St. Paul Chong Hasang Bulletin

The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross remembers the Cross of Jesus. It has been celebrated by the Church for centuries. The feast began in the 4th century, when the True Cross was found by St. Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine. Tradition says she found the Cross in Jerusalem, where Jesus was crucified. This discovery made a deep impression on Christians and led to honoring the Cross in a special way.

The feast celebrates the Cross because it is the symbol of our faith. The Cross shows us how much Jesus loves us. He died on the Cross to save us from our sins. In Christian tradition, the Cross is a sign of hope, even though it was an instrument of death. It reminds us that Jesus turned suffering and death into victory and life.

We celebrate this feast on September 14. On this day in the year 335, the Church in Jerusalem dedicated a new church built on the site where Jesus died and rose from the dead. The church was built to honor both His crucifixion and His resurrection. Every year since then, the Church remembers this day and the power of the Cross.

The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is a time to reflect on what the Cross means to us. It is more than a symbol. It is a reminder of God’s love and mercy. By celebrating this feast, we honor the victory Jesus won for us through His death and resurrection.

• First Reading – Numbers 21-4b-9: Tired of their journey and food, the people complain against God and Moses. In response, God allows venomous serpents. After repenting, the people are told by God through Moses to look at a bronze serpent for healing.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 78: Hear, my people, how even when you turned from me, I, in my mercy, forgave you and restrained my wrath. Do not forget the works of your merciful God.
• Second Reading – Philippians 2:6-11: Though in the form of God, Jesus didn’t strive for equality with God. He humbled himself, obeying even unto death on a cross. For this, God exalted him above all names.
• Gospel – John 3:13-17: Jesus tells Nicodemus that only he, the Son of Man, descended from and will ascend to heaven. Like Moses’ serpent, he must be lifted up for people to gain eternal life. God sent him not to condemn, but to save.

Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?

(1 Corinthians 3:16)

We’re excited to celebrate our Parish Feast Day on Sunday, September 21, with a Korean/English Joint Mass and fun festivities!

<Schedule>

Mass: 7AM, 11AM (Please note: There will be no 9 AM or 10:30 AM English Mass.)

Lunch: 12:30 – 1:30 PM

Program/Activities: 1:30 – 4:40 PM

(Program times may adjust depending on lunch schedule.)

<Get Involved – We Need Your Help!>

To make this celebration a success, we’re asking for volunteers:

Setup Crew: PTO dads are needed on Saturday, September 20 to help with setup.

Event Volunteers: PTO dads are also needed on Sunday, September 21 during the festivities.

If you’re able to help, please sign up.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4CA9AD23A5FEC70-58243068-parish
Thank you so much for your support. We couldn’t do it without you!

The Back-to-School Mass and the first day of CCD and YG were a true blessing, as we joyfully welcomed students back after the summer break. In his homily last Sunday, Father Michael reminded us that the cross we carry is made up of many small crosses, which is why it can feel heavy.

As we begin a new year of Sunday School and Mass, let us embrace both the small challenges and joys of our spiritual journey, supporting one another with prayer and encouragement as a community of faith.

The Catechist Appointment Ceremony took place during last Sunday’s Mass. Please keep the CCD Director, 11 CCD Catechists, 9 Assistant Catechists, the YG Director, and 2 YG Catechists in your prayers and support as they begin the new school year of ministry.

<CCD>

Director: Caritas Yoon

Pre-K: Soojin Chang / Assistant: Soyoung Park

Kindergarten: Sarah Chang / Assistant: Roy Hong

1st Grade: Gloria Kang / Assistant: Shelly Kim

2nd Grade: Angie Moon / Assistant: Sharlene Joo, Nancy Oh

3rd Grade: Susan Choi / Assistant: SaiEh Park

4th Grade: Jennifer Hwang

5th Grade: Kevin Choe

6th Grade: Joseph Kang / Assistant: Jeannie Hashiguchi

7th Grade: Daniel Kang / Assistant: Shaye Park

7th Grade (Zoom): Allison Michaela Park

8th Grade: Grace Kim / Assistant: Alice Hwang

<YG (Youth Group)>

Director: Peter Kim

Catechists: Mark Chang, Peter Joo

<YG> First YG PTO Parent Meeting

Date: Sunday, September 14, following the 10:30 AM English Mass

Location: Social Hall/Cafeteria

<CCD> First Communion Parent Orientation with Ms. Angie

Date: Sunday, October 5, 1PM

Location: Second Grade Classroom

<CCD> First Communion Parent Seminar with Fr. Michael

Date: Sunday, October 5, after 10:30 English Mass

<CCD> Safe Environment Training

Date: Sunday, October 19 / grades K ~ 8th in class

<CCD> Confirmation Parent Seminar w/ Fr. Michael

Date: Sunday, October 19, after 10:30 English Mass

If you missed the regular registration period, late registration is now open!
The registration fee is $140.

CCD: https://forms.gle/599LgJ9nfWkizEk76
YG: https://forms.gle/4MEF2YmmFsMyu4Zn6

Generation to Generation: Answer the Call is a $300 million, 5 year-capital campaign designed to address the needs of the archdiocese and strengthen local parishes. All parishes will participate, and every parishioner will be invited to help make a positive impact for the future of our church.

Parish Goal: $260,000
Pledge Period: September 13–14

To keep things running smoothly during Mass, please try to sit toward the inside of the pews. This will make it easier for latecomers to find their seats. We really appreciate your help!

<Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) Memorial Mass Registration>

Chuseok Mass Schedule:

Saturday, October: 5 PM

Sunday, October 5: 7 AM | 9 AM | 10:30 AM

Registration: Parish office

Deadline for submissions: October 3

<2025 Retreat for the Sick and Their Families>

Theme: “Prayer and Communication – Suffering, Hope, and Peace”

Date: Sunday, September 14, 1PM ~ 5PM

Location: St. Paul Chong Ha Sang (Small Chapel)
Presenter: Father Michael

<Portrait Session for Seniors>
All senior parishioners are invited to register for this special photoshoot.

Cost: $10

Registration Dates: Sunday, September 14

Organized by: 홍보부/시니어 사목부

For inquiries, please contact: 시니어 사목부 (Senior Ministry) 224.636.2516, 551.265.7145