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When you bring children to mass
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Call to prayer
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Mass Requests for loved ones
When requesting more than one Mass, keep in mind we can schedule only one weekend mass and two weekday masses per year.
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The Six “Be-Attitudes” for Inviting Someone to Come to Mass
People who come to Mass infrequently tend to “PACE” themselves by going to church on Palm Sunday, Ash Wednesday, Christmas, and Easter (P-A-C-E). So how can we reach out to our friends, family members, and those we work with who are not practicing their faith? The answer is surprisingly simple.
According to Lifeway Research, 51% of unchurched Americans say the most effective way to get them to visit church would be through a personal invitation from someone they know. Other methods were not as effective: only 21% said an invitation from someone knocking on the door would get them to visit a church; postcards only slightly more effective (23%), on par with TV commercials. Facebook ads were the least effective—only 18% said they would visit a church after viewing a Facebook ad.
Easter is a beautiful time to invite someone to Mass, but the idea of asking someone to come to church with us does not come easy. Here are six “be-attitudes” for inviting someone to Mass, which may help overcome some of that discomfort.
1. Be prayerful.
Before you invite your friend or family member back to Mass, spend time in prayer for that person and her or his family. Pray about the wounds that might be causing him or her to stay away. Reflect upon how much this person means to you and ask God to give you the right words and the right time to extend the invitation.
2. Be natural.
You don’t have to schedule a separate meeting to have this conversation. Keep it authentic and casual. If you see this person often—for example, if you go on daily walks together or meet for coffee every week—look for a window in the conversation to bring up the subject of coming back to Mass.
3. Be compassionate.
Share with this person how much you love him or her. Explain that his or her presence in your life has been a gift to you. If you know the reason for this person’s absence, acknowledge that reason. Many people who are not practicing their faith do not consider themselves to be without faith.
4. Be honest.
Rather than listing all of the reasons why this person should come back to Mass, talk about how much you get out of going to Mass. Talk about how important your faith and Jesus are to you. For example, if you know that this person is spiritual, acknowledge this and bridge the conversation from their faith to Mass. You could say something like: “My faith has held me together during the most important and difficult times of my life. You might find that same kind of support. Would you like to come to Mass with me?”
5. Be specific.
People who have been away from Mass for some time may not find it easy to start going back. Invite your friend to come with you and your family. State when you are going, which parish you are going to, and what time you are going. Include an opportunity to socialize afterward, and offer a ride if necessary. A simple example of an invitation would be as follows: “Our family always looks forward to Easter Sunday. I remember going as a child and loving the music and the sense of hope all around me. Our family would love for you to come with us. We are going to the 10:30 Mass at St. John Parish on Easter Sunday; you are welcome to come with us and for lunch afterwards. If you need a ride, let me know!”
6. Be respectful.
If the person is not ready to come to Mass or shuts down the conversation, don’t take it personally. Maybe he or she is not ready. If that happens, keep the door open by saying something like, “Thank you for talking with me about this. If you ever want to talk about your faith, I am always here for you.”
Have you found a good way to invite someone to Mass? If so, please share it with me in the comments; I would love to hear from you!
LENTEN FAST AND ABSTINENCE REGULATIONS
The Lenten Fast and Abstinence Regulations are, as follows:
1. Fasting and abstinence from meat, on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
2. Abstinence from meat on all Fridays of Lent. The law of abstinence from meat is required of all those fourteen years of age and older.
3. The law of the fast means only one full meal may be taken during the day. Two light meals are permitted, but are not to equal one full meal. The consumption of solid food between meals is prohibited, but liquids may be taken at any time.
4. The law of fast binds those who have completed their 18th year and have not yet reached their 60th year.
5. Those, who by reason of their young age, are not bound by the laws of fast and abstinence, should be taught the true meaning of penance.
It is a traditional doctrine of Christian spirituality that a constituent part of repentance, of which is turning away from sin and returning to God, includes some form of penance, in order for a Christian to remain on the narrow path and be saved. As our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has written: “Dear brothers and sisters, may this Lenten season find the whole Church ready to bear witness to all those who live in material, moral and spiritual destitution the Gospel message of the merciful love of God our Father, who is ready to embrace everyone in Christ. We can so this to the extent that we imitate Christ who became poor and enriched us by his poverty. Lent is a fitting time for self-denial; we would do well to ask ourselves what we can give up in order to help and enrich others by our own poverty. Let us not forget that real poverty hurts: no self-denial is real without this dimension of penance. I distrust a charity that costs nothing and does not hurt.”
Apart from the special Lenten activities of individuals and parishes, Lent also affords a special opportunity for families to grow deeper in their commitment to Christ. Within the family, penitential practices and devotions can be conducted, including the use of Scripture, the Rosary, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, and other forms of family prayer and devotion.
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Please be aware that all Masses, Religious Education and events are cancelled through
MARCH 31ST, 2020Holy Cross Catholic Church doors remain open during daytime hours for individual prayer, meditation and reflection during this difficult time. There are books, literature and other resources inside the church for Parishioners to utilize. Parishioners are welcome to come and pray, but please remember to continue social distancing practices while inside the Church.
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Mass Times
- Sunday: 8:00 AM BilingualBilingualBI San Luis (No Mass) 9:30 AM EnglishEnglishEN Holy Cross
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM EnglishEnglishEN Holy Cross
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM EnglishEnglishEN Holy Cross
- Thursday: 5:00 PM EnglishEnglishEN Holy Cross
- Friday: 8:00 AM EnglishEnglishEN Holy Cross
- Saturday: 5:00 PM EnglishEnglishEN Holy Cross
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Sunday Gospels
SUNDAY’S GOSPEL—March 29, 2020 – 5th Sunday of Lent
Sunday’s Gospel describes Jesus raising his friend Lazarus from the dead. The story hints at Jesus’ own Resurrection, which we will celebrate at Easter. The raising of Lazarus puts Jesus in danger from his enemies, but he risks his life to be with and to help his friends.
SUNDAY’S GOSPEL—March 15, 2020 – 3rd Sunday of Lent
In this Sunday’s Gospel, a Samaritan woman visiting the village well becomes the bearer of Jesus’ Good News to her townspeople. Jesus chose a woman and a Samaritan to spread his message. He offers her living water, which brings a realization that Jesus is the Messiah and his new community will include Samaritans. We are first given living water at Baptism. Through our Baptism we become part of the community and given the grace to live as Jesus did.
FROM OUR EDITORS—March 8, 2020 – 2nd Sunday of Lent
In Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus is transfigured to show God’s glory. The three Apostles who accompany Jesus up the mountain see him in his resurrected glory. They hear God the Father claim Jesus as his beloved Son and tell them to listen to him.
SUNDAY’S GOSPEL—March 8, 2020 – 2nd Sunday of Lent
Sunday’s Gospel shows both Jesus’ future and our own future. The Gospel sets our sight on Easter, just as Peter, James, and John glimpse the risen Jesus for a passing moment in the Transfiguration. Lent invites us to join Jesus on his journey to Jerusalem where he will be crucified, but also where he will rise victorious from the dead.
FROM OUR EDITORS—March 1, 2020 – 1st Sunday of Lent
In Sunday’s Gospel, the Devil tempts Jesus during his forty days in the desert. Jesus rejects the Devil’s suggestions and chooses to love and obey God his Father. We pray that, following Jesus’ example, we may remain faithful to God’s love.
SUNDAY’S GOSPEL—March 1, 2020 – 1st Sunday of Lent
Matthew 4:1-11
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus goes into the desert to fast and pray. When Jesus is tired and hungry, Satan tempts Jesus to use his power to make bread of stones, to jump from great heights, and to become a temporal ruler. Jesus says no to these temptations and chooses to live as a simple human being. His lesson tells us all that we can use our Lenten experience to straighten our priorities.
FROM OUR EDITORS—February 23, 2020 – 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time
In Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus asks us to go beyond treating others as we would want to be treated. He asks us to care for each other as God does—to love other people without expecting love in return and to love even our enemies.
SUNDAY’S GOSPEL—February 23, 2020 – 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jesus asks us to go beyond treating others in the same way we want to be treated ourselves. He asks us to care for each other as God does—to love other people without expecting love in return and to even love to our enemies. This is an invitation that takes a lifetime to grow into and fulfill. It is a challenge for the family to keep this message alive in a world that puts a premium on competition and on being “better.”
SUNDAY’S GOSPEL—February 16, 2020 – 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Law of Moses contains 613 laws. Some of these laws are simple, basic, you-shall or you-shall-not commands, of which the Ten Commandments are typical. Some of these laws govern worship. A good many of the 613 laws are what-if laws that apply the Commandments to everyday life. In the Gospel, Jesus’ New Law asks people to deepen their keeping of the laws and to follow his new Law of Love.
FROM OUR EDITORS—February 9, 2020 – 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time
In Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples that they are salt of the earth and light of the world. He explains that shining their light by doing good deeds will give glory to our Father in Heaven.
SUNDAY’S GOSPEL—February 9, 2020 – 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jesus commissions his followers to be “the salt of the earth” and “light to the world.” Salt and light are just as important to us today as they were to people in Jesus’ time. Jesus’ image of salt challenges us to bring out the best in others as salt brings out the best flavors in food. The image of light challenges us to warm and brighten others’ lives like sunlight. It challenges us to live as Jesus did so that our actions shine forth like a lamp on a stand.
FROM OUR EDITORS— February 2, 2020 – Presentation of the Lord
On February 2, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. This feast is also known as Candlemas. The Law of Moses instructed parents to present their firstborn son in the Temple forty days after birth. Mary and Joseph, filled with the joy of following God’s law, brought Jesus to Jerusalem.
The Gospel mentions two important individuals who recognized Jesus at that time: Simeon and Anna. Simeon was a just and devout old man who, moved by the Holy Spirit, took Jesus in his arms and blessed him, saying that he was the light that would shine upon the nations. There was also a woman named Anna, who served God by fasting and praying. Even though Simeon and Ana were very old, both were full of life because their lives were filled with the Holy Spirit. They were docile to the Spirit’s action and sensitive to its call.
During this encounter, Simeon and Anna received the gift of being face to face with God’s Promised One. Their patience and faith were finally rewarded.
Let us pray: Loving God, let us be docile and sensitive to your Word and help us grow in faith and patience while we wait for your coming. Amen.
SUNDAY’S GOSPEL—February 2, 2020 – Presentation of the Lord
In the Gospel, Mary and Joseph honor Jewish tradition by bringing their firstborn son to the Temple. Simeon, a holy prophet, recognizes Jesus and reveals him as the Messiah who will fulfill God’s promises to Israel and will be a light to all nations. Anna, a prophetess, is also at the Temple. She has been praying and fasting in expectation of the Messiah. The Feast of the Presentation is also called Candlemas because it is the day on which the Church customarily blesses and distributes candles used in worship and in the home. The blessed candle is a reminder to all that the light of Christ is present always and everywhere.
FROM OUR EDITORS—January 26, 2020 – 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time • Sunday of the Word of God
This Sunday is the newly designated Sunday of the Word of God. While we revere and reflect on the Word of God at every Mass, Pope Francis invites us to more intentionally build and strengthen the Church’s love of Sacred Scripture. As users of the Gospel Weeklies, you are doing that with every lesson!
We encourage catechists, teachers, and families to place a Bible in a special location as a sign to the children of the value of the Word of God in Sacred Scripture. Catechists and teachers may begin class with a Bible procession, enthroning the Bible in a place of honor where the Gospel is proclaimed.
SUNDAY’S GOSPEL—January 26, 2020 – 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time • Sunday of the Word of God
The Gospel places the beginning of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee, where he spent his time teaching, proclaiming God’s kingdom, and healing the sick. Galilee is situated between the Mediterranean Sea and the Sea of Galilee, and many people who lived there were fishermen. Jesus invited his new friends to drop their nets and follow him. He promised them that they would now be fishing for people instead of fish.
FROM OUR EDITORS—January 19, 2020 – 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
In this Sunday’s Gospel, John the Baptist sees Jesus coming toward him and proclaims: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). This symbol of Jesus as the sacrificial lamb reminds us that his ministry will not be easy. Jesus will accept his Death on the Cross, giving his life for our sins.
John further testifies that the Holy Spirit comes down like a dove from sky and remains with Jesus (John 1:32). This sign reveals to John that Jesus is indeed the Son of God. It is also a sign to us. The Spirit that is present at the beginning of Jesus’ earthly ministry is the same Spirit that he breathes upon his disciples after his Resurrection (John 20:22). The Spirit remains with Jesus’ disciples—and us—when he ascends to God in Heaven.
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, you send us your Son as a lamb. May we always be worthy of the gift of his sacrifice for our salvation. You send us Spirit like a dove. May we always be grateful for the peace and protection that is promised through your Spirit. Amen.
SUNDAY’S GOSPEL—January 19, 2020 — 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
In this Sunday’s Gospel, John the Baptist announces the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. John gives us a picture of who Jesus is and what he has come to do. The lamb, the animal that symbolizes the Israelite’s liberation from Egypt, shows that Jesus’ mission is to give his life for us. The Gospels show us that Jesus is filled with the Holy Spirit of God from the beginning of his ministry. This week, your family will learn to recognize the Spirit of God in your family life and in the life of the Church.
SUNDAY’S GOSPEL—January 12, 2020 – Baptism of the Lord
When Jesus approached John the Baptist to be baptized, John hesitated, saying, “I need to be baptized by you.” Still, Jesus said it was fitting for him to be baptized by John. When John baptized Jesus, the Holy Trinity comes together as the Holy Spirit descends as a dove and the Father speaks from Heaven, saying: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
FROM OUR EDITORS—January 12, 2020 – Baptism of the Lord
This Sunday, we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. When talking about this celebration in 2006, Raniero Cantalamessa, Preacher to the Papal household, declared: “Was it that Jesus also needed to be baptized, as we do? Of course not. With that gesture, he wanted to show that he had become one of us. Above all, he wanted to put an end to the baptism of ‘water’ and inaugurate that ‘of the Spirit.’ It was not the water in the Jordan that sanctified Jesus, but Jesus who sanctified the water. Not only the water of the Jordan, but that of all fonts of the world.”
The newly baptized is a new creature, reborn by water and Spirit. He or she is a child of God, member of the Body of Christ, the Church, and a temple of the Holy Spirit.
Our Heavenly Father pronounces over every child or adult emerging from the baptismal font the same words he pronounced as Jesus emerged from the Jordan: “This is my beloved son or daughter, in whom I am well pleased.”
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, may we appropriate the words that you said during Jesus’ baptism, so we may know in our hearts that we are your beloved sons and daughters. Amen.