A WEEKEND OF GRACE AT HOLY CROSS

I am writing this article before the deadline, just after the conclusion of our wildly successful Nordeast Polishfest weekend. The turnout was huge, and what contagious and lighthearted joy from morning until close!

Due to the great crowds and strong demand, we ran out of supplies multiple times. Our incredible volunteers were running back and forth all weekend keeping the stock refreshed. I even had the privilege of making a Saturday morning beer run! It was all joy, start to finish.

Then, on Sunday, we celebrated our glorious Patronal Feast. There is something so fitting about celebrating the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in the middle of a weekend so full of life and togetherness, a reminder as Fr Howe mentioned last week, that in the Cross, a new family is formed, the family we share as God’s adopted sons and daughters.

I found myself a bit misty-eyed with humble gratitude to be a part of this incredible parish family. Serving here has been a great gift of my priesthood, and weekends like this one remind me why. Celebrating with you all, old friends and new, longtime parishioners and first-time visitors, gathered in faith and camaraderie - it is a privilege I don't take lightly.

There is surely much more to be said, but for now, I feel the prompting to pray, savor, and reflect. To everyone who cooked, served, set up, cleaned up, sponsored, performed, or simply showed up: thank you, thank you… thank you. And to this whole parish family, thank you for the honor of walking this journey with you. I’m already looking forward to next year!

Happy Name Day, Holy Cross. Na zdrowie, and God bless!

Fr John Rumpza