Christmas Eve:  4:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and Midnight

Christmas Day:  8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.

New Year’s Eve: (Vigil Mass)  5:30 p.m.

New Year’s Day:  8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.

Holy Cross Church is having a 2nd collection at each Sunday Mass this weekend (December 14th and 15th) for the St. Patrick’s in Washington, Illinois Tornado Relief Fund.

As you know, Father Willard is the pastor there.

Many of you have already donated in some way, but Holy Cross wanted to have a second collection for this cause.

Father Willard so appreciated all of your prayers and donations.

Please continue to keep all of them in your prayers.

For your interior preparation for Christmas, there will be opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation within the context of a parish Penitential Service.

A number of priests will gather at the following churches to celebrate the Lord’s forgiveness:

Monday, December 16th , 7:00 p.m. at Holy Cross

Tuesday, December 17th, 7:00 p.m. at St. Patrick

Wednesday, December 18th, 7:00 p.m. at St. Matthew

Thursday, December 19th, 7:00 p.m. at Our Lady of the Lake

The Monthly Potluck will be held on Wednesday, December 11th, beginning around noon.

Those who are able to do so should bring a covered dish and their own table service.

A Parish Nurse will be available for blood pressure checks and health-related questions.

Join us for caroling on Sunday, December 8th.  Meet at the Parish Center at 3:00 p.m. and dress warmly as we will carol around the Holy Cross neighborhood.

Then we’ll move inside the Parish Center to provide Christmas music for the live nativity.

Come for one or better yet, come for both parts.

You’ll love the nostalgic feel of an old-fashioned Christmas caroling gathering.

No singing experience necessary.

Bring a friend, we need VOLUME.

Let us know if you are coming.

Call Cheri or Harry Rakers at 352-4918.

Bring jingle bells if you have them.

Come join us Sunday, December 15th from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the church for the traditional evening of seasonal music with the University High School Madrigal Singers conducted by Richard Murphy and the BACH chorus and orchestra.

After intermission the audience is invited to join in singing traditional carols in modern arrangements by our music director Chester Alwes.

Cost is $20 per person and $10 for students.

Come and be part of the magic of this holiday music event with family and friends.

Saint Nicholas will be visiting Holy Cross on Sunday, December 15th, after the 10:00 a.m. Mass.

Share a donut with him and tell him your Christmas wishes.

Parents, feel free to bring your cameras.

Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council 891.

Santa can’t wait to see you!

This year the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated on Monday, December 9th, but it is NOT a Holy Day of Obligation.

Join us for food, fellowship and some mommy time on Wednesday, December 4th, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

We will pray the rosary and discuss the Saint of the Day and an Article Review together.

Come and be spiritually refueled!

The nursery will be open.

Hope to see you there!

Mark your calendars and join us on Saturday, December 7th at the 5:30 p.m. Mass, which will be led our parish youth!

The children will be lectors, ushers, greeters, and will sing in the choir.

Interested in helping or volunteering to participate?

Call the Parish Office at 352-8748.