Dear Parish Family, The cross reminds us that there is no true love without suffering. “There is no true gift of life without pain.” (Pope Benedict VXI) We know the cross is the principal symbol of the Christian religion, recalling the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the redeeming benefits of his Passion and death. It is a sign of both Christ himself and of the faith of all Christians. Five martyrs died on the cross as a way to completely unite themselves to the sacrifice of Jesus. “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23-43) St Peter the Apostle, asked to be crucified upside down because he did not feel worthy to imitate Jesus’ death. St Andrew the Apostle was crucified in the shape of an X, also due to feeling unworthy. We sign ourselves at the beginning and end of every Mass . The third Century is acknowledged as the earliest time known of marking the sign of the cross on the forehead. The thumb or index finger was used to trace the cross on foreheads. We receive ashes in the form of the cross at the beginning of the Lenten season. Oh, Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me! Lord Jesus Christ, through Your suffering the Cross grant me strength to bear my Cross without Fear or dread and give me the grace that I may follow You. Amen. Mary Jo