Here lies the heart of the steward’s personal response as a disciple—to share what one has received and to share with a generous, grateful and loving heart. Inherent within each individual is the need to give, to move from selfishness to selflessness. This formation is a life long journey of conversion. Life long formation is a formidable task, involving education of the mind and conversion of the heart for “all” ages.

Adult Faith Enrichment/Education

The purpose of this Ministry is to review the dimensions and approaches of adult faith formation/education offered in the parish to try to insure that the needs of the entire parish community are met. Generations of Faith and Faith & Food: Domestic Church are two faith formation groups currently active in our parish. Volunteers are welcome to assist with these programs.

Baptism Preparation

These classes are for the parents of children to be baptized. The purpose is to meet in an informal setting to discuss the sacrament of Baptism and the many signs and symbols used during the ceremony, as well as the parent’s obligation to raise their child as a child of God.

Bible Study and Faith Sharing

Anyone high school age and older is invited to join one of the Bible Studies groups at Holy Cross Parish.  The Bible Study groups are using The Great Adventure's Bible Study with a DVD recorded by Jeff Cavins.  He can get you into the minds of the Jewish leaders so the Bible makes sense.  Also, he uses the Old Testament to make the New Testament come alive and backs it up with the Catechism of the Catholic Church.  There is a workbook with questions concerning each study.  The questions are not personal, but will help you further understand the session being studied. Come join the Great Adventure.

Christian Initiation (RCIA)

This is a process by which persons interested in the Catholic faith, journey toward full initiation by study and faith sharing. RCIA is continuing in some form throughout the year. In the summer we have inquiry households, where people interested in learning about the faith are encouraged to ask questions. Starting in the fall we have the Catechesis meetings that teach more formally about God; His love and the teachings of the Catholic Church. Members of the parish are needed to sponsor each person going through the program. In the spring the catechumens and candidates receive the sacraments (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation) and are welcomed fully into the Church. The year following this is the period of mystagogy or a continuation for learning about the Catholic Church and ways to practice the faith. Volunteers are needed to serve in a variety of ways from helping with dinners to being sponsors.

Evenings for the Engaged

Our mission is to help couples strengthen and deepen their relationship by enhancing their communications skills. We challenge them to not settle for just being married, but to reach for the joy that Jesus promised when He said: “Love one another as I have loved you.”

Natural Family Planning

The mission of the Natural Family Planning ministry is to provide education about the Church’s extensive teaching on marriage and family life. This is accomplished through NFP classes, presentations at Mass, RCIA or any other parish or community group. Volunteers can assist this ministry by providing refreshments and childcare during NFP classes or by presenting NFP talks to the various groups.

Persons with Disabilities

This ministry works with special needs members of the parish to provide them with instruction in the teachings and doctrine in the Catholic Church. Volunteers are always welcome to share in this ministry.

Parish School of Religion (PSR) for High School

The mission of the High School Parish School of Religion is to form and nurture the students in their personal relationship with God, while passing onto them the traditions and teachings of our Catholic faith. The mission is to enable our youth to love, practice, defend and share our faith and to encourage and build a sense of community.

In the Diocese of Wichita, the sacrament of Confirmation is usually received during high school, most commonly during the sophomore year. In the parishes of Hutchinson, sophomores or older students complete the Confirmation preparation process. Apologetics and “living out” the Confirmation commitment is offered at the junior level. Seniors study topics that assist them in creating a Catholic Christian lifestyle.

Adult volunteers serve as teachers and aides for 9th through 12th grade students who attend public schools. Adult volunteers may also serve as small group leaders for the Confirmation Class. Volunteers may also assist with preparation of materials, service work, organization of special liturgies, and set-up and clean-up.

Parish School of Religion (PSR) for Grade School

The purpose of the Holy Cross Parish School of Religion is to serve those students who attend public schools throughout Reno County. Classes are offered to grades K – 8 and are held on Wednesday evenings during the school year. We are blessed to be able to offer classes for students with special needs. Class begins with Holy Mass at 6:30pm with the classroom portion from 7:00pm to 8:15pm.

Adult volunteers undergo religious education training. Volunteers are also needed to help with art projects or sit and listen to the children’s prayers. A strong faith and a love for children are all that is required to become involved with the Parish School of Religion.

Holy Cross Grade School and Preschool

Building a Catholic Learning Community is the mission of Holy Cross Catholic School.  We are a fully accredited K-6 elementary school with a challenging curriculum teaching state standards in addition to teaching religion every day.  On the spring 2007 Kansas State Assessments, we scored exemplary in all subjects at all grade levels tested.  In addition to the religion curriculum, students participate in community service projects and attend Mass twice each week. We also offer a 4-year old preschool program that meets four days a week in the morning or afternoon and a 3-year old social group that meets on Friday mornings.  Please call the school office at 665-6168 for more information.

HCCS Volunteers

Your time and talent can be used to help with projects throughout the school year. There are many ways to use your talents, such as working one-on-one with students in reading or math, photocopying for a teacher, working a shift at a school event, or helping with a fundraiser. Holy Cross Grade School is very thankful for every volunteer!

Trinity Junior/Senior High School

The mission of Trinity Catholic Junior Senior High School is to be a Catholic Learning Community.  Our Vision is to prepare students to be practicing Christians who use the values, knowledge, and skills needed to learn, live and work, while providing leadership for their church and community.  Christian values are integrated into each course of study.  Each student is treated as a unique human being with an individual learning plan.  We live our Christian values by giving of our time and talent and by serving others.  Parents are the first educators of their children and are expected to be involved in their learning.  The daily actions of each student, parent and teacher are what make Trinity a quality school.

THS Volunteers

Volunteers have the opportunity to work with individual students to help improve reading and math skills. Other needs include providing assistance to teachers with special projects and to provide adult assistance with athletic activities. Trinity High School sponsors two major fund raising events in the spring. Volunteers are always welcome to share their talents in preparation for these events.