Adult Faith Formation

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

Adult Formation Classes

Adult faith formation classes are offered periodically by clergy or other instructors. They may take place on Sunday mornings or during the week and are designed to look at some particular topic (for example: Aging, Finances, Anglican Traditions) in relation to our lives as Christians. Please contact the Rev. Jane Rohrer if you are interested in helping to organize or to teach a class.

Baptismal Instruction

Baptismal instruction prepares those who desire the Sacrament of Baptism for themselves or for their young children. The two 90-minute private sessions are geared toward the age of the candidate. Topics include the history and meaning of Baptism and discussions on how to live the Baptismal vows.

Confirmation

This is sometimes called the “Sacrament of Commitment.” It is a time when the Bishop lays hands on those being confirmed and prays for God’s grace to live a mature Christian life. It follows a program of study and prayer (see “Youth Group” on Page 7). For adult confirmation please contact Rev. Jane Rohrer.

Cursillo

Cursillo is a Spanish word meaning “short course”. This is a weekend retreat during which the essence of Christianity is taught and lived in community. Cursillo weekends are a Diocesan-wide event and are hosted by different churches. Reunion groups of participants in Cursillo meet weekly.

Small Groups

The small group ministry is responsible for facilitating times and places for weekly meetings of members of Holy Cross. The small groups provide an opportunity to share your life with Christ around three criteria: Piety - your prayer life; Study - Bible or Christian books and literature; and Action - awareness of Christ’s presence. These meetings can be a time of spiritual accounting for the week as well as sharing and spiritual bonding. Most of the groups meet for breakfast or lunch at a convenient restaurant or coffee shop.

Kairos

Kairos is an international interdenominational Christian ministry presented in men’s and women’s prisons in October and April over a 3½-day weekend. Volunteers attend Saturday morning team meetings (usually eight) during the three months preceding the weekend. The purpose of Kairos is to establish strong Christian communities among the populations of correctional institutions. Holy Cross members who have attended Cursillo or other three-day renewal movements are eligible to work on a team.

Education for Ministry (EfM)

The Education for Ministry (EfM) program provides all people with the education they need to fully carry out their Christian ministry. It is a four-year college seminar course covering the Old Testament, New Testament, Church History, and Modern Theology, as well as multiple methods of theological reflection, understanding, and application. We meet Wednesday night at 7:00pm during the school year. Participants sign up one year at a time at a cost of $350 per year (as of 2011). Classes are inter-denominational.

Men’s Group

The Holy Cross Men’s Group meets on the first Sunday of each month at 8:30am in the Blue Room of the Ministry Center. We start with prayer, breakfast and fellowship and then at 9:15am begin a discussion on the theme of the day - and no homework! The Men’s Group also hosts a men’s retreat in the spring and a men’s Saturday breakfast with an outside speaker in the fall. All men are encouraged to attend.

Women’s Morning Bible Study

A Women’s Bible Study group meets on Tuesday mornings to study, reflect, and share fellowship. We are an informal group, broadening our knowledge of scripture through reading, answering questions in our study book, and exchanging our thoughts. Studies are ongoing. Join us any Tuesday from 9:30am to 11:30am. Childcare is available by prior arrangement.

Women’s Evening Bible Study (WEBS)

WEBS is a women’s small group (up to 12) that meets weekly for Bible study, fellowship and prayer. We meet on a weekday evening to do a fall, spring, and summer study (fall and spring have daily at-home study work). The study program varies depending on the group needs and interests. Sign-ups are open for each study. Once the study starts, the group is closed until its completion.

Ember Day Retreats

Ember Days originated in the ancient western church as days of fasting and prayer to refresh and renew one’s faith. They occurred quarterly, in Advent, Lent, Pentecost, and close to Holy Cross Day in September. In the spirit of Ember Days, over the next year Holy Cross is going to offer a series of four seasonal Saturday retreats - times to get away from the busyness of life to reflect on and recharge our faith life. The theme of the series will be: “Elements of our Faith: Water, Earth, Wind, and Fire.” We will meet at the church from 9:00am to 3:00pm. The day will include whole group and individual time, optional activities, silence and discussion, lunch and a concluding Eucharist. Both men and women are invited to participate! Please contact us if you are interested in helping to organize these retreats.

Holy Cross Women’s Retreat

Kim Eichner and a team from WEBS will be hosting a Women’s Retreat the weekend of April 20-22, 2012 (option for one or two night stay), at Camp Huston Conference Center in Goldbar. This will be a time to get away from the ruts and routine of life, to draw close to God and to enjoy a time of rich fellowship. More details will be available later this fall.