Holy Cross Family of Green Bay, Wisconsin

USCCB offers Advent and Christmas Resources

noreply@blogger.com (Holy Cross Staff) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:52:00 +0000

Looking for resources to help prepare your mind and heart for Christmas? Check out the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' web pages devoted to the Advent and Christmas season: www.usccb.org/advent/resources.shtml

What's happening in Faith Formation?

noreply@blogger.com (Holy Cross Staff) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:26:00 +0000

WEDNESDAY, December 9
Grades 1-6: 5:30-6:30 pm
Grades 7-10 and Confirmation: 6:45-8:00 pm

SUNDAY, December 13
Sunday School (3, 4 & 5 yr. olds) during the 10 am Mass

Christmas play rehearsal
December 9, 5:30-6:30 pm in church

Coming soon! The Faith Formation Program presents:
Our third annual Christmas play
Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009, 6:30- 7:00 pm
Social to follow in the school gym. There will be no regular classes scheduled for Grades 1-10 on this evening! All students and catechists are expected to attend our play with their families. This is part of our regular Faith Formation curriculum and attendance will be taken. ALL PARISHIONERS ARE INVITED!

Tuition help needed/sponsor a student
If you would like to help with tuition aid or sponsor a needy family to attend our Faith Formation classes, your help will be greatly appreciated. Just call the Faith Formation Office at 468.6554. Thank you in advance for your generosity!

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 see Faith Formation photos, click on the photo albums underneath Faith Formation Contact Information on the right hand side of the blog.

HCCS third graders learn with array of hands-on projects

noreply@blogger.com (Holy Cross Staff) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:20:00 +0000

Submitted by Mrs. Mary Wennesheimer

After thoroughly investigating the life of a Pilgrim boy and girl, the Third Grade enjoyed creating and wearing their Pilgrim attire.

The Third Grade enjoyed collecting fall leaves and displaying them in unique booklets. They completed their study of leaves by classifying them according to leaf shape, vein pattern, edges, and simple or compound blades. They were truly practicing their scientific observational skills.

After completing a unit of study on the continents and oceans, the Third Grade became junior cartographers. They constructed maps of the world locating and labeling the seven continents and four oceans.

About Holy Cross Catholic School
Located on the growing northeast side of Green Bay at the historic crossroads of Church and Bay Settlement Roads, Holy Cross Catholic School is the point at which faith, community and education converge. 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. Holy Cross Catholic School has been in existence for 141 years and has an enrollment of 195 students in grades EC3 to 8th grade. For more information, please visit the school's website: http://www.holycrossfamily.org/.

This week at Holy Cross Parish, December 7 - 13

noreply@blogger.com (Holy Cross Staff) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 23:00:00 +0000

Monday, December 7
NO MASS
6:30 pm Stewardship Committee, Library
7:00 pm Choir Practice, Church

Tuesday, December 8
8:00 am Mass for the Year of the Priest
7:00 pm Mass for the Holy Cross Parish Family

Wednesday, December 9
8:00 am Mass for the David Tegtman Sr.

Thursday, December 10
8:00 am Mass for Wade Brunette

Friday, December 11
8:00 am Mass for Doris Vaness

Saturday, December 12
4:00 pm Mass for Carri & Tony

Sunday, December 13
8:00 am Mass for Frank Wilson
10:00 am Mass for the Holy Cross Parish Family

With sympathy on behalf of the Holy Cross Parish Family

noreply@blogger.com (Holy Cross Staff) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 12:45:00 +0000

Mary Ann Hegenbart, 52, Green Bay passed away peacefully on December 3, 2009 with her family and close friends by her side. Mary Ann was born on April 21, 1957 in Green Bay to George and Mary (Costello) Hegenbart. She was a 1975 graduate of West High School in Green Bay. She was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Green Bay. Mary Ann was very devoted to her family and when her parents needed her she was always there for them. She loved spending time with her family and friends. She was an avid Packers Fan and enjoyed scrap booking. She was also known as the “coffee lady” from her days selling specialty coffees.

She will be sadly missed by her father George, her dear friends Stella and Diane, as well as many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother Mary.

Friends may call at Proko-Wall Funeral Home, 1630 East Mason Street on Monday December 7, 2009 from 3-4 pm. Memorial Service at the funeral home at 4:00 pm with the Rev. Tom Hagendorf officiating.

The family would like to thank the staff and nurses at Bellin Hospital’s Advanced Care Unit and Dr. Dale Davis. Your care of Mary Ann is appreciated.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Mary Ann’s name.

December 5/6 From the Pastor's Desk

noreply@blogger.com (Holy Cross Staff) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 00:08:00 +0000

My Dear Parishioners,

Congratulations to the Briski family on the Baptism of their son, Andrew, at the 8 am Mass this weekend. Andrew’s Baptism was delayed because of the flu, and so we happily welcome him into our faith this weekend. Congratulations are also in order for the Limoni and Olson families whose children Lauren, Jacob and Sam Limoni, along with their cousins, Benjamin and Melissa Olson, were Baptized at the 10 am Mass. We as a parish family have grown by 6 this weekend through the Waters of Baptism.

On Wednesday, Dec. 2, 28 children in our parish family received God’s forgiveness for the first time in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. On Saturday, Nov. 21, our children enjoyed an afternoon retreat experience, and then this past Wednesday they were joined by their families and the rest of our Holy Cross Parish Family during our Advent Penance Service. We thank you parents for the wonderful model that you are of the unconditional love and forgiveness of God to your children.

This Tuesday is December 8th, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Our country is dedicated to Mary under this title and thus this feast is the patron Feast of the United States of America and is a Holy Day of Obligation. Masses here at Holy Cross for this feast are at 8 am and 7 pm. This is a good opportunity for us to gather as individuals and as a parish family and pray for our country and to remember in a special way those men and women in the military, especially those in harm’s way. It is also a wonderful opportunity to say a few prayers for the member of the police, fire, emergency rescue teams, swat teams and others in public service who put their lives on the line so that we may be safe and free. Let us especially remember those police officers who were murdered last Sunday and their families who mourn their passing.

Please remember that next weekend we take up the annual collection for the retired sisters, brothers and priests. These were the people who educated us and built up the Catholic church in America and who labored for practically nothing and who are now in their old age and in need. Please be generous as many sister's communities depend on this annual collection.

Next weekend, Sunday, December 13th, is also our Annual Christmas Open House, 3 pm to 7 pm. This is a perfect opportunity to watch the Packers play, and then after the game to come to the rectory to begin the Christmas Season with other parishioners and join in with them for some food, recreational beverages and fellowship, and to sing some of the wonderful Christmas Carols along with our choir. If you have never toured the rectory, this is a good opportunity to do so and also to see some of the new renovations, especially the kitchen.

Mark your calendars - Monday, December 15th at 6:30 pm is our School Concert. Tuesday, December 16th is our Faith Formation Christmas Play in the church at 6:30 pm.

Oremus Pro Invicem,
Father Tom

Related link:
12.06.09 Church Bulletin

Sister’s baked goods not enough to support her religious order

noreply@blogger.com (Holy Cross Staff) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 00:04:00 +0000

Reprinted with permission from the December 2, 2009 edition of The Compass. Photo and story by Sam Lucero

Retirement Fund for Religious assists retired sisters

BAY SETTLEMENT — Sr. Germaine Paider is a baker extraordinaire. She's been baking kolaches, nut breads and other sweet treats since she was a child. At age 94, Sr. Germaine, a Sister of St. Francis of the Holy Cross, has made enough treats to fill a bakery - or two.

Her most recent delicacies were up for sale at the Bay Settlement Sisters' Bazaar last month. It's the fifth year the sisters have sponsored a bazaar to raise funds to help offset the cost of their new motherhouse.

Franciscan Sr. Germaine Paider shares a smile with a friend during the Bay Settlement Sisters’ Bazaar Nov. 14 at Holy Cross School in Bay Settlement. (Sam Lucero The Compass)Sr. Germaine sees her baking efforts going to a good cause. "It's one way to contribute" to the debt still owed on the motherhouse, she said. "I love to do it. I like to bake. I've been a teacher most of my life, but I've baked in between (assignments)."

She credits her mother for teaching her how to bake, especially the ethnic Bohemian treats such as kolaches.

But baking kolaches does not meet all the financial needs of the Bay Settlement Sisters, whose aging population requires more attention to health care. That is why they rely on assistance from Catholics through the annual Retirement Fund for Religious, held this year on Dec. 11 and 12.

Last year, the Bay Settlement Sisters received nearly $35,000 from the national collection to help meet their needs. They were the only religious community in the Green Bay Diocese to receive funding. The Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity in Manitowoc are among religious communities that contribute to the fund.

According to the National Religious Retirement Office, which oversees the annual appeal, there are more than 35,000 religious, mostly women, who are past age 70. More than 5,500 need skilled nursing care.

Since the Retirement Fund for Religious began in 1988, nearly $589 million has been raised to support aging religious like Sr. Germaine. Most of that money, between 80 and 90 percent, goes to direct care assistance of aged religious. The remaining goes to help religious orders implement long-term financial planning programs.

Sr. Germaine said she and the other Bay Settlement sisters are grateful for donations to the appeal.

"It's very important for us, especially now that we are in debt," she said. "It's very much appreciated by the sisters. We're all getting older and fewer (sisters) are working so we are caught up in a financial bind, more or less. So we're happy to get any help we can."

Despite the challenges, Sr. Germaine said religious life still offers young women a rewarding way of life.

"I've been in (religious life) now for 78 years. I left home when I was 15," she said. "It's been a good life. I love it."

Give to the Retirement Fund for Religious
What: 18th annual Retirement Fund for Religious
When: Dec. 12 and 13 (Note: The collection at Holy Cross Parish takes place on December 5 and 6.)
Where: Diocesan parishes

The Compass newspaper offers a lively mix of local, national and international Catholic news along with columns, spiritual reflections, and weekly Scripture readings. In the last 10 years, The Compass has received more than 33 CPA awards. For subscription information, please click here.

Readings for December 6, 2009: Second Sunday of Advent

noreply@blogger.com (Holy Cross Staff) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:18:00 +0000

Reading 1
Bar 5:1-9

Responsorial Psalm
Ps 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6

Reading 2
Phil 1:4-6, 8-11

Gospel
Lk 3:1-6

Returning to Jerusalem
Reflection on Sunday's readings from Fr. Mark Vander Steeg.

Catholic Virtue Reflection: Thy Will Be Done

noreply@blogger.com (Holy Cross Staff) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 01:37:00 +0000

Submitted by Mrs. Robin Jo Jensen

During the month of December, we will study the “Thy Will Be Done” portion of “The Lord’s Prayer."

“Consider how Jesus Christ teaches us to be humble, by making us see that our virtue does not depend on our work alone but on grace from on high. He commands each of the faithful who prays to do so universally, for the whole world. For he did not say "Thy will be done in me or in us," but "on earth," the whole earth, so that error may be banished from it, truth take root in it, all vice be destroyed on it, virtue flourish on it, and earth no longer differ from heaven.”
St. John Chrysostom, Hom. in Mt. 19, 5:PG 57, 280

What is Catholic Virtue Education?
Catholic Virtue Education focuses on teaching students and their families about Catholic virtue as outlined in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. While all of the virtues, works, gifts, fruits, and prayers are intricately intertwined into our Catholic Faith, Catholic Virtue Education at Holy Cross Catholic School focuses on certain aspects each month in order to enhance learning for all students, of all abilities, in all grades.Each month a new virtue is developed, and the students are involved in defining, discussing and exhibiting that trait in their daily lives. Principal Robin Jo Jensen includes reflections on the month's virtue in her weekly parent letter to spur discussions at home. At the end of the month parents are encouraged to attend a student-directed, all-school assembly focusing on the lessons taught throughout the month.

About Holy Cross Catholic School
Located on the growing northeast side of Green Bay at the historic crossroads of Church and Bay Settlement Roads, Holy Cross Catholic School is the point at which faith, community and education converge. 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. Holy Cross Catholic School has been in existence for 141 years and has an enrollment of 195 students in grades EC3 to 8th grade. For more information, please visit the school's website: http://www.holycrossfamily.org/.

Holy Cross Catholic School 'decks the halls' in the Time Warner Holiday Parade

noreply@blogger.com (Holy Cross Staff) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 02:12:00 +0000

Submitted by Mrs. Cathy Schumer

On Saturday, November 21, many HCCS students, family, faculty, and friends walked in the Green Bay Holiday Parade. Over a dozen students in grades five through eight designed and constructed a float in line with the parade’s theme, which was Deck the Halls. The float depicts a typical school hallway decked out for the holidays. Parent helpers included Nancy Gapinski, John and Kimi Kelly, Mary Jo Pirlot, Cathy Schumer, Barry Smetana, Cheryl VanDenmeerendonk, Lynnie Vincent, and Jean Vogel.

About Holy Cross Catholic School
Located on the growing northeast side of Green Bay at the historic crossroads of Church and Bay Settlement Roads, Holy Cross Catholic School is the point at which faith, community and education converge. 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. Holy Cross Catholic School has been in existence for 141 years and has an enrollment of 195 students in grades EC3 to 8th grade. For more information, please visit the school's website: http://www.holycrossfamily.org/.

Retreat prepares Holy Cross kids for First Reconciliation

noreply@blogger.com (Holy Cross Staff) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 02:06:00 +0000

On Saturday, November 21, 32 children in our parish family enjoyed an afternoon retreat experience in final preparation for making their First Reconciliation next month.

Our children have been attending Mass regularly and working at home with their parents in preparation to receive the sacrament of reconciliation. Their retreat afternoon included discussing and role-playing all the necessary elements of reconciliation. It included a video, time for discussion and questions, banner making, and a prayer service where they received a necklace as a remembrance of their First Reconciliation.

Please keep our reconciliation candidates in prayer as they draw closer to their special day when they will experience the forgiveness and compassion of the Lord. They will be celebrating their First Reconciliation on December 2, at 7:00pm. It will be held within the context of our parish Advent Penance Service. We look forward to seeing you there!

What's happening in Faith Formation?

noreply@blogger.com (Holy Cross Staff) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 01:15:00 +0000

WEDNESDAY, December 2
NO CLASSES - Classes will resume on Dec. 9

SUNDAY, December 6
Sunday School (3, 4 &5 yr. olds) during 10 am Mass

First Reconciliation/Advent Reconciliation Service
Wednesday, December 2 at 7 pm.
There are no Faith Formation Classes on this night. All catechists, students
and families are expected and encouraged to attend our Advent Reconciliation Service.

Christmas play rehearsal
5:00 - 6:00 pm in church - note the earlier time!

Tuition help needed/sponsor a student
If you would like to help with tuition aid or sponsor a needy family to attend our Faith Formation classes, your help will be greatly appreciated. Just call the Faith Formation Office at 468.6554. Thank you in advance for your generosity!

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 see Faith Formation photos, click on the photo albums underneath Faith Formation Contact Information on the right hand side of the blog.

This week at Holy Cross Parish, November 30 - December 6

noreply@blogger.com (Holy Cross Staff) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 12:48:00 +0000

Monday, November 30
NO MASS
7:00 pm Choir Practice, Church

Tuesday, December 1
NO MASS
6:30 pm Pastoral Council, Rectory
Board of Christian Edu., Library

Wednesday, December 2
8:00 am Lynn Rhodes
1:00 pm Advent Reconciliation Service
7:00 pm Advent Reconciliation Service

Thursday, December 3
8:00 am Mass, In Thanksgiving

Friday, December 4
8:00 am Mass for the VanLaanen & Kapalin Families

Saturday, December 5
4:00 pm Mass for the Helen Hartl Family

Sunday, December 6
8:00 am Mass for the Holy Cross Parish Family
Baptism: Andrew Briski

10:00 am Mass for the Living and Deceased Members of the Jim Micolichek Family
Baptism: Lauren, Jacob & Sam Limoni; Benjamin & Melissa Olsen

With sympathy on behalf of the Holy Cross Parish Family

noreply@blogger.com (Holy Cross Staff) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 12:40:00 +0000

Donald Quass is the father of Holy Cross parishioner Jeff (Mary Jane) Quass.

Donald G. Quass, 81, Green Bay, died Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009, at a local hospital following a long illness. He was born July 4, 1928, in Milwaukee, to Paul and Estelle (Hoida) Quass. Donald served his country as a member of the U.S. Naval Reserves. On Sept. 12, 1953, he was united in marriage to Joan Zwaschka at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Green Bay. They recently celebrated 56 years of marriage. Donald began his career in banking shortly after high school as a teller at Kellogg Bank. He was hand picked by the bank president to start a new bank known as American National Bank and served as president until his retirement. Donald was a very active member of the Kiwanis Club and served as treasurer and president. He was also very active with the Little League Program. Donald was an avid reader and enjoyed gardening, golfing, fishing and spending time on the beach in Florida.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Joan; three children and their spouses, Linda and Lynn Jaeger, Trevor, Wis.; Jeff and Mary Jane Quass, Brenda and Joe Vannes, all of Green Bay; 12 grandchildren, Zach, Andy, Tori, Kristin, Trevor, Payne, Maia, Leila, Courtney, Chandler, Casey, Connor; many other relatives and friends.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2771 Oakwood Dr., from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Saturday at the church with Fr. Tim Shillcox O.Praem officiating. Entombment will be in the Shrine of the Good Shepherd Mausoleum.

Donald’s family would like to thank all of the nurses and the staffs of Bellin Hospital and Unity Hospice for the excellent care given to Donald and his family.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established to benefit a scholarship fund with the Kiwanis Club.

Blaney Funeral Home is assisting the family. To send online condolences, please go to http://www.blaneyfuneralhome.com/.

November 28/29 From the Pastor's Desk...

noreply@blogger.com (Holy Cross Staff) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 02:01:00 +0000

My Dear Parishioners,

I do hope that you and your family had a Blessed and enjoyable Thanksgiving Holiday. Mine was delightful. I have enjoyed my friends, Dr. George and his wife Pat, celebrating the Thanksgiving Holiday with me. I also welcomed my Norbertine priest friends and others to my table where we gave thanks to Almighty God for His many Blessings to us. With Thanksgiving we begin our preparation for the Great Feast of Christmas, and thus this weekend is the First Sunday of Advent. Our readings this year are from the “C” cycle and Luke’s gospel begins this new Liturgical year by reminding us to be prepared so that we are not caught by surprise. We are reminded at the beginning of this Advent season that “No one is promised tomorrow” so remain vigilant, prepared and pray for God’s grace.

Please note that we as Catholics have a wonderful Sacrament that enables us to be well prepared for the coming of the Lord, the Sacrament of Reconciliation or Confession. Our Parish celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation is this Wednesday at 1 pm and 7 pm in the evening. Our young First Reconciliation and Eucharist children will make their first confession at the 7 pm service. All are welcome at both the 1 pm and 7 pm celebrations, and I have provided for a large number of priests to be here to serve you. Perhaps it has be a long, long, long time since you have gone to confession - open your heart and let the grace of God come in. I can guarantee you that not one of the priests who will be here will ever embarrass you, chide you, or make you uncomfortable in any way - as a matter of fact, I can guarantee you that after making your confession and receiving the GRACE of Christ you will feel like a new person. Why not plan to attend and go to confession? That is this WEDNESDAY AT 1 PM AND 7 PM.

PARISH CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 3 PM - 7 PM. This is our 5th Annual Christmas Open House - all are invited, all are welcome. Come and see the new Parish House Kitchen, tour the rectory, see the pastor’s private quarters, enjoy some food and drink, and begin the celebration of Christmas.

RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGIOUS COLLECTION, DECEMBER 12 & 13. This coming weekend we once again ask your support for the collection that helps the religious sisters, priests and brothers who for so many years worked in educating us in the way of the faith. As rising costs of medical care and other expenses increase, they continue to need our support. Please be generous in next week’s collection, envelopes are available for your use.

Oremus Pro Invicem,
Father Tom

Related link: 11.29.09 Church Bulletin

Readings for Sunday, November 29, 2009: First Sunday of Advent

noreply@blogger.com (Holy Cross Staff) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 01:41:00 +0000

Reading 1
Jer 33:14-16

Responsorial Psalm
Ps 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14

Reading 2
1 Thes 3:12-4:2

Gospel
Lk 21:25-28, 34-36

A good time to stop the march
A reflection on Sunday's readings by Bishop Robert Morneau writing for The Compass.

A Thanksgiving Prayer

noreply@blogger.com (Holy Cross Staff) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:08:00 +0000

Submitted by HCCS Principal Robin Jo Jensen

Father in Heaven, Creator of all
And source of all goodness and love,
Please look kindly upon us
and receive our heartfelt gratitude in this time
of giving thanks.
Thank you for all the grace and blessings
You have bestowed upon us,
Spiritual and temporal: our faith and religious heritage.
Thank you for our food and shelter, our health,
the love we have for one another and our family and friends.
Dear Father, in Your infinite generosity,
Please grant us continued Grace and blessings
throughout the coming year.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, Your Son.
Amen

From Catholic Online Prayers

Happy Thanksgiving!

noreply@blogger.com (Holy Cross Staff) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 01:56:00 +0000

Press the PLAY button for a Thanksgiving reflection. Feedblitz readers will need to go directly to the blogspot to view the video.

About Holy Cross Catholic School
Located on the growing northeast side of Green Bay at the historic crossroads of Church and Bay Settlement Roads, Holy Cross Catholic School is the point at which faith, community and education converge. 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. Holy Cross Catholic School has been in existence for 141 years and has an enrollment of 195 students in grades EC3 to 8th grade. For more information, please visit the school's website: http://www.holycrossfamily.org/.

Outreach and service an important component of Faith Formation

noreply@blogger.com (Holy Cross Staff) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:10:00 +0000

Submitted by Faith Formation Director Marti Burkard

In an effort to open our young people's eyes to the needs of not only our local community but our larger global community as well, our Faith Formation students are involved in outreach and service to various organizations who need our help.

Our 1st year our families created 126 hygiene kits as part of Helping Hands for Haiti and they were shipped to Haiti by St. Vincent Hospital through the Haitian Health Foundation.

Last year we collected donations for the residents of the Golden House a safe haven for those families who are dealing with domestic violence in their homes. This year we learned about the work of the House Of Hope. The House of Hope is owned by the St. Vincent DePaul Society and is a home where unwed mothers between the ages of 18 - 24 can turn for a safe and supportive place where young mothers learn to become competent adults and independent successful parents.

Last week on November 18 our Faith Formation families gathered for their Third Annual Thanksgiving Family Mass, and it was at that Mass where the donations which had been collected over the weeks and months were offered by the students during the Presentation. A collection was also taken for the House of Hope where we collected $147.87.

The following day Marti and her friend Peter Kitslaar literally filled his pick-up truck to the brim and brought our donations to the House of Hope.

I received this letter from Jennifer Allen, the director of the House of Hope:
________________________________________________________
Dear Holy Cross Faith Formation Students and Families,

"Thank you so very much for the fantastic donation of health and hygiene items. These items are so essential to keeping a person healthy in mind, body and spirit. You have not only helped us keep clean, but brought educational tools, built self-esteem, and told a family that someone cares."

God Bless,
House of Hope Staff and Residents
_____________________________________________________

With the Thanksgiving Holiday just a few day away, it is a time for prayerful gratitude. I am grateful for so many things as I am about to celebrate my 3d Thanksgiving with our Holy Cross Parish Family. I am especially grateful to you and for your. You are the primary educators in the faith of your child, and you allow me to share in that challenge and privilege. Thank you.

I hope your Thanksgiving holiday is wonderful, and that you are full of wonder at the marvels of God's loving presence in our lives. As we thank God for all the gifts He has given to us, let us also prayerfully renew our commitment to one another to work together in sharing our faith with your children.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

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 see Faith Formation photos, click on the photo albums underneath Faith Formation Contact Information on the right hand side of the blog.

With sympathy on behalf of the Holy Cross Parish Family

noreply@blogger.com (Holy Cross Staff) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:27:00 +0000

Elizabeth Camilli is the mother of Holy Cross parishioner Thomas (Karen) Camilli

Elizabeth (Nee Schullo) Camilli, age 88, formerly of Plymouth, WI, passed away early Saturday morning, November 21 at Manor Care West in Green Bay where she had been a resident for the last 7 years.

She was born on April 4, 1921 in Cumberland, WI, daughter of the late Anthony and Lucy (DeVito) Schullo.

She attended Cumberland Area Grade Schools and graduated from Cumberland High School in 1939.

On October 27, 1941 she married Dante Camilli in Cumberland, WI. The couple lived in Cumberland for 6 years after their marriage before moving to Campbellsport in 1947 and then to Plymouth in 1956.

She provided child care for many different families in the Plymouth area for 13 years.

She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Plymouth and belonged to the Christian Mothers Society in the church. She was a Girl Scout Leader in Campbellsport and Plymouth and a 4-H Leader. She also belonged to the Rocky Knoll Auxiliary.

Survivors include two sons, Charles (Priscilla) Camilli of Milwaukee, WI, Thomas (Karen) Camilli of Green Bay, WI; two daughters, Mary (Mark) Lanners of Eden Prairie, MN, Lucie (Glen) Seidenglanz of Oconomowoc, WI; six grandchildren, Michael (Laurie) Camilli of Eden Prairie, MN, Laura Camilli (friend, Tim Yanasak) of Milwaukee, WI, Peter (Theresa) Camilli of Columbia, SC, Joseph Camilli of Green Bay, WI, Anna Lanners of Eden Prairie, MN, Chris Camilli of Milwaukee, WI; three great-granddaughters, Nina, Julia and Maria; one great-grandson, Charlie; one brother-in-law, Robert Catlin of Cumberland, WI.

She was preceded in death by three brothers, Louis, Henry, John; three sisters, Christine, Angie and Evelyn.

Memorial services will be held on Friday evening, November 27 at 7:00 P.M. at Suchon Funeral Home in Plymouth. Father Wayne Bittner will officiate. Cremation has taken place and Inurnment will be in St. Anthony's Catholic Cemetery in Cumberland. Friends may call at the Suchon Funeral Home in Plymouth on Friday from 5:00 P.M. until the time of the services. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Cumberland, WI on Saturday, December 5 at 11:00 A.M.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in Elizabeth's name for the Alzheimer's Association or the Eisenhower Center Inc. in Milwaukee.

The Suchon Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Plymouth is serving her family.

What's happening in Faith Formation?

noreply@blogger.com (Holy Cross Staff) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:12:00 +0000

WEDNESDAY, November 25
NO CLASSES FOR THE NEXT 2 WEEKS! See announcement below about our Advent Reconciliation Service. Classes will resume on December 9.

SUNDAY, November 29
NO SUNDAY SCHOOL THIS MORNING! Classes will resume on December 6.

First Reconciliation Retreat
Saturday, November 21, 1:00 pm - 3:45 pm; Mass follows at 4:00 pm

First Reconciliation Celebration
Wednesday, December 2, 7:00 pm during our Advent Reconciliation Service

Faith Formation Committee Meeting
Tuesday, November 24, 6:30 pm in the Faith Formation Office

Advent Reconciliation Service
Wednesday, December 2 at 7 pm. There are no Faith Formation Classes on this night. All catechists, students and families are expected and encouraged to attend our Advent Reconciliation Service.

Tuition Help Needed/Sponsor a Student
If you would like to help with tuition aid or sponsor a needy family to attend our Faith Formation
classes, your help will be greatly appreciated. Just call the Faith Formation Office at 468.6554. Thank you in advance for your generosity!

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 see Faith Formation photos, click on the photo albums underneath Faith Formation Contact Information on the right hand side of the blog.

Holiday specials on Scrip!!

noreply@blogger.com (Holy Cross Staff) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:57:00 +0000

Many vendors are offering bigger discounts during December. We will take special orders for all your gift-giving needs. We also have a few of the scrip vinyl wallets for $1 each or some nice cloth scrip card wallets (made by parishioner Connie Brownell) for only $3 each – a fun and useful way to give your gift cards.

Reminder – bonus amounts apply after current stock runs out – we will be stocking up on our “regular” items at these special rates for the next couple of weeks!

Check http://www.glscrip.com/ for a complete list of vendors and specials!

Starbucks – 2% bonus from 7% to 9% Nov. 28 – Dec. 25

L.L. Bean – 2% bonus from 15% to 17% from Nov. 28 – Dec. 25

Barnes & Noble – 2% bonus from 9% to 11% Nov. 28 – Dec. 11

Build-A-Bear – 2% bonus from 8% to 10% Nov. 28 – Dec. 18

iTunes – 3% bonus from 5% to 8% Nov. 28 – Dec. 11

Old Country Buffet – 1% bonus from 5% to 6% Nov. 28 – Dec. 25

Express – 2% bonus from 10% to 12% Nov. 28 – Jan. 1

Lowe’s – 2% bonus from 4% to 6% Nov. 28 – Dec. 11

Home Depot – 2% bonus from 4% to 6% Nov. 28 – Dec. 18

Domino’s Pizza – 3% bonus from 5% to 8% Nov. 21 – Dec. 31

Land’s End – 2% bonus from 17% to 19% Nov. 21 – Dec. 18

Burger King – 1% bonus from 4% to 5% Nov. 21 – Dec. 25

We have recently added Hardee’s to our list of available vendors.

The Buckle is now offering Scrip. They offer a $25 gift card with an 8% contribution. Available by special order just in time for the holidays!!

What is Scrip?
Purchase gift cards from the Holy Cross Scrip program for food, gas, clothing, and/or gift-giving, and Holy Cross receives a percentage from the vendors. School and Faith Formation families can use this credit toward their tuition. Scrip is available for purchase weekdays at the school office and at church after all weekend Masses. Special orders are available. Thank you for your support!

Related link:
$crip Order Form

This week at Holy Cross Parish, November 23 - 29

noreply@blogger.com (Holy Cross Staff) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:14:00 +0000

Monday, November 23
NO MASS
7:00 pm Choir Practice, Church

Tuesday, November 24
NO MASS

Wednesday, November 25
8:00 am Mass for Marvin Frisque

Thursday, November 26
9:00 am Mass for the Holy Cross Parish Family

Friday, November 27
NO MASS

Saturday, November 28
4:00 pm Mass for Norbert Skaletski

Sunday, November 29
8:00 am Mass for the Holy Cross Parish Family
10:00 am Mass for the Living and Deceased Members of the Herman & Doris Corsten Family

New Shelter update from Terri Refsguard: It’s all in how you measure it!

noreply@blogger.com (Holy Cross Staff) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 14:52:00 +0000

Shared with me by Ann Nehring – one of our Case Managers.

The real name of the resident, of course, is not used.

Mike Smith has decided to move out from the 2nd floor Transitional Living Program. As some of you may or may not know Mike has never lived on his own. He has always lived with family. Prior to coming to the shelter he lived with his sister and she took care of everything for him. Mike really had no independence and no say over his life. His sister was mean and demeaning to him often calling him stupid and embarrassing him in front of other people. After his sister kicked him out of her house he came here to the shelter. Mike had applied for Social Security benefits prior to entering the shelter and was approved shortly after he arrived here, but this was being withheld from him by his sister. We worked on getting his benefits and making sure his sister would not gain control over his money.

Once we found out Mike was approved for Social Security he moved to the second floor Transitional Living Program – in an apartment. Mike was able to gain independence, live somewhat on his own, and actually take charge of his life for the first time. Mike was able to get set up with a payee and he began receiving benefits in the middle of October. He has gained independence, self esteem, and has taken charge of his life. Even though Mike was not on the second floor for a long period of time, he has been successful and we should see it as success. He will now be able to take care of himself and he has assistance with his finances. I would have loved it if Mike would have stayed longer, but really he had accomplished all the important things he needed to accomplish while here, and there was not much else he could have worked on while here.

So please feel at ease that Mike made accomplishments and he went as far as we could take him.

Our neighbors – really anyone in need
I sometimes forget the many resources we provide to people who do not live here inside the shelter. Not resources we advertise or even remember to talk about – resources that people who call or come to our door are requesting our help with. And those resources are as varied as the people requesting them.

· The gas station on the corner calling to ask if we had an extra winter coat for someone who he sees that has none.

· The little girl who came to our front desk sharing that her mother sent her over to ask if we might have some toilet paper to spare – because they had none.

· Calls from elderly individuals asking for help with a small project (weeding, lifting, etc.)

· The little guy that stopped in one day (who has dinner with us each evening with his mother) stopped in one afternoon because he was just hungry….

· The many many phone calls answered by our House Supervisors and Case Managers – calls from people looking for help with simply knowing where to begin with seeking out help.

· The fact that our meal staff monitors VERY closely the potential basic needs of the people we see. They very discreetly & respectfully offer a coat, mittens, gloves, a hat, etc. to someone who obviously has none. They also turn their head and smile when they see one of our elderly Community Meal participants sneak out a little baggie and fill it up with desserts or cookies to take with them when they leave.

These things are the easy things we do – because it’s the right thing to do. And we are able to all we do only with the help of people like YOU.

What are our NEEDS today you might ask?
Well, it’s funny you should ask that today -- the day we presented our 2010 Budget to our Finance Committee. You might be interested to know:

We spend over $13,000 per year on paper products (toilet paper, paper towels, napkins, etc.)

Over $3500 per year on Resident Barrier Reduction Cost (work boots, black pants, the cost to get an ID, etc.etc.)

Around $7,000 for all the supplies we go through in our Kitchen (this does NOT include Food)

Those are just a few!!! We are also hoping to replace our 40” TV in our 3rd floor resident common area.

And we always need:
Razors
25 Quart Plastic Containers with Lids
Deodorant
Freezer Bags – Gallon Size
Paper Towels
Canned Fruit
A dolly for moving stuff around

TODAY WE HAVE:
104 People living at the New Community Shelter. Last evening we served a total of 209 meals. We had our regular families and a young girl even came for her birthday dinner with her family (they come every night usually). We had several newcomers but everything else was pretty consistent as usual.

Please check out our website at:
http://www.newcommunityshelter.org/

New Community Shelter, Inc.
301 Mather Street
Green Bay , WI 54303
Tele: (920) 437.3766 Extension 101
Fax: (920) 617.0036
Terrir@newcommunityshelter.org

November 21/22 From the Pastor's Desk...

noreply@blogger.com (Holy Cross Staff) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:21:00 +0000

My Dear Parishioners,

Each year as I approach the Feast of Thanksgiving, I take some private time to actually sit down and write on a sheet of paper all the things, people, and situations for which I am thankful. This process usually has me ending up with quite a long list of people, events, circumstances, and gifts, many of which I find myself taking for granted. The result of this actually putting things down on paper has the effect of filling me with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and thanksgiving to Almighty God for the many Blessings which I possess and enjoy. And isn’t that the very purpose of this Feast, which is the beginning of our annual “Holiday/Christmas Season?”

Last Wednesday evening our Faith Formation families gathered in the church at 6:30 pm to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving. All the families brought food, paper goods, and other necessary items to support the poor and needy who appeal to the House of Hope. What a wonderful way to begin our Thanksgiving holiday by sharing with those who are not as fortunate as us, and it is also a good way to teach our young children that a very important part of life and being a follower of Christ is to give of ourselves, our time, and our talents to those in need. A special thank you to all who participated in this Faith Formation Mass of Thanksgiving.

This weekend, Saturday, our children who are candidates for the Sacrament of First Reconciliation (Wednesday, December 2nd at 7 pm) and also First Holy Communion came to school for a day of retreat in preparation for First Reconciliation. They and their parents and guardians attended the 4 pm weekend Mass. Our preparation program for these two Sacraments prepare our children very well, and I want to publically thank Marti Burkard, our Faith Formation Coordinator, for all the work and time she expends in working with our children.

This coming Thursday is Thanksgiving Day, and a wonderful way to begin this holiday season is to come and celebrate the Eucharist with other members of our parish family at our annual Thanksgiving Day Mass at 9 am. Kindly note that the Parish Office will be open on Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 23rd & 24th, but will be closed from Wednesday, November 25th until Monday, November 30th. I will be having house guests in the rectory for the Thanksgiving holiday. My very close friends, Dr. and Mrs. George Cunningham, will be flying into Green Bay from Wilmington, Delaware. They will spend Thanksgiving week with me, and we have a number of things planned. I taught with Patricia Cunningham for more than 20 years when I was at Archmere Academy, and her husband, Dr. George, and I learned to ski together when we were both very young men and spent many, many years conquering the ski slopes, so we have had a long friendship. Kindly offer them a warm Holy Cross welcome if you meet them.

Do enjoy the Thanksgiving Holiday!

Oremus Pro Invicem,
Father Tom

Related link:
11.22.09 Church Bulletin