Statement to the Holy Cross Parish Family Regarding Father Thomas Hagendorf, O. Praem.

Dear Faithful of Holy Cross Parish Family,

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that on behalf of Abbot Gary Neville, O. Praem., and in the name of the Norbertine Community of Saint Norbert Abbey, I announce the sudden and unexpected death of your Pastor and our Confrere, Father Thomas Hagendorf, O. Praem.  When Father Tom did not show up at 3:30 to prepare for the 4:00 PM Saturday night Mass, parishioner Mike Reignier discovered that Father Tom had passed away while hard at work at his desk in the rectory.

Father Tom and I had lunch this past Wednesday at his favorite get-away, The Mustard Seed Restaurant, and he informed me that he was extraordinarily happy as a Norbertine priest and that he loved serving as the pastor of Holy Cross.  He envisioned himself ministering at the parish for as long as he was physically able.  He stated, “I want to be one of those guys who dies with his boots on!”  Father Tom’s wish was granted:  the Spirit of Pentecost, the fulfillment of Christ’s Easter promise to those who believe, came early for Father Tom!  I trust he now rests in God’s loving embrace.

Masses on Sunday and into the future will be celebrated as scheduled as several Norbertines have come forward to assist the parish at this time of need.  Funeral arrangements are pending through the joint cooperation of the Norbertine Order, the Green Bay Diocese and Ryan Funeral Home of DePere. As you keep Father Tom in your thoughts and prayers, please know that the Norbertine Community of Saint Norbert Abbey will be keeping you, the Faithful of Holy Cross, in our thoughts, prayers and Mass Intentions.

Yours in Saint Norbert,

Very Reverend James Baraniak, O. Praem.,

Prior—Saint Norbert Abbey

From the Pastor's Desk ... May 19, 2013

My Dear Parishioners,

This weekend we bring to a conclusion our celebration of the passion, death, resurrection, ascension, and sending of the Holy Spirit with the Feast of Pentecost.  We celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit to our Church and to each of us personally.  It is the Holy Spirit of God that sends us forth to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Congratulations to our parish Business Administrator, Mrs. Lori Flanagan, who last Sunday graduated from St. Norbert College with a Master of Theological Studies degree.  Lori has spent the last three years taking classes and studying for this advanced degree and now has achieved this high goal.  This degree qualifies her to become a "Pastoral Leader," a position which would enable her to lead a parish community which does not have a priest pastor.  As pastor of Holy Cross and in the name of this entire community, I want to congratulate Lori, thank her for her outstanding work and leadership which she performs for our parish family, and assure her of our continued prayers and support of her in her ministry to our parish!  "Ad Multos Annos!"

Congratulations are also in order for Jessica Delcore and Matthew Ronk who were united in the Sacrament of Matrimony here at Holy Cross last Saturday, May 11^th.  I presided at their Nuptial Mass and prepared them for this most important role in their lives together as they begin their journey of becoming one in heart and mind in Christ Jesus.  Matthew is a police officer with Brown County, and we all appreciate the work of those who provide for the safety and well being of the entire community.

We have now come to the time when work on the replacement of our parish church roof is about to begin.  We have so far raised close to $80,000 toward its cost but we are still in need of more contributions in order not to borrow money to meet the final cost.  If you have not yet participated, or if you have and would be willing to contribute more, please pray over this.  The present roof has served us for more than 80 years and the new roof should provide us with the same amount and perhaps even longer.  No contribution is too small and of course no contribution is too large.  Please be generous.

Regarding the roof, someone suggested to me at the beginning of the project that it would be nice if we would let contributors sign the back of the roof tiles.  I agreed with it but never checked with the company installing the roof or other experts.  I have recently been informed by the experts that this would not be a good idea - the fact being that the more hands handling the tiles, the more the opportunity for breakage, etc.  The company installing the roof has built into their cost a certain amount of breakage and rejection of tiles; we as the customer have not done so.  As a result, I have decided to retract the opportunity to sign the roof tiles and in its place to go with a "Donor Board" that will be placed in the church entry area which will list all those who have contributed to the new roof.  I appreciate in advance your understanding and acceptance of this alternative process of recognizing those who are making the new roof possible.  I ask you to join with me in prayer that the installation of our new roof will proceed safely with no injuries to any of the workers, that God and Mother Nature bless us with good weather, and that this new roof will shelter those who come to our church to worship Almighty God in celebrating the Mass and the other Sacraments for many more years to come.

 
Oremus pro invicem,
Fr. Tom

Related Link:  Bulletin 5-19-13   http://www.seekandfind.com/find/holy-cross-church-54311/download

From the Pastor's Desk ... May 12, 2013

My Dear Parishioners,

This weekend we celebrate the Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ.  We also celebrate the national day in which we honor, bless, and appreciate our Mothers.  The following prayer is a good blessing for all of us to pray…

Mother’s Day Blessing

Father, we give You thanks for the many gifts You have given us; the gift of life, the gift of those who love us.

We thank You today for the gift of our mothers and grandmothers.  We give thanks for our mothers and grandmothers who have died and for the unique way they have revealed for us Your love.  We ask that You bless them and keep them in Your care until the time comes for us to join them in Your Heavenly Kingdom.

We ask Your blessing upon our mothers and grandmothers who are unable to be with us here today.  May they know how much we love and care for them.

We pray for birth mothers who have loved their children so much that they have shared the gift of their child with those who could better care for them and their needs, and give them a safe and secure home.

We pray also for adoptive mothers, that they may always know their special role of being a true mother, a revelation of God’s love for their children.

We ask Your blessing, too, upon mothers who have lost children through stillbirth, crib death, accident, sickness, and other tragedies; that they may have Your continuing strength and courage.

We ask Your blessing, too, upon those who would very much like to be mothers but who are having trouble having a child.

We ask Your blessing upon the mothers and grandmothers standing here before us.  Give them the strength to live the faithful and loving lives You call them to live.  Keep them always in Your care.  We ask this blessing

+

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

AMEN

Oremus pro invicem,
Fr. Tom
 
Related Link:  Bulletin 5-12-13  http://www.seekandfind.com/find/holy-cross-church-54311/download

Homily for May 5, 2013: Sixth Sunday of Easter

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This is the homily by Fr. Tom Hagendorf, O Praem from May 5, 2013, Sixth Sunday of Easter.

From the Pastor's Desk ... May 5, 2013

My Dear Parishioners,

Can it be?  Can it be?  Spring is here!  With the improvement of the weather, we will soon see some activity regarding the new roof for our church.  The tiles will soon be delivered and they will be stored in front of the garage.  One skid will be in front of the church so that on a designated weekend all those who have purchased tiles and contributed to the new roof may sign one with their name, date, and a brief message if they so desire.  Just make certain that you write on the side of the tile that will be installed face down!  Pray that the installation of our new church roof will proceed safely and on target.

Congratulations and best wishes to Cory and Katherine Schiller who bring their new born daughter, Charlotte Elle, to Holy Cross this weekend for the Sacrament of Baptism.  I was privileged to preside at Cory and Katherine's wedding, baptized their first daughter, and now will welcome the newest member of their family into our faith community.  Congratulations also to the proud grandparents, parishioners Jeff and Carlene Bauer.

This coming Friday, May 10^th, we as a faith community will be providing a meal for the N.E.W. Community Shelter and as usual we need your help to provide the stew, jello, bars, etc.  This is a good opportunity for us to share the blessings God has bestowed on us by reaching out to those in need.  Please participate in any way that you are able by contacting Lou Shea at 469-9242 or mshea@new.rr.com.

Once again, let me remind you that this Thursday, May 9^th, would be 40 days after Easter and thus the feast of Ascension Thursday.  The American Bishops a number of years ago made a change which moves this feast to the next Sunday.  Thus there is no longer an Ascension Thursday, but there is a "Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord" which this year is the weekend of May 11^th & 12^th.  The following weeks will have us celebrate the Pentecost, Trinity Sunday, Corpus Christi, etc. and bring the Easter Season to a close.  Take time to savor and celebrate these great feasts of our Church.

Oremus pro invicem,

Fr. Tom

Related Link:  Bulletin 5-5-13   http://www.seekandfind.com/find/holy-cross-church-54311/download

From the Pastor's Desk ... April 28, 2013

My Dear Parishioners,

This weekend at the 4 pm and 10 am Masses, 30 children received the Body and Blood of Jesus for the first time.  This is a time of rejoicing with their parents and family; our First Communicants can now share fully at the table of the Lord.

We pray that our children will know the deep joy of sharing in communion today and will want to share it often.  It is also our prayer that we adults can deepen our resolve to live the joy of Eucharist in our families and neighborhood, at work, and at play.  Together, may the presence of the risen Christ so permeate our lives that the world can be transformed into the Kingdom of God, a glimpse of which we experience every time we gather around the table of the Lord.

CONGRATULATIONS FIRST COMMUNICANTS!

Cael Broekman           Charlotte Benner
Makayla Cuddeback           Mason Cumicek
Adam Jadin           Lily DenRuyter
Max Nooyen           Mason Karbon
Jayson O’Donohue           Taylor Martzahl
Thomas Paasch           Franklin McIntire
Sophie Perret           Kaitlin Smetana
Josie Poole           Jack Stefl
Brady Stoklasa           Cassidy Stormer
Alicen VanLaanen           Joshua Tlachac
Delaney VandenHouten           Jacob VanOoyen
Hannah Vissers           William Vincent
Cade Wasilkoff           Brittney Walkowski
Alex Wunderlin           Sayler Whetter
Conrad Webber           Hanna Zuege

I want to give special thanks to our Faith Formation Coordinator, Tina Reignier, her assistant, Kerry Adam, and catechists, Sr. Carolyn and Rachel & Nick Vogel, for the wonderful job they have done in preparing these children to receive the Sacraments.

Oremus pro invicem,

Fr. Tom
 
Related Link:  Bulletin 4-28-13  http://www.seekandfind.com/find/holy-cross-church-54311/download

Homily for April 28, 2013: Fifth Sunday of Easter

This is the homily by Fr. Tom Hagendorf, O Praem from April 28, 2013, Fifth Sunday of Easter.

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Homily for April 14, 2013: Third Sunday of Easter

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  This is the homily by Fr. Tom Hagendorf, O Praem from April 14, 2013, Third Sunday of Easter.

Homily for April 7, 2013: Second Sunday of Easter

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This is the homily by Fr. Tom Hagendorf, O Praem from  April 7, 2013,  Second Sunday of Easter.

Homily for March 31, 2013: EASTER

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  This is the homily by Fr. Tom Hagendorf, O Praem from March 31, 2013,  EASTER.

From the Pastor's Desk ... April 21, 2013

My Dear Parishioners,

We as a parish family offer our prayers and deepest sympathy to Dan and Mary Verhaag on the passing of their son, Andrew.  Andrew attended Holy Cross School and he and his family are long-time members of our faith community.  Andrew was afforded Christian burial from Holy Cross this past week and their long-time friend, Father Tim Shillcox, O.Praem., presided and offered the homily.  For those of us who continue to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ, we acknowledge our belief that death is not an end but a transition from this life to new and eternal life.  May he rest in peace.

We also hold in prayer William Heffernan, Sr., father of parishioner Bill Heffernan, who passed away last week and was buried from St. John the Baptist church.  May the family be comforted in the knowledge that he is with his Lord and Savior.

This weekend we welcome into our faith community Kane Bradley Dechamps, the infant son of parishioners Bradley and Rebecca Dechamps, who was baptized at the 4 pm Mass this weekend.  Keep this family in prayer as they begin the life-long faith formation of this child of God.

Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Troop 1041 is pleased to announce that Samuel Jadin earned the Boy Scouts of America’s Eagle Scout Award on December 12, 2012.  He will be recognized in a ceremony on Sunday, April 28^th, in the Holy Cross School gym. Sam is a member of Troop 1041 and Crew 9041, both chartered by Holy Cross FAST, and Sam is the Troop’s 38^th Eagle Scout.  Sam is one of approximately 5% of all Boy Scouts who attain the rank of Eagle Scout.

To complete his Eagle Scout requirements, each candidate must earn 21 merit badges, demonstrate leadership, and successfully complete a leadership service project for his community or church.  Sam chose to construct an enhanced storage area in the Holy Cross Parish Rectory.  Under Sam's direction, his fellow Troop 1041 Scouts, family members, and friends provided the manpower to complete the project which required 131 volunteer hours.

Sam has served in many leadership roles in Troop 1041 including Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, and Librarian.  He has completed Troop Leadership Training.  He was a member of Troop 1041's high adventure trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (B.W.C.A.) in northern Minnesota and the 2009/2010 high adventure at the BSA Florida National High Adventure Seabase.  He is also a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow.  Sam also serves as Treasurer of Crew 9041.

Sam is a senior at Notre Dame Academy where he has been part of the Triton football team over the last 4 years and on the varsity team for the last 3 years.  He has also participated in track and field.  He has earned academic honors all 4 years.  Sam has participated in many community volunteer services, as well as earning numerous Scout Sunday and Duty to God patches.  Sam is an Altar Server at Holy Cross.  Sam is the son of Lynn and Mike Jadin. 

Oremus pro invicem,

Fr. Tom

Related Link:  Bulletin 4-21-13   http://www.seekandfind.com/find/holy-cross-church-54311/download

From the Pastor's Desk ... April 14, 2013

My Dear Parishioners,

Congratulations and best wishes to Kimi Garot and Eddie Kasprzak who were united in the Sacrament of Matrimony this Saturday here at Holy Cross.  Kimi and her family are long time members of Holy Cross Parish and she attended Holy Cross School.  They are a wonderful couple and we wish them a long, happy and fruitful married life as they journey to become one in mind and heart in Christ Jesus.

Congratulations are also in order for James & Bobbie Nuthals who bring their newborn son, Everett Dennis, for the Sacrament of Baptism this Saturday at the 4 pm Mass.  Please keep the family in prayer as they begin the faith formation of the newest member of our Holy Cross Parish Family.

We as a parish offer our deepest sympathy to Rosemary Bomber at the death of her husband, Donald.  I gave Donald the Sacrament of Anointing on Wednesday of Holy Week, and he passed to his eternal reward at midnight that evening.  Rosemary and Donald were married at Holy Cross and have been faithful and long time parishioners.  May he rest in the peace and love of Jesus Christ.

We are still anxiously awaiting the coming of Spring with the trees and flowers in full bloom because we know that, with the coming of Spring weather, work will begin on the replacement of our 80-year-old Church roof.  The tiles have been manufactured, the contractor hired, and work will begin soon.  Paying for the new roof is still a "work in progress" and I ask that everyone in the parish get involved.  We are asking $20.00 per tile and hope of course that you will purchase a number of them.  We still have a way to go in completing the financing of the project and from the religious point of view my attitude is DEUS PROVIDEBIT (God will provide), but God cannot complete this project without your involvement!  So my daily prayer is that you and God will provide!

A word about the Annual Bishop’s Appeal  This appeal finances all the works and charitable efforts of our Diocese.  It is through the Bishop's Appeal that we are able to function as the Church of Green Bay, reaching out to those in need, helping our parishes to evangelize, and all the other works that we are known for a the Catholic Church.  If you have not yet made a contribution, please seriously pray over it and then make a generous contribution.  Who and what we are as a Catholic Church depends on the involvement of all its members.

Finally, once again, a large THANK YOU to all who gave of their time and talents to make our Liturgies of Holy Week the beautiful and wonderful experience that they were.  Thank you, thank you, and may God generously bless you!

Oremus pro invicem,

Fr. Tom

Related Link:  4-14-13 Bulletin  http://www.seekandfind.com/find/holy-cross-church-54311/download/file/01-0718-20130414B.pdf

From the Pastor's Desk ... April 7, 2013

My Dear Parishioners,

We continue our celebration of the great feast of Easter on this 2^nd week of Easter.  During the Easter season we hear the Word of God from the Acts of the Apostles.  This book recalls the earliest days of our church and how the Word of God was spread and how many people from all over the world came to believe and were Baptized.  I would like to suggest that you take some time during this special season to prayerfully read the Acts of the Apostles.

The Gospel this weekend is one of my favorites - the story of what has come to be known as “doubting Thomas."  As my patron saint, it has special meaning for me, but this Gospel is so important in that it can affirm our own faith in God and in the resurrection of Jesus.

Congratulations and best wishes to Jerry and Katrina Fodness who bring their newborn daughter, Mia Bernadine, to Holy Cross for the Sacrament of Baptism.  Katrina and Jerry live in Minneapolis, MN, but their family is in our area.  Katrina's parents are parishioners, Dave and Mary Neckuty.  We warmly welcome them to Holy Cross and congratulate them and Mia's proud grandparents on this very special and sacred time in their lives.

Our parish office re-opens on Monday and our adult education program, Catholicism, resumes on Wednesday at 9 am and 6:15 pm.

Oremus pro invicem,

Fr Tom

Related Link:  4-7-13 Bulletin  http://content.seekandfind.com/bulletins/01/0718/20130407B.pdf

From the Pastor's Desk ... March 31, 2013

My Dear Parishioners,

He has risen as He said, Alleluia, Alleluia!  We have completed our Lenten journey during this Year of Faith, and this weekend we gather to celebrate the Eucharist and the fact that Christ has Risen from the Dead.  This feast is the oldest feast of our church, and actually when we gather each weekend we are celebrating the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ.  Christ's resurrection from the dead to new and eternal life is His gift to us - basic to our faith is our belief that we, too, will share in His resurrection and as believers we see death not as an end of life but as a transition from this life to new and eternal life.  That is why we can sing joyfully, ALLELUIA, ALLELUIA!

A special word of thanks to all who gave of their time and talent to make our Holy Week and Easter liturgies the prayerful and beautiful events that they were and are.  A special thank you to those who have cleaned and decorated our worship space, to our ushers, lectors, servers, Eucharistic ministers, music ministers, and all who participated.  These were and are special days for our spiritual life.  Thank you one and all!

This coming week the GRACE schools will be on Spring break.  Likewise, our parish office will also be on Spring break and therefore will be closed and will reopen on Monday, April 8^th.  I, however, will be here all week and, should you have a special need, please do not hesitate to call me on my cell phone (619-7844) and I will try to meet your needs.

Please note that for those who are participating in our adult education program, Catholicism,  there will be no session this Wednesday, April 3^rd.  We will resume our program on Wednesday, April 10^th.

Do enjoy your Easter Holiday and, who knows, perhaps Mother Nature will move us forward into SPRING!

Oremus pro invicem,

Fr Tom

Related Link:  Bulletin 3-31-13   http://seekandfind.com/bulletins/01/0718/20130331B.pdf

The Living Way Stations of the Cross to take place Wednesday, March 27

We invite you to experience

The Living Way

Stations of the Cross

at

Holy Cross Catholic Church

3009 Bay Settlement Road

Green Bay, WI

on

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

2:00 PM and 5:45 PM

Presented by

The Fifth Grade Class and Mrs. Patty Nennig

At Holy Cross Catholic School

www.holycrossfamily.org | 920.468.0625

About Holy Cross Catholic School

Located on the growing northeast side of Green Bay at the historic crossroads of Church and Bay Settlement Roads, Holy Cross Catholic School is the point at which faith, community and education converge. Holy Cross Catholic School has been in existence since 1868 and has an enrollment of nearly 200 students in grades EC-3/4K to 8th grade. Holy Cross is a Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School. Find out more about us online at www.holycrossfamily.org.