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HANOVER TWP. — A Mass of Thanksgiving held at the Exaltation of the Holy Cross Church on Sunday provided an opportunity for parish members to look back on the church’s 100-year history with a great deal of gratitude.

As Suzanne Jones made her way to the front door with her family, she recalled the close-knit atmosphere at the church which provided a foundation for her life and her faith.

Jones, a wife and mother of five, returned to the area from Johnston, New York, especially for the service.

“My youngest was baptized at this church with her cousin,” she said.

Mary Stchur, of Kingston, Jones’ mother, said five of her seven children had returned for the celebration, taking their place beside her as she took her seat in a pew.

“My kids grew up here,” she said, detailing with special fondness the church’s youth group and the activities it provided for her children.

Ron and Diane Breznay, of Hanover Township, were also excited at the chance to not only participate in the celebration of the anniversary, but also to hear a sermon delivered by the Rev. Joseph Bambera, bishop of the Diocese of the Scranton.

Faithful attendees of the church’s Sunday service, the Breznays raised their children in the church.

“It’s a great community church with a wonderful youth group,” said Diane Breznay, who has attended the church for 42 years. “It’s an honor to be here today.”

Bambera addressed more than 200 people gathered for the special Mass, interjecting a bit of humor.

“You look and sound pretty good for 100,” he said.

Bambera reflecting on the service’s scripture reading, compared the church to a vineyard and its members to those who tend to it.

“You’ve done God’s work,” he said. “Not perfectly, but with the best of intentions and the grace of God.”

Bambera also looked to the church’s future.

“You have a lot left to give,” he said. “Continuing as an instrument of God’s mercy, forgiveness and peace.”

Rev. Richard Cirba, who has been at the parish for three years and recently became its pastor, joined the Bambera in looking to the future.

Cirba said the church was vibrant and well attended, with a robust youth group.

“This church is a legacy that will continue to move forward,” he said.

The Mass was followed by a celebratory dinner at The Woodlands in Plains Township.

Bishop Joseph Bambera shares a laugh with a parishioner Sunday.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/web1_church2RGB.jpg.optimal.jpgBishop Joseph Bambera shares a laugh with a parishioner Sunday. Geri Gibbons | For Times Leader

Bishop Joseph Bambera celebrates a Mass marking the 100th anniversary of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross Church in Hanover Township on Sunday.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/web1_Church1RGB.jpg.optimal.jpgBishop Joseph Bambera celebrates a Mass marking the 100th anniversary of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross Church in Hanover Township on Sunday. Geri Gibbons | For Times Leader

Bishop Joseph Bambera celebrates a Mass marking the 100th anniversary of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross Church in Hanover Township on Sunday.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/web1_Church1.jpg.optimal.jpgBishop Joseph Bambera celebrates a Mass marking the 100th anniversary of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross Church in Hanover Township on Sunday. Geri Gibbons | For Times Leader

Bishop Joseph Bambera shares a laugh with a parishioner Sunday.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/web1_church2.jpg.optimal.jpgBishop Joseph Bambera shares a laugh with a parishioner Sunday. Geri Gibbons | For Times Leader

By Geri Gibbons

For Times Leader

Reach the Times Leader newsroom at 570-829-7242 or on Twitter @TLnews.