtue Assembly is on Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at 2:00PM, led by Grade 6. Please join us if you can. This week, I thought that I would share one of my favorite prayers with you. I find that I must pray for patience often; this prayer helps me to slow down and allow God to give me that gift.

The Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next. Amen.

Author: Reinhold Niebuhr

May God bless you today and always,

Robin Jo Jensen

Holy Cross Parish to Celebrate 75th Anniversary of Church Structure

Submitted by Fr. Tom Hagendorf

“A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all other virtues.” --Cicero

Gratitude, to be thankful, is universally praised and encompasses a vast variety of feelings and expression. When offered to God “gratitude” becomes an expression of faith, perhaps the most redemptive of all of our expressions of faith.

Next weekend we will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Dedication of our parish church. This is an event worthy of celebration but even more so it is an event that should evoke from deep within all of us a great sense of GRATITUDE to Almighty God for all the blessings given to our parish over the years.

In order to have gratitude we need knowledge of what we are to be thankful for – and so I would like to share with you a bit of the history of our parish and church:

The History of Holy Cross Parish

(From the Church Dedication Booklet, 1932)

This year Holy Cross Congregation sees one of its most cherished hopes come true. The new church erected during the course of the year replaces the 80-year old structure left to us as a heritage by the early pioneers of this territory. On this occasion a short history of the parish will probably be of interest to this and future generations.

Established in 1852 by Rev. Father Edward Daems, Bay Settlement became the third Catholic parish with a resident pastor in the territory which now forms the Diocese of Green Bay. Only St. John’s in Shanty Town (Green Bay) and Little Chute have an older origin. Prior to his coming to Bay Settlement, Father Daems assisted Father Vanden Broek at Little Chute, where he arrived in 1851. His first meeting with Father Vanden Broek, the “Apostle of Wisconsin”, is strikingly described by Father Daems himself.

“We arrived in front of the so-called rectory and were surprised by its primitive construction. Father Vanden Broek opened the door, an old, worn-out sickly looking figure, dressed in a red woolen shirt, old patched trousers tied at the waist by a piece of string. Two shoes of different make completed the trousers, which might have disedified those who did not know that this man came from a-well-to-do family in Amsterdam, to share the poverty and privation of the early settlers, for the purpose of preserving their faith and confidence in God.”

With Father Daems was Peter Witvens, who later accompanied him to Bay Settlement and was known amongst the settlers as “Brother Pete.” Father Vanden Broek died on November 5, 1851 and in May of the following year Father Daems came to Bay Settlement with the intention of establishing his permanent residence there and to continue the missionary labors of Father Bonduel, who erected a little log chapel along the shore of Green Bay, which he visited periodically.

Already, in June, 1852, Father Daems made a beginning with the erection of a new church, which without many alterations has served the parish until Nov. 1931, when it was razed to make room for the edifice we are dedicating today.

It may be of interest to our readers to know, that the parish is in possession of authentic records, containing a copy of the original contract and specifications and from which it appears that the total cost of the building was $605.00, including two coats of paint with whitelead and oil. When last November the parishioners undertook the work of razing the old church, it was very interesting to see the manner in which it had been constructed. Practically the only material used was white pine and a heavy timber frame that gave strength to the structure, which made it endure in comparatively good condition for the 80 years of its life. To our great surprise, we found no foundation under the building except some flagstones buried about six inches in the ground.

Under Father Daems’ guidance, Bay Settlement became a strongly religious center in the Peninsula. Our Baptismal records show from 300-400 baptisms recorded for the year 1856 and for several years thereafter. While residing at Bay Settlement, Father Daems served a territory extending as far as Sturgeon Bay and even beyond. In 1860 he erected the rectory, a solid stone building, which after more or less extensive repairs gives promise of many more years of adequate usefulness. In 1868 he became the founder of a new religious community, the Sisters of St Francis, and established their Motherhouse at Bay Settlement, which enjoys a healthy growth and is chiefly engaged in educational and charitable work in the Green Bay Diocese. When in 1868 the Diocese of Milwaukee was divided and Green Bay became a new Episcopal See, Father Daems was chosen as its first Vicar-General by its first Bishop, Joseph Melchoir, and he continued in this office under Bishop Krautbauer. Father Daems died in the present rectory on February 12, 1879 at 4 pm at the age of 52, after 28 years of strenuous missionary labors which had sapped the strength of his robust figure and made him an easy prey for pneumonia, which was the immediate cause of his death. The memory of his useful life still lingers today in the minds of our parishioners and of thousands of outsiders, whose forefathers have been beneficiaries of his spiritual and material aid in the midst of the discouraging struggle against pioneer-difficulties.

After the death of Father Daems, Holy Cross Congregation was in the care of the Fathers of Mercy. Unfortunately a fire in the rectory destroyed most of the records of their activities, but as Father Daems had equipped the parish with all the necessary buildings, no material development of great extent took place in the years immediately succeeding his death. Fathers Henry Bruns, J. B. Martin, J. Rocagel, J. McFadden, Jos. Darche, A. LeBras, T. McCarthy, J. Courviosier and T. Tacken, all dispensed their ministry here between 1879 and 1891 when Father P. Cautereels took charge to remain until his death in October, 1903. Father Cautereels was an exceptionally gifted man, not only as a fervent pastor but he was known for his literary achievements. During his pastorate he renovated the church in a substantial manner.

In 1904 Bishop Joseph Fox gave the parish in charge of the White Fathers of De Pere and Rev. S. Mickers started his 16 years of devoted services as pastor. When due to advanced age and infirmity he retired from the pastorate and assumed lighter duties of chaplain of the Good Shepherd Home at Green Bay, he left in the minds of his parishioners the most pleasant memories of his kind-heartedness and his truly pious priestly life. Two years later, July 12, 1922, he succumbed to a heart attack while visiting with Father Vanden Elsen at Brussels and his remains were brought back for burial in Holy Cross Cemetery.

Father Mickers was succeeded on October 12, 1920, by Father J.W. DeVries, the present and incumbent pastor. In 1921 the rectory built by Father Daems was renovated and is now in good condition.

In 1923 the new parochial school was erected to replace the one built in pioneer days. The co-operation of the parishioners who gave liberally of their means and labor enabled the parish to pay indebtedness in four years. The parish records perpetuate to posterity in detail the sacrifice brought by each family of the congregation for this project which is dedicated to the moral and educational good of our children and grandchildren.

Encouraged by the spirit of goodwill, the parish turned its thoughts to the solution of another problem, which has been a subject of conversation for twenty years or more. The old frame building gave signs of decay and need of repair or replacement. After serious consideration the parish decided to erect a new building and it was thought best to start a fund for that purpose and to see what financial aid could be secured by this process over a period of years. It was at this point that 26 of the parishioners voluntarily pledged an amount in excess of one half of the of the total cost of the project and when it was announced announced shortly after by the pastor, it encouraged the congregation to the point where the erection of the new church in 1932 became virtually assured. The names of these 26 families are preserved in the cornerstone of the building and the vestibule contains a memorial tablet commemorating to posterity their generosity and is an expression of appreciation by the members of the parish.

On November 2, 1931, the old church was used for the last time for divine services and the work of razing the 80 year old structure was commenced on the same day. All labor in connection with this has been done by voluntary efforts of the parishioners and four days later at about 12 o'clock noon, Mr. John Jacobs rang the church bell as the last timber was let down by the cheering crowd. only three days later the site of the old church was cleared for excavation, the new building standing almost in the exact spot of the old church. The parishioners with free labor have done all excavating and also largely erected all foundation walls.

The plans for the new church in Northern Romanesque style were made by W.E. Reynolds of Green Bay, collaborating with Father DeVries and the results speak well for the architect's skill.

The congregation selected the following members to act as a building committee: Henry Deschane, Martin Larscheid, John Van Egeren, Wm. Van Lieshout, Jacob Cranen, Jr., and Michael Strebel, Edgar Doney, Geo. Corsten.

The general contract was awarded to Mr. Sam Clark of De Pere, Wis., for the sum of $29,422.00.

The heating and ventilating system was installed by the Campbell Heating Co. of Des Moines, Iowa for $1,800.00. The electric equipment is the work of the Knoeller Electric Company, Green Bay. The furnishings were manufactured by the Svoboda Co., at Kewaunee, Wis. The church in Romanesque style has an all steel frame and is fireproof throughout with the exception of the rafters and floorboards.

On Easter Sunday, March 27, 1932, Father De Vries laid the cornerstone in the presence of a large concourse of people from the surrounding territory.

Between August 22 and 29, the parishioners with free labor graded the premises and laid all the walks. On Sunday, October 2, Most Rev. Bishop Paul P. Rhode of the Diocese of Green Bay officiated at the solemn blessing and dedication, many of the clergy assisting in the sanctuary. Bishop Rhode preached an inspiring sermon, commending the faith which found its expression in this new church dedicated to God’s greater honor and the spiritual needs of this and future generations. These festivities happen to coincide with the Silver Jubilee of Father De Vries, who on October 20 of this year, will be a priest 25 years. For this reason it was his privilege and pleasure to celebrate the solemn High Mass on the day of the blessing of the new church.

Father John Wm. De Vries was born in Schijndel, Holland on May 21, 1882, the son of William De Vries and Alberta Laurense. In 1906 he came to St Norbert College at DePere and on October 20, 1907 was ordained to the priesthood at Two Rivers, WI. For fourteen years he was one of the professors of St. Norbert College, whence he came to Bay Settlement in October, 1920, to assume the duties of the pastorate of Holy Cross Congregation. It perhaps deserves mention that he comes from a family which gave all five of its sons to the priesthood of the Church. One of his brothers is the present pastor of Bear Creek in the Diocese of Green Bay and two others are members of the Diocese of Bois-le-Duc, Holland. The fifth one died as a missionary in China in the first year of his ordination.

At the time of the dedication, Mr. George Morrison is treasurer of the parish, Mr. George Corsten is filling the vacancy of secretary, created by the recent death of Mr. Albert Rousseau. Mr. Albert Champeau, Mr. Cornelius Reynen, Mr. Peter Draise and Mr. Herman Corsten are consultors.

In closing these few remarks, the members of Holy Cross Congregation wish to express the earnest hope that the material sacrifices which they already brought and which are still facing them in the future, will be looked upon by future generations as an expression of their love for God and the religion which Christ established on earth for their soul’s salvation and that it may be a Christian inheritance to their children and children’s children.

The pastor of Holy Cross Congregation, Father J.W. De Vries wishes to thank his people for their good will and co-operation in bringing this project to such a happy conclusion and asks them their continued support for the future.

Please join the Holy Cross Parish Community as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of our holy space. A special Mass will be celebrated at 10 AM on October 21, 2007, with a social in the Holy Cross School gym afterwards. Photos and artifacts from the parish history will be on display, and Pauline LaFrombois' book, A Glimpse Into the Past, about the history of Bay Settlement, will be available for purchase.

Holy Cross School Unveils "Flexible" All-Day Preschool Program

Holy Cross Catholic School will be launching their new flexible, all-day preschool program for four year olds on Monday, October 29th, 2007. Principal Robin Jensen said the decision to implement the program was precipitated by requests from parents of children currently enrolled in the existing preschool program. The school has a limited number of spots available and will continue to accept registrations for the 2007/08 school year. Questions? Please contact Holy Cross School at 468.0625.

The Flexible, Full-Day Early Childhood Program
Parents who enroll their child in Holy Cross School's new full day preschool program will be able to choose from several different options:

~three half day sessions
~ two half day sessions and one full day session
~ one half day session and two full day sessions
~ three full day sessions

Half day sessions run two and a half hours; full day sessions coincide with the seven hour school day. Parents can choose to increase their child's enrollment as the year progresses, and preschoolers will have access to the school's top-notch nutrition program and extended care programs.

"At Holy Cross Catholic School we strive to create programs that give kids the best possible learning experience and take into account the challenges of family life," commented Mrs. Jensen. "We've developed a flexible preschool schedule that parents can tailor to the needs of their individual child. The beauty of our new Early Childhood program is that it serves to ease children into a full-time kindergarten schedule and gives parents access to some of our programs that cater to the needs of busy families."

Holy Cross Early Childhood Curriculum
The Holy Cross Early Childhood Program provides children three- and four-years old quality educational experiences in a caring Christian environment. Holy Cross Early Childhood provides each child with a variety of rich experiences that foster their personal growth. The program focuses on developing:

~ Socialization skills that help children to develop an awareness of self and others as members of a community.
~ Fine and gross motor physical coordination skills
~ Mathematics readiness
~ Communication skills
~ Reading/pre-reading and writing skills

About Holy Cross Catholic School
Located on the growing northeast side of Green Bay, Holy Cross School has been in existence for 139 years and has an enrollment of 160 students in grades EC3 to 8th grade. The school educates children within the Catholic faith and provides them with opportunities to develop the values, attitudes and skills that will enable them to become vital members of the community. For more information about Holy Cross School, please call 920.468.0625 or check out the links located on the right hand side of the Holy Cross Family Blogspot.

October 13/14 From the Pastor's Desk...

My Dear Parishioners,

Friday, November 2nd is the Feast of all Souls and is traditionally in our Catholic Faith the special day when we remember all of our beloved dead. Throughout the world Catholics will gather in their parishes to celebrate the Eucharist and remember those relatives, friends and others with whom they have shared life, faith and love.

Here at Holy Cross we have a tradition of gathering and celebrating the Eucharist and instead of the Prayers of the Faithful at that time we prayerfully read the names of our beloved dead who have died within the past year and present to representatives of their family a candle of remembrance. This Eucharist will be at 7 pm on November 2nd. I have sent letters to all those families who have lost a loved one this past year and if anyone in this category has not received such an invitation letter please call the parish office. This year I would also like to open this special remembrance to anyone who has lost a loved one over the past few years. To include your loved one’s name and get a candle please call the parish office. Our Mass schedule for All Soul’s Day, November 2nd is 8 am and 7 pm.

Please remember that next Sunday we will celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Dedication of our Parish Church at the 10 am Mass and will continue with a parish family social immediately after the Mass in the parish hall. I do hope that you and your family will plan to attend.

This weekend we Welcome in a special way our parish children who will begin their preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and their First Holy Communion. They and their family will be expected to attend weekend Mass on a regular basis and our children will sign in and promise to pray at each Mass for the intentions of our our Holy Father, Benedict XVI. We will give them this weekend their “Children’s Mass Book” so they may learn the prayers of the Mass. Please remember to support and encourage our children by your prayers.

Our First Reconciliation and Eucharistic Children are:
Connor Adam, Karli Anderson, Max Bobholz, Meredith Delain, Maclare Demeny, Megan Flood, Arianna Florence, Gabrielle Frankow, Jack Holz, Brittany Karchinski, Nicole Kiley, Cameryn Koch, Connor Lasee, Travis Leiterman, Marcus May, Chamonix Michaud, Shannon Morz, Kathryn Murphy, Cassie Nooyen, Emilie Peterson, Jackson Strohmeyer, Chloe VandenHouten, Nickolas Verheyden, Connor Bell, Cody Bultman, Grace Burroughs, Emily Conard, Cole Cullen, Gracie DeGroot, Noah Eastman, Jonathan Fry, Paul Gapinski, Marion Hermitanio, Sarina Kulow, Alex Lau, Samuel Nennig, Trudy Quidzinski, Allison Rakers, and Kasey Richert.

Oremus pro invicem,
Fr. Tom

Holy Cross Parish Youth Stewardship Corner

I shared my TIME and TALENT by:

- helped with garden, cleaned my room
- Swiffered the floor!
- swept the sidewalk for Mom
- did the laundry
- helped my Papa outside, visited Grandparents
- shared my toys, said my prayers
- helped Mom set the table
- helped make tie-dye shirts
- helped out in the yard before company came
- helped my little sister make her breakfast

Total TREASURE shared: $44.65

Our Holy Cross Parish Youth Stewardship program is a tool available for us to help teach the basics of stewardship to our youth. Stewardship is a decision we make to live as Christians and to thank God for all of His blessings by helping to take care of the church and the world on behalf of God. Stewardship is often touched upon throughout the Bible and in our faith formation process; the Youth Stewardship Program helps bring all of these teachings together.

For more information about Holy Cross Faith Formation, please check out the links located on the right hand side of the blog.

Meet the Teacher: Mrs. Patty Nennig, Fifth Grade

Educational Background: graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and majored in elementary education.

Teaching Experience: has taught middle school for 16 years in the Milwaukee Archdiocese. Mrs. Nennig was also an assistant principal for four years at Divine Mercy School in South Milwaukee. She has taught every subject at one point or another, but specialized in middle school mathematics and reading. Mrs. Nennig is a certified Supportive Consultant and has done a great deal of work with children with special needs.

At Holy Cross Catholic School since: 2005

What she likes about Holy Cross School: The kids are awesome!!!

Free time: Mrs. Nennig and her husband Todd have two kids, Sam and Danny, who attend Holy Cross Catholic School. In addition to "hanging out with my boys," she enjoys reading, travel, and going up to the cottage where they can swim, fish and do water sports.

Book Review: Winseman Wants Us to Wake Up to Today’s Spiritual Health Crisis

By Jean Peerenboom

“Growing an Engaged Church: How to Stop ‘Doing Church’ and Start Being the Church Again” by Albert L. Winseman (Gallup Press; $22.95) and “Living the Days of Advent and the Christmas Season 2007” by Bishop Robert Morneau (Paulist Press; $3.95)

Albert Winseman, the Gallup organization’s global practice leader for faith-based organizations and a former pastor in the United Methodist Church, paints a grim picture of mainline religions today in “Growing an Engaged Church: How to Stop ‘Doing Church’ and Start Being the Church Again.”

He is concerned and thinks the rest of us should be, too. “We are in a spiritual health crisis,” he says.

He sees a trend toward “churchless Christianity,” which celebrates “a new emphasis on the individual at the expense of the community.”

“If we believe the world is in need of the life-giving love of Jesus Christ, we’d better do everything we can not only to strengthen existing local congregations, but also to effectively plant new churches that meet the needs of and proclaim the Gospel to emerging generations. The two are not mutually exclusive,” Winseman says.

But, before we can fix the problem, we need to figure out what needs to be fixed. In other words – “we have to figure out what it means to ‘be’ the church.” For that, Winseman says, “Go back to the Acts of the Apostles” and see how the early church acted.

Winseman says today’s churches have become “complacent, self-satisfied and spiritually impoverished. Members have lost their passion with this lukewarm Christianity. Most churches don’t know they are lukewarm or unpalatable.”

In his analysis, the author doesn’t reveal anything that church leaders haven’t been talking about for many years. The Catholic Church in the Green Bay diocese has been addressing these issues with Renew, Advancing the Mission, and the reorganization of diocesan offices to include evangelization and adult education. But, programs are not enough, according to this book.

Winseman emphasizes the emotional aspect of church that often gets short shrift. “Today, the biggest compliment is ‘Pastor, worship really moved me today.’ Research shows the emotional bond is far stronger than the rational. If we are going to grow in faith, we need to recognize the emotional bond. We need to engage people,” he writes.

How do we measure spiritual health? Surveys can’t do justice, he says, recommending instead questions about life satisfaction, invitation, service and giving. “Research shows the most effective influence on outcomes is engagement.” He spends many pages offering advice on how to engage people and backs it up with his experience working with the Gallup organization.

The bottom line, however, is still people. No matter how much we talk about time, treasure and talent or prayer, sharing and service, it’s really all about relationships. Church extends beyond the parking lot. After all, we are Christian 24/7?

** A Christmas gift from Bishop Morneau: If you are looking for a good reflection aid for the upcoming Advent season, let me heartily recommend Bishop Robert Morneau’s new “Living the Days of Advent and the Christmas Season 2007.” Extending from the first Sunday of Advent to the Baptism of Our Lord, it is a combination of teaching and reflection, as only Bishop Morneau can do.

The back of the book recommends “Tear off a page each day. Tack it on the bulletin board. Put it on the refrigerator door or tape it to the mirror in the bathroom. Read and reflect on these words from Holy Scripture. Discover how they relate to you and your world. Pray and take action. Live every day.”

The pages are perforated so they can be torn out easily. And, each day is a gem, a small nugget to ponder all day. He reflects on holiness, self-knowledge, discernment, joy, peace, the Holy Spirit, and much, much more. Don’t miss it.

Give yourself a spiritual Christmas present this year.

Jean Peerenboom is the former religion/books editor from the Green Bay Press Gazette. Jean is currently the volunteer coordinator at the NEW Community Shelter, 301 Mather St., Green Bay, and a candidate with the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross. She writes a monthly book review for the Holy Cross Family Blogspot.

To read all of Jean Peerenboom's book reviews, click here.

Holy Cross Faith Formation News From Director, Marti Burkard

Holy Cross Faith Formation Committee Needs Members! Are you Interested?
We are looking for members young and old to serve on this brand new committee. This group will study policies, give input on the organization of our Faith Formation Program, and provide leadership along with our Coordinator. Please call Marti in the Faith Formation Office at 468-6554 if you are interested in serving in this capacity.

Upcoming Faith Formation Calendar
WEDNESDAY, Oct. 17
Grades 2 – 6: 5:30 – 6:30pm
Grades 7 – 10: 6:45 – 8:00pm
Confirmation: 6:45 - 8:00pm - Session 2
SUNDAY, Oct. 21 – No classes today or next week!

About Holy Cross Faith Formation
All children in the Holy Cross Parish Family have the right and opportunity to be educated in their faith. Children and young adults often have questions about God. The Holy Cross Parish Faith Formation program works with parents to answer these questions and to bring our young people into a closer relationship with God; a relationship which motivates them to make good moral decisions in order to live Christ-like lives.

To read all Faith Formation blog posts, click here. To download Faith Formation Registration forms click on the links listed beneath Faith Formation Contact Information on the right hand side of the blog.

Holy Cross School Classroom News: Early Childhood 4

EC-4 has had a very busy month!

We have been busy learning about apples and fall. Our classroom was brightly decorated with all of the beautiful colors of fall. We have been practicing for our special presentation with the 3rd grade reading buddies. We will be acting out a story called The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything and singing two special songs for everyone to enjoy on October 24. Please join us! Our morning class will be performing at 8:30 a.m-9:30 a.m. and our afternoon class will be performing from 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.

Autumn brings warm days and cool nights. Crisp, sweet apples and bright colors splashed in our yards. The sound of leaves crunching beneath our feet. Autumn brings us wonderful sights, sounds and tastes! Enjoy this beautiful season with your family and friends!

God bless you all!
Mrs. Jacques

Early Childhood Programs at Holy Cross School

The Holy Cross Early Childhood Program provides children three and four years old quality educational experiences in a Christian caring environment. Holy Cross Early Childhood provides each child with a variety of rich experiences that foster their personal growth. Our program focuses on developing:

~ Socialization skills that help children to develop an awareness of self and others as members of a community.

~ Fine and gross motor physical coordination skills

~ Mathematics readiness

~ Communication skills

~ Reading/pre-reading and writing skills

For more information about the Early Childhood Programs at Holy Cross School, please contact the school office at 468.0625.

October 6/7th, From the Pastor's Desk...

My Dear Parishioners,

I have returned from my two week vacation visiting my family on the East Coast in the Philadelphia area. My brother Bob from Salt Lake City accompanied me as we drove my car. We used the SS Badger and that saved us from the Chicago traffic along with what we figure was more than 300 miles. We had great traveling weather and the trip, both ways, was enjoyable. While in the East the weather was perfect, not too hot and not too cold, so my visit was most enjoyable. As I had told you in a previous bulletin, my older sister Jean had a very bad accident and will have a very long recovery. It was nice to see her and visit with her and she thanks all of your for your continuing prayers for her recovery.

Welcome Confirmation Candidates
We welcome this week-end in the Rite of Election, the following youth who will be preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation in the year ahead. Please keep them in your prayers that they will be open to the movement of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

Katie Albers, David Bauer, Jenna Burkart, Eva Campbell, John Cieslewicz, Izana Clabots, Cole Conard, Jared Dechamps, Kyle Dewiche, Ellen Gapinski, Paul Giesler, Maxwell Haese, Amanda Heim, Derrick Jadin, Marty Jensen, Katie Jansen, Ashley Kowalski, Brett Kowaleski, Max Majeski, Trevor Quass, Kelsie Rudolph, Jenna Sconzert, Matt Skaletski, Andrew Stone, Brittany Thompson, Riley Vandervest, Katie VanLaanen, Orrie Vandenlangenberg, Joshua VanLaanen, Matt Walschinski, Carrie Wiesner, Jacob Willems, Jessica Wirtz, Jacob Heffernan, and Jonathan Vesley.

75th Anniversary of the Dedication of current Holy Cross Church building

Our bulletin last week announced our Celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Dedication of our parish church. Our church is very very special to us and so I think it is important that we celebrate this special occasion in a fitting way. Kindly consider this celebration as a good opportunity to learn something about our history, about what makes Holy Cross and Bay Settlement such a special place. Learn also that our parish church is a living and growing Church and that is more than just a physical structure. If you are willing to help with this celebration please call Rosie Vanderkelen at 468.6118.

Oremus pro invicem,
Father Tom

Holy Cross Parish Youth Stewardship Corner

Our Holy Cross youth have started to use the stewardship envelopes that are sent home weekly with children enrolled in both our Faith Formation Program and in our Day School. Below is a list of ways some of the children have been good stewards of God’s gifts this past week.

I shared my TIME and TALENT by:

- cleaning my room
- helping Mom & Dad
- saying my prayers
- taking out the garbage
- I was a good girl while Mom was gone!
- putting the dishes away every day
- took a shower all by myself!
- folding laundry, picking weeds, mopping
- helped babysit for my cousin

Total TREASURE shared: $14.92

Our Holy Cross Parish Youth Stewardship program is a tool available for us to help teach the basics of stewardship to our youth. Stewardship is a decision we make to live as Christians and to thank God for all of His blessings by helping to take care of the church and the world on behalf of God. Stewardship is often touched upon throughout the Bible and in our faith formation process; the Youth Stewardship Program helps bring all of these teachings together.

For more information about Holy Cross Faith Formation, please check out the links located on the right hand side of the blog.

'Pray-as-you-go.org' Offers Quiet Prayer Space Amidst Everyday Chaos

The Jesuits in Britain have put together a very creative daily prayer program that they offer on their website, Pray-as-you-go.org. The site offers a beautifully calm, 10 to 13 minute prayer session that you can easily download to your computer, Ipod or MP3 player. According to their website:

A new prayer session is produced every day. It is not a 'Thought for the Day', a sermon or a bible-study, but rather a framework for your own prayer. Lasting between ten and thirteen minutes, it combines music, scripture and some questions for reflection. The aim is to help you to:

~ become more aware of God's presence in your life
~ listen to and reflect on God's word
~ grow in your relationship with God

It is produced by Jesuit Media Initiatives, with material written by a number of British Jesuits and other experts in the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Although the content is different every day, it keeps to the same basic format.

Check it out at www.pray-as-you-go.org/.

Holy Cross School News from Principal Robin Jensen

Happy October to you all! I find it mind boggling that we have a month of the school year behind us already! October brings us to ITBS/CogAT Testing for our 3rd, 5th and 7th grade students, hearing and vision screenings, mid-trimester progress reports, Picture Day, the Magazine Sale, Parent/Teacher Conferences, 8th Grade NDA EXPLORE Testing, and of course Halloween! Whew, it’s going to be a busy month at HCCS!

HOT LUNCH “HIGHLIGHT”:
I want to share an entertaining story, which was shared by a parent yesterday, with me. I’m still giggling, every time I think about it! On Monday evening, one of our students asked his Mother a routine school question, that I’m sure is asked at your house on a regular basis: “What’s for hot lunch tomorrow Mom?” Mom responded, “RIB-IT Patti and Brownies.” End of conversation right? Yesterday after school, another routine family conversation takes place with the same family, Mom asked: “How was your day?” The child replies, “Good; but Mom, we had pork ribs for lunch, NOT FROG!” I knew that our Nutrition Services staff members, Mrs. Zahn and Mrs. VerHaag, created some interesting and exquisite lunches….but I had no idea that we had this type of delicacy on the menu!

MAGAZINE SALE :
The annual school magazine sale kick-off day will be Thursday, October 18th! This is the only fundraiser that we do as a “school." The proceeds from the magazine sale are deposited directly as “income” for the school and are used for its day to day operation for this current school year. Please think about making your magazine renewals through Holy Cross School! For more information, contact your favorite Holy Cross student or call 468.0625.

ALL-SCHOOL MASS IS ON THURSDAY OCTOBER 4, 2007:
The all-school mass this week will take place on Thursday, October 4th, not Friday. We will be celebrating the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi on his Feast Day. Please come and celebrate with us if you can.

STUDENT STEWARDSHIP ENVELOPES:
Holy Cross students have received their first Parish Youth Stewardship Envelopes. This is a new program for all of the Holy Cross Parish youth. Thank you to Faith Formation Coordinator Marti Burkard for instituting this valuable program for the young people of our parish, to learn and understand the concept of Stewardship and the giving of ourselves to God through “Time, Talent and Treasure." Watch for the new “Stewardship Corner” in our weekly Parish bulletin, highlighting some of the acts of service that our children demonstrate each week!

HOLY CROSS SOCCER GAMES:
Soccer season is in full swing. If you are interested in cheering on the Thunderbolts, visit the school's learning management website: http://www.holycrossfamily.org/. The schedule is listed on the calendar located on the right hand side of the page. Go Thunderbolts!

CATHOLIC VIRTUE/VALUE “PATIENCE”:
Our students will be focusing on the virtue of Patience for the month of October as a part of our Catholic Virtue Education Program.

Patience; isn’t this something that we, as adults, find ourselves searching for more of each day? We ask God for more patience with our children, more patience with our spouse or significant other, more patience with our co-workers, more patience with other drivers, more patience in the line at the grocery store? Our society and our world don’t give us much chance to have much patience does it? We are always in a big hurry, we always have somewhere to go, something to do. We find we need instant responses and answers via e-mail, the Internet, the cell phone. Technology and our culture seem to support more “impatience” than patience! Perhaps this month we, as adults, can consciously “slow down” and work on the virtue of patience and thereby instill this virtue in our children as well.

“Have patience with all things, but first of all with yourself.” Author: St. Francis de Sales

May God bless you with patience and all good things,

Robin Jo Jensen

Holy Cross Faith Formation Sponsors an Evening With Stewardship Speaker Mike Picard

Holy Cross Faith Formation

welcomes you for an evening with speaker Mike Picard,

Service Outside Our Gates -- Helping Hands to Haiti.

WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 10, 7:00pm

WHERE: The Holy Cross School Gym

With no electricity or running water and short of basics like antibiotics, doctors in makeshift clinics are fighting to save the people of Haiti. Mike Picard has traveled to Haiti as part of a medical mission outreach sponsored by St. Vincent Hospital. Come and listen as he shares with us his presentation and experience of the land, the people, and the needs of our Haitian brothers and sisters.