Pastor’s Message

I welcome you to Holy Cross Parish. Here you will find Jesus Christ who lives, acts, prays, heals, leads, and lifts up the broken and tired Pilgrim. Here, God makes Himself visible in the life of a community of believers. When you participate in the Holy Eucharist on Sundays and Holy Days, you will be touched by God’s presence in His Word and His healing Grace.

I welcome you to this 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.

– Father Senior Walter Madej


Welcome to Holy Cross Parish

Holy Cross Church welcomes 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.

As a member of the Polish National Catholic Church, established in the 1890s, Holy Cross parish is part of a Church with parishes throughout the United States and Canada.

Our Syracuse parish was founded in 1937 in response to local Polish and East European immigrants’ struggle for the Liturgy in their native language, for lay involvement in Church life and management, and for recognition of the rights of minorities in Church life.

Although the Church retains its Polish name and heritage, it is made up of members of many different backgrounds. The number of non-Polish members is substantial, and English is now the primary language of the Church.

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.


Organizations

Several organizations support the Church and its Christian life.

Parish Committee

The Parish Committee is elected by all the adult members of the Church at an annual parish-wide meeting. Members serve to assist the Pastor, manage the Church property, and keep religious and financial records.

This dedicated committee meets regularly to assess and provide for the needs of the Church.

Bible Study and School of Christian Living

Our Pastor holds Bible Study classes for both adults and young people. In addition, on Sundays, he holds School of Christian Living classes to guide our young people in the teachings of the Church and prepare them to receive the sacraments.

YMS of R

The Young Men’s Society of the Resurrection unites men in the parish to promote a more perfect Christian life and encourage fellowship. The group prepares monthly Sunday breakfasts, supports the Acolytes by sponsoring those wishing to attend the PNCC’s annual Acolyte Retreat, and takes part in liturgical celebrations such as the Easter and Corpus Christi processions.

Choir

The Choir meets weekly to select liturgically appropriate music and to rehearse. Our Sunday bulletin includes each week’s musical selections to encourage the whole Parish to praise God in song. Our Hook and Hastings Opus 1884 organ produces an exquisite pipe organ sound.

Mission and Outreach Committee

This committee provides assistance to our neighbors in need and prepares informational materials on the Church and its activities. Each year, a member attends a national workshop to gain spiritual guidance and practical skills that support the Church’s benevolent and mission activities.

Scholarship Committee

The Scholarship Committee conducts fundraisers during the year to raise money for scholarships for our high school graduates. These funds are used to defray college expenses or to assist in vocational training.

Parish Activities

Our parish family life is enriched not only by our regular Sunday coffee hours after Mass, but also by the following events.

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, music, and games for children.

Parish Family Dinners

While raising funds for Church needs, these dinners give us and the local community an opportunity to socialize and enjoy some great home cooking. They include an Easter Dinner, Spaghetti Dinner, Chicken & Biscuit Dinner, Meatloaf Dinner, Soup & Dessert Sunday, and Polish Christmas Wigilia Dinner.

Church-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