Welcome to Holy Cross Church

Plans for Christmas Liturgies

We have carefully developed plans for our parish to celebrate the coming feasts in a safe way. Please remember that the obligation to attend Sunday Mass, including Christmas Mass, has been removed by Bishop Matano, due to the pandemic. People are encouraged to participate in the Christmas Mass by using the LIVE Streaming option. For those who wish to come to Church, please find the schedule of Christmas Masses under Calendar & Upcoming Events to the right

Register for Christmas Liturgy by December 15

Since our seating is limited, we are requiring that people register for the Mass they will attend on December 24 and 25 by December 15. Please register online by going to Flocknote.

No need for a login. And you will receive a confirmation email.

Families are required to register under one family member’s first and last name, include the names of those in their party, and then come together at the same time no later than 15 minutes before Mass begins. 

For each Christmas Mass, when a family comes to the door of the Church, a greeter will welcome them and verify that a person or family has registered for a Mass.

For those who do not have a computer please call the office, 663-2244 and leave a message stating which Mass you will attend and how many will be in your party by December 15.  

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Proper Mask Wearing & COVID-19 CDC Screening Questions

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The 2020 blue Advent Reflection books are in and available to pick up THIS weekend, 11/14 and 11/15 at all the Masses; One per family please.  If you do not attend weekend Masses, there will also be books available   during the week of November 16 when the church is open for Mass.

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NEW daily Mass Schedule for Holy Cross beginning January 2021

Monday - 7:30 AM

Tuesday - 9:00 AM School Mass on the 1^st and 2^nd Tuesdays of the month.

NO other Mass on the other Tuesdays.

Wednesday - 7:30 AM                              and Adoration - 1:00-5:00 PM

Thursday - 5:20 PM

Friday - 5:20 PM

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Purchase Your Own Missalette

Our Advent Missalettes will be coming soon. If you would like to purchase your own for $3.00, please contact Mary Jo DiNoto in the parish office at 663-2244.

Leave your name and phone number and she will contact you with directions for a hands-free pick up.

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Parish Center is Being Used for Overflow Seating during the 5:00 PM and 10:00 AM Weekend Masses

If you wish to attend Mass and receive the Eucharist on the weekend, but feel you won’t be able to socially distance yourself properly, we have provided overflow seating in our Parish Center for our weekend Masses. There is a TV in the room that runs our live streaming.  

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Contact Tracing Mass Card

Beginning the weekend, August 1/2, you are asked to complete a Contact Tracing Mass Card found in the bulletin. The information on this card will be very helpful in the event the parish needs to notify you should a circumstance arise associated with Covid-19. 

Please, only one card is needed for those in the same household and you only need to complete the card once; NOT every week. The card asks you to indicate the Mass(es) you attend, and provide your name, and both your telephone number and e-mail address. 

Please complete and place in the collection basket. We  appreciate your help so that we may do all we can in the best interest of everyone’s health and safety should the need arise. Thank you.

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There are regulations we MUST follow in accordance with the CDC and Bishop Matano.  Please see the list below.

1. Masks MUST be worn in church at all times
2. Social Distancing MUST be followed  Learn More...

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The quality of our LIVE-Streaming of Masses has been greatly improved. Please join us again online. This is a great way to remain connected to Holy Cross. 

Click LIVE Streaming to view Masses LIVE.

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Click below to see previously recorded Masses. 

https://www.youtube.com/user/holycrossrochester?reload=9 

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Our Church is Open for Private Prayer

Wednesdays from 1:00 until 5:00 PM 

We certainly ask anyone who is sick/not feeling well that you not come to church in an effort to avoid the possibility of making others sick. You will enter through the North door of church or the Parish Center doors (the other doors will remain locked). There is hand sanitizer available when you enter and everyone is asked to use it upon entering. We ask that everyone be very conscious of social distancing—please stay at least 6 feet apart when in church. Let each of us remember this time is set aside for private prayer and to be respectful of each other, we ask that there be no socializing in church—just social distancing. 

Please NOTE: Holy Cross is NO longer holding Eucharistic Adoration on Saturdays at 8:00 AM.

We are bringing back the 8:00 AM Mass at Our Mother of Sorrows Church. All are welcome!

Still open for Confession at 3:30 PM on Saturdays.

Advent is Here—Prepare for Jesus

The Christ Child: A Nativity Story- The Greatest Story  

Please join the Holy Cross Stewardship Committee in viewing the short film: “The Christ Child: A Nativity Story”

This short film is for all ages and all are welcome! The film is 17 minutes in length and will be hosted by Ed DiPonzio. There is very little talking in the film—regardless, this story “The Greatest Story Ever Told” needs very little conversation—the little we need will be added by your host.

Please join us on: The First Sunday of Advent, THIS Sunday, November 29, 7:00 -7:45 PM

Please go to zoom.us, click on Join a Meeting then type the following:

Meeting ID:  926 2139 3957                Passcode:  453390

Take a few minutes to prepare for Jesus’ birth by joining us. Invite your family and friends. All are welcome! 

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Please Pray the Novena: Mary, The Mother of God

Because Mary, the Immaculate Conception is the patron saint of our country, we encourage our Holy Cross community to come together to pray for her intercession in asking God to bless, guide and protect our country, especially in these times of turmoil and uncertainty. 

Starting THIS Sunday, November 29 thru Monday, December 7, please pray the Novena: Mary, The Mother of God and on Tuesday, December 8 participate in the Mass, celebrating the feast day of the Immaculate Conception. The daily novena prayers can be  found at: https://www.praymorenovenas.com/novena-to-the-mother-of-god-for-the-nation 

Saying the daily novena prayers takes less than 5 minutes each day.

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What’s the Difference Between a Good Advent and a Great Advent?

Just 4 Minutes!

Sign up for this totally free daily video program (sent straight to your email) that will help you prepare for Christmas like never before!

1. 1. Sign Up https://dynamiccatholic.com/best-advent-ever It’s super easy and quick. All we need are your name and email address.
   2. Watch Videos You’ll receive short, inspirational videos each day to help you slow down, think and pray.
   3. Reflect and... Enjoy a Cookie! 

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Annual Visit with Santa at Holy Cross Sunday, December 6—Save the Date!

See details below under Youth

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The Family Zone is an interactive newsletter that has live links to YouTube videos and webpages. It takes parents directly to online sites they can use, themselves, to be the primary formators of their children's faith. 

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Christmas Liturgies

Thursday, Dec. 24 Registration Required:

3:00 PM Mass Holy Cross School Gym (Not Live streamed)         

5:00 PM in church 

Friday, Dec. 25 Registration Required:      Midnight Mass in church

9:00 AM Mass in church

To register online, click here.

To register by phone, call 663-2244.

To watch LIVE, visit holycrossrochester.org and click on LIVE Streaming at the top in the red menu bar.

If you intend to attend Mass in person, please register online or by phone no later than December 15.

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Mass Book Now Open for Intention Requests for January 2021 through April 2021

Click here for NEW Guidelines regarding Mass Intention Requests. 

Print this document for details and and to complete the required forms.

Thank you for your patience and working with us to honor our loved ones who have gone before us.

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Calendar and Upcoming Events

Parish Life is how we define fellowship at Holy Cross. It’s the many opportunities to share and enjoy God’s gifts of friendship and fun with other who share the same Christian values.

Church & School Profit & Loss Statements and Balance Sheets

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Letter to the Faithful and FAQ regarding Chapter 11 and Reorganization

Statement from Bishop Matano regarding the death of Mr. Daniel Prude and renewing the plea for Prayer and Peace

Our phones are still open so you are able to call and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.  All calls should be to the Parish Office 585-663-2244 for quickest response. 

Our e-mails are still available and we will do our best to answer you as quickly as possible.  However, it is with sadness that I share, with such closings as school and office, we have had to furlough some employees.  Please pray for all affected by this pandemic in one way or another. 

May God Bless you and keep you and your families safe and healthy. Peace.

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Shore Winds Nursing Home in Need of Prizes

Still being challenged with isolation, lack of visitors with loved ones, and not being outdoors throughout the                   Coronavirus, they do have a few bright spots. One of them is BINGO ! The need is to see that they have actual prizes for when they win! The Nursing Home does not have a budget at this time for BINGO prizes. Therefore, they are reaching out to the generosity of Holy Cross for prizes*. Please see below a list that would be more than welcomed that would bring some light to one of our neighbors.

Please bring and place on the parish Center table or by the North entrance. *None of the prizes should be wrapped.

• Snacks/Candy (single serve, new/unused)
• Soda (Coke products preferred, single serve)
• Water Bottle (reusable new/unused)
• Fragrant and Unscented Lotion (new/unused)
• Jewelry and Watch (new/unused)
• Nail Polish (new/unused)
• Socks (new/unused)
• Word Search Book and Pens (new/unused)
• Magazines: Reminisce, Good Old Days, Fashion
• Holiday Door Décor (like a wreath)

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Who We Are

Holy Cross Church is a community, rich in talents, skills and gifts, and united in faith. We are a stable parish, fortunate to have a cross-section of ages including many who are second or third generation parishioners. Bring your gifts or your needs and you will find a hand to join with yours.

Funeral Planning

Funeral directors usually make contact with the church for funeral arrangements. Once this has happened, the families are encouraged to be involved in the planning of the liturgy. Contact Mary Jo DiNoto by calling the parish office at 585-663-2244.

Rite of Welcoming                              

Holy Cross Parish is blest to have individuals seeking entrance into our          Catholic Faith and/or completion of their Sacraments of Initiation through Eucharist and Confirmation - Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. Since October, they have been meeting and exploring where God is calling them to be. Now as they prepare to enter the next phase of their journey, they come to ask our community to accept them as candidates for membership in our Catholic Faith; and especially to ask for your prayers at the 10:00 AM Mass NEXT Sunday, November 29. At all other Masses of this weekend, parishioners will be asked to accept and to pray for: Charlotte Curran, Sara Jelfo, and Christine Ashbery.

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Information about Children and Sacraments

Sacraments are joyous celebrations of your child’s relationship with Jesus! We are in the process of determining the best way to prepare for Sacraments in this year of Covid Health Restrictions.

If your child is interested in preparing for sacraments, please complete and return the registration form below or email elizabeth.cilano@dor.org or call 663-8000, ext. 1

Faith Formation Home School Study

Reconciliation Registration

Confirmation Registration

For preparation of Sacraments:

• Children prepare and receive sacraments at their home parish where their family is registered and attend Mass.
• Weekly Mass attendance in-person or on-line is an essential and spiritual part of your family’s faith journey!
• Children need to be enrolled in either a Catholic School or be enrolled in Holy Cross Home-based Religious Education or another Faith Formation program.     
• Children do not prepare for the Sacraments in their Catholic School classroom or in Religious Education. Our plan will include:
• Textbooks, activities, and resources for children to complete with parents, guardians, or sponsors.
• Children 2nd grade or older may be ready to prepare for:
• First Reconciliation (also known as First Penance) First Penance information will be available in October 2020
• First Eucharist (also known as First Communion) Preparation for First Penance must be completed before preparing for First Eucharist.
• Students 8^th grade or older may be ready to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation: This is the beginning of a 2-year process, with immediate preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation taking place in the spring of the 2^nd Formation continues throughout the two-years by attending religion classes at Catholic School or being enrolled in Holy Cross Home-based Religious Education. Confirmation information will be available in October 2020

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Sacrament Preparation

God is actually present among us; we can see Him, hear Him, touch Him, and communicate with Him...in the Sacraments. A major responsibility of Holy Cross Church is to guide all parishioners with their preparation to receive a sacrament for the first time.

Online Giving Benefits

Online Giving: Is easy, convenient and safe. Allows you to give any amount, anytime from any device with Internet access. Puts all offerings at your fingertips to print receipts and track pledges.

There will be fewer tags than in the past. Tags will be placed on the tree for School 33, Shore Winds and our Parish Families on November  27th with a return date of December 13th.

Please remember social distancing when approaching the tree. We appreciate your generosity.

Your Social Ministry Committee

Pantry in Need of:  Jam or Jelly; Canned Fruit; Rice; Canned Red, White, or Black Beans; Mac & Cheese; Coffee with Filters; Cookies; Pudding; and Toilet Paper.

In Need of for Christmas Baskets: Turkey Gravy; Instant Potatoes: Stuffing Mix; Brownie Mix; Muffin Mix; Cranberry Sauce; Canned Corn and Canned Green Beans; Jello; Cocoa; Tea; and Coffee with Filters

Donations can be left in the Parish Center Foyer or at the North entrance of church when the church is open for Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and Rosary. Thank you for your care and generosity.

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We are in need of ushers for all the Masses, as well as folks to assist with sanitizing after the Masses. If interested and able, please contact Mary Jo DiNoto at 663-2244 in the Parish Office or via   e-mail at Mary.Jo.Dinoto@dor.org.

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NY State Council Charitable & Benevolent Program                            Raffle Tickets for Sale

$10 for 5 tickets with Drawing on Saturday, Dec 5.

Cash or Check made payable to: Knights of Columbus Council 17384.

THIS Sunday, November 22 is the last day to purchase your tickets.

Drop in baskets marked Knights of Columbus Raffle Tix $10 on the table in the parish center foyer.

All NY State Councils compete for $50,000 in cash prizes; $25,000 Grand Prize; $10,000 2nd Prize; $5,000 3rd Prize; $1,000 Prize (10 awarded)

Holy Cross’ Council 17384 makes $4/book & 100% of this money stays at Holy Cross! The additional $6/book goes  to Charitable Organizations.

Why You Should Become a Knight

If your interested in helping those in need, serving our parish, growing in your faith...then the Knights of Columbus is the organization for you.

Why Join

Annual Visit with Santa at Holy Cross Sunday, December 6—Save the Date!

Hosted by our Tweens/Teens for the children of our parish and their friends. This event will be outside and will be Socially Distanced. For Sale we will have $10 Pancake Breakfast Kits and crafts to make with your loved ones at home. Santa will be waiting after the 10:00 AM Mass on Holy Cross convent porch. Be sure to bring your wish list and your camera. More information coming.

Questions? Please call 261-5552. Santa is ready.

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Faith Formation

We are all facing uncertainty with school, work, and daily life due to Covid-19. To provide Faith Formation in a safe way, we are offering a new home-based program. Our new model is based on the Sunday Mass Gospel Readings and has age-appropriate materials that a family can do together with all their children at the same time! Please follow the links below to learn more about this exciting new way to teach our children about the Catholic Faith and to register for 2020-2021!

Letter to Holy Cross Families

Registration for Home Study

Confirmation I Registration

The Family Zone. This is an interactive newsletter that has live links to YouTube videos and webpages. It also includes PDFs to print out, prayers, recipes, ways to get physically moving, and creative crafts. It takes parents directly to online sites they can use, themselves, to be the primary formators of their children’s faith. The Family Zone also includes links for parents—online ways to nurture yourself with prayer time at your convenience.

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Youth

We all want to feel needed and valued. Our young people have this same need. Keeping this community of believers involved is a task to which we are all called. They seek a community where their needs are met and where they feel they belong.