ministries
LITURGY COMMITTEE
This committee coordinates arrangements for different liturgies and prayer experiences throughout the year and promotes "parish wide" liturgical functions for our diverse community. The special gifts of cultural diversity provide a welcome challenge for us.
ALTAR SERVERS
Boys and girls who have celebrated their First Eucharist are welcomed and encourage to take an active role in ministry by assisting with the tasks involved in our liturgical celebrations.
MUSIC MINISTRIES
Liturgical music is provided by singers and musicians from our own country, Africa and Latin America.
CHILDREN'S LITURGY OF THE WORD
At our Sunday liturgies, children aged 4 through 10 years are brought to a separate area to hear the readings from the Children's Lectionary. With experienced adult leaders they reflect on God's word in a way that is meaningful for them.
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Confirmed men, women, teens and young adults help distribute the Eucharist at mass and bring the sacrament to the hospitalized and homebound.
LECTORS
These confirmed men and women, teens and young adults proclaim the scriptures at weekend masses
USHERS AND GREETERS
Ushers lead arriving worshippers to their places, select the gift-bearers who will carry the bread and wine to the altar. They organize the collection, maintain order in the communion procession and distribute the parish bulletin. The greeters, for about 15 minutes before mass, position themselves at the doors of the church to welcome new and current parishioners and newcomers to our community.
PRAYER GROUP (CÍRCULO DE ORACIÓN)
The "Fishers of Men" (Pescadores de Hombres) Prayer Group meets weekly on Monday at 7:00pm to 9:00pm to give expression to a particularly Hispanic form of prayer. They receive prayer requests of parishioners in general.
This committee coordinates arrangements for different liturgies and prayer experiences throughout the year and promotes "parish wide" liturgical functions for our diverse community. The special gifts of cultural diversity provide a welcome challenge for us.
ALTAR SERVERS
Boys and girls who have celebrated their First Eucharist are welcomed and encourage to take an active role in ministry by assisting with the tasks involved in our liturgical celebrations.
MUSIC MINISTRIES
Liturgical music is provided by singers and musicians from our own country, Africa and Latin America.
CHILDREN'S LITURGY OF THE WORD
At our Sunday liturgies, children aged 4 through 10 years are brought to a separate area to hear the readings from the Children's Lectionary. With experienced adult leaders they reflect on God's word in a way that is meaningful for them.
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Confirmed men, women, teens and young adults help distribute the Eucharist at mass and bring the sacrament to the hospitalized and homebound.
LECTORS
These confirmed men and women, teens and young adults proclaim the scriptures at weekend masses
USHERS AND GREETERS
Ushers lead arriving worshippers to their places, select the gift-bearers who will carry the bread and wine to the altar. They organize the collection, maintain order in the communion procession and distribute the parish bulletin. The greeters, for about 15 minutes before mass, position themselves at the doors of the church to welcome new and current parishioners and newcomers to our community.
PRAYER GROUP (CÍRCULO DE ORACIÓN)
The "Fishers of Men" (Pescadores de Hombres) Prayer Group meets weekly on Monday at 7:00pm to 9:00pm to give expression to a particularly Hispanic form of prayer. They receive prayer requests of parishioners in general.
Liturgical Support Ministries
CHURCH CLEANERS
Each week, one of four teams of men and women cleans the church for weekend worship. The 35 or so men and women offer their services voluntarily in thanksgiving to God and to the parish for the gift of a Catholic education.
ALTAR CANDLES AND VOTIVE CANDLES
The altar candles, and holders and the area around them are in constant need of attention. We would welcome persons to keep them clean and fit for worship and prayer.
ALTAR LINENS
Several adult volunteers who launder and iron the small altar linens used at worship.
CHURCH CLEANERS
Each week, one of four teams of men and women cleans the church for weekend worship. The 35 or so men and women offer their services voluntarily in thanksgiving to God and to the parish for the gift of a Catholic education.
ALTAR CANDLES AND VOTIVE CANDLES
The altar candles, and holders and the area around them are in constant need of attention. We would welcome persons to keep them clean and fit for worship and prayer.
ALTAR LINENS
Several adult volunteers who launder and iron the small altar linens used at worship.
Christian Formation Ministries
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM (Faith Formation)
Our children mature in their faith as they prepare for the Sacraments of First Eucharist, Reconciliation and Confirmation. Their parents participate in several programs at their programs and experiences to deepen their own adult faith.
CONFIRMATION PROGRAM
After a full year of participation in parish worship, community service and formation, high school age adolescents begin an intensive period of preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation in conjunction with young people from other West Side parishes.
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation of Children)
Our parish welcomes many members, who, because of unstable conditions in their home countries or because of frequent moves from place to place, have never celebrated the sacraments of Initiation. If they are older children and teens, this happens with the Religious Education program. Adults would meet at their convenience and that of those responsible for the process.
CATHOLIC ACADEMY OF WEST BFFALO (CAWB)
The parishes of West Buffalo have united in order to offer to our children (Pre-K -8) a private, Catholic education. Our Catholic faith permeates the atmosphere of the school, even though all faiths are welcome. Graduating classes are successful when they reach the high school level and usually are awarded many scholarships. We need a few CAWB to act as liaison with the academy and other HC parents.
YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
The Holy Cross Youth Organization (HCYO) welcomes all parish youth from 8th through 12th grade. College students are most welcome and act as moderators and mentors. A religious formation component is part of each weekly meeting. Members participate in several annual retreats and community service projects and organize programs for younger children. Some activities are done with youth groups in neighboring parishes and with the Diocesan Office of Youth Ministry. Adult help is always needed for youth ministry, food preparation, and transportation. The parish invites area young people of all faiths to visit the Holy Cross Youth Center for sociability, prayer, an occasional meal and recreation.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM (Faith Formation)
Our children mature in their faith as they prepare for the Sacraments of First Eucharist, Reconciliation and Confirmation. Their parents participate in several programs at their programs and experiences to deepen their own adult faith.
CONFIRMATION PROGRAM
After a full year of participation in parish worship, community service and formation, high school age adolescents begin an intensive period of preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation in conjunction with young people from other West Side parishes.
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation of Children)
Our parish welcomes many members, who, because of unstable conditions in their home countries or because of frequent moves from place to place, have never celebrated the sacraments of Initiation. If they are older children and teens, this happens with the Religious Education program. Adults would meet at their convenience and that of those responsible for the process.
CATHOLIC ACADEMY OF WEST BFFALO (CAWB)
The parishes of West Buffalo have united in order to offer to our children (Pre-K -8) a private, Catholic education. Our Catholic faith permeates the atmosphere of the school, even though all faiths are welcome. Graduating classes are successful when they reach the high school level and usually are awarded many scholarships. We need a few CAWB to act as liaison with the academy and other HC parents.
YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
The Holy Cross Youth Organization (HCYO) welcomes all parish youth from 8th through 12th grade. College students are most welcome and act as moderators and mentors. A religious formation component is part of each weekly meeting. Members participate in several annual retreats and community service projects and organize programs for younger children. Some activities are done with youth groups in neighboring parishes and with the Diocesan Office of Youth Ministry. Adult help is always needed for youth ministry, food preparation, and transportation. The parish invites area young people of all faiths to visit the Holy Cross Youth Center for sociability, prayer, an occasional meal and recreation.
Administrative Ministries
PASTORAL COUNCIL
The council is advisory to the pastor. Together they implement the mission of the parish by planning for the future and coordinating short and long time goal.
ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
The Finance Council monitors the financial activities of the parishes and makes recommendations to the pastor and the Pastoral Council. This includes financial and budgetary matters such as personnel, stewardship of resources, church support and fundraising and the financial aspect of the upkeep of our buildings and properties.
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE
This committee oversees the physical plant of the parish, advises on the use of space for needs of parish activities and directs capital improvement projects. The parish depends on volunteer help for landscaping, painting and small capital improvement projects.
OFFICE SUPPORT
Filing, mass mailings, updating of parish records, etc. are among the many time consuming tasks performed by our office staff and volunteers.
PASTORAL COUNCIL
The council is advisory to the pastor. Together they implement the mission of the parish by planning for the future and coordinating short and long time goal.
ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
The Finance Council monitors the financial activities of the parishes and makes recommendations to the pastor and the Pastoral Council. This includes financial and budgetary matters such as personnel, stewardship of resources, church support and fundraising and the financial aspect of the upkeep of our buildings and properties.
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE
This committee oversees the physical plant of the parish, advises on the use of space for needs of parish activities and directs capital improvement projects. The parish depends on volunteer help for landscaping, painting and small capital improvement projects.
OFFICE SUPPORT
Filing, mass mailings, updating of parish records, etc. are among the many time consuming tasks performed by our office staff and volunteers.
Christian Service Ministries
CHRISTIAN SERVICE COMMITTEE
This committee of the Parish Council tends to the needs of neighbors in severely challenging financial situations. They coordinate the delivery of food, gifts and clothing that arrive in the holiday seasons. Members of this committee monitor neighborhood concerns and join with other groups and agencies (VOICE Buffalo, Block Clubs, AmeriCorps, Habitat for Humanity, etc.) to promote issues of Social Justice (housing, neighborhood concerns, public safety, etc.)
SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY
The society responds to individual request for furniture, emergency food and other household needs.
PARISH COOKS
Many of our programs and ministries require talented cooks and helpers to supply refreshments and meals. Much of our fundraising involves food preparation.
CHRISTIAN SERVICE COMMITTEE
This committee of the Parish Council tends to the needs of neighbors in severely challenging financial situations. They coordinate the delivery of food, gifts and clothing that arrive in the holiday seasons. Members of this committee monitor neighborhood concerns and join with other groups and agencies (VOICE Buffalo, Block Clubs, AmeriCorps, Habitat for Humanity, etc.) to promote issues of Social Justice (housing, neighborhood concerns, public safety, etc.)
SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY
The society responds to individual request for furniture, emergency food and other household needs.
PARISH COOKS
Many of our programs and ministries require talented cooks and helpers to supply refreshments and meals. Much of our fundraising involves food preparation.
Ministries of Sociability and Spirituality
LADIES SOCIETY
The society includes many women currently and formerly members of Holy Cross. It holds several activities each year to provide both parish spirit and financial support to Holy Cross. Monthly group masses and breakfast maintain their relationships and sociability is promoted by a number of enjoyable dinner occasions and outside activities.
The society includes many women currently and formerly members of Holy Cross. It holds several activities each year to provide both parish spirit and financial support to Holy Cross. Monthly group masses and breakfast maintain their relationships and sociability is promoted by a number of enjoyable dinner occasions and outside activities.
SACRED HEART SOCIETY (SOCIEDAD DEL SAGRADO CORAZÓN)
This group has it's origin in the former Immaculate Conception Parish which joined us in 2005. The group has grown with new members and meets monthly for planning, prayer, a luncheon and sociability. The society organizes an annual "fiesta" to celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and an annual parish family picnic to nearby amusement parks.
ETHNIC SPIRITUALITY AND CULTURE
Holy Cross Parish is home to many parishioners from Latin America and Africa. Their particular spiritual and cultural celebrations are promoted. This ministry requires the input of those familiar with these matters.
This group has it's origin in the former Immaculate Conception Parish which joined us in 2005. The group has grown with new members and meets monthly for planning, prayer, a luncheon and sociability. The society organizes an annual "fiesta" to celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and an annual parish family picnic to nearby amusement parks.
ETHNIC SPIRITUALITY AND CULTURE
Holy Cross Parish is home to many parishioners from Latin America and Africa. Their particular spiritual and cultural celebrations are promoted. This ministry requires the input of those familiar with these matters.
