Faith Formation
Vision Statement
As members of the Holy Cross’ Office of Faith Formation:
We will create a learning environment through a positive atmosphere focused on the Christian concept of the human person and most especially remembering that all children have been created in the image and likeness of God with a supernatural destiny in Christ. We will affirm that the Catholic faith is the body of Christ made up of a community of believers focused on His true presence with us in the Eucharist.We will teach our Catholic faith to all believers of Jesus Christ and the Church He founded. We will be examples of the educational mission of the Church and promote a Catholic Identity. We will prepare and educate the next generation which is at the very heart of the Church’s mission. We will fashion youth with a well formed moral conscience that will guide them not only in their walk of faith but also allow them to reason and navigate the secular world without getting lost in the darkness.
Catechism Study Classes
As part of our Faith Formation program we offer catechism class on Sunday Mornings from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. Youth of all ages are encouraged to participate in a Sunday Mass, through service as a Lector, Usher, Altar Server, or sing in the Youth Choir. Each Sunday the Elementary students share in their own liturgy of the word during the beginning part of the 10:00 am & 12:30 pm Mass. Holy Cross uses the Baltimore Catechism to instruct children about their Catholic Faith.
Sacramental Preparation Classes
The Faith Formation program at Holy Cross offers a variety of sessions to help prepare our parishioners for the seven sacraments. Group baptismal preparation sessions which are held each month for the parents and Godparents of those families seeking the Sacrament of Baptism for their babies and young children. Contact the Parish Office to sign up for Baptismal preparation classes.
A two-year preparation period is required for the Sacraments of First Penance and First Eucharist. Foundation and formation is begun in Grade 1; followed by complete preparation and the receiving of the Sacraments of Penance and Communion in Grade 2. Confirmation preparation is also a two year process which begins in Grade 6 and completed with the Sacrament of Confirmation in Grade 8.
Holy Cross uses the Baltimore Catechism and the Catholicism for Dummies texts in order to prepare the youth for the reception of First Penance, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation.
Religious Instruction for Adults
As part of our adult religious instruction, we offer bible studies throughout the year, a catechism class, as well as sacramental preparation classes.
Adult Confirmation Classes
Adult Confirmation classes are offered from September until May and are designed to prepare adult Catholics who have not been confirmed, the preparation necessary to be confirmed, and become fully initiated Catholics.
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults – RCIA
Christian Initiation of both adults and children is offered continually at Holy Cross Parish. RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a process not a program. Those inquiring about the Catholic faith are welcomed into a very warm community of people. This faith-filled group accompanies the inquires on their spiritual journey toward full initiation into the Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, & Communion. This on-going process is arranged to accommodate each individual’s needs and to further God’s plan. Adult sessions are held Sunday mornings each week after the 10:00am Mass.