Pastoral Message
We welcome you to Holy Cross Parish. Here you will find Jesus Christ who lives, acts, prays, heals, leads, and lifts all of us up. Here, God makes Himself visible in the life of a community of believers. When you participate in the Holy Eucharist, and the rest of the communal life of the Church, you will be touched by God’s presence in His Word and His people.
We welcome you to our parish community – a fountain of God’s work and God’s miracles. Please come to be a part of a beautiful family that will embrace you.
Welcome to Our Parish
As members of the National Catholic Church, established in the 1890s, we are part of a Church with parishes throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe.
We welcome people of all ethnic, racial, and social backgrounds who want to worship One God in the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Our catholic denomination promotes extensive lay involvement in Church life through ministries. Our Church building and property are owned by us, the parishioners. We make all decisions regarding present and future operations.
We are very excited about the many offerings of our small church. We hope you will be too.
The Holy Eucharist
The center of our Church life is the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, the memorial of the Passion, Resurrection, and Ascension of Our Lord. The worship of God during Holy Mass reminds us of Christ’s love for all people, inspires the warm and caring attitude of our Church family, and is reflected in our Church programs and activities.
Mission
Our mission is to serve God as a parish within the National Catholic community of Churches in accordance with the teachings of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We seek to understand and apply the lessons of Christ to our personal and community lives.
Vision
Our vision is to become the Christian home for a diverse population within the greater Syracuse community who seek traditional catholic liturgies and Biblical applications, while looking to grow spiritually, culturally, and personally. As people continue to discover and join us over time, they will ask, “Where has this Church jewel been all my life?
Guiding Principles
- Follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles in the Church of the first thousand years.
- Share the sacred Word of Jesus Christ with all those who seek His truth.
- Accept all – regardless of background – who wish to follow Christ’s truth.
- Ensure respect for the laity and their talents.
- Practice democratic principles, where the laity has full rights in matters of administration, finances, and material upkeep.
- Encourage freedom to participate in Church operation and practices.
- Participate in both ecumenical and community activities.
- Build our parish as our family and our Church as our home.
The Parish Committee
The Parish Committee is democratically elected by all the adult members of the Church at an annual parish-wide meeting. The Parish Committee ensures the spiritual, cultural, and financial health of the Church.
Our Parish Committee officers for 2015 are:
- Chairperson: Roberta (Bobbi) Lasinski
- Vice Chairperson: Rick Navatka
- Recording Secretary: Maureen Navatka
- Treasurer: John Lasinski
- Financial Secretary: Mike Bednarek
Ministries
Our Church structure includes several ministries, each led by a facilitator. Parish members are encouraged to serve on one or more ministries as their time and talents allow.
- Mission and Evangelism – Plan and promote parish growth
- Altar Guild – Prepare and maintain the sanctuary and altar
- Music – Select and perform liturgical music, conduct choir practice, obtain and store music
- Education – Promote and conduct child and adult Christian education
- Office and Administration – Administer Church records, supplies, mail, filing, and bulletins
- Finance – Manage Church income and expenses and provide financial reports to parish members
- Buildings and Grounds – Manage buildings and grounds, routine inspections, supplies, and cemetery issues
- Food Management – Manage the processes required for food-related events
- Communications – Advertise events, maintain website, manage e-mail lists, inform parishioners of key issues.
Parish Activities
Our parish family life is enriched not only by our regular Sunday fellowship after Mass, but also by the following events and activities:
- Early summer and early autumn picnics
- Family and community dinners
- Adult Bible discussion group
- School of Christian Living (children’s education)
- YMS of R (Young Men’s Society of the Resurrection)
- Choir practice for liturgical music
- Mission and outreach for community needs
- Scholarship support for high school graduates
Parish Picnics
The Church holds at least two picnics a year, one in early June and another in the Fall. Our picnics feature home made Polish foods.
Community Dinners
While raising funds for our Church needs, these dinners give us and the local community an opportunity to socialize and enjoy some great home cooking.
Each Fall, to serve the needs of our Lakeland neighbors, we join with parishioners of Our Lady of Peace Roman Catholic Church to collect food for their local food pantry.
Denomination-wide Activities
Our parish is part of the PNCC structure and one of seven parishes in the Mohawk Valley Seniorate. The Seniorate, in turn, is part of the Central Diocese headquartered in Scranton, PA, one of five Dioceses in the U.S. and Canada. Holy Cross parish is active at all levels of the Church structure, including:
National Events
- General Synod of the PNCC
- Youth Convocation
- Mission and Evangelization Workshop
- Field and Track Tournament
- Bowling Tournament
Diocesan Events
- Diocesan Synod
- School of Christian Living Diocesan Workshop
- Acolyte Retreat
Seniorate Events
- Annual Seniorate Meetings
- Volleyball Tournament
- White Eagle Golf Tournament