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Church of the Holy Cross |
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The Pastor has the responsibility to administer the parish. Assisting him are several advisory groups, the chief of which is the Parish Pastoral Council. This Council is a body of elected and appointed representatives whose mission is to work in collaboration with the pastor and his associate priests to set priorities, to advise, encourage, and implement programs affecting all aspects of parish life. They hold monthly meetings, as do their several sub-committees. The Pastor's role is to see that the council hears and applies the Word faithfully. He is to encourage involvement of all parishioners according to their respective gifts and to help coordinate and unify the Council and the parish. The Pastor is also the bridge to the Bishop and the Universal Church, insuring unity of the parish and its Council with the Diocese. Within the Parish Pastoral Council there exists several sub-committees that address specific needs in the parish. They are:
The Finance Council is a consultative body of lay persons who advise the pastor in matters pertaining to the financial affairs of the parish. While the Parish Council is to be representative of the whole parish in its membership, membership on the Finance Council looks to persons skilled in finances, civil law, and business. Except for the Executive Officer, persons serving on the Finance Council should not serve on the Parish Council at the same time.
Committees
Liturgy CommitteeThis group of men and women meets once a month to discuss the overall liturgies that occur at the worship celebrations throughout the year. They seek to provide a variety of experiences through environment, music, readings, etc., to accommodate the varied needs of the parishioners. Contact:
MusicMusic, an essential element of Catholic worship, is a major liturgical ministry. Those who are ministers of music have the gift for inviting all to celebrate faith through sung prayer. All music ministers are encouraged to participate in special celebrations throughout the year. They must be committed to attending rehearsals regularly. All parishioners are invited to participate. The different choirs are:
Contact:
Altar ServersBoys and girls beginning in fifth grade assist the priest and other ministers during the celebration of Mass and other special liturgies. Training is conducted periodically. Contact:
LectorsThese men and women of the parish participate in the liturgy by proclaiming the Scripture readings for the faith community. Contact:
Eucharistic MinistersThese members of our parish assist with the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass and extend the Eucharistic celebration to shut-ins who cannot be present with our faith community on Sundays. Eucharistic ministers must be at least 25 years of age, be recommended by the Pastor, and approved by the Bishop. Special training classes are mandated and provided by the Diocese. Contact:
UshersThe ushers are available at all Masses to assist parishioners with seating, to take up the collection, and to take care of any special circumstances that may arise. Contact:
Art & EnvironmentThese are people who, through their artistic gifts, encourage a full experience of worship by preparing environments that touch the senses, imagination, emotions and memory of the People of God. Liturgical training is available for those who wish to help us speak the Word of Life through the medium of the arts. Contact:
What is Evangelization?Evangelization seeks to encourage the faithful in their role of reaching out to the inactive Catholic and to those persons who do not have a church home. Several sub-committees help develop programs to address these needs. Contact:
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)This process is the ordinary way through which a person may explore the Catholic faith and receive the Sacraments of Christian Initiation. The program involves a team of clergy and laity, as well as, a sponsoring community committed to learning about and sharing their faith. This group meets with "inquirers" on Sunday mornings beginning in October and ending in June. RCIA 2008 Wednesday Schedule - PDF or HTML 2008 Sunday Schedule - PDF or HTML Contact: Pete Nellius
Home Prayer CenterTwice a month, small groups of parishioners gather in homes to pray, reflect on scripture, share faith, and support one another as they grow in friendship with the Lord. The format and teaching for each gathering is universal for all Home Prayer Centers. Periodically throughout the year, all prayer centers come together in the church for a prayer rally followed by a social. All Home Prayer Centers welcome visitors--both Catholic and non-Catholic. Anyone needing prayers for a loved one or a special intention, may call the Home Prayer Center contact to have their special need passed on to the Home Prayer Center Prayer Line. Contact:
Hospital VisitationIf a member of the family is in the hospital and would like to be visited, please call the Parish Office. Contact:
Staying InformedRead the weekly bulletin, the parish website and the Diocesan Newspaper, The Dialog. Contact:
Respect Life CommitteeThis committee keeps informed and shares information on current life issues, including abortion, euthanasia, and care of the mentally and physically challenged. It also promotes Pro-Life activities and prayers. Contact:
Samaritans and Crisis AlleviationThis is a volunteer organization that seeks to meet emergencies or provide help for those in need within the community. Names of the needy are referred by one of the state or Catholic social agencies and are kept strictly confidential. Volunteers are always needed each week in the Food Pantry to stock shelves, to help pack and distribute food, and to help with the operation of their services. Contact:
Parish Social ActivitiesFrom time to time, there are social activities and fundraisers sponsored by various parish organizations. These activities promote a sense of community and provide an opportunity to become involved in the parish. Contact:
BingoHoly Cross Bingo is a social and recreational activity for members of the Dover community held each Monday evening. A large number of volunteers are needed for the continuance of this activity, and new friends are always welcome. Contact:
Perpetual AdorationExposition of the Blessed Sacrament occurs each day, round the clock, in the Chapel located on the side entrance of the porch rectory. Contact:
Catholic Youth Organization (CYO)The CYO offers the young people of our parish opportunity for physical and spiritual growth through competitive team sports. First through twelfth graders enjoy the fun and fellowship of basketball, soccer, or volleyball throughout the school year. Contact:
ScoutsHoly Cross supports several scouting programs that are designed to provide youth with an opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of activities while exploring their world and developing leadership and outdoor skills. The various troops are cub scouts, boy scouts, brownies, and junior girl scouts. Contact:
Young At HeartsThis social group is composed of people 55 years or older. They meet every second Tuesday for Mass at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Lunch Meeting in the ELC. New members are welcome to join at any time, and it is not required that members be Catholic. Contact:
Life TeenOpen to Catholic youths that have been confirmed or are attending Confirmation preparation classes. The program will provide its members the opportunity to develop themselves through participation in a wide variety of parish concern groups and church functions. It also provides an environment in which the teen's God-given abilities and talents can be used in a positive fashion to foster a sense of commitment and increase their knowledge and strength in the Catholic Faith. Contact:
Alliance of the Two HeartsThe Alliance promotes sanctification of the family through the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary devotions. They observe the First Friday/First Saturday Communion of Reparation and the practice of these religious elements as a way of life: regular confession, daily Rosary, a Holy Hour of Adoration, and receiving Holy Eucharist. Two regular activities of the Alliance are:
Contact:
Knights of ColumbusThis fraternity is dedicated to charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. They are involved in sponsoring youth, family, fraternal and religious activities. Men requesting membership must be over 18 years old and be practicing Catholics. Contact:
Shepherd PlaceProvides emergency housing for families and single adults who are homeless. During their temporary stay, the home provides tutoring and activities for children, counseling for adults, and encouragement in getting started on their own again. Volunteers are needed to help with the children, office work, general maintenance, and fund raising. Contact: Mike Lovett, Director 678-1909
Mom's HouseA non-profit agency offering a comprehensive system of support services to low-income, single parents who are full-time students. We provide weekly parent education discussion sessions, mentoring, tutoring, job training, use of and experience in Mom's House Child Care and Resource Centers. Upon enrollment, student parents sign a contract to stay in school, maintain passing grades, and work three hours minimum each week at Mom's House. Many caring and qualified volunteers are needed to offer our many free services. Contact:
Pregnancy Help CenterLocated in Dover & Milford, the center offers free services to women faced with social and economic difficulties due to pregnancy. The center offers pregnancy tests, peer counseling, information on abortion and fetal development, as well as material help in the form of baby and maternity items. Referrals are also made for maternity homes and adoption. Medical services include a one-time medical examination by a doctor, confirmation of pregnancy and due date, and referral for pre-natal care. An ultrasound machine and fetal doppler are also available. For women who have had an abortion, a program for healing is offered. Volunteer training is available for those interested. Contact:
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