Holy Cross Melkite Catholic Church Bulletin.
Sunday, January 19, 2020. Twelfth Sunday After the Holy Cross.

On January 19 Commemoration of our Holy Fathers Macarius the Egyptian and Arsenius, Archbishop of Corcyre.
St. Macarius (300-390), a promoter and living example of the monastic life in Upper-Egypt, practiced asceticism for sixty years.
Arsenius, Archbishop of Corcyre (Corfu), was born in Bethany of Palestine toward the end of the ninth century. He lived as a monk in Constantinople and was consecrated Bishop in 933. He died sometime during the reign of Emperor Constantine Porphyrogernate (913-956).

Thank you to all those who donated for, volunteered at, and attended our New Year’s Eve Party. Income: $8,275 (Ticket sales: $7330, Raffle sales: $945), Expenses: $4109 (Dinner: $2,400, Workers: $360, D.J. $500, Babysitters: $175, Decorations: $434, food and supplies: $240). Raffle, wine, and champagne donations: $2100. We raised a total of $4166, which will go into our building fund.

The Bishop’s Appeal will conclude at the end of March. The annual Bishop’s Appeal is an essential way in which our parish fulfills its duty to our larger Melkite family throughout the U.S. Our Father and Shepherd, Bishop Nicholas asks every Melkite household in the U.S. to give at least $100-$200 each year to support our Eparchy in America. By contributing to the Appeal, each of us responds to Christ’s call to support our Church and helps to fund its vital works, such as publishing SOPHIA magazine, supporting our seminarians for the Priesthood and Diaconate, providing for our elderly priests, teaching the Faith to our children and young adults, and establishing and supporting new missions and outreaches. Those who give a gift of $1000 or more will be automatically enrolled in the Order of Saint Nicholas, the charitable society of our Eparchy.
May God bless you for your generosity. If you did not receive a letter you may send a check to: Melkite Eparchy of Newton 802 Riffle Camp Road, Woodland Park, NJ 02132 or donate online at: Melkite.org

Thank you to all those who prepared and donated items, helped set up, and purchased gifts from our Christmas Boutique. We raised a Total of $5,245 (Various gifts and crafts: $3,445, jams and mugs: $1,260, and centerpieces: $510). We appreciate everyone’s hard work and generosity.

Father François Beyrouti’s Homilies. You can listen and subscribe to the homilies on YouTube.com/MelkiteTV or these podcasts: Apple’s iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, and TuneIn + Alexa, Google Podcast, and iHeart Radio podcasts.
If you would like to receive the emailed weekly parish bulletin or homily please sign up on our website (HolyCrossMelkite.org) or contact the office. Most recent homilies by Father François Beyrouti:
-“Is your Spiritual life in Cruise Control?” January 12, 2020.
-“How to Find New Happiness." January 5, 2020.
-“The Lost Part of the Christmas Story.” December 25, 2019.
-“Jesus’s Exciting Genealogy.” December 22, 2019.
-“How to Shop at the Bible Pharmacy.” December 15, 2019.
-“Are you a Rooster or a Compass?” December 8, 2019.
-“The Bad News of the Gospel.” November 24, 2019.

Hymns: (See our Church’s website for Audio Recordings: holycrossmelkite.org/Melkite-hymns)
Troparion of the Resurrection (Tone 7). You destroyed Death by Your cross. You opened paradise to the thief. You changed the weeping of the myrrhbearers, and commanded Your apostles to proclaim that You, O Christ God, have risen, granting to the world great mercy.
Troparion of the Holy Cross (Tone 2). O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance. Strengthen our Public Authorities in every good deed and protect your nation with your Cross.
Kondakion of the Presentation of our Lord to the Temple (Tone 1). O Christ our God who through your birth have sanctified the virginal womb and have now blessed the arms of Simon, today You have come to save us. O Lord, when wars prevail, keep your people in peace and strengthen our Public Authorities in every good deed, for You alone are the lover of Mankind.

Epistle: Colossians 3:4-11. If you would like to read the Epistle please contact the office.
Gospel: Luke 17:12-19.

Today’s Divine Liturgy is celebrated for the repose of the souls of:
Fuad (Fred) Harb (December 13, 2019) 40th day memorial.
Margaret Guffy (December 28, 2019), Tony Hawa (December 25, 2019), Nasef Abasi (December 23, 2018), Oscar Chahine (December 21, 2019), Manuel Avila Jr. (December 21, 2019), Brother David Whelan, OSB (December 14, 2019), Andre Saikaly (December 12, 2019), Archimandrite Frank Milienewicz (December 11, 2019), Baby Isaac Montes (December 9, 2019), Nada Nesheiwat (March 2, 2019), Issa Nesheiwat (June 1, 2000), Jamal Skoury (January 23, 2014), Kalim Skoury (September 17, 2013), Yacoub Tamer Bachech, Nayfeh Iskandafeh,
The health, safety, and salvation of:
Rowena Angeles, John Bastian, Carmen Kassouf, Lizbeth Lira and family, Father Saba Shofany, the families of: Jirgis & Mariam Algharbi, Eleas & Najat Bachech, George & Elaine Bachech, Mishak & Mariam Da’doush, Maher & Josephine Iskandafe, Emad & Milia Kadmous, Jirgis & Samiha Layyous, Mikhael & Dima Layyous, Salim and Ilham Razouk.
For vocations to the priesthood, monastic life, and lay parish ministries.
For peace in Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, and all the troubled regions around the world.

Scripture Memory:
“When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
[5] Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. [6] On account of these the wrath of God is coming. [7] In these you once walked, when you lived in them. [8] But now put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk from your mouth” (Colossians 3:4-8).

“Then said Jesus, ‘Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? [18] Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?’ [19] And he said to him, ‘Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well’ ” (Luke 17:17-19).

The Melkite Eastern Catholic Community at Saint Kilian’s Roman Catholic Church. Invite your family and friends and remind everyone in the area. We will meet in the hall at 5:45 p.m. to review the hymns and the Divine Liturgy will begin in the Church at exactly 6:30 p.m. on January 19, 2020, at Saint Kilian’s. 26872 Estanciero Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92691 (off Marguerite Parkway).
2020 dates: January 19, February 16, March 15, April 19, May 17, June 21, July 19, August 16, September 20, October 18, November 15, December 20.
If you live or know anyone who lives in the area surrounding Mission Viejo please give us their contact information so that we can keep everyone informed on upcoming events. Please send contact details to the parish office at (714) 985-1710 or email a list of names to Father François at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain” (Psalm 127:1).

Choir practice at Holy Cross Melkite Catholic Church every Sunday at 9:55 a.m.-10:45 a.m. “Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16). Please join our choir practices to review the regular hymns of the Divine Liturgy and learn new ones. Everyone is welcome.

Holy Cross Youth Ministry Spiritual Meetings take place every Sunday following the Divine Liturgy for all those in grades 9-12.

Holy Cross College Ministry. We are planning social and religious activities to build our College Community at Holy Cross Church. For further details contact the office or see calendar for event details (holycrossmelkite.org/ministries/college-ministry).

Holy Cross Young Adults Ministry for ages 21-35. We are planning social and religious activities to build our Young Adults Community at Holy Cross Church. Feel free to bring your friends and family. See calendar for event details, visit Holycrossmelkite.org/ministries/young-adults, or contact the office.

Isaiah House Women’s Shelter Volunteer Opportunity. Next date: Saturday, January 25, 2020. Holy Cross Church prepares and serves a meal for the women at Isaiah House (316 South Cypress Avenue, Santa Ana) every month. If you or your family would like assist on those days or if you would like to sponsor a Saturday to prepare food at your home, serve the food with your family, and enjoy a meal with those in need please contact the office.
Schedule: 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Prepare meal in the Holy Cross Hall Kitchen for Isaiah House Catholic Worker’s Women’s shelter.
4:30 p.m. Carpool to Isaiah House (316 South Cypress Avenue, Santa Ana. http://occatholicworker.org).
5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Set up, serve meals, visit with the women, and clean up.
2020 dates: Saturday, January 25, Saturday, February 29, Sunday, March 29, Saturday, April 25, Sunday, May 31, Saturday, June 27, Saturday, July 25, Sunday, August 30, Saturday, September 26, Saturday, October 24. If you would like to sponsor or volunteer for this event, please contact the Church office.

Listen to Melkite audio links on our parish website at holycrossmelkite.org/Melkite-hymns
We uploaded many Melkite hymns for the Divine Liturgy and other important services. To practice or become more familiar with our beautiful liturgical hymns you can listen or download them by visiting the above link.

A Prayer for Vocations. O Lord God, in every age, You invite men and women to hear Your call to serve You and the Church. We bow before You now, asking that You call forth more men and women to serve our Melkite Catholic Church in America. Give us priests, deacons, monks and nuns, who will lead and guide your holy people. By Your will, bless us with vocations so that we continue to be the church which You called us to be, centuries ago. Let all hear Your voice inviting them to care for and serve Your people. Strengthen us in being disciples of Jesus Christ, Your Only-begotten Son and fishers of men. Inspire in us the spirit and pride of Antioch, our holy heritage. We ask You, O Lover of mankind, to raise up men and women who appreciate what they have received from You and who want to be generous in their service, willing to offer their lives and all their gifts, to serve others, to give You glory, thanksgiving and worship, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Your Sunday donation envelopes are mailed to you every two months. These envelopes are dated with your envelope number on the back. Please contact the office if you are not registered or did not receive your envelopes. Thank you.

Do you want to be inspired and learn more about your Catholic Faith? Listen to Relevant, a Catholic Radio station on 930 am. For further information visit their website or call 1-888-887-7120.

Listen to Melkite audio links on our parish website at holycrossmelkite.org/Melkite-hymns
We uploaded many Melkite hymns for the Divine Liturgy and other important services. To practice or become more familiar with our beautiful liturgical hymns you can listen or download them by visiting the above link.

Thank you for your ongoing generous donations:
-Wednesday, January 15 building fund deposit: $8,740.
-Sunday, January 12 collection: $854 in 26 envelopes (average $33 per envelope) + $217 loose plate + $ 101 candles = $1,172.
-Wednesday, January 8 building fund deposit: $4,403.
-Monday, January 6 collection: $285 in 9 envelopes (average $32 per envelope) + $195 loose plate + $54 candles = $534.
-Sunday, January 5 collection: $2,641 in 36 envelopes (average $73 per envelope) + $175 loose plate + $105 candles = $2,921.
-Saturday, January 4 collection: $725 in 9 envelopes (average $81 per envelope) + $152 loose plate = $877
-Tuesday, December 31 building fund deposit: $50,970.
-Sunday, December 29 collection: $1,956 in 35 envelopes (average $56 per envelope) + $261 loose plate + $63 candles = $2,280.
-Friday, December 27 building fund deposit: $10,980.
-Wednesday, December 25 collection: $2,925 in 22 envelopes (average $133 per envelope) + $88 loose plate + $42 candles = $3,055.
-Tuesday, December 24 collection: $2,660 in 26 envelopes (average $102 per envelope) + $155 loose plate + $70 candles = $2,885.
-Sunday, December 22 collection: $2,680 in 38 envelopes (average $77 per envelope) + $168 loose plate + $85 candles = $2,933.
-Thursday, December 19 Building Fund deposit: $28,139. Charity deposit: $10,000.
-Sunday, December 15 collection: $1,130 in 34 envelopes (average $33 per envelope) + $285 loose plate + $115 candles = $1,530.
-Wednesday, December 11. Building Fund $2,495, $20 memorial, Charity: $300.
-Sunday, December 8, 2019 collection: $1,283 in 27 envelopes (average $48 per envelope) + $329 loose plate + $400 Baptism = $2,012. Mission Viejo collection: $2,215 in 9 envelopes (average $246 per envelope) + $225 loose plate = $2,440.
-Thursday, December 5, 2019 Building Fund deposit: $4,296 + $39 Coffee = $4,335. Charity deposit: $100.
-Sunday, December 1, 2019 collection. $1,895 in 27 envelopes (average $69 per envelope) + $196 loose plate = $2071.
-Sunday, November 24, 2019 collection. $1,393 in 35 envelopes (average $40 per envelope) + $363 loose plate = $1,756 + $139 candles = $1,895.

Total deposits in the past four months: October: $33,026, November: $20,315, December: $116,145, January: $18,647.

Sample Holy Cross Church Expenses:
$1,690.00 paid on January 2, 2020. Golden State Water Company.
$118.63 paid on January 2, 2020. Photocopier lease.
$177.39 paid on December 20, 2019. Republic Trash Services.
$76.30 paid on December 12, 2019. Photocopier services.
$258.85 paid December 10, 2019. Our Sunday Visitor envelopes.
$36.78 paid December 10, 2019. SoCal Gas Company.
$56.14 paid December 10, 2019. SoCal Gas Company.
$484.42 paid December 9, 2019. So Cal Edison.
$94.89 paid December 2, 2019. Sparkletts.
$200.00 paid December 2, 2019. Landscaping services.
$300.00 paid December 2, 2019. Cleaning services.
$118.63 paid December 2, 2019. Photocopier lease.
$9,934.00 paid November 27, 2019. Catholic Mutual Group Insurance.

Calendar:
Friday, January 17.
2:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. House blessings.

January 18-25, 2020 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
2020 theme: “They Showed Us Unusual Kindness” (Acts. 28:2). For further information visit: vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/chrstuni/sub-index/index_weeks-prayer.htm

Saturday, January 18.
4:30 p.m. Confession.
5:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening prayer).

Sunday, January 19.
9:45 a.m. Orthros (Morning prayer).
9:55 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Choir practice.
11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy.

5:45 p.m. Music practice in the hall.
6:30 p.m. Divine Liturgy. The Melkite Eastern Catholic Community at Saint Kilian’s Roman Catholic Church. 26872 Estanciero Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92691.

Wednesday, January 22.
2:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. House blessings.

Thursday, January 23.
2:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. House blessings.

Friday, January 24.
2:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. House blessings.

Saturday, January 25.
If you would like to sponsor or volunteer for this event, please contact the Church office.
3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Prepare meal in the Holy Cross Hall Kitchen for Isaiah House Catholic Worker’s Women’s shelter.
4:30 p.m. Carpool to Isaiah House (316 South Cypress Avenue, Santa Ana. http://occatholicworker.org).
5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Set up, serve meals, visit with the women, and clean up.

4:30 p.m. Confession.
5:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening prayer).

Sunday, January 26.
9:45 a.m. Orthros (Morning prayer).
9:55 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Choir practice.
11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy.
2:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. House blessings.

Wednesday, January 29.
2:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. House blessings.

Thursday, January 30.
2:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. House blessings.

Friday, January 31.
2:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. House blessings.

Saturday, February 1.
9:00 a.m. Holy Cross Church in collaboration with St. Martin de Porres Pro-Life ministry. Join your friends in Christ as we pray the rosary in front of Planned Parenthood to end abortion. Rosary begins at 9:00 am. We meet at 700 S. Tustin Ave in Orange. For further information, please contact the office. We look forward to the day when our powerful prayers will close the doors of Planned Parenthood.

5:00 p.m. Divine Liturgy in Arabic.

Sunday, February 2.
9:45 a.m. Orthros (Morning prayer).
9:55 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Choir practice.
11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy in English.
2:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. House blessings.

Thursday, February 6.
2:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. House blessings.

Friday, February 7.
2:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. House blessings.

Saturday, February 8.
4:30 p.m. Confession.
5:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening prayer).

Sunday, February 9.
9:45 a.m. Orthros (Morning prayer).
9:55 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Choir practice.
11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy.
2:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. House blessings.

Wednesday, February 12.
2:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. House blessings.

Thursday, February 13.
2:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. House blessings.

Saturday, February 15.
4:30 p.m. Confession.
5:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening prayer).

Sunday, February 16.
9:45 a.m. Orthros (Morning prayer).
9:55 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Choir practice.
11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy.

2:00-4:00 p.m. House blessings.

5:45 p.m. Music practice in the hall.
6:30 p.m. Divine Liturgy. The Melkite Eastern Catholic Community at Saint Kilian’s Roman Catholic Church. 26872 Estanciero Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92691.

Wednesday, February 19.
2:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. House blessings.

Thursday, February 20.
2:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. House blessings.

Friday, February 21.
2:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. House blessings.

Saturday, February 22.
4:30 p.m. Confession.
5:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening prayer).

Sunday, February 23.
9:45 a.m. Orthros (Morning prayer).
9:55 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Choir practice.
11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy.
2:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. House blessings.

Monday, February 24. First Day of the Great Feast.
7:00 p.m. Forgiveness Vespers.

Wednesday, February 26.
2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. House blessings.
7:00 p.m. Pre-Sanctified Liturgy.

Thursday, February 27.
2:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. House blessings.

Friday, February 28.
2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. House blessings.
7:00 p.m. Akathist Hymn.

Saturday, February 29.
If you would like to sponsor or volunteer for this event, please contact the Church office.
3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Prepare meal in the Holy Cross Hall Kitchen for Isaiah House Catholic Worker’s Women’s shelter.
4:30 p.m. Carpool to Isaiah House (316 South Cypress Avenue, Santa Ana. http://occatholicworker.org).
5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Set up, serve meals, visit with the women, and clean up.

5:00 p.m. Divine Liturgy in Arabic.

Sunday, March 1.
9:45 a.m. Orthros (Morning prayer).
9:55 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Choir practice.
11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy in English.
2:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. House blessings.

Monday, March 2.
7:00 p.m. Great Compline.

Wednesday, March 4.
2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. House blessings.
7:00 p.m. Pre-Sanctified Liturgy.

Thursday, March 5.
2:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. House blessings.

Friday, March 6.
2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. House blessings.
7:00 p.m. Akathist Hymn.

Saturday, March 7.
9:00 a.m. Holy Cross Church in collaboration with St. Martin de Porres Pro-Life ministry. Join your friends in Christ as we pray the rosary in front of Planned Parenthood to end abortion. Rosary begins at 9:00 am. We meet at 700 S. Tustin Ave in Orange. For further information, please contact the office. We look forward to the day when our powerful prayers will close the doors of Planned Parenthood.
4:30 p.m. Confession.
5:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening prayer).

Sunday, March 8.
9:45 a.m. Orthros (Morning prayer).
9:55 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Choir practice.
11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy.

Monday, March 9.
7:00 p.m. Great Compline.

Wednesday, March 11.
7:00 p.m. Pre-Sanctified Liturgy.

Readings for Sunday, January 19, 2020.
Epistle. Colossians 3:4-11.
Prokimenon (Tone 4): How great are your works O Lord!
In wisdom you have wrought them all.
Stichon: Bless the Lord, O my soul!
You are very great indeed, O Lord my God!

A Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Colossians.
Brethren, when Christ, our life, appears, then you too shall appear in glory. Put to death whatever in your members is of the earth: immorality, uncleanness, lust, evil desire, covetousness, which is a form of idol-worship. Because of these passions, God’s wrath comes upon the sons of disobedience and you yourselves once walked in them when they were your [way of] life. But now, you too put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, abusive language and foul-mouthed utterances. Do not lie to one another. Strip off the old man with his deeds and put on the new, one that is being renewed towards perfect knowledge according to his creator’s image (Cf. Gn.1:26) Here there is no Gentile and Jew, no circumcised and uncircumcised, no Barbarian and Scythian, no slave and freeman, but Christ is all things, and in all.

ALLELUIA
String your bow, go forth, reign for the sake of truth, meekness and righteousness and your right hand shall lead you wonderfully.
Stichon: You loved righteousness and hated iniquity: therefore God, your God, anointed you with the oil of joy above your companions.

Luke 17:12-19 (Twelfth Sunday After the Holy Cross)
The Holy Gospel According To St. Luke the Evangelist.
At that time as Jesus was entering a certain village, there met him ten lepers, who stood afar off and lifted up their voice, crying, “Jesus, master, have pity on us.” And when he saw them he said, “Go, show yourselves to priests.” And it came to pass as they were on their way that they were made clean. But one of them, seeing that he was made clean, returned, with a loud voice glorifying God, and he fell on his face at his feet, giving thanks; and he was a Samaritan. But Jesus answered and said, “Were not the ten made clean? But where are the nine? Has no one been found to return and give glory to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Arise, go your way, for your faith has saved you.”

Bulletin Advertisers:
Premier Jewelers. Special holiday sale on jewelry and watches. 270 East 17th Street #10 Costa Mesa, CA 92627. Call Jack (949) 650-4475.

Holy Cross Melkite Catholic Church.
451 West Madison Avenue, Placentia, CA 92870-4537
Telephone: (714) 985-1710.
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Parish Web site: HolyCrossMelkite.org
Facebook Page: Facebook.com/HolyCrossMelkite
YouTube Page: Youtube.com/HolyCrossMelkite
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HCMelkite

Pastor: Father François Beyrouti.
Electronic mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Cellular phone: (714) 914-1710.

Pastoral Associate: Deacon Elias Kashou.
Office Manager: Carol Nasr.
Choir Directors: Saad Tashman and Lupe Ojeda.
Sunday School / Eastern Christian Formation Program: Every Sunday after the Divine Liturgy from September-May. Pre-School to Grade 8.
Our Lady’s Society: Iman Lutfi (714) 595-7999.

LITURGICAL SCHEDULE
SATURDAY: 4:30 p.m. Confession. 5:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening prayer).
SUNDAY: 9:45 p.m. Orthros (Morning prayer). 11:00 a.m. The Divine Liturgy.

ARABIC DIVINE LITURGY: 5:00 p.m. Saturday before the first Sunday of the month. In 2020: February 1, February 29, March 28, May 2, June 6, July 4, August 1, September 5, October 3, October 31, December 5.

ENGLISH DIVINE LITURGY: 11:00 a.m. First Sunday of the month. In 2020: February 2, March 1, March 29, May 3, June 7, July 5, August 2, September 6, October 4, November 1, December 6.

HOLY DAYS AND WEEKDAYS: Please check the bulletin.

THE HOLY MYSTERIES
MYSTERIES OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION: The three Mysteries of Baptism, Chrismation and Holy Eucharist are always celebrated together in one ceremony. One month notice is required and one baptismal preparation meeting is required with the priest.
MYSTERY OF HOLY CROWNING: Six month notice, an initial meeting with the priest, marriage preparation sessions, and a wedding license are required. You must be an active member of the parish.
MYSTERY OF HOLY CONFESSION: Saturday at 4:30 p.m.
MYSTERY OF HOLY ANOINTING: Available for anyone who is ill.
PLEASE NOTE: There is no charge for the celebration of the Sacramental Mysteries, however, it is appropriate to offer a gift of thanksgiving. Therefore the Parish Advisory Council suggests an offering of $200 for Baptisms; $500 for Weddings; $300 for Funerals; and $100 for a Memorial Service.

HALL RENTAL POLICY.
MERCY-MEAL ON THE DAY OF THE FUNERAL, MERCY-MEAL FOR THE 40th DAY OR OTHER MEMORIALS: $200.00 for registered parishioners of Holy Cross Church who regularly use donation envelopes.
A PARTY WITH MUSIC, FOOD, AND DRINKS (up to 5 hours of use): $400.00 for parishioners + $100 insurance payable to the diocese. $500.00 for non-parishioners + $100 insurance payable to the diocese.
DAMAGE/CLEANING DEPOSIT: $200.00. Refundable if the hall is left in the condition it was given to you.
SECURITY FEE: $150 charge will be added to cover security for 5 hours.
A MEETING (Use of the chairs and tables only. No use of the kitchen, oven, or refrigerator). $75 / hour for parishioners. $100 for non-parishioners.
ADDITIONAL CHARGE FOR A RENTAL OVER 5 HOURS: $100 / hour.

Dear friends,

This is the link to Sunday’s homily: https://youtu.be/-8TtYSSrzRw

The full text of the readings and homily are below.

Is your Spiritual life in Cruise Control?
Sunday, January 12, 2020 homily by Father François Beyrouti, Ph.D./D.Th.
Hebrews 13:7-16. Matthew 4:12-17.
The Sunday after the Theophany of our Lord.

Subscribe to the weekly video homilies at: YouTube.com/MelkiteTV

Father François Beyrouti, Ph.D./D.Th.
Holy Cross Melkite Catholic Church
451 West Madison Avenue
Placentia, CA 92870-4537
(714) 985-1710
HolyCrossMelkite.org
Sign-up for our homily and bulletin e-mail list: HolyCrossMelkite.org/parish/homilies
YouTube.com/HolyCrossMelkite
YouTube.com/MelkiteTV
Facebook.com/HolyCrossMelkite
Twitter.com/HCMelkite

Epistle: Hebrews 13:7-16.
Brethren, remember your superiors who spoke to you the word of God. Consider how they ended their lives, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever. Do not be led away by various and strange doctrines. For it is good to make the heart steadfast by grace, not by foods, in which those who walked found no profit. We have an altar; from which they have no right to eat who serve the tabernacle. For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought in to the Holies by the high priest for sin, are burned outside the camp. And so Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people by his blood, suffered outside the gate. Let us therefore go forth to him outside the camp, bearing his reproach; for here we have no permanent city, but we seek for the city that is to come. Through him therefore, let us offer up a sacrifice of praise always to God, that is, fruit of lips praising his name. And do not forget kindness and love, for by such sacrifices God’s favor is obtained.

Gospel: Matthew 4:12-17.
At that time, When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: "Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen." From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

Homily:
About twenty years ago I was driving with someone who bought a brand new fully loaded car. He was so proud of this car that as we were driving he kept saying “look, look” then he began to press almost every single button and turn every single knob in the car.

Finally, it came time to show me the most impressive feature that his previous car did not have: the impressive cruise control. “Look, look, you press one button” he told me “then you take your foot off the gas pedal, and the car keeps going at exactly the same speed.” He was so excited he lifted his knee up next to the steering wheel and said: “Look, look, my foot is not even near the gas pedal.”

He then got a little too excited. In addition to lifting his foot off the pedal, he took both hands off the steering wheel and said: “Look, look, no feet and no hands. I’m in cruise control.” I immediately grabbed the steering wheel and said: “That is not how cruise control works. You can take your foot off the gas pedal for a few minutes but you can’t take your hands off the steering wheel even for one second.”

As odd as this may sound, we sometimes live our spiritual lives like we are driving a car with cruise control. We believe in the basics of our faith, but then take our feet off the gas pedal and say: “Look, look, I’m still a good person. I don’t need to learn new things about the Bible anymore.” Regardless of whether we’re making progress or not, we’re sometimes content that our speed is just fine. Then we might start taking our spiritual life for granted a little more. After taking our feet off the pedal, we then take one hand off the wheel by saying: “Look, look, everything is still ok even when I skip my daily prayers or stop praying at all.” “Look, look, I’m still making good decisions in life.”

We then might end up taking the other hand off the wheel and start to drive down the highway of life with our feet nowhere near the gas or brake pedals and our hands nowhere near the steering wheel and we say “Look, look, things are still ok, without all that religion stuff.”

If there is no one around us and the road is flat, then for a few seconds we can drive in cruise control with our hands and feet up in the air, but that thrill doesn’t last very long. Likewise, if we do not hold on to our spiritual wheel of faith to remind ourselves that our spiritual lives cannot be lived in cruise control then we will not be on a spiritual highway for very long.

We heard in today’s Gospel: “Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand’ ” (Matthew 4:17). The word “repent” can mean different things. One way to understand this rich word is by looking at how cruise control works. God made all of us with more exciting features than any new car. But despite all these features we always have to keep our eyes on the road and our hands on the steering wheel. We always have to be careful and we can never completely let go of the steering wheel nor keep our feet far from the pedal. Repenting reminds us that we always have to “look, look.”

We may be a talented athlete or singer, we might really excel in school, we might be very successful at work or other aspects of our life, but these will not endure if we take our hands off the steering wheel. Professional athletes and singers practice for hours not because they are not good but because they want to make sure they are the best they can be. They are the best in their field because they are willing to spend ten hours a day to make sure that their 10-minute performance is as close to perfect as possible.

We can say the same about our faith. The saints are great examples for us. They spent many hours a day praying, they spent many hours a day reading the Bible or spiritual books, and they put great effort into repenting of every thought or action that is not consistent with being a follower of Jesus.

They did not spend many hours praying because they were bad people but because they wanted to be better people and wanted to grow in their daily relationship with God. They did not spend many hours reading and studying the Bible because they did not know what was in it, but because they wanted to see how their lives can better reflect what is in it. They did not put great effort into repenting of every thought or action because they had so many of them but because they knew that even the smallest thought or action if allowed to grow will have a negative impact on their lives and decrease the intensity of their love for Jesus.

We should enjoy our talents and accomplishments, but even small faults can undermine everything. For example, ask people who smoke how they started. Many will say “I just wanted to try it once, but then I got hooked.” Ask someone how he or she became an alcoholic or developed an addiction to gambling and they will say “That first time was so enjoyable.” Ask anyone who has ruined their lives and the lives of their family because of infidelity “What happened?” and they will tell you “I don’t know. It started so innocently.”

The word “gospel” means good news. The good news of Jesus Christ is that we all need to repent. The good news of repentance is that it allows us to truly see who we are as beloved children of God. It is important to think of the word “repent” in a very positive way.

We are superstar athletes, we are master musicians, we are top scholars, we are successful in every aspect of our life, we are made in the image and likeness of God, and we are more brilliant and more holy than we have a capacity to appreciate. But, that world of ours could easily crumble if we do not turn away from even what we may consider to be small sins and “repent.”
Cruise control is a great and exciting invention but if it is not used correctly we will hurt ourselves and others. Spiritual cruise control is even more dangerous because without self-assessment, even after we do much damage we can be blind of what we have done.

Sometimes we get distracted and swerve from right to left, but the word “repent” reminds us that to get to our destination we have to keep our feet near the gas and brake pedals in order to learn wisdom. We have to keep our hands on the steering wheel in order to remain firm in our intentions. And we have to keep our eyes on the road in order to stay inspired by the good that we have accomplished and want to accomplish.

Today in addition to all the wonderful things we are doing, let us also look for opportunities to repent of any harm we may have done to ourselves or to others. When we repent we are not saying that we are bad people but are saying that with God’s help we can be so much better.

When we find the courage to repent, we are able to rejoice because we see that we can only make it past the bumps or holes on the road of life with God holding our hands. This is the kind of cruise control we want to show off and say “Look, look we’re cruising to a deeper and deeper joy in who we are as children of such a loving God.”