Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
As needed, these Special Ministers of Holy Communion are appointed by the Archbishop, at the request of the Pastor, to assist in the distribution of Holy Communion at Sunday, Weekday Masses; as well as bring Holy Communion to the parishioners of Holy Cross Parish. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion may only serve within the Parish they are appointed. Membership is at the request of the Pastor, and one’s service is for a term of three years, which may be renewed by the Pastor. Attendance to an Archdiocesan Training Session is required for new ministers. Special Ministers exchange assignments if unable to be present for assigned Mass. Holy days and special occasions are coordinated by request. This work is open to all parishioners (18yrs or older), who are active in the sacramental life of the Church.
Contact: Father Kiernan, Pastor, 610-626-3321
Contact: Mary Jo Elliott Gibson, 215-796-0284
Lectors
Open to high school youth and adults. Lectors proclaim the Scriptures at Mass. They assist at both the Sunday Celebration of Mass, and weekday Masses, as available. Lectors exchange assignments if unable to be present for assigned Mass. Holy days and special occasions are coordinated by request. Those interested to be a Lector should be able to read well, and be at ease at public speaking; training sessions are coordinated based upon request.
Contact: Father Kiernan, 610-626-3321
Ministers of Hospitality (Formerly called Ushers)
Men and women of the parish, high school age and older can provide welcome and hospitality to the community by greeting people at the door, assisting in seating, direction of the Procession of the Gifts, receive the Offering, assisting with the Communion Procession, and distribute the Sunday Bulletins after Mass. When necessary, they also assist if an emergency might occur during Mass. They are assigned to the Mass of their choice and they take turns to provide hospitality at all the Masses.
Contact: Father Kiernan, Pastor, 610-626-3321
Cantors
We are looking for individuals who would be willing to lead the congregational singing at the weekend Masses. If you like to sing or have an interest in music, please consider becoming a cantor. No experience is necessary. The commitment is usually 4 hymns, Psalm/Gospel Acclamation and Mass parts. Our music director is dedicated to train and coach anyone with an interest.
Open to high school students and adults, who are prepared to encourage and signal the participation of the congregation in song. They also provide any solo parts of the singing that are necessary to the liturgical prayer. The Cantor is also requested to make any announcements (when provided by the Pastor) prior to Mass, from his or her place in the Sanctuary. Cantors exchange assignments if unable to be present for assigned Mass. Schedule requests are handled by the Music Coordinator.
Contact: Director of Music Ministry – 610-626-3321 or holycrossmus@gmail.com
Choir
Our Parish Choir adds beauty to the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy. The Choir sings a repertoire of both traditional and contemporary music at the 11:00 Mass on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month, from September to early June, and during special celebrations of Mass. Rehearsals are held on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 pm in the choir loft. You do not need to know how to read music in order to join the choir. Anyone interested to lend a voice, kindly contact our Music Director.
Contact: Grete Ingalls, Music Director at 267.253.4007 or holycrossmus@gmail.com
Altar Servers
Open to boys and girls beginning in 4th grade, as well as adult parishioners. Altar servers assist the priest and community at Sunday and weekday Masses, as well as parish weddings and funerals, and holy days.
Those interested in becoming an altar server should contact: Father Kiernan, Pastor, 610-626-3321
Chapel of Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament
Dedicated on November 1, 1992, this Chapel is where daily exposition of the Blessed Sacrament occurs. Looking for a quiet place to pray? Make a visit to this Chapel, located in the rear of the Rectory. It is accessible through its own entrance, and those visiting the Chapel should park in the lower parking lot behind the Rectory. This Chapel is open Monday through Friday from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. For more information:
Contact: Mrs. Eileen Lombertino, 610-213-3369