Diary of a Parish Priest

Solemnity of Mary, The Mother of God

January 1st, a holy day of obligation, our masses are at 5 PM Thursday for the Vigil Mass and 9 AM on January 1st.

 

Holy Mary, Mother of God

Pray for us sinners,

Now and at the hour of our death.

Christmas Mass Schedule Holy Cross Rumson 2015

This year all masses are celebrated in the church.

Thursday, Christmas Eve

                        3:00 PM, 4:30 PM, 6:00 PM, 11:00 PM

Friday, Christmas Day

                        10:30 AM and Noon

 

 

    

Christmas Creche Caper

Last evening three fashionably dressed young ladies decided to have some fun with Holy Cross' Christmas Creche at approximately 11:20 PM.

After taking multiple selfies, they took the Christmas crib and substituted another, only to leave the crib on Rumson Road in front of the school. So were not missing a crib, we now have two and presumably someone else is missing one.

Though the surveillance video is rough, there are some uniquely distinguishing characteristics about the young ladies which will probably allow someone to identify them. Please call the Parish Office or the Rumson Police with information.

 

 

Sprucing Up For Christmas

Our pair of angels have landed astride the doors on Ward Avenue and actually look toward the tabernacle beneath the church steeple.

They will be carrying instruments of the Lord's passion, a lance and a reed sponge.

The former entry doors on Ward Avenue take on a more finished look, restored to the familiar red color.

Stations of the Creche and Christmas Tree Lighting

Due to rain, we had to cancel the live four-legged animals, but we had plenty of live people on hand for our Advent celebration.

Port of Mercy

Holy Door of Mercy

A Light Shines in the Darkness...

The World Waits

Manger Blessing, Tree Lighting and Hot Chocolate Tonight

Raining, we'll be in the church and gym. Clear and we'll be outside long enough to bless the manger.

 

More To Be Thankful For This Christmas

Christmas 2014

For the first time in several years, we will celebrate Christmas in our new home.

One year ago, the church wasn't quite ready!

Year of Mercy

Join us tomorrow morning before the 10:30 AM Sunday mass as we open Holy Cross' Holy Door to join with Pope Francis, Bishop O'Connell and churches around the world to inaugurate the Year of Mercy.

Close Up Of Papal Coat of Arms

Here's a close up of the Papal Coat of Arms on the exterior of the Holy Door for the Year of Mercy. It's 3D printed in many pieces and assembled together on the wooden plaque.

"That Thing" is a Pergola

We certainly had the third grade's attention this morning with the continued progress on the garden pergola. So far it's been good weather for the outdoor task; it will be great to see it finished within a few days or so.

 

Insignias Ready For Holy Door Year of Mercy

Exterior of Holy Cross Church's Holy Door for the Year of Mercy is ready. A 3D printed papal insignia has been affixed above the entry to the door with two simple wooden crosses to signify each of the doors. 

Inside the church, smaller papal and episcopal coat of arms have been displayed along with information on the Year of Mercy, the significance of the Holy Door and the stipulations for receiving indulgences.

The door will be opened with a liturgical celebration at mass this weekend.

 

Pergola Rising

Much of the woodworking was done off site and the many pieces of the pergola are being assembled. 

It will serve as a fitting backdrop for our Christmas creche.

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

Before we focus all our attention on

Our marble statue of Mary in the prayer garden was blessed on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

Jesus’ Birth
Tonight we’re asked to consider
How Mary’s birth came about
And to honor her
And her prime place
In God’s plan
For our salvation

Not her birth exactly,
But her conception
Her very beginning
And her Divine exemption
From original sin. 
Born in the full human nature
We were intended by God
To possess from the beginning
Before greed, pride and disobedience
Entered the human family
Through our own consent

From the first moment of her existence
Divine grace kept her safe from all sin
Since she was to be the mother of Jesus

Not from a right all her own
But from a privilege...
The first to enjoy
The redemptive grace
Of Christ’s passion, death and resurrection
Even before it happened
Through a merciful act of God
Who can act in and through time
Or around and above it

It’s a lot to think about
In any time and place
But especially
During the Season of Advent
When our imaginations
Not only have Mary born
But of age, engaged
And expecting the infant Jesus

Hail Mary, from the beginning
Hail Mary, when grown and visited by Gabriel
Hail Mary, in Bethlehem with the newborn
Son of God
Hail Mary, at the foot of the cross
At the empty tomb
At Pentecost
Hail Mary this day

Handel's Messiah at Holy Cross

Simply beautiful. Thanks to everyone for coming. Special thanks to Don Carolina, our music director, members of Holy Cross Choir and soloists and instrumentalists for such an inspiring afternoon.

Blessing of Marian Statue at Vigil of Immaculate Conception Mass

Please join us for the blessing of our statue of Mary in the Prayer Garden following the Vigil Mass of the Immaculate Conception at 7 PM on Monday, December 7th.

The statue, as you know, missed our dedication so it is fitting that it be formally blessed, especially on a Solemnity of Mary.

 

Jesus Calms the Storm

Jesus isn't getting bundled up for winter, rather for a trip to the foundry and casting. Our statue was shipped to the foundry and is safe and sound, now in the manufacturing process.

Jesus Calms the Storm Wrapped For Foundry