Altar Servers are young men and women of the parish (5th grade and up) who serve at the various masses and services at Holy Cross. If you are interested in becoming an altar server, please contact the parish secretary.

Schedules: [March/Daily] [ March / Sunday - includes Easter]

American Heritage Girls is a Christian scouting organization for girls 5-18 years of age. For more information, visit www.ahgonline.org or contact Julie Goodwin at (630) 879-9813 or Cheri Ammon (630) 845-2468 .

The Art and Environment group enhances our regular and special liturgical celebrations through its creative efforts in floral arranging, banner making, fabric hanging, and table cloth and vestment making. The group also maintains these items.

Members of the Baptism Preparation ministry provide instruction to parents prior to their child's baptism assisting with Baptism preparation and faith development. The Baptismal ministry assists in the development of the parish and the growth of the church.  The time spent teaching is a time for deepening the faith commitment of the parents so they can step up as role models for their children.

Baptism Preparation classes are held the third Sunday of every month following the 8 a.m. Mass in St. Jules Hall. Please contact the parish secretary to sign-up to attend a class.

If you are interested in joining the Baptism Preparation Ministry, please contact Roger and Jenni Miller at (630) 406-1492 or manyblessings8@sbcglobal.net .

Boy Scout Troop #21: Our purpose is to provide your son with safe but exciting scouting adventures, while developing leadership and outdoor skills. Through scout leadership and patrol spirit, we promote teamwork, self-confidence and self-esteem. The skills and experiences gained through scouting will stay with your son throughout his life.

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The Buildings and Grounds Committee advises the Pastor on the maintenance and improvement of the physical properties of the parish. Sponsors some annual volunteer work projects on the grounds. Bi-monthly meetings. 3 year term.

The mission of Catholics Celebrating Adoptionis to raise the awareness of the gift of adoption and to promote adoption as a viable alternative in the formation of families. For more information, please contact Denise Mroz at (630) 406-0574 or denise.mroz@sbcglobal.net

Members plan the annual adoption liturgy which occurs during November and also provide information on adoptions via handouts and seminars. Our members are always available to discuss adoption with anyone expressing an interest or desire for more information.

The Community Life Committee sponsors many events throughout the year such as Cougars Baseball Night, Irish Fest, Movie Night, etc. Please come join the fun of preparing for the special events during the year. Monthly meetings. One year term.

Cub Scout Pack #121 is for boys in first through fifth grades.  The purpose of scouting is to teach boys respect for their community, faith and the environment as well as to impart upon them a sense of duty and responsibility to those around them. Cub Scout Pack 121 is affilated with the Boy Scouts of America and locally with the Three Fires Council.

Divorce and Beyond is a 10 week program for women and men designed to address the issues confronting those who are experiencing divorce. If you are interested in participating in this program, please contact the parish secretary.

The Education Commission is a consulting body to help determine the religious education needs of the entire parish; children and adults. The Commission helps implement the needed programs and policies. Monthly meeting. 3 year term.

Eucharistic Adoration relies on parishioners signing up for one hour slots to take a regular opportunity to pray and worship before Christ present in the Holy Eucharist. If you are interested in signing up for a permanent adoration hour or to become a substitute adorer, please contact Fran Nicklas at (630) 973-9559 or adoration@holycross-batavia.org

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The Evangelization Committee promotes and coordinates Adult Formation Programs such as the Guest Speaker Series and the Light of the World Evangelization Parish Retreat. Our goal is to help the adults of our parish grow in their faith through these programs. If you have a suggestion for or would like to know more about the Evangelization Committee, please contact Cindy Augustine at (630) 406-6541 or cindyaugustine@holycross-batavia.org

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are used to assist the pastor/priests in their ministry to distribute Holy Communion. To be an Extraordinary Ministry, one must be a member of Holy Cross Church, at least 16 years of age, have received the Sacrament of Confirmation and be in good standing with the Church. If you are interested, please contact Ken or Michelle Fritz at (630) 879-5247 or michelle.fritz@sonoco.com

The Finance Council is created pursuant to Cannon Law for the purpose of serving and advising the pastor on all budgetary and financial issues related to the parish. Bi-Monthly meetings with intervening committee meetings. 3 year term. For more information, please contact William Jacobson or the parish secretary.

Members of Holy Cross staff the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry on the second and fifth Tuesdays of the month and the fifth Friday. We also collect food at Holy Cross on the first Sunday of every month. If you are interested in helping at the food pantry, please contact the parish office.

The Giving Tree provides Christmas gifts for individual families and various organizations throughout the Fox Valley area. These facilities include Riverain, Batavia Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, Valley Sheltered Workshop, Hesed House, Crisis Pregnancy, Batavia Access Toy and Clothes Closet, Headstart, Sacred Heart and St. Mary's parishes. If you would like more information, please contact Joann Spang at (630) 879-6939.

Members of the Greeter Ministry are present in the Narthex before each Mass and extend a warm greeting to everyone as they arrive. If you are interested in becoming a greeter, please contact Carole Dunn at (630) 879-3988 or dunn.lirot@att.net.

Hesed House (PADS) volunteers help run the emergency overnight shelter (PADS) at Hesed House in Aurora from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. on the first Friday evening/Saturday morning of every month.  Volunteers cover three shifts at Hesed House:

• 6:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
• 11:30 p.m. - 4:00 a.m.
• 4:00 a.m. - 7:00 a.m.

Duties include serving dinner, preparing lunches, making/serving breakfast, etc., and vary according to shift worked. If you are interested in helping at Hesed House, please contact Peggy Young at (630) 76292-3057 or click here to send an email. Also see, www.hesedhouse.org/pads/emergency.html

Hospitality / Coffee & Donutsvolunteers host coffee and donuts most Sundays after the 8 a.m. and the 9:45 a.m. Masses. For more information please contact Bernie Schlameuss at bschlameuss@comcast.net

The Knights of Columbus #2191is an order of Catholic men and their families, dedicated to promoting the concepts of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism.

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Lectors/Commentators are Confirmed adults and youth who proclaim God's Word at our liturgies. After training, they are commissioned as Lectors. For more information please contact, Cindy Augustine at (630) 406-6541 or cindyaugustine@holycross-batavia.org

[October - January Schedule] | [February - May Schedule]

Light of the World Evangelization is a parish retreat which will help all people to have a living encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.

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The Liturgy Committee exists to promote good liturgies in our Catholic tradition. The Committee prepares for all celebrations in the liturgical year and other special celebrations and services. Co-ordinates the various liturgical ministers, (such as lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, servers...). Works with Pastor and Music Director. Monthly meetings. 3 year term.

Manna Money is the user-friendly fundraiser for Holy Cross. When you use Manna Money, a portion of every dollar comes back to Holy Cross. Manna works because Holy Cross is allowed to buy debit cards, gift cards and certificates at a discount from face value. Parishioners then buy the cards and certificates at face value and use them just like cash! All parishioners can support Holy Cross by using Manna Money for shopping and gift giving.

Manna volunteers are in the Narthex after weekend Masses to sell cards and collect order forms.

[Click here for an order form]

The purpose of the Meal Outreach Ministry is to serve the parish by providing meals to families in crisis such as a family member in or just home from the hospital, a family member with a serious illness or injury or a grieving family. We also bring meals to families who are welcoming a new child into their home. Meals provide a way to say we care and we suppport you through this difficult time or as a way to celebrate the gift of new life.

There are three ways to get involved in the Meal Outreach Ministry:

• Most importantly refer parishioners who would be helped by this ministy. Families shy away from referring themselves. They need you to advocate for them.
• Volunteer to cook and deliver meals to families. Your name will be placed on a list and you will be called as needed, four to six times a year.
• Let us know if your family would be helped by the meal ministry. We will bring hot meals to your door. You do not need to invite us in.

If you would like to refer a parishioner or volunteer to help cook, please email the Meal Ministry Coordinator.

TheMen's Group is composed of a group of Men that meet every Saturday morning at 7:00 a.m. These meetings include discussions of the Bible, Apologetics and what it means to be a Catholic man in todays world. If you would like more information, please contact Marv Kombrink at (630) 485-0222 or marv@kombrink.com

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Members of the Ministry of Care visit and bring Eucharist to those who are unable to worship with us here at Holy Cross due to illness, disability or convalescence. Their ministry takes them into homes, hospitals and nursing homes.

The Ministry of Praise is people praying individually for the needs of the parish community and the world. A monthly letter keeps them in touch with the parish.

The Music Ministry provides the music and leads the singing at the liturgy. The Music Ministry includes the Cantors and Instrumentalists and the various choirs (Adult Choir, Contemporary Choir, Children's Choir, Youth Ensemble and Resurrection Choir).

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The Pastoral Council exists to support and advise the pastor in his spiritual and temporal efforts to lead Holy Cross Parish in fulfilling the mission of the Church. The Council provides a forum for communication between key parish committees (e.g., Stewardship, Finance, Liturgy, Education, and Evangelization), and has specific responsibility for the annual Parish Appreciation Banquet. Monthly meetings. 3 year term.

Project Gabriel coming soon

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Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is an experience of learning and discernment for:

• Catholics who want the sacraments of Eucharist and/or Confirmation
• Catholics who want to learn more of their faith
• non-Catholics or those not baptized who are thinking of joining the Church

Please call Fr. Fasano at the parish office at 879-4750, ext. 107.

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Religious Education at Holy Cross serves youth in grades 1 through 8 and their families, as well as the catechists who serve in this ministry. It is divided between Children's Ministry (grades 1-4) and Early Teen Religious Education (grades 5-8). Religious Education also includes the preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Communion and Confirmation.

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The Respect Life Committee promotes life in every phase, from conception to natural death. One means of accomplishing this is to provide contact information for women experiencing crisis pregnancies.

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The RSVP Seniors Program uses the gifts and talents of retired people to help the Batavia community of senior citizens. We provide rides to seniors, deliver golden dinner meals, install and maintain smoke detectors and provide financial assistance through donated funds for prescription medications. For more information, please contact Nancy Brenski at nbrensky@att.net or contact the parish secretary.

Sacristans are responsible for ensuring that the sacred vessels, altar, and general worship space are prepared for the celebration of the Mass. They are also responsible for coordinating the lectors, commentators and extraordinary ministers and leading the before Mass prayer with them. After Mass and after the sacred vessels are purified, the Sacristan is responsible for cleaning them, putting them away and ensuring the worship space is restored to normal. If you are interested, please contact Bill Stankevitz at (630) 406-0183 or patnbills@earthlink.net

St. Michael Ministry of Compassionate Care carries on with support after a funeral by providing ongoing care for parish members as time passes and the full impact of the death and loss becomes real and apparent in their everyday lives. We are a parish family and it is our hope that this type of caring will be meaningful and helpful to those in our midst who are grieving and hurting.

All members of the parish are invited to join. Meetings are held the third Thursday of February, April, August, October, and December from 6:30- 8:30 PM in St. Therese. If you are interested in joining this ministry please contact, Mary Ann Sestak at (630) 879-8525.

Inspired by Gospel values, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a Catholic lay organization, leads women and men to join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to those who are needy and suffering in the tradition of its founder, Blessed Frederic Ozanam, and patron, St. Vincent de Paul. If you are interested in joining this ministry, please contact Bernie Schlameuss at bschlameuss@comcast.net

The Holy Cross Special Needs Ministry is a group of parents and concerned others who strive to reach out to those with special needs in our faith community. We look for ways to help those with special needs feel connected to the church and to assist in religious education of these individuals. We also discuss the joys and challenges that come with caring for a person with special needs. If you're looking for resources or just camaraderie with those who understand, please contact us. We have a mailbox in Donovan Hall or you can reach Amanda Coccia at: amcrjc99@yahoo.com or 630-406-0043.

The Stewardship Committee exists to promote the practice of Christian stewardship of Time, Talent and Treasure in the parish. It fosters prayer, awareness programs, and the annual stewardship appeal. Bi-monthly meetings. 3 year term.

The Usher Ministry helps in making sure litugries and other functions are conducted in an orderly manner. They help with seating, greeting, emergency medical or other needs, etc. The only requirement to become a member of the Ushers Ministry is a desire to be helpful to the parish and its members, and to serve in a responsible manner in terms of meeting schedule commitments. The ushers serve at all weekend and Holy Day Masses and other liturgical functions. The Ushers Ministry is open to any Confirmed parishioner.

Holy Cross Vacation Bible School is a Catholic day camp open to all children between the ages of 4 year old pre-school and fifth grade. The camp is run by volunteer adult parishioners who are ably assisted by committed and enthusiastic teens from the Holy Cross community.

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Why Catholic is an adult formation program based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Participants meet in small faith sharing groups which meet for 6 weekly sessions, with each session lasting about 90 mintues. Sessions are held 2 times per year, during the Lent and Advent seasons. If you would like more information, please e-mail the Planning Committee at whycatholic@holycross-batavia.org

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The Windmill Seniors Program provides an opportunity for seniors to gather monthly for lunch, fellowship, spirituality and entertainment. For more information, please contact Nancy Brenski at nbrensky@att.net or contact the parish secretary.

Youth Ministry at Holy Cross is divided into two separate groups based on age. Youth in 6th, 7th and 8th grades participate in K.O.R.E. (Kids Operating with Real Enthusiasm), while students in high school participate in the High School Youth Ministy.

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