Senior Stations and Luncheon

We will meet on Friday, February 24th at Noon in the church for Stations of the Cross.  All seniors age 60+ are invited to join us in Donovan Hall following Stations for a homemade soup and salad lunch for only $5.00.  We’ll be playing BINGO. Call Tammy at 630-482-9357 or Joan at 630-879-2489 for more info.

Enriching Lives Ministry

BIG THANK YOU FROM A VERY SPECIAL FAMILY!

"When our family reached out to the Enriching Lives Ministry this past April, we could not have imagined how much it would help us get through the toughest challenge of our lives.  When our son, Blake, was born with Epidermolysis Bullosa we were in shock and faced with so many emotions and needs. Our family has been so blessed by the Enriching Lives Ministry that it is difficult to put it all into words. We have been helped bythe ELM physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.  From meals, cleaning, assistance with child care, donations of food and supplies as well as monetary donations to support Blake's needs, the assistance of the Enriching Lives Ministry has been all encompassing.  Sometimes just having company, encouraging words, an ear to listen, and a shoulder to cry on was so beneficial. I TRULY do not know how we would have made it through the past 11 months without these blessings. Some of the individuals that have helped us, and continue to support us, have truly become my friends and part of our family. We have been in awe of the compassion and generosity that we have been shown. We cannot express how thankful we are to all of the families and individuals who have supported us. We know so many of you have prayed for Blake and for us regularly and continue to do so. I am now enjoying being part of the Enriching Lives Ministry's card writing program. I want to do what I can to "pay it forward" and am looking forward to doing much more as the children become more independent. I am happy to report that Blake is now almost 11 months old. Despite widespread, consistent blistering, he is actively crawling and standing with support. He continues to amaze us with his strength and determination. We call Blake "our little Superman". His smile is the most precious daily gift!  We are planning a fundraiser for May to benefit Blake's medical costs and special needs as well as Epidermolysis Bullosa research. I hope everyone will consider helping individuals and families through the Enriching Lives Ministry. I know it has enriched our lives beyond belief! God Bless! Love, The Kenyon Family "

Call or e-mail if you need assistance, know of someone who needs help, or would like more information about volunteering.  Phone: 630 879-4750 x-321
E-Mail: email Website: http://www.holycross-batavia.org/outreach/elm/

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St. Michael Ministry of  Compassionate Care

A thought to ponder...Do not let your hearts be troubled, in my Father's house there are many dwelling places. I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am, you also may be.  ~John 14:1-3

There WILL NOT be a February St. Michael Ministry meeting this month, due to the pending plans for our upcoming  field trip. Plans are being finalized...watch for details coming soon!

The Funeral Liturgy Team is willing to meet with any parishioners who would like to pre-plan their Funeral Liturgy. This is a great gift of love for yourself and for your family. We will gladly meet with you at your convenience, just call to arrange an appointment with Mary Ann Sestak at 630-879-8525 or Bob Pogwizd at 630-262-3395.

Natural Family Planning (NFP)

Trust: God has a plan for your marriage Concerned about the possibility of having another) child right now? Natural Family Planning (NFP) includes methods of avoiding, postponing, or achieveing pregnancy all in accordance with God's plan for your sexuality and marriage. NFP methods are 99% effective in avoiding pregnancu. Learn more at:
rockforddiocese.org/nfp or by calling 815-399-4300 x38

Hc Boy Scout Troop 21
All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast

Saturday, February 25th from 7:30AM-11:00AM in Donovan Hall.  The cost is $5 per person or $20 for a family of 5 or more.  Scouts in uniform accompanied by an adult and children under age 5 are free.

Altar Server Training

Would you like to be an Altar Server? The Altar Server Ministry is open to all boys and girls in the parish who are in the 5th grade or older. Training sessions for new Altar Servers will be held in
Holy Cross Church on:

Attendance is required at all training sessions. Altar Server Training Information Forms are available in the narthex and must be completed and turned in at the 1st training session on February 5th. A brief introductory meeting (20 min.) for parents will be held at the start of the first training session – parents must attend.

You must register for Server Training in advance. Please call Greg Norris (630-879-0706) no later than February 1st to register for training, or with questions regarding server training or training sessions attendance.

Who Needs to Take
Protecting God's Children?

Any person 18 years and older who comes in contact with children in any of the programs we offer here at Holy Cross. That includes, RE teachers, parent volunteers, chaperones, nursery help, classroom helpers, scout leaders... again, anyone who comes in contact with children.

WANT AN EASY WAY TO TAKE THIS CLASS IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME?

It’s now available online through the VIRITUS website!

• Go to: www.dioceseofrockford.org
• On the left side of the page click on: Protecting God’s Children
• Click on: VIRITUS training schedules (www.ceorockford.org)
• Click on: Protecting God's Children Classes
• Click on: Online Instructions
• Follow prompts.

Déjà Vu Thrift and
Consignment Shop

St. Vincent de Paul's Thrift & Consignment Shop is in great need of gently used or new winter clothes, especially for babies, children, teens and women. Of special need are coats, hats, scarves, gloves, boots and snow pants. Another need is for bedding and linens. We ask that donations be dropped off at the DeJa Vu shop located at 427 South 4th Street in Geneva between the hours of 10:00AM - 4:00PM if possible. If not, they can be left on the front porch anytime. Tax receipts are available upon request. Pick-ups can be arranged by calling the shop at 630-232-6621. Also, check out our Furniture Warehouse & Showroom located at 911 Sullivan Rd., Aurora (in the Belmont Machinery Co. Bldg) which is open for business on Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00AM - 1:00PM. Come see a great selection of gently-used bedroom, dining room and living room furniture along with tables, chairs, lamps, pictures & more!

If you can help us or want more information, contact Bernie Schlameuss at 630-841-1070 or email

Holy Cross
Re-employment Ministry

• Looking for a new job?
• Need a resume that will get you hired?

The reemployment ministry is here to help.
Join us Thursday evenings at 7:00PM in the CECC Library! We are also on linked-in-find jobs, share resumes and ideas!

Please contact Ken Meeker  at 630-430-9879 or email at:email for more information!

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2012 Women’s Lent Retreat

For women of all ages
Begins 8:00PM Fri., Feb. 17th
Ends 2:00PM Sun., Feb. 19th
Registration deadline is Mon., Feb. 13th.
Suggested donation is $55.
For more information or to register contact Linda Isleib at 630-879-1296.

Attention:
Ministry Formation Graduates

Catechetical Leader Certification Program (CLCP) The CLCP fosters the development and training of prospective catechetical leaders to serve in parish faith formation programs as Directors of Religious Education (DRE) and Directors of Youth Ministry (DYM). The program involves 7 Saturday sessions running from September through April. Questions? Go to the Adult Faith Formation page: www.ceorockford.org or call Jane Sartino at 815-399-4300 x389 or email Jane.

What is Hesed House?

Hesed House is our local PADS Homeless Shelter located in Aurora, IL and run by charitable donations and volunteers.

Holy Cross Parish volunteers the first Friday of each Month.

We are looking for two Hesed House volunteers to work an overnight shift.

• The commitment is every other month on the first Friday night beginning in July.
• Please email Jennifer Mott-Mueller email if you're interested. Thank you, and God bless!

2012 Busy Person’s Lent Retreat

A retreat that works itself into your busy daily schedule. Open to both women and men. For details and to register call Linda Isleib at 630-879-1296. The cost is $40.

Mayslake Ministry

Saturday Morning Breakfast Club
Called to Serve the Lord and One Another:
Examining our Baptismal role as priest, prophet and king with Msgr. Kenneth Velo
March 10th from 9:00AM-11:00AM
The Lisle Wyndham Hotel - $30 per person

Msgr. Kenneth Velo has been a priest in the Archdiocese of Chicago for more than 30 years, having served in numerous positions including vice chancellor and executive assistant
to Archbishop Cardinal Bernardin of Chicago. He has also served as president of the Catholic Church Extension Society and is the current president of the Big Shoulders Fund, an organization dedicated to supporting children and neighborhoods in inner-city
Chicago. More than half of the students attending Big Shoulders-supported schools
come from families who live at or below the poverty level. To register, visit their website
at: www.mayslakeministries.org or call 630-268-9000.

Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry

With the continuing economic difficulties, the client roster at the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry increases weekly and the pantry serves more than 400 hundred families every month. Did you know our parish supplies monthly volunteers to help at the all-volunteer run Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry? Please consider joining us for an occasional morning or afternoon shift. Volunteers are most needed on Tuesday afternoons and Friday mornings. If sharing your time is not possible, please consider sharing your resources; nonperishable and monetary donations are appreciated! Questions, or to volunteer, please contact Christina at via email or (630) 482-2395 for more info.