A Parish Looking Foward
It's been a joy to have Fr. Howe back with us since July, and just as much a joy for me to no longer be pulling double duty! Looking to what lies ahead for us as a parish, I am filled with both gratitude and excitement.
In just a month, our parish festival returns, alive and revived for 2026! Watching the team come together under the leadership of Don Traczyk has been a grace to witness. It’s a chance to connect with parishioners and visitors alike, and more than that, it is a powerful moment to remember who we are as a parish and to share that joy with those beyond our doors. So mark your calendars for Nordeast Polishfest, September 11–12, and come hungry!
You may have also seen the news story featuring Fr. Howe about the "Urban Explorers" drawn to our buildings at night. We are praying for them, even as we tighten our security. At the same time, we continue to welcome new members through ours doors by day as our parish family continues to grow. It's a reminder that a church built for worship will always attract both the curious and the wandering, and that God is always at work to draw out good.
Then in January, we begin our leg of the Archdiocesan capital campaign. I know such news can cause a few jaws to tighten, yet I have to say I am quite edified by how this campaign is being run. The majority of funds raised stay right here at the parish, and the portion sent onward goes to four clearly defined purposes serving our local Church, all commendable. In the coming months we will have more to share, both on how the campaign will be carried out, and about the exciting opportunities for improvements and needed repairs across our campuses. The timing is ideal: our well-loved structures need this care, and parish energy and momentum is at a high.
Three different stories, one a common thread: a thriving parish willing to step in and grow together, rather than merely guard what it has been. This takes deep love and courage, and I see many signs of that present. I'm grateful the Nordeast PolishFest crew, for our staff and volunteers, especially the Tuesday Toilers, who are making our campuses safer, and for everyone stepping up for the campaign ahead. If any of this stirs something in you, from hauling pierogi trays to helping shape our parish's next chapter, reach out to us at the parish office. Our future depends on each and every one of us doing our part.
As summer winds down, let's also carry each other in prayer: for a fun and fruitful Nordeast PolishFest, for peace and safety on our campuses, and for wisdom and generosity as January nears. Holy Cross parish has weathered many seasons on each of its campuses, and the Lord has never failed to bring good from it all. I have every confidence in His providence ahead.
May His Love light the way!
~Fr John Rumpza, Parochial Vicar