Holy Cross Parish News On-line

Boy Scouts - At your service

Sat, 4 Feb 2012 17:54:08 -0800

Parents and Scouts from the Holy Cross sponsored Boy Scout Troop 611 served up their 10th Annual Authentic Italian Pasta Dinner this evening to the delight of hundreds of parishioners. The annual pasta meal is a major fundraiser for the troop and an opportunity to show off the talents and skills of the scouts. Included in the price of each ticket was penne pasta, sausage, meatballs, salad, bread drinks and a desert bar to tempt one and all.
(click here for more photos)

“God’s gift to our Holy Cross Community”

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:37:24 -0800

With these words Bishop Thomas Curry, the Vicar of the Santa Barbara Pastoral Region of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, introduced the 14 candidates for Confirmation at the beginning of the 10:30 Mass this morning. In his homily Bishop Curry pointed out these candidates had listened to “God’s call” and had worked and studied hard to complete this major step in their spiritual lives. Later in the Liturgy, Bishop Curry invited the Confirmands and their sponsors forward to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. The parish was full of family, friends and well-wishers who roundly applauded their welcome and congratulations to the newly Confirmed following the solemn ceremony. For more information on how you, or a loved one, can become Confirmed, please call Sue Jones at our parish office. All are welcome.

Ahhhhhh - Root beer floats after Mass

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:27:17 -0800

After playing some seriously hot music as a member of the 10:30 choir and band, Patrick Leyden takes a cool refreshing break and enjoys a good old fashioned root beer float served up by members of the Holy Cross Youth Ministry. The floats were served after all the Masses this morning to the delight and enjoyment of parishioners of every age. Making and serving floats is only one of the many activities of our parish Youth Ministry and anybody interested in learning more about this vibrant and enthusiastic group of young people is invited to contact Deacon Kevin Mauch for more information.

Danny Cleary Appointed Asst. Youth Minister

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 17:16:29 -0800

Near the end of the Youth Mass (10:30) this morning, Danny Cleary (center) was appointed as the new Assistant Youth Minister for Holy Cross parish. Deacon Kevin Mauch, who led the community-wide blessing, made the announcement to a full church, that Danny will be assisting him in his role as the Youth Minister. Specifically, Danny will be directing and coordinating nearly every facet of the very large, ambitious and active program for the youth of Holy Cross. Danny was selected because of his demonstrated leadership talents, his prior experience as an altar server, CCD student, Jr. High Ministry member, confirmation candidate, peer minister, young adult mentor and his commitment and dedication to the Youth Ministry program and it’s membership. Dn. Kevin described Danny as a role model, coach and mentor for our young people.

Unique, new look - nearing completion

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 17:44:55 -0800

Holy Cross Parishioners attending Mass this weekend will be among the first to experience the “new look” in our Church. The installation of the new carpeting is almost complete and the polished concrete floor around the altar is sure to generate a number of questions from those seeing it for the first time. There is a theological as well as a practical reason behind this unique look and all are invited to speak with any of our priests or deacons who will be glad to explain it in detail. Our Pastor, Msgr. Albee thanked all our parishioners during all the Masses for their generosity and support during this latest phase of our exceptionally ambitious and wide-ranging Parish remodeling initiative.

Father and Son Knights of Columbus

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 12:25:20 -0800

Holy Cross Knights of Columbus celebrated their quarterly Family Unity Mass this morning at the 9:00 a.m. Mass. During these Masses, Knights proudly serve as Ushers, Lectors, Sacristans, Eucharistic Ministers and even the Deacon and Celebrant are Knights. Knights and their families gather on the parish patio following all the Masses on these special Sundays to share coffee, donuts and fellowship with all our parishioners. Above, Past Grand Knight, Mike Ohler and his son Anthony shared a smile and stories with parish members who joined the Knights for some sweets and information on all the great community work done by the Knights in and around Moorpark.

Carpet & flooring replacement has begun

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:16:21 -0800

Yesterday, workers began the process of replacing our parish carpeting/flooring. This was made possible through a rebate from “Together in Mission” of over $10,000.00, the hard work of our Boutique and Tamale Committees and, of course, the continued generous support of our Parishioners.
The entire church, with the exception of the areas under the pews, will be upgraded and enhanced. We are estimating this to take two weeks to complete. Daily Masses are being held in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel at the regular times and weekend Masses will be in the main church as always.

We Three Kings

Sun, 8 Jan 2012 09:30:19 -0800

This weekend the entire Christian community celebrated the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord. The day when the three wise men, the magi, visited the baby Jesus in the manger to pay him homage and deliver the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. At Holy Cross the wise men were added to our Manger scene and during the youth Mass three young parishioners, dressed as the magi presented gifts at the beginning of the Mass. A young lady also presented the crown to the baby Jesus as part of the entrance procession.

Parishioner picks up chalk to use in home blessings

Sun, 8 Jan 2012 09:08:52 -0800

Following all the Masses this weekend, the Celebrants blessed a basket of chalk that was then placed at the foot of the altar for parishioners to use in blessing their homes. The blessings of the homes is a beautiful ceremony in memory of the Feast of the Epiphany and intended to remind us of the significance of this special day and the courage of the three Magi (three wise men) who visited the baby Jesus in the Manger, then defied the instructions of King Herod who had ordered them to let him know how to find the Christ Child. Our parish bulletin contained instructions for the family ceremony that included writing 20+C+M+B+12 above the front door of the homes. There is still plenty of chalk available at the Parish Administration Office along with instructions in both Spanish and English for the blessing. Please stop by the office if you would like more chalk and instructions.

“Spirit of Youth” Choir welcomes the Christ Child

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 21:05:32 -0800

The Holy Cross “Spirit of Youth” Choir sang before, during and after the Christmas Eve Family Mass tonight to a full church of delighted listeners. The choir, which regularly sings at the Youth Masses every other Sunday at 10:30 a.m. were a major hit and received a well deserved and rousing round of applause. Their music brought smiles, memories and energy to our parish Christmas Liturgy as did the Adult choir that sang for the Children’s Mass held earlier this evening at 4:30 p.m. Our Pastor, Msgr. Albee commented that over 700 faithful received communion at the Children’s Mass which was packed to standing room only with families and scores of energetic, excited children who actively participated in the Homily which included a question and answer session for the youngsters. Both choirs included all the traditional Christmas favorites as well as the Liturgical songs and hymns that we love and appreciate from our parish choirs.

Parish Appreciation Breakfast

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 13:30:53 -0800

Holy Cross Knights of Columbus served up several hundred “all you can eat” breakfasts this morning to members of our parish community. The breakfasts of french toast, pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, fruit cups and a wide variety of drinks were made available to our parishioners at only $2.00 each as a the Knights’ way of thanking the people of Holy Cross for their support this past year. Any Catholic men, 18 years of age or older who may be interested in joining this fraternity are encouraged to speak with any of our Knights or visit the Knights page on this website. (click here for more information)

Big Hearts, Strong Backs and many hands

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 11:46:42 -0800

Holy Cross Business Manager, Jenny Stevens (red shirt) and husband John (in truck) joined several dozen big hearted citizens of our community to move hundreds of cases of food from Catholic Charities headquarters to our local Methodist Church this morning. The working party made up of caring people from several local churches, loaded and unloaded trucks, stacked, sorted and joined in the distribution of the food to those in most need in our community. Holy Cross Knights of Columbus and Deacons were joined by members of our parish Youth Ministry, Boy Scouts from Troop 611 and many parish volunteers who rolled up their sleeves to help with the truly Ecumenical community-wide effort. Knight John Kaschalk, one of the organizers of the effort, said “this is the biggest and best turnout of loving, caring people we have ever had.”
(click here for more pictures)

We honor The Blessed Virgin Mary

Sun, 4 Dec 2011 11:05:54 -0800

Holy Cross parishioners gathered after each of the Masses this weekend to admire and photograph the beautiful new setting and tribute to Our Lady of Guadalupe near the altar. Thursday, December 8th is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary and a Holy Day of Obligation. There will be a Vigil Mass on Wednesday, the 7th at 7:00 p.m. and two Masses on Thursday, the 8th - the first at 8:00 a.m. and the second, in both English and Spanish at 7.:00 p.m.
The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe will be celebrated on Monday, December 12th with Masses at 8:00 a.m. and at 7:00 p.m. Our Knights of Columbus will be providing parking control services prior to this special evening Mass.

Knights serving Knights

Sun, 4 Dec 2011 09:33:00 -0800

After an exceptionally busy year of service to the Holy Cross and Moorpark communities, Knights of Columbus from Council #9969 and their families paused tonight to enjoy their Annual Christmas Party with a traditional Christmas meal and all the “fixins”. Above, Chancellor Andy Willrodt helps serve some of the great food that had been prepared in the Cosgrove Center kitchen by fellow Knights along with pot-luck dishes that had been brought to share by other attendees. Event Chairman, Past Grand Knight Mike Pavone declared the entire evening a major success thanks to the festive mood of all who attended and the willing hands who worked so hard in the kitchen, served the meals, set up the facility and cleaned up at the end of the evening.
(click here for more photos)

Embracing Change in the Liturgy

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 10:31:24 -0800

Beginning today, English speaking Roman Catholics around the world will begin using the third edition of the Roman Missal which provides a fresh translation of the Latin texts of the existing content of the Missal. Holy Cross Priests and Deacons are ready to answer any questions you may have regarding these changes or you may want to visit the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website at http://old.usccb.org/romanmissal/resources-bulletins.shtml to review a number of parish bulletin inserts that have been used over the past year leading up to this change in the Liturgy.

Cold and Wet Knights with Warm Hearts

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 11:14:28 -0800

Members of the Holy Cross Council of the Knights of Columbus were out in force this weekend collecting food for the Moorpark Food Pantry. Even though the cold and rain on Sunday moved the collection effort under the eves of the three major supermarkets in Moorpark, the smiles and big hearts of the Knights combined with the tremendous generosity of the local community contributed to another successful campaign. Event Chairman Mike Sullivan reported that the Knights collected 308 crates of food, 181 turkeys and a generous amount of cash that will be used to buy more food for those in need in our community.

Sister Mary Benedetta (Tara Hernandez)

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 13:36:46 -0800

Sister Mary Benedetta's (Tara Hernandez) profession of her Temporary Vows into the Poor Clare Community. She took her Temporary Vows at the Poor Clare Monastery chapel in Santa Barbara during a Mass con-celebrated by Msgr. Albee and Msgr. Cosgrove on Nov. 19, 2011. She will take her final vows in 3 years. Tara grew up in Moorpark and the Holy Cross parish, and followed her calling to the religious life in 2009 when she entered the Cloistered Monastery of the Poor Clare Community. She accepted The Holy Habit in January 2010. She was joined by many Holy Cross parishioners on Nov. 19, to witness and celebrate this special day for her and her family. (Click here from more “Photos by Anita”)

Bargains Galore at the Boutique

Sun, 6 Nov 2011 15:17:49 -0800

The 27th Annual Holy Cross Christmas Boutique wrapped up two days of exhibits, great food, music and bargains galore this afternoon. Over 30 speciality crafters participated in the big event held each year in the Cosgrove Center. Even Santa paid a visit to listen to the Christmas wishes of all the young visitors. At first glance, the boutique was a major success with bargain hunting crowds streaming though the exhibits from the moment they opened each morning until they closed. Dozens of prizes were given away through half-hourly drawings along with the grand prize of $1,500.00. Event Co-Chairs Marie Sullenbarger and Patti Mann thanked all the vendors, their volunteer staff and those who came to shop for the success of this year’s event. (click here for more photos)

Knights reaching out

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 11:55:14 -0700

Holy Cross Council of the Knights of Columbus set up tables in front of all the major supermarkets in Moorpark this weekend to collect money for the mentally disabled in our community. Above Deputy Grand Knight Patrick Leyden took his turn on a two hour vigil collecting for this annual drive. Other Knights from our Parish Council all pitched in to help with this initiative. Larno Dungca, the event Chairman, was quick to thank the people of Moorpark for their generosity and support. (Click here for more photos)

Feeding the Hungry at the “Lord’s Table”

Tue, 4 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Members of Holy Cross parish along with neighboring parishes and churches combine their talents and time every Tuesday night to feed a hot meal to many in our community who may need a little help to feed their families during these tough economic times. The “Lord’s Table” program, started by Deacon Jerry and Beverly Heyer depends on the generosity and tremendous cooking skills of it’s many volunteers. If you are interested in helping on occasional Tuesday’s, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. please call our parish office and they will be delighted to help you get started. The meals are served at our Holy Cross Chapel in downtown Moorpark.

Special Thanks

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 08:01:19 -0700

Thank you for your patience during the Church painting process. Thanks to your generosity, the work has been completed and the Church is looking great. We would like to extend a special thanks to Deacons Trino and Kevin for the many hours spent enhancing our Stations of the Cross (see above). Thank you also to our painting committee and Jackie Burditt for her design consultations.

The Best Breakfast Deal in Town

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 12:39:18 -0700

Holy Cross Knights of Columbus served up another of their famous breakfast buffets this morning for a hungry congregation. The breakfast, which includes “all you can eat”, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, french toast, pancakes plus coffee, juice, tea and assorted fruit salad is another of the many fundraisers the Knights sponsor to benefit local charities. Event Chairman Mike Ohler expressed his appreciation to the Knights who worked so hard on the event and said “thanks to the many parishioners who attended this morning, the Knights were able to provide a generous contribution to the Moorpark Boys and Girls Club.”

And the winner is - Leroy Bankowski

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 16:14:34 -0700

Among the highlights of the 15th Annual Knights of Columbus Golf Tournament this year was the “Super Drawing” for a grand prize of $2,000.00. The winning ticket was drawn by our Pastor, Msgr. Paul Albee (C) and the winner was Leroy Bankowski (C) who had just finished a hearty dinner following a day on the golf course. Presenting the 20 brand new $100.00 bills to Leroy were the event Co-Chairs, Steve Desautels (L) and Andrew Willrodt (R).

A great day for golf - for a great cause

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 06:48:08 -0700

The 15th annual Holy Cross Knights of Columbus Golf Tournament is now in the history books and was, by any measure, a major success as these four “world-class golfers” (L-R, Paul Hopkins, John Cleary, Tim Hoffman & Tim Beaulieu) would be quick to tell you. Event Co-Chairs Steve Desautels and Andy Willrodt enthusiastically thanked the event sponsors, the players, the volunteers and the Moorpark Country Club for all their contributions which made the entire event truly memorable. There were 147 players whose generosity helped the Knights raise money to support a number of local charities and good causes. (Click here for photos) ***Note: More photos to come

Parish Painting Project in Prep-stage

Mon, 1 Aug 2011 15:51:44 -0700

Right on schedule, the painters moved into our parish this morning and began covering the pews in plastic, removing the pictures and decorations from the walls, covering the floors and carpets with protective paper and generally getting the interior of our parish ready for painting. The project is expected to last two weeks. Daily Masses will be held in the Cosgrove Center and Sunday Masses will still be in the main Church. Msgr. Albee thanked all our parishioners for their support and patience during this major face-lift and upgrade, which has been part of our long range facilities enhancement project.