Holy Cross Parish Community
225 Purchase Street South Easton, MA 02375
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Programs & Ministries
Please click here for a Stewardship Brochure
Liturgical Ministries
The liturgical ministries at Holy Cross Parish (or at any Catholic church) are the following: the Lector who proclaims the Word of God at our Sunday liturgy; the lay Communion Minister who assists with the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass and brings Communion to the sick and shut-ins in the parish; Ministers of Hospitality (Ushers) who greet people at Sunday Mass, take up the collection and help seat people at Mass; and Altar Servers who assist the priest at Mass. For more information contact Father Larry (508-238-2235).
Music Ministry
The parish Music Ministry has over 50 parishioners involved in the four choirs that provide music at parish liturgies. The children’s choir, grades 2-6, sings weekly at the 8:30 a.m. mass. The adult choir sings weekly at the 10:00 a.m. mass. Our youth choir sings weekly at the 5:30 p.m. Sunday youth mass. In addition, our Resurrection Choir provides music at parish funeral masses (Mass of Christian Burial). Cantors provide music of a more traditional style at the Saturday 4:00 p.m. mass. Each choir has its unique repertoire and style to enhance that mass. The music is carefully selected to fit the needs of our singers and instrumentalists. It is both a rewarding and fun ministry. Rehearsal time is easy to fit busy schedules. For more information contact Chris Iannitelli (508-580-0726).
Worship & Spirituality
The Worship and Spirituality Commission is composed primarily of representatives from the various liturgical ministries in our parish. The commission meets monthly to discuss and plan for seasonal and specific celebrations at Holy Cross Church such as the Advent Season or the annual Memorial Mass for parishioners and family members who have died in the past year. For more information contact Father Larry (508-238-2235).
God's Squad
Our "God's Squads" here at Holy Cross are composed of those men, women, and teens who have assumed responsibility for the maintenance of our worship space. Making the words of King David their own, they dedicate themselves to keeping the interior of our church shining clean, explaining why they so generously do so by saying, "...Because of the delight I take in the house of my God..." (1 Chronicles 29:3) For more information contact Claire Smith (508-238-1899).
Holy Cross Spiritual Book Club
Once a month, this group of parishioners meets in the parish library to discuss spiritual books, either current or classics. The discussions are lively, and participants find them both enjoyable and beneficial to their spiritual lives. The schedule for these meetings can be found in the bulletin. For more information contact Gina Marchewka (508-238-7840) or Sue Sessler (508-238-1535).
Intercessory Prayer Group
The Holy Cross Intercessory Prayer Ministry gathers the last Thursday of the month in the parish center chapel after the morning mass to praise God through scripture reading and shared reflections. The group prays for those who have requested prayer, especially for the petitions placed in the parish prayer box. For more information contact Fran Long (508-238-2255).
Bible Study
Bible Study meets in the Parish Center on Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. and on Friday mornings at 9:30 a.m. Each year a specific book of the Bible is studied. It is an opportunity to grow in the knowledge of Scripture. For more information, contact Fran Long (508) 238-2255.
Children's Liturgy of the Word
Each Sunday during the 8:30 a.m. mass the children are escorted to the church hall to hear the Word of God at their own level. Adult volunteers make a commitment of approximately six times per year for about 15-20 minutes. This is a wonderful opportunity to share the faith with our young children, and probably one of the most rewarding programs that we offer. Jesus is certainly visible in the faces of our young children. For more information contact Anne Tarallo (508-238-2235).
Confirmation Preparation Program
Preparation for the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation at Holy Cross is designed to guide and assist our youth with the lifetime decision to live a good moral life and to follow Jesus Christ in the Catholic tradition through regular participation in liturgy and reception of the Eucharist, prayer, and service to others. The Confirmation Preparation program at Holy Cross begins in Grade 9 and continues in Grade 10 and beyond. Once a candidate has shown active participation in all aspects of the program for two years, the candidate will then enroll in catechesis for the rite and rituals of the sacrament. The sacrament will be conferred in the Spring of the Candidates second year of Confirmation preparation. Most candidates are confirmed in the Spring of Grade 10. For detailed information please see our Faith Formation Handbook or visit our website at www.holycrosseaston.org, or contact Anne Tarallo (508-238-2235).
RCIA
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is an ancient rite in the church restored at the Second Vatican Council. It is an important program in the church primarily for those who desire to become members of the Catholic Church- those who are unbaptized and baptized non-Catholics. Here at Holy Cross this program is also open to anyone who desires a “refresher” class in the Catholic faith. The RCIA program, led by the associate pastor and a team of interested parishioners, runs from September through May. For more information contact Father Larry (508-238-2235)
Summer Vacation Bible School
Children in grades K through 5 are invited to spend one week in mid-August learning about their faith and scripture through fun activities, including stories, song, dance, crafts and drama. Daily themes reinforce the general theme of each summer’s vacation bible week. For more information, contact Terry Dotolo (508-285-5329) or Kathy Traficanti (508-238-1661).
Youth Bible Study
Come with our group of teens and explore the scriptures. We begin with the Old Testament and the history of God’s people and our salvation, and continue with the New Testament and the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. What does this mean for us today, and how do we bring the scriptures to life? Using group discussion, media and “The Teen Timeline Series” with Mark Hart (very entertaining), the scriptures will become a integral part of our teens’ lives that is so important for the 21st century and for their future. For more information contact Anne Tarallo (508-238-2235).
Youth Ministry
The parish’s Youth Ministry offers two programs for youth in grades 7-8 and in high school. The parish’ comprehensive Youth Ministry program features all eight components of youth ministry as set out by the United States Bishops. Those are: community life, catechesis (learning), advocacy, evangelization, service, leadership, pastoral care, and prayer and worship. For more information visit www.holycrossyouthministry.org, or contact youth minister John Barata (jbarata@holycrosseaston.org).
Social Action Commission
The Social Action Commission coordinates all the parish outreach programs into the Easton and the greater-Easton communities. The parish supports on a regular basis Birthright, Louison Shelter, MainSpring House, My Brother’s Keeper, and Womansplace Shelter. Every first Sunday of the month, food and supplies are brought to each mass for distribution to each of the above charities. Special efforts are made on behalf of these and other charities when the need arises. For more information contact Deacon George (508-238-2235).
Meals at MainSpring House
The Holy Cross Church Parishioners serve a meal at MainSpring Shelter on the 2nd Tuesday of even months, and the 3rd Saturday of odd months. The following are our scheduled dates for 2009: Saturday, January 17; Tuesday, February 10; Saturday, March 21; Tuesday, April 14 Saturday, May 16; Tuesday, June 9; Saturday, July 18; Tuesday, August 11; Saturday, September 19; Tuesday, October 13; Saturday, November 21; Tuesday, December 8. For information on what you can contribute, please click here. For more information contact Claire Smith at (508-238-1899).
Outreach Sunday
On the first Sunday of each month parishioners are invited to donate items, listed in the church bulletin, in support of Birthright, Louison Shelter, MainSpring House, My Brother’s Keeper, and Womansplace Crisis Center. See the previous Sunday’s bulletin for items needed by these organizations. For more information contact Claire Smith (508-238-1899).
St. Vincent de Paul Society
Inspired by Gospel values, the St. Vincent de Paul Society leads women and men to join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to those who are needy and suffering. The Holy Cross Parish St. Vincent de Paul Society serves the needs of the Easton community. Vincentians are united in an international society of charity by their spirit of poverty, humility and sharing, which is nourished by prayer and reflection, mutually supportive gatherings and adherence to a basic Rule. Vincentians witness God's love by embracing all works of charity and justice. For more information contact Michele Azevedo (508-238-6637).
Pro-Life Committee
The Holy Cross Pro-Life Committee seeks to educate parishioners on pro-life issues from the consistent ethic of life approach of the Catholic Church. It coordinates pro-life efforts in the parish, and serves as a liaison between the parish and the diocesan Pro-Life Apostolate. The committee seeks to advocate for the unborn and the single parent, the elderly and infirm, the needs of the young and the old. The committee supports programs such as Birthright and Project Rachel for those experiencing the effects of an abortion. For more information contact Matt Leitzmann (508-326-7271).
Health Ministry
The Health Ministry of Holy Cross Church is founded on the principle that we bear witness to Jesus’ healing love, as proclaimed in the Gospel. We seek to extend that love to all in our faith community and beyond, as we strive to minister to their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs through assessment, advocacy, referral, education, and compassionate support. Parish nurses are licensed professional nurses (R.N.) who, through experience and education, incorporate spiritual assessment and care into their practice as agents of the Health Ministry of Holy Cross Parish. Health Ministers are parishioners who, regardless of their background or education, seek to serve Holy Cross Parish in this special ministry. For more information contact Ginny Croak (508-238-2235).
Prayer Shawl Ministry
An outreach of the parish Health Ministry, the Holy Cross Parish Prayer Shawl Ministry strives to reach out to the people of the parish and the wider community, bringing the mystical reality of God into people’s lives using shawls as an outward sign. It is a ministry of prayer, community spirit and sharing. For more information contact Pat Brophy (508-238-2194).
Church Family Life Commission
The Church Family Life Commission coordinates various family-oriented social activities for the enjoyment of the parish community, fostering community building among parishioners and strengthening intergenerational bonds within the families of our parish community. For more information contact Joe Struzik (508-446-2987).
Forever Young
Monthly coffee and pastries breakfasts after morning mass and occasional luncheons bring the seniors of our parish community together for fellowship and enjoyment of each other’s company. For more information contact Dot McMahon (508-238-9282).
Friends in Faith
Friends in Faith serves divorced, widowed, separated and single and Catholics forty years and older, providing a program that encourages fellowship, social interaction, and spirituality in the Catholic community. For more information contact Janis Gilson (508-238-1774) or Steve Forrest (508-269-3823). Click here for a list of upcoming events.
Widows and Widowers
Regular luncheons every three months in the parish center bring together the widows and widowers of the parish, along with the priests of the parish, for an afternoon of socializing and good conversation. For more information contact Julie Smith (508-238-2984).
Fundraising
The Fundraising Committee coordinates the timing of various fundraising activities and projects of the parish. It evaluates current fundraising efforts and makes recommendations to the various committees responsible for them. The committee assists in deciding on new parish fundraising efforts. For more information contact John Ventresco (508-238-4413).
Finance Commission
The Finance Commission reviews on a monthly basis the financial stability of the parish. It assists the pastor in formulating the yearly budget, and guides him in major parish financial decisions. The commission seeks to educate and motivate parishioners in the practice of stewardship of time, talent and treasure for the spiritual and temporal well being of the parish community. For more information contact Carol Chace (508-230-3694).
Parish Auction
The primary parish fundraiser of the year, the Parish Auction & Spring Social fosters parishioners mingling with friends while trying their luck at various games and bidding on live and silent auction items. Serving stations offer a variety of foods. Music provided by the DJ entertains during the meal and invites concluding the evening on the dance floor. For more information contact Greg Hagopian (508-230-7459).
Holly Fair
The Holly Fair, on the first Sunday of December, is another major fundraiser that is also a wonderful social activity of the parish. It offers “Breakfast with Santa” along with Christmas gifts that can be purchased, a large variety of raffle items, and homemade candy and pastry treats. For more information contact Mary Tighe (508-238-4770).
Parish Golf Tournament
This major parish fundraiser, held in June, includes prizes for closest to pin and longest drive, and cash prizes for the top three finishers, as well as a gift bag, concluding with dinner. For more information contact Rob Tarallo (508-238-4653).
Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic family, fraternal and service organization with 1.75 million members throughout the world. It provides members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to the Catholic Church, their communities, families and young people. Instituted on June 27, 1897, Easton Council 238 covers the parishes of Immaculate Conception in North Easton and Holy Cross in South Easton.
Revised: 10/28/09
© 2006 Holy Cross Church, Diocese of Fall River All Rights Reserved.