Food Collection

The Altar Rosary Society and the Knights of Columbus sponsor a food collection for our local food pantry in Callicoon.  Please bring your non-perishible food items to Church and place them in the containers at the entrance of both Holy Cross and St. Patrick.

 

Liturgical Ministry

Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion,
Ushers, and Altar Servers
We have dedicated people in the parish who serve at the altar as lectors, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, ushers and altar servers.  All of them enhance the celebration and faith experience of the liturgy. We continually need volunteers to serve in these ministries.  Feel free to see the pastor at weekend Mass, if you are interested in any of these ministries.
 

Music Ministry

Under the capable direction of our Coordinator of Music, Brenda Rood, her cantor, Rosalani Smith, and the St. Patrick choir, we are able to provide music and song that enlivens and complements the celebration of the liturgy.  Good liturgy requires good music, and we try to do the best we can with the resources that are available to us as a small country parish.

 

Religious Education

Our Religious Education is small, but provides adequately for the needs of our children and young people.  We offer classes at Holy Cross on Sundays from 9:30-11 AM throughout the academic year.  The grades run from Kindergarden to the 8th grade.  The 2nd grade and 7th & 8th grades prepare for the reception of First Penance, Holy Communion (2nd grade) and Confirmation (7th & 8th grade) every year.  We are in constant need of dedicated catechists who are willing to volunteer and begin the process of becoming certified.  If you are interested please see the pastor, or the Coordinators of Religious Education, Judy Jarfas or Kelly Costello-Carney.
 

Knights of Columbus

Holy Cross Church has a Knights of Columbus Chapter of the Delaware Valley Region.  The Knights are very involved in many of the liturgies and activities of the parish community.  Their meetings take place the 2nd Saturday of the month at Holy Cross Church Friary/Rectory at 6PM. If anyone is interested in becoming a Knight, they are asked to contact the 'Grand Knight,' Teddy Laffin, at (845) 252-3630, or by email: j[email protected].

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) at present is being run by the pastor.  Any adult who is interested in joining the parish and becoming a Catholic, or wishes to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church is welcomed to call the parish at (845) 887-5450 to express his or her interest.  Instruction in the faith spans a 9 month period, and the reception of the sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation) is conferred at the Easter Vigil Mass at Holy Cross.

Altar & Rosary Society

The parish's Altar & Rosary Society meets monthly from April - October at Holy Cross.  The Society runs various Church functions, and exercises some tasks in maintaining the altar for Mass.  Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Society is asked to contact Mary Bennis, President of the Society, at (845)-887-4362.

 

Parish Council

The Parish Council is a consultative body to the pastor.  They are parishioners selected by the parish and pastor, and meet periodically to discuss issues that arise in the life of the parish.  These issues include liturgy, music, parish activities, maintenance, finance, and stewardship.

Trustees & Finance

The Parish Trustees (2) can serve a term of 3 years.  They meet once a year, and attend to any business that has to do with legal matters pertaining to the parish, and issues that the Archdiocese requires to be addresed regarding the disposition of the parish as a corporate entity.  The Finance Council works closely with the pastor regarding matters that pertain to parish finance.
 

Church Maintenance

Church maintenance is a very important ministry within the Church.  A small group of volunteers work with the pastor to clean and maintain the church buildings, the friary/rectory, and to take care of the grounds  which are extensive.  We are alway looking for volunteers to help with maintenance.  Please consult the pastor if you are interested in contributing to this aspect of stewardship of the parish.