WELCOME
CONTACT US
7851-54th Ave North St. Petersburg, FL 33709 Phone: 727-546-3315 Website: holycrossrcc.com Very Rev. Fr. Emery
Longanga, PhD, VF Pastor
Rev. Fr. Jesus Martinez Parochial Vicar
Rev. Mr. Rick Zeitler Permanent Deacon
WELCOME MESSAGE
We the welcoming family of Holy Cross are delighted to have you join our parish family. Whether you are new to the area, seeking a new parish home, or returning to the practice of your Catholic faith, we hope you come and spend some time with us at Mass and in prayer and adoration. We seek to offer as many opportunities as possible for parishioners to come
together as a family of faith.
We pray that you may find warmth and spiritual growth
MOTHER’S DAY
Mother's Day has been celebrated as a national holiday in the United States on the second Sunday of May since 1914. But Catholics have been celebrating a sort of mother's day since the first few centuries of the Church. The fourth Sunday of Lent, or Laetare Sunday, traditionally was a time to return to your mother church (home parish) and leave an offering.
Also known as Mothering Sunday, it naturally evolved into honoring your mother as well. And devotion to Mary, the mother of God and our spiritual mother, in the month of May gives this holiday depth for Catholics that goes far beyond giving flowers or candy on Mother's Day.
"God, creator and lord of the universe, chose to put himself — tiny, needy and helpless — into the nurturing and watchful hands of a human mother. Since
then, every act of mothering — both physical and spiritual — in every time and every corner of the world recollects Mary’s."
In Catholic tradition, the month of May is dedicated to Mary. Chosen by God above all other women, Mary's faith and obedience paved the way for the Incarnation.
Her example teaches us faith, obedience, humility and most of all, how to love. According to St. Thomas of Villanova, "If in this world any creature ever loved God with whole heart, with whole soul, and with whole mind, she was the creature.”
At the foot of the cross, her heart broke for Jesus, yet she accepted God's will not only for her Son, but for herself in her new role as mother to us all. (John 19:25-27) As we honor our earthly mothers this month, let's honor our heavenly mother as well. Those devoted to her are always led to her Son. For her wise counsel tells us, "Do whatever he tells you." (John 2:5)
Mother’s Day Gifts From the Heart:
1. You don't have to spend money to show the moms in your life how much you care. Send them a spiritual bouquet for Mother's Day.
2. Ask the Blessed Mother to intercede for them. That is one of the best gifts you can give. For women have no greater role model than Mary.
3. Pray the rosary for your mom. The Family Rosary website allows you to create a free, customized Mother's Day e-card where you can detail your prayer goals.
4. If you prefer to make a card by hand, Life Teen International, offers a variety of Scriptures that highlight the role of a mom.
5. Busted Halo offers a virtual Mother's Day
retreat designed to deepen the relationship you have with your mom, especially at a time when that relationship is evolving.
6. Our Sunday Visitor offers a Mother's Day Gift Guide if you want to give handmade rosaries, flower cards, soaps, coffee, gourmet fudge, music and more.
DÍA DE LA MADRE
El Día de la Madre se ha celebrado como feriado nacional en los Estados Unidos el segundo domingo de mayo desde 1914. Pero los católicos han estado celebrando una especie de día de la madre desde los primeros siglos de la Iglesia. El cuarto domingo de Cuaresma, o Domingo Laetare,
tradicionalmente era un momento para regresar a su iglesia madre (parroquia de origen) y dejar una ofrenda.
También conocido como Domingo de las Madres, evolucionó naturalmente para honrar a su madre también. Y la
devoción a María, la madre de Dios y nuestra madre espiritual, en el mes de mayo le da a esta fiesta una profundidad para los católicos que va mucho más allá de regalar flores o dulces en el Día de la Madre.
"Dios, creador y señor del universo, eligió ponerse a sí mismo, pequeño, necesitado e indefenso, en las manos protectoras y vigilantes de una madre humana. Desde entonces, cada acto de maternidad, tanto físico como espiritual, en cada tiempo y cada rincón del mundo recuerda el de María".
En la tradición católica, el mes de mayo está dedicado a María. Elegida por Dios por encima de todas las demás mujeres, la fe y la obediencia de María allanaron el camino para la Encarnación. Su ejemplo nos enseña fe, obediencia, humildad y sobre todo, cómo amar. Según Santo Tomás de Villanova, "Si en este mundo alguna criatura alguna vez amó a Dios con todo el corazón, con toda el alma y con toda la mente, esa criatura era ella".
Al pie de la cruz, su corazón se rompió por Jesús, pero aceptó la voluntad de Dios no solo para su Hijo, sino para ella misma en su nuevo papel como madre para todos nosotros. (Juan 19:25-27) Mientras honramos a nuestras madres terrenales este mes, honremos también a nuestra madre celestial. Los devotos de ella siempre son conducidos a su Hijo. Porque su sabio consejo nos dice: "Haced lo que él os diga". (Juan 2:5)
Regalos del día de la madre desde el corazón:
1. No tienes que gastar dinero para mostrarles a las mamás en tu vida cuánto te importan. Envíales un ramo espiritual para el Día de la Madre.
2. Pide a la Santísima Madre que interceda por ellos. Ese es uno de los mejores regalos que puedes dar. Porque las mujeres no tienen un mejor modelo a seguir que María.
3. Reza el rosario por tu mamá. El sitio web de Family Rosary le permite crear una tarjeta electrónica gratuita y personalizada del Día de la Madre donde puede detallar sus objetivos de oración.
4. Si prefiere hacer una tarjeta a mano, Life Teen
International ofrece una variedad de Escrituras que resaltan el papel de una madre.
5. Busted Halo ofrece un retiro virtual del Día de la
Madre diseñado para profundizar la relación que tienes con tu madre, especialmente en un momento en que esa relación está evolucionando.
6. Nuestro Sunday Visitor ofrece una Guía de regalos para el Día de la Madre si desea regalar rosarios hechos a mano, tarjetas de flores, jabones, café, dulce de azúcar gourmet, música y más.
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK...
MASS SCHEDULE
MON, TUE, THURS & FRI
8:00 am & 12:00 pm
WEDNESDAY
8:00 am & 12:00 pm, 7:00 pm (Spanish)
SATURDAY
8:00 am & 4:00 pm,6:00 pm (French)
SUNDAY
8:00 & 10:00 am, 12:30 pm (Spanish)
EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
Wednesday & First Friday 8:30 - 11:30 am
ANOINTING OF THE SICK
First Friday 12:00 pm
SACRAMENT OF PENANCE
Saturday 3:00-3:45 pm, Sunday 11:30 am-12:15 pm
MASS INTENTIONS
SAT, MAY 7
ACTS 9:31-42/JN 6:60-698:00 am Luis Bartolome Arevalo Cabrera 4:00 pm † Daniel Harkins
6:00 pm † Linda Masullo
SUN, MAY 8
ACTS 13:14, 43-52/RV 7:9, 14B-17/JN 10:27- 8:00 am 30 Holy Cross Parishioners10:00 am All Mothers Living & Deceased 12:30 pm All Mothers Living & Deceased
MON, MAY 9
ACTS 11:1-18/JN 10:1-10 8:00 am † Frank Iacovazzo12:00 pm Gloria Columbo
TUES, MAY 10
ACTS 11:19-26/JN 10:22-30 8:00 am † Dominic Bolognesa 12:00 pm † Agnes & Leo GagneWED, MAY 11
ACTS 12:24—13:5A/JN 12:44-508:00 am Vocations
12:00 pm † Norman & Lois Smiddy 7:00 pm † Felicitas Rodriguez de Espino
THURS, MAY 12
ACTS 13:13-25/JN 13:16-20 8:00 am † Sr. Paula12:00 pm † Enrique Sabogal & Alfonso Salazar
FRI, MAY 13
ACTS 13:26-33/JN 14:1-68:00 am † James Pennington 12:00 pm † William E. Klinger
SAT, MAY 14
ACTS 1:15-17, 20-26/JN 15:9-17 8:00 am † Jonathan Toledo 4:00 pm † Jessie Williams6:00 pm Dave Barthel
SUN, MAY 15
ACTS 14:21-27/RV 21:1-5A/JN 13:31-33A, 34- 8:00 am 35Helen Jahnke10:00 am Holy Cross Parishioners
12:30 pm Monique Reyes
READINGS
FIRST READING
ACTS 13:14, 43-52 Paul and Barnabas continued on from Perga and reached Antioch in Pisidia. On the sabbath they entered the synagogue and took their seats. Many Jews and worshipers who were converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them and urged them to remain faithful to the grace of God. On the following sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and with violent abuse contradicted what Paul said. Both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first, but since you reject it and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. For so the Lord hascommanded us, I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth.” The Gentiles were delighted when they heard this and glorified the word of the Lord. All who were destined for eternal life came to believe, and the word of the Lord continued to spread through the whole region. The Jews, however, incited the women of prominence who were worshipers and the leading men of the city, stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their territory. So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them, and went to Iconium. The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.
SECOND READING
REV 7:9, 14B-17I, John, had a vision of a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue. They stood before the throne and before the Lamb, wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. Then one of the elders said to me, “These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. “For this reason they stand before God’s throne and worship him day and night in his temple. The one who sits on the throne will shelter them. They will not hunger or thirst anymore, nor will the sun or any heat strike them. For the Lamb who is in the center of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to springs of life-giving water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
GOSPEL READING
JN 10:27-30 Jesus said:“My sheep hear my voice;
I know them, and they follow me.
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.
No one can take them out of my hand.
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand.
The Father and I are one.”
PARISH NEWS
BINGO
Please join us for Monday evening BINGO! Doors open at 4pm. First games start at 5:45pm. In the parish center.
Bring a friend or two! $12 to start. Three jackpots. Hotdogs, snacks, pastries, and drinks for sale. A big thank you to all of our generous volunteers!
USHERS NEEDED
Our hospitality/usher ministry is in need of volunteers before and after all weekend Masses. Please contact the parish office if you would like to volunteer. Thank you for your help!
BLOOD DRIVE THANK YOU
Thank you to everyone who participated in the blood drive last Sunday! You helped save lives!
MAY CROWNING
May Crowning will take place at the 10am Mass this Sunday, May 8 (Mother’s Day).
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY
A very happy and holy Mother’s Day to all our mothers.
We thank God for you in a special way today!
Loving God,
As a mother gives life and nourishment to her children, so you watch over your Church.
Bless our mother.
Let the example of her faith and love shine forth.
Great that we, her family, may honor her always
with a spirit of profound respect.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
BOOK STUDY
Our next book study has begun! Meetings take place Thursdays, from 10—11am. We are discussing The book, 7 Secrets to Confession, by Vinny Flynn. If you are
interested in joining, please contact Laura McKenna at 813-340-9305 call or text, or email [email protected].
MAY ROSARY IN THE GROTTO
Please join us each Saturday morning during May at 7:30 am in the grotto to pray the rosary. In case of inclement weather, the rosary will be recited in the church.
SAINT QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"Blessed be God, for so bountifully providing for us that He even bestows on us His very Self.” Saint John of Avila
PRAYER REQUESTS
Please note that names will be automatically removed from this list after three months. Please call the parish office to add a name to this list.
PLEASE PRAY FOR THE FOLLOWING
Jeremiah, Jared, Phyllis, Natalie, Virginia, Jenn, Joe, Rick, Bud, Donna, Susan, Denise, George,
Carmelita, Margaret H., Gianna, Tina, Laura, John, Gail, Karon, Beth Anne, Joe, Evelyn, Gerry, Ben, Mr.
& Mrs. Verstappen, Victor, Karen, Rose Marie, John, Maureen, Colin, Paul, John, Joseph, Peggy, Kami, Katie, Anne-Marie, Simo, Josephine, Terry, Bill, Maria, Holly, Doris, Zima, Craig, Sharon, Mike, Robert, Phyllis, Jodi, Carly, Ann, Sharon, Beverly, Emily, Lynn, Mary Lou, Catherine, Roger, Maria, Alfredo, Eleanor, Dayana, Janet, Marilyn, Mary Ann, Bobby, Charlie, Christina, Peggy H., Mark, Renee, Glenn, Mary, Lynn, Sandra, Sally, Nick, Frank, Ed M., Paulette, Frank, Bozana, Mary Ellen, Sharon, Patty, Carlos, Maria Julia, Paula, Pam, Catherine, Amanda, Pat, Dennis, Lauren, Grace, Heidi, Scott, Lisa, Dawn Marie, Declan, Bodhi, Zora, Marie, Katherine, Miguel, Nick, Sharon, Frankie, Kathy, Lisa, Pam, Frank, Sara, Nick, Lynn, Sarah Kristen, Joseph & Theresa, Pierotti Family, Sarah, Maggie, Dyllan, Elba, Artie & Halai, Annie, Jeanie, Anne, Lynn, Chuck, Carl, Bella, Bill, Montana, Eli, Susan, Karen, Fran, Diane & Troy & Family, Lori, Patricia &
Anthony, Paul, Kathy, Maryann, Mario, Anthony, Christina, Joseph & Lucy, Chuck, Robert, Missa, David, Chuck, Sue Ann, Tina, Angie, Don, Justine, Maria, the Agars, Eleanor, Fr. Tom, Arlene, Brooke, Vincent, Larry, Daniel, Kristen, Susan, Donna, Evelyn, Carmelita, Meg, Allen, Candy, Geegee, Marc, Betsy, Chrissie, Lucille, Kayla, Austin, Tracy, Jan, Lainey, Carol, Jeff, Elizabeth, Gary, June, Janice, Bill, Kathleen, Joseph, Sherrie
MINISTRY SPOTLIGHT
Lay Carmelites
The Lay Carmelite is called to the Family of Carmel to be deeply involved in the mission of the Church, to
contribute to the transformation of the secular world. A Lay Carmelite does this by sharing in the charism of the Carmelite Order. We find in Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and in the Prophet Elijah the models for this way of Gospel living. Profession of promises as a member of the Lay Carmelites is an intensified commitment to the living of one’s baptismal promises. Being a Lay Carmelite is not just a devotion added to life; it is a way of life, a
vocation. The Holy Cross Lay Carmelites meet twice per month here on campus. For more information, please contact the parish office.
PARISH STEWARDSHIP
Weekend of April 30—May 1, 2022 Online Giving: $ 32 (from donors) Weekly Total: $ 8,787.47
Annual Budget: $ 291,200.00
ALTAR FLOWERS
The flowers for the altar this week are a gift from Allen & Dinah Flexon in
memory of Michelina Sacco. The flowers for the tabernacle this week are a gift from the Savard Family in honor of Mom. The flowers for Our Lady this week are a gift from Kathy Harkins in memory of Dan Harkins.
SANCTUARY LAMP
The sanctuary lamp this week is a gift from Kathy Harkins in memory of Dan Harkins.
ALTAR BREAD &
WINE
The altar bread and wine this week is a gift from the Savard Family in honor of Sheep get an awfully bad rap, linguistically. Some are
quick to label people as “sheep” if we think they haven’t sufficiently questioned authority or if they’re too willing to go along with someone else’s plan. We say someone has “the wool over their eyes” if they aren’t willing to see what we think is very obvious. “A wolf in sheep’s clothing” is what we call someone looking to take advantage of those too gullible to identify a real threat.
Taking all this into account and considering how often we are referred to as sheep in Scripture, you’ve really got to wonder if God trying to tell us something about ourselves.
If you look at the phraseology associated with sheep, it’s no wonder that nobody wants to be one. Sheep are innocent. Sheep can’t protect themselves. They’re vulnerable and easily misled.
We want to see ourselves as the opposite of all that.
We like to think we’re shrewd, with plenty of common sense. We want to believe that we don’t have to rely on anybody for anything. We would sooner identify with the wolf than with the sheep — at least the wolf can take care of himself.
We do this because we often resist the need to rest in
the greatness of God. Like a child walking to school alone for the first time (forgetting his mom is following watchfully in the car), we want to think we can handle it all by ourselves.
The truth is that God is trying to tell us something by comparing us to sheep: You don’t have to do this on your own. Every time I look at an obstacle and think that there is no way around it, I am forgetting that I have a shepherd who knows the location of the gate.
— Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS
STEWARDSHIP: RELUCTANT SHEEP
2022 CATHOLIC MINISTRY APPEAL (CMA)
We are changing the way the Diocese funds ministries and shared expenses. Starting in 2022, diocesan leadership provided through the Office of the Bishop, Chancellor and Vicar General necessary for shepherding our local church will be funded through a Cathedraticum tax equal to 2% of parish offertory and donations.
Diocesan ministries will be funded through a new, voluntary “Catholic Ministry Appeal,” and the former
“Annual Pastoral Appeal” (APA) will no longer take place.
Pledging
We currently work with monthly, quarterly and annual pledge cycles. Donors who pledge and do not establish an e-payment account will receive reminders through the mail according to their chosen payment schedule.
One-Time Gift
A one-time gift can be paid at the time of commitment or payment can be scheduled a later date.
Online Giving (E-Giving)
We accept all major credit/debit cards (MasterCard, American Express, Visa and Discover) as well as direct debit payments through our secure online giving system.
Donor managed online giving is available through 1. Our diocesan website at: GivetoMinistry.dosp.org 2. Text to give (NEW!) - Donors can text “2022appeal”
to 727-788-5125 to receive a direct link to our secure online giving page
3. QR Code (NEW!) - Donors can scan the code below and be redirected to our secure online giving page Authorization forms for credit cards and direct debit donations are not available on in-pew envelopes or on commitment cards mailed to homes. If donors require assistance, they can contact the Campaign Processing Office by phone at 727- 341-6841.
PRAYER FOR THE CATHOLIC MINISTRY APPEAL
More numerous than the stars in the sky are your blessings, O Good and Gracious God. You have called us to spread the Good News of your Son, Jesus Christ, through our words and actions. Strengthen our faith and open our hearts to care for all our brothers and sisters, especially those who need us the most. Help us to understand the difference we can make, the love we can share and the lives we can bring to Christ through our Catholic Ministry Appeal. We pray that your grace, O Lord, will lead us to be your loving heart and hands today. Amen.
ORACIÓN POR EL LLAMAMIENTO DEL MINISTERIO CATÓLICO
Más numerosas que las estrellas en el cielo son tus bendiciones, oh Dios bondadoso y compasivo. Nos has llamado para anunciar la buena nueva de tu Hijo, Jesucristo, mediante nuestras palabras y acciones.
Fortalece nuestra fe y abre nuestros corazones para que cuidemos de todos nuestros hermanos y hermanas, especialmente aquellos que más nos necesitan.
Ayúdanos a comprender la diferencia que podemos hacer, el amor que podemos compartir y las vidas que podemos acercar a Cristo a través de la Campaña para los Ministerios Católicos. Oramos para que tu gracia, oh Señor, nos lleve a ser hoy tu corazón y tus manos amorosas. Amén.
CATHOLIC MINISTRY APPEAL
FUNDING DIOCESAN MINISTRIES AND SERVICES
Very Rev. Emery Longanga, PhD Pastor
Rev. Fr. Jesus Martinez Parochial Vicar
Rev. Mr. Rick Zeitler Permanent Deacon
Michele Williams Parish Manager
Marie Meza Parish Secretary
Neil Guan
Director of Faith Formation Shirley Schuler
Housekeeper
Bunny Harmon Evangelization & Worship Angelica Bañuelos-Espino Weddings & Quinceañeras Millie Haylock Baptisms
FAITH
FORMATION
GOSPEL MEDITATION—FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
“Human beings, while capable of the worst, are also capable of rising above themselves, choosing again what is good, and making a new start.” (Pope Francis) We have a difficult time figuring out what is true and best for us. There are many voices talking and so many trying to get our attention. We wrongly convince ourselves that the true voice is the voice of progress, the one that speaks of
contemporary wants and desires, enticing us with the latest trends and causes. We are taught, by listening to the voices around us, that truth is found in feelings and thought, and ideals must match current and popular human wants.
Because we feel a particular way it must be true. Then, we find a shepherd who empathizes with us and affirms us. We follow that voice even though listening to that voice will render us powerless and lead us to harm. There are many with me in this procession to this
pasture. I must be on the right path and listening to the right voice.
We are very confused. What can keep us safe and from harm?
Where do we go to find life, love, and happiness? Jesus tells us that he is the way, the truth, and the life.
The only way to get to Truth, who is God, is through him. There is no other way. The Church, the gate around God’s pasture of life, is charged with the mission of
directing us where God desires that we go. In the midst of all of the conflicting voices around us, the voice of truth is often muffled in all of the noise, but it beckons us to a
life of virtue and grace. Helping us understand who we are and where we have to be, it discerns the voice of God, providing us with the safety net we need to stay straight on our path to life eternal.
We have to trust the voice of God, the true Shepherd, even when it does not mirror what we want and what others may believe. Faith goes way beyond feeling and involves a radical trust in Someone who can lead us and form us. At day’s end, if we do not know to find our way home, we will be truly lost.
Congratulations to all of our First Communicants of 2022! God bless you all!
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