Holy Cross Catholic Church

May 8, 2021 
Parish Updates

Dear parishioners,

As we continue through the Easter Season we recall that we begin our education at the foot of the cross.  If we attend Holy Cross Catholic Church, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, or Holy Cross Catholic School, we are all called to join Mother Mary and St. John at the foot fot of the cross.  It is no coincidence that the school Mascot is an eagle.  John, often portrayed with the image of an eagle looks deeply into the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.  May we join him in his sharp vision and grow as disciples at the foot of the cross.  May we take Mother Mary as our Mother as she was taken in by John.  

We

We welcome back out Contemporary Group to the 6:00 pm Mass.  This weekend will be the final weekend for livestreaming.  We will livestream the Confirmation Mass at 6:00 pm this Sunday.  .  

year, we will celebrate Holy Week in person.  All are encouraged to join in this wonderful gift of God’s Love for each one of us.  The schedule is as follows:
Holy Thursday – 7:00 p.m.
Good Friday –    12:00 p.m. Noon (Stations of the Cross)
                            3:00 p.m. Good Friday Service
Easter Vigil –     7:30 p.m.
Easter Sunday – 7:30 a.m. (Wadsworth)
                           9:00 a.m.
                           11:00 a.m.
For those unable to join us during the most holy of weeks, please note the 10:00 a.m. Palm Sunday Mass & the 9:00 a.m. Easter Sunday Mass will be livestreamed.  For those desiring to livestream Holy Thursday and Good Friday, you may do so by joining Bishop Brendan Cahill and Bishop-Elect Gary Janak at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Victory at https://ourladyofvictory.sermon.net/main/main/21043109.

Finally, thank you for supporting Holy Cross Catholic School Spring Bazaar!  We raised  $39,000!  

May God bless you and know you remain in my prayers!
Fr. Stephen Vacek

Dear parishioners,
     Our entire parish is invited to partake in a free Virtual Conference.  The conference begins Friday, April 16th and ends this Sunday, April 18th.  To join, please click the below Link/Button to access this event.

 Listen for God VIRTUAL Conference

What is the Listen For God VIRTUAL Conference?

The Listening For God Conference seeks to encourage and inspire Catholics and other Christians in their journey with God.  Expect to be energized and motivated to move toward a richer relationship with Christ through:
 

• Lessons from powerful personal testimonies
• New scriptural insights
• Practical steps for a deeper prayer life
• A closer look at the lives of the saints

Given all the chaos and uncertainty in our world, this conference will highlight how God continues to reach out to his children.  That's why we encourage you to register for, this event based on Teresa Tomeo's latest book, Listening For God: Discovering the Incredible Ways God Speaks To Us.

During our three-day event, top Catholic Evangelists will join Teresa Tomeo and also help you rise above the noise and clamor and discern what God is trying to say to you right now.




Join speakers including:
 

Al Kresta     Alyssa Bormes     Amy Smith     Anne DeSantis     Annie Karto     Anthony Coniglio  Bug Hall     Chris Martin     Crystalina Evert    
Damon Owens     Deacon Dominick Pastore  Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle 
Dr. Edward Sri     Dr. Mario Enzler     Dr. Matthew Bunson  Dr. Ray Guarendi  Ellen Salter   Fr. Andrew Dawson     Fr. Chris Alar, MIC     Fr. Edward Looney 
Fr. Frank Pavone     Fr. John Trigilio, Ph.D.     Fr. Leo Patalinghug    
Fr. Mitch Pacwa, S.J.  Fr. Robert McTeigue, S.J.     Gail Buckley-Barringer    
Gail Coniglio  Gary Zimak  Greg & Julie Alexander     Hope Ponsart    
Janet Morana    Jason Evert     Jeff Cann  Jeff Cavins     Joan Lewis    
Joe Matthiesen     John Hale     John Wisely     Joseph Warren  Julie Perolio     Kaitlyn Curtin     Kathy Crombie     Kelly Wahlquist   Kevin Wells  Kristine Hass  Linda Schaefer  Marge Steinhage Fenelon   Michelle Johnson   Mike Aquilina  Orlando Javien Jr.   Patti Armstrong     Peter Herbeck  Steve Ray  
Teresa Tomeo  Tony Frasco  Vanessa Denha-Garmo

Although His voice may sometimes be quiet heard only in prayer, He frequently breaks into our lives with timely remedies, miraculous encounters, and surprising circumstances that can be explained only by the reality of a loving and caring God.


May God bless you and know you remain in my prayers!
Fr. Stephen Vacek



March 27, 2021 
Holy Week Schedule

This year, we will celebrate Holy Week in person.  All are encouraged to join in this wonderful gift of God’s Love for each one of us.  The schedule is as follows:
Holy Thursday – 7:00 p.m.
Good Friday –    12:00 p.m. Noon (Stations of the Cross)
                            3:00 p.m. Good Friday Service
Easter Vigil –     7:30 p.m.
Easter Sunday – 7:30 a.m. (Wadsworth)
                           9:00 a.m.
                           11:00 a.m.
For those unable to join us during the most holy of weeks, please note the 10:00 a.m. Palm Sunday Mass & the 9:00 a.m. Easter Sunday Mass will be livestreamed.  For those desiring to livestream Holy Thursday and Good Friday, you may do so by joining Bishop Brendan Cahill and Bishop-Elect Gary Janak at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Victory at https://ourladyofvictory.sermon.net/main/main/21043109.

Finally, we will have a final Holy Cross Catholic School Fish Fry on Good Friday at the Knights of Columbus Hall from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  To Go Plates only.  Thank you for supporting our school!

May God bless you and know you remain in my prayers!
Fr. Stephen Vacek

Holy Cross Catholic School
2001 Katy Ave
Bay City, Texas   77414
979-245-5632 
  †  
Web site:  https://www.bcholycrossschool.org
E-mail: hc3_office@holycrossbaycity.org
Rev. Stephen Vacek, Pastor

Holy Cross Catholic School in Bay City - Principal

Holy Cross Catholic School, located in Bay City, Texas, is seeking a principal for the upcoming school year, 2021-2022.  Situated within the Diocese of Victoria in Texas, Bay City is a growing community that serves as the county seat and is in close proximity to Matagorda Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico. Holy Cross Catholic School (HCCS) is a PK3-5 elementary school that is fully accredited by the TCCB-ED (Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops-Education Department) and continues its mission “to make a difference in the world by loving God, others, and ourselves through learning, as we build our Christian family.”

The ideal candidate should be a joyful disciple of the Lord—seeking to follow Him in both his/her personal and professional life—as well as a proven leader who can implement the vision of HCCS as the center for evangelization, formation, and education within the community. 
Qualified candidates should be able to demonstrate that they:
            ♦ Are a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church;
            ♦ Hold a Master’s degree in Educational Administration or a related field;
            ♦ Are committed to continuing the tradition of academic and spiritual excellence that                         HCCS was founded upon; and
            ♦ Possess strong leadership capabilities and excellent communication skills.

Please download an application at https://www.victoriadiocese.org/employment-opportunities.
For more information on the employment application packet, please visit the Office of Catholic Schools website:  https://www.victoriadiocese.org/employment-opportunities.

You may also contact:
 Dr. John Quary, Superintendent of Catholic Schools,
1505 E. Mesquite Lane, Victoria, TX  77901
(361-573-0828) or email him at jquary@victoriadiocese.org.

Applications must be completed by April 30, or until the position is filled with the appropriate candidate.  For more information about the school, please visit the school’s website www.bcholycrossschool.org

If you are sick or unwell, please refrain from attending Mass or parish activities.

March 10, 2021              
Dear parishioners,
Today, the Church begins the traditional novena to St. Joseph.  We ask his intercession on our behalf before the baby Jesus whom he raised and gave witness to of how to be a man.  Below is a Novena to St. Joseph and also an ancient prayer to St. Joseph for your personal use.  I added an intention, but please feel free to change it.  

Say once a day for nine days, especially beginning on 10 March and ending on 18 March, the eve of the Feast of St. Joseph

O glorious descendant of the kings of Judah, Inheritor of the virtues of all the patriarchs. Just and happy St. Joseph, listen to my prayer. Thou art my glorious protector, and shall ever be, after Jesus and Mary the object of my most profound veneration and confidence. Thou art the most hidden, though the greatest Saint, and art particularly the patron of those who serve God with the greatest purity and fervor. In union with all those who have ever been most devoted to thee I now dedicate myself to thy service; beseeching thee, for the sake of Jesus Christ, who vouchsafed to love and obey thee as a son, to become a father to me; and to obtain for me the filial respect, confidence and love of a child towards thee.

O powerful advocate of all Christians, whose intercession, as St. Theresa assures us, has never been found to fail, deign to intercede for me now, and to implore for me the particular intention of this Novena.

(May the Lord's blessing be upon Holy Cross Catholic School, the Church, and our Nation, Families, Friends, and all who have asked for our prayers-Mention your intentions here)

Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be

Present me O great Saint to the adorable Trinity, with Whom thou hadst so glorious and so intimate a correspondence. Obtain that I may never efface by sin the Sacred Image according to the likeness of which, I was created. Beg for me that my divine Redeemer would enkindle in my heart and in all hearts, the fire of His Love, and infuse therein the virtues of His adorable infancy, His purity, simplicity, obedience, and humility.

Obtain for me likewise a lively devotion to thy virgin spouse, and protect me so powerfully in life and death, that I may have the happiness of dying as thou didst, in the friendship of my Creator, and under the immediate protection of the Mother of God. Amen. (See https://www.fisheaters.com/novenas.html#joseph)

OR
 

An Ancient Prayer to Saint Joseph

O St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in thee all my interests and desires. O St. Joseph, do assist me by thy powerful intercession and obtain for me all spiritual blessings through thy foster Son, Jesus Christ Our Lord, so that, having engaged here below thy heavenly power, I may offer thee my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of fathers.

O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating thou and Jesus asleep in thine arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near thy heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine Head for me, and ask Him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath.

St. Joseph, patron of departing souls, pray for me. Amen.
(traditionalcatholicprayers.com/2019/09/30/prayers-to-st-joseph/)

Don't forget Friday's Holy Cross School Fish Fry at the KC Hall from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm!  Also, we have evening Mass on Tuesday's at 6:00 pm and Stations of the Cross on Friday's at 7:00 pm.

Please know you remain in my prayers and may God bless ya'll!

Fr. Stephen Vacek

March 6, 2021              
Dear parishioners,
It is with great joy we announce that on Sunday, March 7, 2021, the 7:30 am Mass will return to Wadsworth! Please note the change of location for this weekend's Sunday 7:30 am Mass.  The floors and the new pews look wonderful.  Please join us in worship of our Eucharistic Lord.
  
Please note, the Parish Office will be closed this Monday, March 8, 2021.  The Parish Office will resume normal office hours on Tuesday, March 9, 2021.

A special thank you to all who enjoyed the Holy Cross School Fish Fry yesterday!  

Please know you remain in my prayers and may God bless ya'll!

Fr. Stephen Vacek


February 16, 2021              **Weather update**
Dear parishioners,
Due to potential weather conditions the following changes will be made for this week. 
The parish office will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday. 

The parish office will be open on Friday from 9:00 am until Noon.

Mass schedule will be as published in the bulletin.  

Please note, due to unforseen circumstances, this Friday's School Fish Fry is CANCELED.  Our first Lenten School Fish Fry will be held next week on Friday, February 26th at the Knights of Columbus Hall.

Please know you remain in my prayers and may God bless ya'll!

Fr. Stephen Vacek



February 14 2021              **Weather update**
Dear parishioners,
Due to potential weather conditions the following changes will be made for this week. 

On Monday, February 15th, there will be no Mass or Adoration and the church office will be closed.

On Tuesday, February 16th there will be a Noon Mass and no adoration and the church office will be closed.  

A special thank you to everyone who has completing their parish census and registration forms.  Please bring them to the weekend Masses or the parish office.  May God bless ya'll!

Fr. Stephen Vacek


February 11, 2021
Dear parishioners,
Due to potential weather conditions the following changes will be made for next week. 

On Monday, February 15th and Tuesday, February 16th there will be no adoration.  The 8:00 am Mass will be moved to Noon.  The office will also be closed on Monday and Tuesday.  This weekend's Mass schedule will remain at Holy Cross Catholic Church at the normal scheduled times. 

A special thank you to everyone who has completing their parish census and registration forms.  Please bring them to the weekend Masses or the parish office.  May God bless ya'll!

Fr. Stephen Vacek




January 30, 2021
Dear parishioners,                                  
This weekend we begin Catholic School’s Week at Holy Cross Catholic School and Parish.  Please join me in praying that all catholic schools may be a catholic beacon of the Truth, Beauty, and Goodness of God that shines in the midst of this world. 

Tomorrow Sunday January 31, 2021, there will be an additional mass at 12:00 pm noon.   Please note, this weekend the livestream of the mass will be at 12:00 pm, noon. 

Please also check the bulletin for the latest updates regarding Ash Wednesday’s Mass times and the distribution of ashes.

Please be assured of my prayers!  May God bless and keep you!

Fr. Stephen Vacek



January 22, 2021
Dear parishioners,
Thank you for your prayers during my retreat.  They were greatly appreciated! My retreat was a very refreshing time of praying before our Lord in the Most Blessed Sacrament. 

Please note, this weekends’ Masses will all be at Holy Cross Catholic Church, in Bay City.  Sacred Heart in Wadsworth is currently having the flooring refinished.  Also, the livestreamed Mass will be the Noon Mass on January 31, 2021.

Please note the following bulletin corrections for this week’s Mass Intentions.

January 25, 2021 – January 31, 2021 HOLY CROSS CHURCH – BAY CITY

Monday      8:00 a.m. Jordan Carr
Tuesday      9:00 a.m. W.L. & Leola Ludwig
                                    Dorothy Cunningham *B
Wednesday 8:00 a.m. Erika Lafota, Diane Rejcek, Leonard Rejcek
Thursday    8:00 a.m. Ann Marie Amico
Friday         8:00 a.m. No Mass
Saturday     6:00 p.m. Michael Kroll
Sunday       7:30 a.m. Parish Family
                  10:00 a.m. Holy Cross Choir Members
                  12:00 p.m. Holy Cross Catholic School Students & Faculty, Families, Alumni,                                      & Benefactors
                  6:00 p.m. Bridget & Cormac Hayes

Please be assured of my prayers!  May God bless and keep you!

Fr. Stephen Vacek


January 14, 2021
Dear Parishioners,
On this Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, we will have the livestream of the Mass at the 10:00 am Mass at Holy Cross Catholic Church.  Thank you for watching Bishop Cahill's video Return to the Eucharist! 

Please see below the January 6, 2021 letter for the litmus test for fulfilling my Sunday Obligation.

There will be no Daily Mass on Monday, January 18 through Friday, January 22.  I will be on my annual retreat.  Instead we will have Adoration from 8:00 am – 12:00 Noon, Monday through Friday. For those who desire to receive our Eucharistic Lord, please consider attending Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe. May God bless you!

Please note that on Sunday, January 31, 2021, we will have an additional Mass at Noon.  It will be the Catholic Schools' Week Opening Mass.  All are invited to attend.  Thank you for your continued prayers and support of the parish and school community!  

If you are concerned about crowds, please see the bulletin for current Mass counts.  The Mass counts have been recorded in the bulletin since October 2020.  The 6:00 p.m. Masses have had the least attendance.  Please be assured of my prayers!

May God bless and keep you!

Fr. Stephen Vacek

January 6, 2021
Dear Parishioners,
Thank you for your prayers and support of our community. 
Unfortunately, this weekend there will be no livestreaming of the Mass at Holy Cross Catholic Church. 

Please remember that if you or your family members are sick or unwell you are not obliged to attend mass.  We hope you get well soon.

I invite you to watch the Bishop Cahill's address to the diocese Return to the Eucharist https://youtu.be/tMKpS2G3agM.  In it he speaks about the obligation to attend Sunday Mass effective October 1, 2020.  He also encourages a well-formed conscience with the assistance of the priest.   As a pastor, I care about your physical and spiritual well-being.  If you are concerned about returning to Mass, please reach out to me either in person or by phone at the parish office.  I have already spoken to several families about on this matter.

A good litmus test for fulfilling my Sunday Obligation is the following: 

Am I going to town? Am I shopping at stores?  Am I meeting with friends? Am I going to events and/or gatherings? Am I partaking in other normal activities, etc?
 
If the answer is "no" to these questions, then this is a great opportunity to reach out to your parish priest about the obligation. For those who are unable to attend the Mass this weekend, you are encouraged to watch the Mass through TV or livestream with EWTN at 7:00 a.m., Noon, 6:00 p.m. or Midnight.  There is also the option to watch the Cathedral Mass at 9:00 a.m. at http://ourladyofvictory.sermon.net/.

If the answer “yes” to any of these questions, and I am not attending Mass, I have to ask myself,why am I not attending Mass? 

If you are concerned about crowds, please see the bulletin for current Mass counts.  The Mass counts have been recorded in the bulletin since October 2020.  The 6:00 p.m. Masses have had the least attendance.  Please be assured of my prayers!

May God bless and keep you!
Fr. Stephen Vacek    

December 31, 2020
Dear parishioners,
Thank you so much for your prayers and support.  It is wonderful to see everyone returning to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for the Holy Days of Obligation and Sundays!  Tonight and tomorrow, we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God.  This also coincides with the New Year.  The mass times for the Holy Day of Mary God are as follows:

Solemnity of Mary Mother of God Mass Schedule  

December 31, 2020 

6:00 pm Holy Cross

January 1, 2021 
9:30 am Holy Cross  (Livestreamed)

Please keep our fellow parishioners in your prayers as we give thanks for the coming of the Christ Child.  May God bless you this Christmas Season and throughout the New Year!
Fr. Stephen Vacek  



December 19,2020

Dear parishioners,
Thank you so much for your prayers and support.  As we arrive at this 4th Week of Advent, we will have the normal weekend schedule.  Confessions will be offered before the 6:00 pm Masses.  Please check the bulletin for this week's Daily Mass schedule.  Please keep our fellow parishioners in your prayers as we prepare for the coming of the Christ Child.  May God bless you!
Fr. Stephen Vacek


December 17, 2020

Christmas Mass Schedule

December 24, 2020 – Christmas Eve
5:00 pm Holy Cross
7:30 pm Sacred Heart
10:00 pm Christmas Concert Holy Cross
10:30 pm Holy Cross

December 25, 2020 – Christmas Day
9:30 am Holy Cross
 

Please join me in praying to God for our sick and suffering in the parish community and community.  Thank you for the power of your prayers!
Fr. Stephen Vacek

December 16, 2020

Dear parishioners,
As we prepare for the O Antiphons tomorrow, we recall the coming of the long awaited Messiah and the prophecies of Isaiah.  Tomorrows’ O Antiphon:

“O Wisdom of our God Most High,
guiding creation with power and love:
come to teach us the path of knowledge!”

May the Lord guide each of us as we seek to know the Truth, Goodness, and Beauty of God revealed in His creation!

The office will be closed this Friday December 18, 2020 through January 4, 2021.  The weekend Mass schedule at Holy Cross and Sacred Heart remains as published.  I continue to celebrate the Daily Mass in private for the scheduled intentions. 

An update on my health: I remain fever free and have a lingering allergy cough.  For the past 15 years, after getting sick, I usually retain a cough for at least a month.  Please don't be alarmed if I cough well into 2021. 

Please join me in praying to God for our sick and suffering in the parish community and community.  Thank you for the power of your prayers!
Fr. Stephen Vacek



December 14, 2020

Dear parishioners,
I have tested positive for Covid-19.  At this time, I am doing well and only have my normal seasonal allergies (for the last 30 years!).   After consultation with the Doctor, I am cleared to return to active ministry on Saturday.  I wish to thank Fr. Dominic Nguyen for his assistance with Masses this past weekend.

Weekday Masses and adoration have been canceled this week.  I am offering the masses privately at the rectory.  No RCIA Class this week.

We will still retain the current schedule for Christmas.  Please continue to pray for the members of our parish and community who are sick.  Your prayers are powerful!  I am grateful for the gift of this blessing in my own illness.  

Fr. Stephen Vacek


December 13, 2020

The CCD/Confirmation Class scheduled for Wednesday, December 16 has been canceled.  Please have a blessed Advent as we prepare for the coming of the  Christ Child.  We look forward to the beginning of next years classes on Wednesday, January 6, 2021.

There will be no Daily Mass Monday, December 14 at 8:00 am. There will be adoration from 8:00 am until Noon.

Fr. Stephen is still waiting on his testing results.  In an abundance of caution, he will not be celebrating the Mass publicly.  Please be assured the Mass will still be offered.  

December 12, 2020

There will be no confessions Saturday Dec. 12, or Sunday Dec. 13. 

At this time, the weekend Mass schedule will continue
Saturday, 6:00pm Holy Cross
Sunday,   7:30am Sacred Heart
               10:00am Holy Cross
                6:00pm Holy Cross

Please remember, if you are sick or unwell, please refrain from attending Mass or parish activities!  

May God bless you! St. Joseph, pray for us!


December 11, 2020

Dear parishioners,
Thank you for your prayers and concerns regarding the recent Covid-19 outbreak.  Please keep all of the sick and those in quarantine or awaiting test results in your prayers.

At this time, we intend to keep the current Mass Schedule for the weekend.   If anything changes, we will let you know.   

If I may take a moment to speak about myself.  At this time, I am doing well and only have my normal seasonal allergies (for the last 30 years!).  I am self-quarantining as I await the test results.  My doctor ordered a more thorough and accurate Covid-19 test instead of the quick test.  I will keep you updated on this website with the results. 

I had hoped to celebrate the weekend Masses, however it seems best to request another priests in the event that my test results do not come back in time. 

I pray that we as a Church Family, may be anchored to the Eucharist and our Mother Mary in the midst of the trials and storms of our days.  Please keep everyone in your prayers.

Fr. Stephen Vacek  

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Taking into consideration the recent increase in COVID-19 Cases at Holy Cross Catholic Church and considering that many may be quarantined, it has been decided that the livestreaming of the 10 am Mass will be reinstated until further notice.  It will begin this weekend, December 13th.  

Child and Vulnerable Adult Reporting Procedures
If you witness, suspect, or know of child and/or velnerable adult abuse,YOU MUST REPORT IT WITHIN 48 HOURS!

Contact Civil Authorities:
Department of Family and Protective Services at 1-800-252-5400 or www.txabusehotline.org
If the person is in immediate danger, call 911.

If Church Personnel Is Involved In Alleged Abuse:
Step One - Contact Civil Authorities.

Step Two - Contact one of the following:
Coordinator of Pastoral Care and Outreach, Vicki L. Pyatt, LMSW at
(361) 573-0828 or email pastoralcare@victoriadioces.org
Bishop or Chancellor of the Diocese of Victoria at (361) 573-0828
Written Allegations Should Be Sent To: Office of the Bishop
                                                               P.O. Box 4070
                                                               Victoria, Texas 77903               
                                                       "Mark as "Personal and Confidential"

We will also help you bring your concerns to church officials outside the diocese if the abuse occurred elsewhere and you now reside in the Diocese of Victoria. If you are unsure about bringing a complaint or would like further information, please contact Vicki L. Pyatt

The Safe Environment Coordinator for Holy Cross Parish is Sandra Thompson.  She may be contacted at (979) 245-6379, or by email, at hc3_office@holycrossbaycity.org.

Holy Cross Catholic School

"Soaring to God on Eagle's Wings"