Diary of a Parish Priest

O Oriens

O Radix Jesse

Genealogy of Jesus

Today's gospel reading highlights the working of God's plan through Salvation History and by tracing the coming of Christ in the roots of the human story.

One of the Jesse Trees in our school decorated by the children.

 

Well Planned, Well Accomplished

Aedan Moran and his fellow scouts pose proudly with their newly installed sign outside Holy Cross Church. A big thank you to Adean and his troop for a gift to Holy Cross that will last a long time!

Blessing of Christmas Creche and Lighting of Christmas Tree

Mary and Joseph and "Dinky" the Donkey at our joyful celebration of the Coming of Christmas.

The church's baby Jesus figurine is well supported as it is being blessed! 

Holy Cross Messiah Concert 2018

Thank you to Holy Cross Choir, our guest soloists and instrumentalists for performing the best attended Messiah at Holy Cross yet. The weather cooperated to allow concert goers to avoid fighting blustery or frigid conditions and the beautiful atmosphere and acoustics of the Church contributed to the prayerful singing of the Scripture which we had just heard proclaimed at masses this Sunday. Special congratulations to Don Carolina, our music director and to the members of Holy Cross Choir who joyfully sing with us at mass.

 

The Magnificat

Mary's Song in today's gospel from Luke highlights the joyful, yet revolutionary nature of Jesus' coming. We take hope along with Mary in the excitement of deliverance from sin and death.

Creche Blessing and Christmas Tree Lighting 2017

Nyah-Nyah

The Scribes and Pharisees mocked prophets through the ages with inconsistent, child-like cat calls, complains Jesus. We are so grateful for His coming anyway.

 

Isaiah In Advent

Michelangelo's Isaiah on the Sistine Ceiling

The readings from the Prophet Isaiah loose our minds from the historical context in which they were written, to pray about the two comings of Christ: in the Incarnation and at the End of Time.

The first we acknowledge with gratitude for the nourishment Jesus' Body and Blood gives us while we wait the the Second Coming in faith and hope.

Handel's Messiah at Holy Cross 2017

Music Director Don Carolina, Holy Cross Choir and Guest Solists

The Ensemble Under the Advent Wreath

The Musicians Gather

 

Sacred Music in A Sacred Space - Sublime

 

 

The Audience Stands for the Alleluia Chorus

Snow!

Our Christmas tree is getting ready with a dressing of snow for the Blessing of the Creche and the Lighting of the Tree!

The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

 

There are many columns around the world dedicated to Mary, this one in Rome is under the title of the Immaculate Conception. It was erected shortly after the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception was promulgated.

Mary is shown with representations of the four evangelists along with her typical artistic calligraphy as the Immaculate Conception.

Since the column itself was originally raised by the local firemen, the custom of the fire department placing a bouquet at Mary's feet and a floral wreath around her outstretched arm on this date has developed. 

Mary's Immaculate Conception, her fiat or let it be done to me at the Annunciation and Jesus' Incarnation in her womb are each important parts of God's wonderful plan for our redemption.

Saint Ambrose

Saint Ambrose, bishop and one of original doctors of the Church helps keep the Chair of Peter aloft in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. He is shown on the left front in mitre, with one of his pupils, St. Augustine in miter on the right front of the chair.

Ambrose wrote, spoke eloquently and defended the Church against heterodox doctrine while guiding the direction the Church would take until this very day.

Augustine was initially attracted by Ambrose's preaching style, but stayed for his substance and through Ambrose's influence re-animated his Christian faith.

 

Saint Nicholas

St. Nicholas, a bishop and one of the signers of the Nicene Creed, became famous for miracle working and helping the poor, often anonymously. 

We are indebted to him for many of the traditions surrounding the feast of Christmas. 

A Few Of The Many Hand-Made Advent Decorations at Holy Cross School

Nativity Scene

It's always exciting to see our Nativity Set come out of storage and take its place center stage for the Advent and Christmas Season.

 

Advent Wreath Making 2017

First Sunday of Advent

 

Advent motifs at Holy Cross Church in Rumson, 2017.

 

Enjoy Handel's Messiah at Holy Cross Church 2017

RUMSON, NJ – On Sunday, December 10^th at 3:00 p.m., the sanctuary of Holy Cross Church will be filled with the tremendous sounds of George Frideric Handel’s Messiah, Part One. The classical piece, including the famous Hallelujah Chorus, will be performed by the Holy Cross Choir and several professional soloists accompanied by a chamber orchestra.

Due to its immense popularity, the event is now the third annual at the Catholic church in Rumson. The parish welcomes all to experience the beauty of music that celebrates anticipation and joy of the birth of the Jesus, as all Christians do during the Advent and Christmas seasons.

The concert is free and open to the public; a free will offering is appreciated.

Come; reset; prepare; and rejoice!

 

Thanks to Teresa Makin for the terrific ad and story now running in the Atlantic Highlands Herald