1244 SOUTH POWER ROAD • MESA, ARIZONA 85206

HOLY CROSS C A T H O L I C C H U R C H

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT • DECEMBER 3, 2017

Pastor

Fr. Lawrence Merta

Parochial Vicars

Fr. James Aboyi, VC

Fr. Simon Osuchukwu

Visiting Priest

Fr. Pierre Hissey

Deacons

Richard Conn

Tom Ferreira

Bill Finnegan

James Gersitz

Ciso Macia

Joe Scaccia

Clarence Vetter

Parish Office

(480)981-2021

Religious Education Office

(480)325-5375

Fax

(480)981-6844

Website

www.holycrossmesa.org

MISSION STATEMENT AD INTRA (for ourselves):

To deepen our experience of Jesus Christ through a vibrant

sacramental life and our common liturgical worship. AD EXTRA (to the world):

To reach our vocational fulfillment individually and as a

community by engaging our neighbor with the Gospel Message.

Ig le s ia Catól ica de La Santa Cruz

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK—DEL ESCRITORIO DEL PASTOR 2

The World in View from a Believer’s Perspective Last summer I had an opportunity to see Carlsbad Caverns. In the deepest, blackest part of the cave open to tourists you’ll

stumble across a natural formation that in my imagination appeared as a captivating row of stalactites that lined the door to

Hades, or even the mouth of a nasty Great White. In the foreground, the outline of a sitting monk appeared before my eyes. So, I

gave it my own name: The Monk of Despair.

From this angle, I imagined him with his back to me as he himself sat there looking at the door that led him into the Netherworld,

but now closed off from any escape.

It’s the sort of image that goes hand in hand with today’s Gospel. Watch, you do not know when the lord of the house is coming. In

other words, you don’t know the hour of your death—but when it happens—a particular judgment concerning our soul is absolutely

certain to follow. From there one of two ultimate realities await the soul.

Your Pastor,

Fr. Larry

El Mundo que se ve desde la perspectiva de un creyente El verano pasado tuve la oportunidad de ver las Cavernas Carlsbad. En la parte más profunda, más negra, de la cueva que está

abierta para los turistas, uno se topa con una formación natural que en mi imaginación parecía una línea cautivante de

estalactitas alineadas frente a la puerta de Hades, o como si fuera la boca de una peligrosa ballena Great White. Al frente de esto,

la silueta de un monje sentado apareció ante mis ojos. De modo que le puse el nombre que se me vino a la mente: El Monje de la

Desesperación.

Desde este ángulo, me lo imaginé con su espalda hacia mí, como si él mismo estuviera allí viendo hacia la puerta que lo llevó al

Más Allá, pero ya sin posibilidad alguna de escapar. Es la clase de imagen que va mano a mano con el Evangelio de hoy. Espera,

tú no sabes cuándo va a venir el señor de la casa. En otras palabras, nosotros no sabemos la hora de nuestra muerte—pero

cuando suceda—con toda certeza que lo que seguirá será un juicio particular referente a nuestra alma. De allí, al alma le espera

una de dos realidades finales.

Su Pastor,

Padre Lorenzo

3

Holy Cross Catholic Church 1244 South Power Road • Mesa, Arizona 85206

Parish Office................................................... (480)981-2021

RE Office ........................................................ (480)325-5375

Fax .................................................................. (480)981-6844

Website ............................................ www.holycrossmesa.org

Parish Office Hours Monday-Thursday ..................................... 8:30 am—5:00 pm

(closed 12:00-1:00 pm)

Friday ...................................................... 8:30 am—12:00 pm

Saturday & Sunday ...................................................... Closed

Parish Secretary, Laura Shirling .............................. ext. 201

E-mail ..................................... lshirling@holycrossmesa.org

Priests Pastor, Fr. Lawrence Merta ...................................... ext. 208

E-mail ...................................... flmerta@holycrossmesa.org

Parochial Vicar, Fr. James Aboyi, VC ....................... ext. 202

E-mail ....................................... fraboyi@holycrossmesa.org

Parochial Vicar Care Ministry, Fr. Simon Osuchukwu

E-mail ..................................... frsimon@holycrossmesa.org

Pastoral Ministry ....................... ext. 206

E-mail ................................ bcosentino@holycrossmesa.org

Parish Administration ...................................... ext. 205

E-mail ...................................... kknapp@holycrossmesa.org

Religious Education ............ ext. 214

E-mail .................................... cbenzing@holycrossmesa.org

Coord. of Elementary Faith Formation

.......................................................... ext. 209

E-mail .................................... czepeda@holycrossmesa.org

Coord. of Youth Faith Formation ......... ext. 213

E-mail .................................... pphillips@holycrossmesa.org

Music Director of Music, Jaime Cortez .............................. ext. 215

E-mail ....................................... jcortez@holycrossmesa.org

Liturgy Coord. of Liturgical Ministries, Chris Haubrock..... ext. 216

E-mail ................................. chaubrock@holycrossmesa.org

HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC CHURCH DIRECTORY

Confession Times Monday through Saturday After the 8:30am Mass

Also Wednesday from 5:30 – 6:45 p.m.

Anytime by appointment

Infant Baptism Parents requesting that their child be baptized must be

registered parishioners who are actively participating in

the life of Holy Cross Church. Baptism preparation classes

are required. Please call the parish office for additional

information.

Couples seeking the sacrament of marriage must be

registered parishioners who are actively participating in

the life of Holy Cross Church. Notification of intent to

marry must be provided nine months in advance. For

more information on the marriage preparation process,

please call the parish office.

Communion to the Sick If you or someone you know is sick, hospitalized or

homebound, please call for the assistance of a Minister of

Care. Ministers of Care bring communion to those who

cannot come to mass. Please call the parish office to

arrange a scheduled Minister of Care visit.

Emergency Anointing of the Sick If you or someone you know is in critical condition or near

death, call (480)981-2021. After 5:00 pm and weekends,

Press 4 when instructed to do so. Leave a detailed

message, including a contact name and telephone

number, that will be heard by the priest on call.

Please do not use this service for any other reason.

Federal Privacy Regulation HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act),

prohibits all hospitals from informing churches of a

patient’s presence unless the patient gives permission

for the hospital to do so. If you are admitted to a hospital

and would like a member of the clergy or a caregiver to

visit you, please notify the hospital or call the parish

office.

St. Vincent de Paul Society The St. Vincent de Paul Society provides food, clothing,

and other assistance to the poor and needy. Located at

the north end of the grounds, their hours are Monday

through Friday from 9:00-11:00 am. Their direct number

is (480)985-4259. Call to make an appointment.

“Don’t forget to check out our

parish website at

www.holycrossmesa.org”

Readings for the Week of December 3 Sunday: Is 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7/Ps 80:2-3,

15-16, 18-19 [4]/1 Cor 1:3-9/Mk 13:33-37

Monday: Is 2:1-5/Ps 122:1-2, 3-4b, 4cd-5, 6-7, 8-9/

Mt 8:5-11

Tuesday: Is 11:1-10/Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17 [cf. 7]/

Lk 10:21-24

Wednesday: Is 25:6-10a/Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6 [6cd]/

Mt 15:29-37

Thursday: Is 26:1-6/Ps 118:1 and 8-9, 19-21,

25-27a [26a]/Mt 7:21, 24-27

Friday: Gn 3:9-15, 20/Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3-4 [1a]/

Eph 1:3-6, 11-12/Lk 1:26-38

Saturday: Is 30:19-21, 23-26/Ps 147:1-2, 3-4,

5-6 [cf. Is 30:18d]/Mt 9:35--10:1, 5a, 6-8

Next Sunday: Is 40:1-5, 9-11/Ps 85:9-10, 11-12,

13-14 [8]/2 Pt 3:8-14/Mk 1:1-8

THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE LITURGY & MUSIC 4

Pray the Rosary

Come join us each morning

in the Church at 7:50am

to pray the Rosary

Monday, December 4th

8:00 am Morning Prayer Rm. D

8:30 am Mass/Confessions to follow Church

9:00 am Counseling Rm. G

6:00 pm Legion of Mary Rm. F

Tuesday, December 5th

8:00 am Morning Prayer Rm. D

8:30 am Mass/Confessions to follow Church

9:30 am Legion of Mary Rm. F

Wednesday, December 6th

8:00 am Morning Prayer Rm. D

8:30 am Mass/Confessions to follow Church

10:30 am Grief Support Rm. D

12:00 pm Eucharistic Adoration Church

5:30 pm Confessions Church

7:00 pm Mass Church

Thursday, December 7th

8:00 am Morning Prayer Rm. D

8:30 am Mass/Confessions to follow Church

5:30 pm Groupo Oracion Carismatica Anderson

Friday, December 8th

See Mass Schedule

Saturday, December 9th

9:00 am Women's Retreat Wellens

10:30 am Small church Community Anderson

Sunday, December 10th

3:00 pm Life Teen Wellens

Week of

December 4th—December 10th

Schedule Priest Mon: 8:30 am Fr. Larry Merta

Tues: 8:30 am Fr. James Aboyi

Wed: 8:30 am Fr. Simon Osuhukwu

7:00 pm Fr. James Aboyi

Thurs: 8:30 am Fr. Larry Merta

5:00 pm Fr. Simon Osuchukwu

Fri: 8:00 am Fr. James Aboyi

10:00 am Fr. Larry Merta

12:00 pm Fr. Simon Osuchukwu

5:00 pm Fr. James Aboyi

7:00 pm (Spanish) Fr. Larry Merta

Sat: 8:30 am Fr. Simon Osuchukwu

4:00 pm Fr. Larry Merta

Sun: 6:30 am Fr. Simon Osuchukwu

8:00 am Fr. Larry Merta

10:00 am Fr. Pierre Hissey

12:00 pm Fr. Pierre Hissey

2:00 pm (Spanish) Fr. James Aboyi

4:00 pm (Youth) Fr. Larry Merta

Anderson Hall

Sat 4:00 pm Fr. James Aboyi

Sun 10:00 am Fr. Simon Osuchukwu

*Celebrants scheduled are subject to change

Week of

December 4th—10th

Mon: 8:30 am †

Tues: 8:30 am †

Wed: 8:30 am †

7:00 pm †

Thurs: 8:30 am †

5:00 pm †

Fri: 8:00 am †

10:00 am †

12:00 pm †

5:00 pm †

7:00 pm †

Sat: 8:30 am †

4:00 pm †

Sun: 6:30 am †

8:00 am †

10:00 am †

12:00 pm †

2:00 pm

4:00 pm †

Anderson Hall

Sat: 4:00 pm

Sun: 10:00 am †

Ed Bourbonais

Nancy Gross

Richard Wittig

Leona Peel

James Kenney

Maria Garigucz

Irene Noel

In Thanksgiving

Dolores & Van Eschen

Darlene Begiski

Souls in Purgatory

Robert Vitale

Fred Mor

Jacinto Art Cabico

Alwin & Irene Altendorf

Joseph Lebrun

Dorothy Bittner

Pro Populo (SI)

Eileen Jones

(SI) of Lety Rada

Deacon Bill Hughes

THE TRINITY OF STEWARDSHIP 5

The Holy Cross Stewardship Committee fosters the mission of Holy Cross Catholic Church by INFORMING the parish of ministries taking place, by INVITING people into new and existing ministries, by SUPPORTING people in their ministries, by PROVIDING information regarding the financial situation of the parish and to INCREASE financial support of the parish.

Parish Stewardship of Treasure For the weekend of November 25th & 26th

Plate Collections

Envelope Contributions ............................................ $9,244

Loose Cash/Checks................................................ $10,320

Faith Direct ................................................................ $9,141 _____________________________

Total Plate .............................................................. $28,705

Special Collections - Parish

Candle Revenue .......................................................... $124

Thanksgiving ............................................................. $1,557

Immaculate Conception ................................................... $2

All Saints ...................................................................... $157

Christmas Offering ............................................................ $1

Adopt-a-Student .............................................................. $12

Christmas Flowers ............................................................ $5

Digital Church Sign ...................................................... $706 ____________________________

Total Special Collections - Parish .......................... $2,564

Special Collections - Diocese

Campaign for Human Development ........................... $100 ____________________________

Total Special Collections - Diocese .......................... $100

Offering Giving Summary

Year-to-Date Giving 7/1 - 11/26/17 .................. $565,261

Prior Year-to-Date Giving 7/1 - 11/27/16 ......... $551,663

To Date Digital Church Sign Collection .................. $29,591

For the weekend of November 18th & 19th

Plate Collections

Envelope Contributions ............................................ $9,845

Loose Cash/Checks................................................ $10,026 _____________________________

Total Plate .............................................................. $19,871

Special Collections - Parish

Beneficiary Contributions ....................................... $26,750

Candle Revenue .......................................................... $134

All Saints ......................................................................... $40

Paving & Painting............................................................ $70

Digital Church Sign ................................................... $3,043 ____________________________

Total Special Collections - Parish ........................ $30,037

Special Collections - Diocese

Campaign for Human Development ........................ $1,605 ____________________________

Total Special Collections - Diocese ....................... $1,605

Offering Giving Summary

Year-to-Date Giving 7/1 - 11/19/17 .................. $533,967

Prior Year-to-Date Giving 7/1 - 11/20/16 ......... $519,839

To Date Digital Church Sign Collection .................. $28,885

Please remember Holy Cross parish in your estate

planning and thank you for your continued support of

Holy Cross Catholic Church.

Saint Vincent de Paul

Holy Cross Conference

480-985-4259

This month of Advent, let each of us find in some small way to

give a meaningful gift of ourselves to those in need around us.

We can touch the lives of the poor and abandoned in our

society and also in our own families in many ways - a

kindness, lending a helping hand, encouragement and

compassion, by listening and sharing, by our patience, a smile

given freely and spontaneously, a meal – all from our hands

and our hearts to someone in need.

The state of Arizona provides an incredible

incentive for taxpayers who donate to certain

qualifying charities like St Vincent de Paul.

Thanks to the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit,

you can donate up to $800 and get it right

back on your Arizona Tax Return. St. Vincent

de Paul at Holy Cross is ready to accept your donation.

This credit is separate from – and in addition to – foster care

and school credits. Donate by Dec. 31st to also qualify for the

federal deduction. Your gift will help feed, clothe, house and heal

struggling and vulnerable individuals and families in Arizona.

Arizona Charitable Tax Credit

CHRISTMAS GIVING TREES TAGS

Please bring your gift to the parish by

Tuesday morning, Dec. 12th. If you

are unable to fulfill your gift tag,

please contact the RE office

immediately at 480-325-5375 or

cbenzing@holycrossmesa.org so that

we can fill the gift request.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY.

Green (chicken) or

Red Tamales (Beef)

ONLY 15.00 dozen!

Visit or Call the Church Office

(480-981-2021)

to place your order!

Pick Up after Masses on the Weekend of

Dec. 16/17

PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT THE OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE

CELEBRATION EXPENSES..

Tamale Time!

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: ELEMENTARY AND YOUTH FORMATION 6

You don’t have one?

World Youth Day Pilgrims will be selling

Catholic T-Shirts in the courtyard after all

Masses beginning Sunday, December 3rd

through Sunday, December 10th.

Get one for you and everyone on your

Christmas list!

Special thanks to all Holy Cross Parishioners for the awesome

support you have given to the Pilgrims of Word Youth Day!

¡Gracias a todos los parroquianos de la Santa Cruz por su gran

apoyo que han brindado a los peregrinos de la Jornada

Mundial de Jóvenes!

Religious Education office 480-325-5375.

Adult Faith Formation will

start up again on Wednesday

mornings in January with Dr.

Edward Sri's "Who am I to

Judge" video series. Books

are available for purchase in

the Parish Office for $5

($14.40 on Amazon).

“Don’t forget to check out our

parish website at

www.holycrossmesa.org”

We are currently accepting

registrations for the Spring Adult

Sacrament Class which begins Sunday, January

14th. This session is adults who are baptized

Catholic but have not completed the Sacraments of

Eucharist and/or Confirmation and for adults

baptized in another Christian denomination who

want to embrace the Catholic faith.

For more information contact Cindy Benzing,

coordinator of Religious Education, at 480-981-

2021 x 214 or cbenzing@holycrossmesa.org.

Our mission is to work as a team to

provide options for individual growth

and development in a healthy and

wholesome, down-to-earth, Singles

fellowship environment. We offer affordable, quality

charitable, cultural, educational, recreational, spiritual,

and other fellowship events to all Singles (includes those

never-married, single parents, divorced and widowed)

age 21 and older (NO dues!). Activities allowing us to

meet new faces and see new places in a non-threatening

atmosphere, are numerous and varied, as reflected in

our monthly calendar. For a list of November-December

MPS fellowship and support activities, please

visit www.multiparishsingles.org.

Barb Wolters

50/50 Winner

Joe Sutton

T.V. Winner

Read:

Joy to the World: How Christ's Coming

Changed Everything (and Still Does)

What could be more familiar than the

Christmas story--and yet what could be more

extraordinary? The cast of characters is

strange and exotic: shepherds and

magicians, an emperor and a despot, angels,

and a baby who is Almighty God. The

strangeness calls for an explanation, and this

book provides it by examining the characters and the story in

light of the biblical and historical context. Bestselling author

Scott Hahn who has written extensively on Scripture and the

early Church, brings evidence to light, dispelling some of the

mystery of the story. Yet Christmas is made familiar all over

again by showing it to be a family story. Christmas, as it

appears in the New Testament, is the story of a father, a

mother, and a child--their relationships, their interactions, their

principles, their individual lives, and their common life. To see

the life of this "earthly trinity" is to gaze into heaven.

Books will be available at the Parish Office for $5 after

December 1st.

Self Guided Advent Adult Faith Formation Opportunity

Mark your calendars...

Keep Christ in Christmas with a

“Totally Catholic T-Shirt”!

Thank You!!!

Come Home to the Sacraments.

It’s the Best Gift You Can Give Jesus

this Christmas Season.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: ADULT FAITH FORMATION AND SPIRITUALITY

Multi-Parish Singles (MPS)

7

● In our day, there’s widespread doubt and confusion

surrounding God. Can I know Him?

● Can I trust Him? Without a connection to God, it’s hard to live

without fears and anxieties:

● Do I matter? Am I alone? What’s my purpose?

The good news is there are real ways to know our meaning in God,

to never feel alone, and to live with purpose.

“He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the

stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain

green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not

cease to bear fruit.” – Jer. 17:8

This winter, 200+ high school & college men will gather for the

Young Men’s Conference, an event you won’t want to miss.

Join the movement! God desires to do great things in you.

When: December 29th – 10 AM to 6 PM

Where: St. Bernadette Catholic Church - 16245 N 60th St.

Scottsdale, AZ

Who: High School and College aged men

Early Registration is recommended @

https://dphx.org/event/young-mens-conference-2017/

Where are you in your Catholic faith journey?

Find out! SATURDAY DECEMBER 9th AT 10:30AM

Is coming to Sunday mass enough for you or would you like to get

to know the Lord even better? Each of us has a different level of

relationship with the Lord. What does yours look like? Jesus is

calling you to LOVE HIM with all your heart mind soul and

strength. This may seem like a daunting task sometimes, but a

goal worth working towards! Let Holy Cross help you discern

whether this ministry will help you work toward this goal. We want to

be here for you as you continue on your faith journey.

Join us on DECEMBER 9th AT 10:30AM to see if one of our faith building

groups are the right fit for you. Sign up Sat DEC 2nd or Sun 3rd, after mass

or sign up by email Fr James at fraboyi@holycrossmesa.org or simply call

Laura at the church (480) 981-2021.

Dec 9th is both an informational and a social event. (Donuts lemonade

and coffee!) All are welcome. You will also receive free a copy of Mathew

Kelly’s latest book "Perfectly Yourself" from DynamicCatholic.com. The

Lord may be using this event to reach out to your heart! He knows you

best. He has known you since before you were born. He wants you to get

to know Him better and better, so to love Him more deeply. This could be

the right time and the right place! For many Catholics, coming to Mass is

not enough in these turbulent days. Come see what your church has in

store for you!

Neighborhood Faith

Building Groups Currently

Being Formed

PARISH & COMMUNITY EVENTS

Caregivers: earn some practical

approaches to providing hands-on care and how to use adaptive aids and medical equipment to make your loved one's home safe at the next FSL caregiver educational session on Saturday, December 16, 10:00 a.m., Classroom D. Call 602-882-5197 for more information and to register.

FSL Caregiver Educational

Session

We are forming a seasonal volunteer chorus and

orchestra to perform a sacred work for Holy

Week composed by one of our

parishioners which will be performed on

Palm Sunday, March 25, 2018. If you have

experience singing with a choir and/or playing with

an orchestra and read music, you are invited to

become a part of this special performance

opportunity. Resident and winter parishioners are

both welcome. Stop by the music table after all

the Masses this weekend to sign up and receive more

information. If you have questions, please contact Evelyn

Sanchez at 602-882-5197.

Calling Holy Cross musicians - singers

and instrumentalists

KNIGHTS & LADIES ANNUAL BAKE SALE

SUNDAY DECEMBER 17, 2017

STOCK UP FOR CHRISTMAS WITH HOME BAKED GOODIES

WHEN: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2017

TIME: 4:00 A.M. PROCESSION AT NORTH

PARKING LOT

4:30 A.M. MAÑANITAS

5:00 A.M. MASS IN THE CHURCH

AFTER MASS RECEPTION IN ANDERSON HALL

Saint Maria of Guadalupe Today, the Church and the whole American Continent celebrates. As

every December 12, our hearts burst with joy and trust in the sweet

gaze of Saint Maria of Guadalupe, mother of the true God for whom

we live. The apparitions of our Lady of Guadalupe are landmarks that

marked the religious life of the Mexican people. They occurred from

the 9th to the 12th of December of 1531 at the hill of Tepeyac to a

Nahuatl native, born in Cuautitlan, named Juan Diego

(Cuahutlatotizin) and to his uncle Juan Bernardino. In the

Nicanopohua document (narrated here) it is explained how the Virgin

miraculously appeared on the hill of Tepeyac to Juan Diego. Later, her

precious image appeared before the Bishop Don Juan de Zumarraga.

The Virgin’s wish was that a sacred house would be built at the place

she promised to give us her love, would listen to our cries, know of

our sadness and alleviate our sorrows, our pain and our misery. The

Virgin of Guadalupe is invoked as Patroness of all of the Americas, as

the star of the new evangelization. She lovingly tells each of us: “Am I

not here, your Mother?” Our Lady of Guadalupe is revered by

pilgrims. To the North of Mexico City, every year thousands of

Catholics make pilgrimages to the Virgin of Guadalupe Basilica. Inside

this holy place, one can see from a discrete distance the engraved

image on Juan Diego’s manta, and along with many Catholics from

around the world, one can contemplate the image of our Lady of

Guadalupe. During these pilgrimages there are prayers, songs and

particularly dances. Each step and each movement is a prayer

involving body and soul. In Mexico, prayers to our Lady are offered in

the form of a dance to her Son, Jesus. These Mexican traditions are

emulated each year in churches throughout America, including Holy

Cross Church. The Dance Azteca Teyocoyani, done today at Holy Cross

Church is a prayer to our Lady in the form of dance. Please join us in

Anderson Hall for this profound prayer to Saint Mary of Guadalupe.

After the dance there will be a reception for all to share.

Blessings. Grupo Guadalupano (Our Lady of Guadalupe Committee)

Come Join Us In Commemorating The

“Day Of The Virgin Of Guadalupe”

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose

trust is the Lord.” – Jer. 17:7

PARISH & COMMUNITY EVENTS

8

Holy Cross Council No. 7904

On this Sunday’s blood drive donate a

Christmas gift of life for someone in need.

Walk in appointments are appreciated and

welcomed!

Knights of Columbus Council 7904 hold council meeting the

first Thursday each month at 6:30 PM in Wellens Hall.

We will begin our meeting with praying the rosary.

Visiting Knights are encouraged to attend.

Join the Knights Become a Holy Cross Council 7904 Knight!

Learn More About the Knights at

http://www.kofc7904.org/home.html

and call Jim Pergo at (480) 310-6226 to join.

Council 7904 has created a Facebook page of the activities

our Knights enjoy!

Go to https://www.facebook.com/kofc7904/photos

Online Knights of Columbus Membership:

Designed to introduce men to our Order in a way that will help

them to grow as a Catholic man and a Knight.

Go to: http://www.kofc.org/un/newjoin/en/index.html

Come meet local children’s author and Holy

Cross parishioner, Reanne Haubrock on

December 2 – 3 in the courtyard after Mass.

She will have her new book “The Meaning of

the Rainbow” available for purchase.

This young woman has an amazing story of

living with her special need and overcoming the

obstacles to realize her dream of writing professionally.

One common concern for new and

veteran caregivers is their loved ones’

safety. As care receivers age, their home

environments can present many challenges. Throw rugs, steps,

bathtubs, small doorways and high placed cupboards are among

the items in a home that can become a disaster waiting to

happen. If you are unsure of what you can do to create a safe

environment for your loved one, sign up to attend the second

session of the caregiver educational series presented by FSL

(formerly the Foundation for Senior Living) on Saturday,

December 16, at 10:00 a.m. in classroom D in the educational

building at Holy Cross. In this session, you will learn some

practical approaches for providing hands-on care and how to use

adaptive aids and medical equipment to create a safe

environment. To register for this free class, contact Evelyn

Sanchez at 602-882-5197.

In the meantime, you can pick up some great ideas from other

caregivers by attending our December support group meetings on

(Crismon Road and Wednesday, December 13, 2:30 p.m. in

classrooms 1-2 at Mountain Vista Medical Center Southern

Avenue) and Thursday, December 21, 1:30 p.m. in classroom J

at Holy Cross Parish. For questions about caregiving, call

parishioner and support group facilitator, Evelyn Sanchez,

at 602-882-5197.

On the Caregiving Journey…

Mass Times

Thursday Vigil, December 7th at 5:00 PM

Friday, December 8th

8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:00 Noon, 5:00 PM,

7:00 PM (Spanish) In the Constitution Ineffabilis Deus of 8 December, 1854, Pius IX

pronounced and defined that the Blessed Virgin Mary "in the first

instance of her conception, by a singular privilege and grace granted

by God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the human

race, was preserved exempt from all stain of original sin."

The parallels from the first chapter of Luke to the Old Testament are

clear and point to one startling truth: Mary is the Ark of the New

Covenant. In the Old Testament, the Ark of the Covenant bore the

tablets of God’s covenant, God’s word in stone. In the New

Testament, Mary carries God’s Word in flesh, Jesus Christ, who will

bring the New Covenant that Jeremiah foresaw so long ago.

On Mt. Sinai, God gave Moses instructions for building the Ark of the

Covenant. The Ark’s most important contents are the tablets of the

Law, God’s covenant with His people. It also contained a sample of

the manna that fed the Israelites in the desert and the rod of Aaron

the priest. When the Israelites marched to conquer the Promised

Land, the Ark of the Covenant still marched before them. It was the

sign that God was with His people. David brought the Ark into

Jerusalem amid great festivity and rejoicing. David himself went

“leaping and dancing” for joy before the Ark. The prophet Jeremiah

hid the Ark of the Covenant on Mount Nebo. He predicted a time

when God would build up His people again and make a “new

covenant” with them.

If the Ark of the Covenant was holy, then by the same standards Mary

is even holier. As Mother of God, she is the Ark of the New Covenant,

bearing Jesus Christ, the Word of God, the Bread of Life, our great

High Priest. That is not a re-interpretation of the Gospel: it is a truth

made clear by the New Testament writers themselves.

Wherever the ancient Israelites went, they followed the Ark of the

Covenant. If Mary is the Ark of the New Covenant, we as Christians

should have a devotion to her. Through close study of the Bible, there

are seeds not only for Catholic devotions such as the Rosary, but for

dogmas and doctrines such as Mary’s Immaculate Conception, her

Assumption, and her crowning as Queen of Heaven. Understanding

how Mary fits into salvation history and after volumes of scholarship

regarding Mary, it is a logical conclusion that Pope Pius IX defined her

Immaculate Conception.

Holy Day of Obligation

Friday, December 8, 2017

The Solemnity of the Immaculate

Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Come meet local children’s author and Holy Cross

parishioner, Reanne Haubrock

1ST AND 3RD WEDNESDAY

EACH MONTH

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Room “D” Religious Education Building

Parish Day/Date/Time

Queen of Peace Tuesday December 5th at 7pm

St Timothy Wednesday December 13th at 7pm

All Saints Tuesday December 19th at 2pm and 7pm

St. Anne Wednesday December 20th at 7pm.

Communal Penance Schedule

COMUNIDAD LATINA/HISPANA

9

Por favor de traer sus regalos a la

Iglesia a más tardar el martes, 12 de

diciembre por la mañana. Si no puede

por alguna razón cumplir con traer el

regalo, por favor hable a oficina de

educación religiosa inmediatamente al 480-325-

5375 o escribanos cbenzing@holycrossmesa.org

para nosotros cumplir con lo que se está pidiendo.

Gracias por su generosidad.

También estamos aceptando

inscripciones para las nuevas clases de

preparación sacramental que comienzan el domingo 14

de enero.

Estas clases son para adultos que han sido bautizados

en la Iglesia católica pero que no han recibido los

Sacramentos de Confirmación o Eucaristía, o para

aquellos que han sido bautizados en otra denominación

Cristiana.

Por favor comuníquense con Cindy para programar una

cita al número telefónico 480-325-5375 o por correo

electrónico a cbenzing@holycrossmesa.org.

Los Peregrinos de la Jornada Mundial de

Jóvenes estarán vendiendo camisetas

Católicas en el patio de la Iglesia después

de las Misas a partir del domingo, 3 de

diciembre al domingo, 10 de diciembre.

¡También serian regalos geniales para la

Navidad!

Las lecturas de la semana del 3 de diciembre

Domingo: Is 63, 16-17. 19; 64, 2-7/Sal 80, 2-3. 15-16.

18-19 [4]/1 Cor 1, 3-9/Mc 13, 33-37

Lunes: Is 2, 1-5/Sal 122, 1-2. 3-4. 4-5. 6-7. 8-9/

Mt 8, 5-11

Martes: Is 11, 1-10/Sal 72, 1-2. 7-8. 12-13. 17 [cfr. 7]/

Lc 10, 21-24

Miércoles: Is 25, 6-10/Sal 23, 1-3. 3-4. 5. 6 [6]/Mt 15, 29-37

Jueves: Is 26, 1-6/Sal 118, 1 y 8-9. 19-21. 25-27 [26]/

Mt 7, 21. 24-27

Viernes: Gn 3, 9-15. 20/Sal 98, 1. 2-3. 3-4 [1]/

Ef 1, 3-6. 11-12/Lc 1, 26-38

Sábado: Is 30, 19-21. 23-26/Sal 147, 1-2. 3-4. 5-6

[cfr. Is 30, 18]/Mt 9, 35--10, 1. 5. 6-8

Domingo siguiente: Is 40, 1-5. 9-11/Sal 85, 9-10. 11-12.

13-14 [8]/2 Pe 3, 8-14/Mc 1, 1-8

Si tienen un niño menor de 7

años que quieren bautizar,

daremos una sesión de

orientación el 17 de diciembre,

después de esta Misa. Por favor

marquen su calendario. La

sesión será solamente para los

padres de familia.

El estado de Arizona proporciona un increíble

incentivo para las personas que pagan

impuestos y donan a organizaciones de Caridad

como St. Vincent de Paul. Gracias al crédito

caritativo de Arizona tú puedes donar hasta

$800 y así mismo recibirlos en tu declaracion

de impuestos. St. Vincent de Paul en la parroquia Holy Cross

estan listos para acceptar su donacion.

Recuerde, este crédito es diferente – y adicional al – crédito de

foster care y créditos de escolares. Haz tu donación antes del 31

de diciembre para también calificar para una deducción federal.

Tu regalo ayuda a alimentar, vestir, hospedar y sanar personas y

familias vulnerables y necesitadas en Arizona.

Arizona tú puedes donar

CLASES SACRAMENTALES PARA

ADULTOS EL DOMINGO 14 DE

ENERO

Las Etiquetas del Árbol de Navidad

VERDES (DE POLLO) O

ROJOS (DE RES) A SÓLO

$15.00 LA DOCENA

ORDENEN DESDE AHORA HASTA EL 15 DE

DICIEMBRE DE 2017

LLAMEN A LA OFICINA DE LA IGLESIA AL NÚMERO 480-981-2021 PARA ORDENARLOS TODO EL DINERO QUE SE RECAUDE SERÁ PARA CUBRIR GASTOS RELACIONADOS CON LA CELEBRACIÓN DE LA VIRGEN DE GUADALUPE EN DICIEMBRE. GRACIAS

Tamale Time!

¡Muestra tu amor a Cristo esta Navidad con una

camiseta Católica! ¿No tienes

una?

VENGAN A CELEBRAR CON NOSOTROS EL

“DÍA DE LA VIRGEN DE GUADALUPE”

FECHA: MARTES, 12 DE DICIEMBRE DE 2017

HORA: 4:00 A.M. PROCESIÓN EN

ESTACIONAMIENTO NORTE

4:30 A.M. MAÑANITAS

5:00 A.M. MISA EN LA IGLESIA

DESPUÉS DE LA MISA, CONVIVIO EN

SALÓN ANDERSON

INVITACIÓN