Statements for the 2020 calendar year will be mailed in late January 202l by request only. For tax purposes, donations for 2020 should have already been made. If you would like a tax statement, please call the parish office.

Epiphany, also known as Twelfth Night, Theophany, or Three King Days, marks the occasion of a time-honored Christian tradition of "chalking the doors." The formula for the ritual - adapted for 202l- is simple: take chalk of any color and write the following above the entrance of your home:

20 + C + M + B +2l

The letters have two meanings. First, they represent the initials of the Magi - Caspar, Malchior, and Balthazar - who came to visit Jesus in His first home. They also abbreviate the Latin phrase, Christus mansionem benedicat: "May Christ bless the house." The "+" signs represent the cross, and the "20" at the beginning and the "2l" at the end mark the year. Taken together, this inscription is performed as a request for Christ to bless those homes so marked and that He stay with those who dwell therein throughout the entire year.

The chalking of the doors is a centuries-old practice throughout the world, through it appears to be somewhat less well-known in the United States. It is, however, an easy tradition to adopt, and a great practice whereby we dedicate our year to God from its very outset, asking His blessing on our homes and on all who live, work, or visit them there.

The timing for the chalking of the doors varies somewhat in practice. This prayer may be prayed on the traditional Feast of the Epiphany - the Twelfth Day of Christmas. Most often, the chalking takes place after Epiphany Mass, and can be done at any church, home, or dwelling.

CHALK AND PRAYERS WILL BE AVAILABLE AFTER MASS AS YOU EXIT CHURCH.

As baptized followers of Jesus Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit, we strive to proclaim the Gospel by promoting a welcoming community; celebrating the Eucharist and living our faith with charity, peace and justice.

Please pay attention to the Christmas, 2020 Mass Schedule. Reserving seats to help us prepare for social distancing will continue to be in place for all masses. We will begin taking reservations for the Christmas masses on Monday, December 14th. Masks are to be worn during Mass.

BLESSED SACRAMENT

Christmas Eve - Thursday, December 24th 2:00pm - Please note time change

9:00pm

*There will not be a 4pm mass this year. Christmas Day - Friday December 25th 9:30am

HOLY CROSS

Christmas Eve - Thursday, December 24th 4:00pm 10:30pm

Christmas Day - Friday December 25th 8:00am 11:00am

CHRISTMAS GIVING TREE

Catholic Social Services will be receiving toys from the Toys for Tots collection conducted by The United States Marine Corps Reserve. We have been asked to supplement this collection by contributing gift cards (Visa, Kohl's, Wal-Mart, Target, Boscov's, etc.). Please place gift cards in an envelope and place them in the collection basket in the vestibule of our parishes or drop them off in the mailbox at the Parish Office. Thank you!

CHRISTMAS WAFERS

Christmas wafers are available when entering our churches. Suggested donation is $3.00. Please make sure to by socially distant when picking up Oplatki (wafers). Upon leaving donation, hand sanitizer will be available.

Nativity of the Lord

"The people who walk in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone."

Isaiah 9 l, Mass at Midnight ".what came to be through Him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."

John l 2, Mass During the Day "There's a light over the darkness There is a hope throughout the night There will be peace when this storm passes And no matter what we've lost will be alright, There will be light, there will be light." David Archuleta

LIGHT. HOPE. PEACE.

Our prayer for this Christmas as we celebrate Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.

YOUR FAMILY CHRISTMAS TREE:

"In turning on the light of the Christmas tree, we wish for the light of Christ to be in us. Let there be light in the soul, in the heart; Let there be forgiveness to others;

Let there be no hostilities or darkness. Let there be the beautiful light of Jesus. May there be light in our hearts, in our families, in our cities. And now, with this prayer, let us turn on the light."

Merry Christmas to all. Enormous gratitude to our staff, continually bringing and being light in these most unusual, challenging times; great gratitude to all of our parishioners, supporting us and assisting us with extraordinary selflessness and sacrifice. Time to turn on the Light of Christ's love.

Merry, Merry Christmas, Msgr. Michael J. Delaney.

CHRISTMAS MASS LIVESTREAMING

The following masses will be livestreamed on Facebook. A special thanks to Vince Shuta for helping us to make this happen!

Our Facebook page is The Parishes of Holy Cross and Blessed Sacrament

Christmas Eve - Thursday December 24th 2 00pm Mass at Blessed Sacrament Parish Christmas Day - Friday December 25th 11 00am Mass at Holy Cross Parish

CHRISTMAS GRATITUDE

We have been blessed with the most wonderful staff, helping us to celebrate Christmas (this crazy, crazy Christmas) and to serve our parishes each day.

Thank you to Judy, Michele, Tom, Marty, Deacon John, Karen, Mary Therese, and Ned.

Thank you to our cantors.

Thank you to the remarkable volunteers who set up for Mass, receive and escort parishioners, and then clean- up after each Mass to prepare for the next group.

To our wonderful catechists and all parish volunteers participating in ministries in more challenging ways - heartfelt thanks. God bless you and reward you for the love you bring to the ministries you share.

BAPTISMS - PLEASE CALL THE RECTORY TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS.

FUNERAL MASSES WILL NOW BE CELEBRATED IN OUR PARISHES

Cemetery chapels are not yet available for prayer.

Memorial masses are being arranged with families who have lost loved ones during the closure of our churches.

THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION PLEASE NOTE CHANGE IN SCHEDULE

Please call the Parish Rectory at 570-489-0752 to set up an appointment with Monsignor Delaney.

OUR ADORATION CHAPEL REMAINS CLOSED AT THIS TIME

Safety Measures

• If you are feeling ill, stay safe at home.
• We highly encourage those who are vulnerable (such as the elderly and people with underlying medical conditions) to continue to participate in Mass via parish livestreaming or CTV: Catholic Television.
• Mass from the Cathedral of Saint Peter will continue to be broadcast daily on CTV: Catholic Television of the Diocese of Scranton. It is also available on the Diocese of Scranton website, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
• People should wash their hands thoroughly before coming to church.

Face Masks

• Face masks must be worn by all lay faithful who attend Mass. The only time a face mask may be removed is for the reception of Holy Communion.
• Clergy are not to wear a face mask during the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy but must wear a face mask for the distribution of Holy Communion which takes place after Mass.

Social Distancing

• Mass attendance will be limited to no more than 25-percent of a church’s seating capacity.
• While within the church, all people need to maintain a safe social distance of six feet from others in all directions. The only exception is for immediate family members who may sit together.
• Several pews may separate individuals/families to ensure the six foot distancing while within the church.
• Parishioners will need to enter through only one designated door, follow social distancing guidelines during the line for communion, and exit the church through a separate door.
• Congregational singing at Mass is discouraged at this time so as to minimize the spread of breath droplets.
• Parishes may still utilize a cantor and organist for Mass as long as they are at least 10 feet away from each other, the assembly, and any ministers in the sanctuary.
• Parishes may still utilize a cantor and organist for Mass as long as they are at least 10 feet away from each other, the assembly, and any ministers in the sanctuary.

Holy Communion

• The distribution of Holy Communion will take place after the conclusion of Mass. After receiving communion, the faithful are to depart and not return to their pews.
• Distribution of the Precious Blood remains suspended at this time.
• Parishioners are strongly advised to receive the Body of Christ in the hand.
• Priests and deacons (or any other minister) will wear a mask for the distribution of Holy Communion and are to use hand sanitizer before, immediately after, and if necessary, during the distribution of communion if contact is made with any person’s hand or tongue.
• Holy Communion on the Tongue: Although it is strongly discouraged, anyone who still wishes to receive Holy Communion on the tongue can be instructed to wait until the end of the Communion distribution after everyone else has received. This will minimize the risk of spreading the virus to others, as well as allow time for the priest to sanitize his hands properly after each person who receives on the tongue.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sunday obligation to attend Mass remains suspended at this time

Please note: these measures will not take effect until June 8, 2020. Masses will continue to be streamed on Facebook until public masses return.

A Message from Monsignor Delaney

Dear Friends,

As Lackawanna County moves into the "Yellow" phase of re-opening, we are preparing to receive parishioners back to public Mass in a limited and responsible way.

In order to abide by social distancing requirements, our seating capacity is fewer than you might expect. Because of this, in order to attend Sunday Mass, you will be required to first call the Rectory to place a reservation. Calls will be received on a first call, first seated basis. Upon filling the number of seats available, you will be placed on the following weeks attendance list. Please do not come to Sunday Mass without having called us first. If not first registered, you will be asked to come to the next available Mass. We know that this sounds very strange and is unusual, but we also are all very aware that the guidelines are for the safety of our community. Masks must be worn in Church. Please, if able, bring your own hand sanitizer/wipes from home.

The Mass schedule is:

Blessed Sacrament Saturday 5:30 PM and Sunday 9:30 AM.

Holy Cross Saturday 4:00 PM and Sunday 11:00 AM.

Please note at this time, the 8:00 AM Sunday Mass is suspended.

You will be greeted upon entering and directed to where you will sit. Please be in church 15 minutes before the beginning of Mass to receive instructions.

For reservations, all the rectory: 570-489-0752, 570-489-1963

Thank you for your understanding and patience in helping us to move forward. As always, your continued generosity and support of our parishes helps us to together continue to conduct our mission.

A special note of gratitude to those who have agreed to set-up, direct and sanitize our churches in preparation for worship. United in the Love of Our God who reveals Himself to us as father, Son and Holy Spirit,

Msgr. Michael J. Delaney June 6-7, 2020

Monsignor Thomas Muldowney, who was a former pastor at Holy Cross Parish, is currently on the mend after having surgery recently. To send get well cards and prayerful best wishes, you can send your greetings to:

Msgr. Thomas M. Muldowney, V.G. Cathedral of Saint Peter
315 Wyoming
Scranton, PA 18503

Mr. Vincent Intoccia expresses his gratitude to those who sent birthday greetings, prayers and best wishes as he marked his 00th birthday. God Bless you Mr. Intoccia.

Retired priests continue to be a vital part of our Diocese. Before the COVID pandemic they assisted by offering Mass and administering the sacraments. From the most senior to the newly ordained, our priests selflessly serve us. We now ask you to support them through the Diocesan Annual Appeal.

Support our Diocesan Ministries and Help Our Parish reach its Annual Appeal Goal

Mail your gift to: Diocesan Annual Appeal 300 Wyoming Avenue Scranton, PA l8503

or drop an Appeal gift in your parish collection. Your gift supports Catholic School Students, Parish Food Pantries, assists retired Priests who served generously, Seminarians answering God's call.

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

Lord, in this season of Advent, we thank you for abundant blessings of treasure and abilities. Give us generous hearts to joyfully share our gifts for those in need through the Diocesan Annual Appeal. We pray to the Lord.. OUR DIOCESAN ANNUAL APPEAL GOAL FOR 2020

Blessed Sacrament: $16,000.00

Holy Cross: $47,000.00

TO DATE:

Blessed Sacrament: $15,990.51 99.9% of our goal has been reached with $9.49 to go.

Holy Cross: $28,869.28 64% of our goal has been reached with $l7,l30.72 to go.

Mr. Vincent Incoccia is celebrating his 100th Birthday this week. Since a public celebration isn't possible, please join us as we wish him well. He lives with his daughter-in-law Debbie here in Throop, and is the father of our dear friend, the late Neil Intoccia. We're hoping to get 100 cards to Vince to brighten his birthday. Birthday wishes may be sent to:

Mr. Vincent Intoccia
160 Dimmick St.
Throop, PA 18512

We are less than two weeks away from the first day of school in the Diocese of Scranton. That might be an introduction to any school year at this time of the year. This however, is not like any other first day of school. Corona virus and the resulting COVID- 19 have changed our lives dramatically. March 13th will be a day that we will all remember as the day, schooling as we knew it changed drastically.

Two weeks off turned into "until Easter" to "the end of the year." I realize that all our lives were rearranged and we learned how to wear a mask, how to estimate six feet, and how long it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice or recite two "Hail Mary's."

The 2020-2021 Religious Education Year is about to begin. Our first day of class is scheduled for October 4th. This year, our primary focus will be on our preparation for the Sacraments of Confirmation (grades 7 and 8) and Holy Communion (grades 1 and 2). For students in grades 3 to 6, we will be providing them with materials to continue their Religious Education Formation at home. We will not be providing a Kindergarten program this year.

Students in grades 1, 2, 7 and 8 will receive direct instruction on Sunday mornings. Classes will be created based on the number of students who register. We will be following all CDC guidelines and social distancing.

We are working to create an environment that sets a tone that all of our parishioners' health is foremost on our minds. We have been keeping up with the CDC, DOH, and Diocesan Guidelines for re-opening our churches and the programs we can offer. There are protocols and procedures that are being put into place for our students, teachers, and staff. Please remember that we all have to be extremely vigilant and cooperative in order to have face-to-face learning. Parents will be expected to do daily checklist screenings and students and teachers must wear masks.

In an effort to better prepare for this year's program and to make the best use of our limited space, we are asking you to complete the registration form included with this letter as soon as possible. In this way we can best prepare our classrooms and order materials needed for this year's instruction.

Our health will depend on everyone's cooperation and adherence. Specifics will be sent as soon as numbers are totaled based on the registrations we receive.

For our 1st, 2nd, 7th, and 8th grade students, our plan is that if we receive a total of 30 registrations (for example), that class will be divided into three groups of ten. These students would then meet once every third week while completing work at home on their off weeks.

For our 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th graders, we will be providing them with textbooks and an outline to follow allowing your child to continue their religious formation with your help at home.

Specifics as to the keys to a healthy environment so that we can continue face-to- face learning will be sent to you prior to the first day of class. Please continue to stay healthy and safe.

Sincerely,
Monsignor Michael J. Delaney Pastor

Deacon John Musyt
D.R.E. Holy Cross Parish

Karen Doyle
D.R.E Blessed Sacrament Parish

Bishop Joseph C. Bambera has set Monday, September 14, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, as a Day of Prayer and Gratitude for Priests in the Diocese of Scranton.

The bishop invites all priests and the faithful to join together for Evening Prayer with the Renewal of Priestly Promises live at 4:00 PM via CTV: Catholic Television, the Diocese of Scranton website or any of the Diocese of Scranton social media platforms.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, our priests have continued to do Christ's work by offering the sacraments to the sick and dying, finding creative ways to serve parishioners and serve the poor through food pantries and personal outreach. We thank them for their priestly commitment and service.

8:00am mass is back at Holy Cross!

Blessed Sacrament Parish: Saturdays at 5:30pm and Sundays at 9:30am

Holy Cross Parish: Saturdays at 4:00pm and Sundays at 8:00am and 11:00am.

You will be greeted upon entering each church and directed to where you will sit.

Please be in church 15 minutes before the beginning of Mass to receive instructions.

TO MAKE RESERVATIONS FOR MASS

Please call the rectory at: 570-489-0752 570-489-1963

Thank you for your understanding and patience in helping us to move forward. As always, your continued generosity and support of our parishes helps us to together continue to conduct our mission.

A special note of gratitude to those who have agreed to set-up, direct and sanitize our churches in preparation for worship. United in the Love of Our God who reveals Himself to us as father, Son and Holy Spirit,

Sincerely, Msgr. Michael J. Delaney

WEEKEND MASSES ON FACEBOOK

Every Saturday at 5:30pm from Blessed Sacrament and every Sunday at :00am from Holy Cross will continue to be broadcasted Live on Facebook.

May we who are merely inconvenienced remember those whose lives are at stake.

May we who have no risk factors remember those most vulnerable.

May we who have the luxury of working from home remember those who must choose between preserving their health and making their rent.

May we who have the flexibility to care for our children when their schools close remember those who have no options.

May we who have to cancel our trips remember those who have no safe place to go.

May we who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market remember those who have no margin at all.

May we who settle in for a quarantine at home remember those who have no home.

As fear grips our country, let us choose love.

And during this time when we may not be able to physically wrap our arms around each other, let us yet find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our neighbors.

Amen.

-Written by Rev. Dr. William J Barber II

"OPEN WIDE OUR HEARTS: THE ENDURING CALL TO LOVE" USCCB, 2018

"The distinction of body and blood among men are transcended by unity with the Body and Blood of Christ.

The Mass is the re-enactment of the cross's mighty onslaught upon human differences: the breaking down of the wall of partition. We participate in common, as in one family, in the Holy Eucharistic offering. We are united with one another through our union with Jesus Christ in Communion.

John La Farge, SJ. "The Catholic Viewpoint on Race Relations"

A PRAYER FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

Almighty God, Father of all nations, for freedom you have set us free in Christ Jesus (Galatians 5:1).

We praise and bless you for the gift of religious liberty,

The foundation of human rights, justice and the common good.

Grant to our leaders the wisdom to protect and promote our liberties;

By your grace may we have the courage to defend them, for ourselves and for all those who live in this blessed land.

We ask this through the intercession of Mary Immaculate, our patroness, and in the name of your son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, with whom you live and reign, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

"You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4th, not with a parade of tanks and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism." .. Irma Bombeck

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Bishop Joseph Bambera celebrated the Sacrament of Holy Orders ordaining three transitional deacons to priestly service for the People of God of the Diocese of Scranton. We join with all of our brothers and sisters celebrating with and congratulating Father Jonathan Kuhar, Father Shawn Simchock and Father Kevin Miller. The ordination was celebrated this past Saturday in the Cathedral of Saint Peter, Scranton, in a limited way due to measures in place, but also with limitless joy that God has called, these men have responded and the Church has ratified and validated their readiness for ministry. Please pray for Frs. Kuhar, Simchock and Miller as they begin their priestly service in our Diocese.

PRAYER FOR PRIESTS

Gracious and loving God we thank you for the gift of our priests. Through them, we experience your presence in the sacraments.

Help our priests to be strong in their vocation. Set their souls on fire with love for your people.

Grant them the wisdom, understanding, and strength they need to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Inspire them with the vision of your Kingdom.

Give them the words they need to spread the Gospel. Allow them to experience joy in their ministry.

Help them to become instruments of your divine grace.

We ask this through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns as our Eternal Priest.

Amen

Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, save me.

Blood of Christ, inebriate me.

Water from the side of Christ, wash me.

Passion of Christ, strengthen me.

O good Jesus, hear me.

Within Thy wounds, hide me.

Separated from Thee let me never be. From the malignant enemy, defend me.

At the hour of death, call me.

To come to Thee, bid me,

That I may praise Thee in the company Of Thy Saints, for all eternity.

Amen.

On this Father's Day weekend, we celebrate our Fathers, Grandfathers, and Fore Fathers, as well as those who have been like a Dad to us.

God Bless You.

Dear God,

Thank you for all the fathers and father-figures in this world and for the many ways you use them to lovingly guide others to your heart. Bless them and give them great joy and peace. May they see you and know you in new ways. Show them how much you love them and care about them. Guide their steps, use their hands, and make them a blessing to others as you continue to fulfill Your special purpose for their lives.

St. Joseph, pray for our Dads.

Amen

We lift up, honor, and celebrate our graduates! After years of hard work, personal growth, and spiritual development, we ask God to bless you as you move forward, building on the firm foundation built on and rooted in God's gracious love. May God empower you to walk into the future with faith, hope, and great love guided by God's light, using your talents as we build a better, more just and peaceful world.

God bless Deacon Mark DeCelles. We celebrate with the faithful of the Diocese of Scranton the ordination to the transitional diaconate of Mark DeCelles. Deacon DeCelles served in our parishes during the summer of 2018. His remarkable talent is matched by the enormity of his loving heart and desire to serve God's people.

God bless you, Deacon CeCelles.

Notes of support and congratulations may be sent to:
Deacon Mark DeCelles 923 E. Drinker Street Dunmore, PA 18512

As we continue to pray for the sick, for healthcare workers and all those who may be in harm's way. We pause and remember to be grateful.

Lord god, let us never forget all that you do for us. Sustain us with hope and light and love and joy. May we be ever mindful of the many new ways we are learning to encounter and experience you as we long to receive you in the Eucharist and share one another's company. May our lives continue to be a testimony to your incredible blessings, that your love may be known and experienced by all we are called to serve. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Vacation Bible School will not be held this summer-Holy Cross Chicken Bar-B-Q and Blessed Sacrament Family Festival will not take place this year.