If you had their picture taken, there’s one waiting for you. Come over and get one! It’s filled with all the wonderful people and events that make our parish great. 

Want a directory but didn’t get your picture taken? We have extras available for $10.

Please stop in the Parish Office and purchase one soon.

If you missed the opportunity to make a reservation for this historic trip, now’s your chance. You can make your reservation between October 1st to 10th.

The rate for the trip is only $3,473. This rate includes round-trip air from Chicago, with 8 nights in 3-star hotels.

For more information, or to reserve a place, please call the Parish Office at 352-8748.

He will share his perspectives and insights on what the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, our namesake feast, should mean for us.

This is part of our Centennial Celebration activities.

We will begin the evening at 6:30 p.m. with Eucharistic Adoration.

Msgr. Merdian’s presentation begins at 7:00 p.m. and close with Benediction at 7:45 p.m.

For more information, please call the Holy Cross Parish Office at 352-8748.

As part of our Centennial Celebration, we’re praying the Novena to the Holy Spirit as a parish.

The idea is to consecrate the parish and its members to the Holy Spirit.

We want to pray for our parish’s fruitful service to the Lord for the next 100 years.

What is a novena?

A novena is a series of prayers that lasts nine days. Sometimes it’s the same prayer said nine days in a row. Or, it can be different prayers everyday with a main prayer you go back to everyday. The latter is what we’re doing.

The novena prayer comes from the Bible. The first novena was right after the Ascension.

At his Ascension, Jesus asked the apostles to go back to Jerusalem and waiting for the “promise of the Father” (Acts 1:4). So they went back to the Upper Room and prayed.

Nine days later, on Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came down on them as tongues of fire and they received his power to preach the gospel and convert the world.

This is the power we want to call down upon all of the members of our parish. We want to ask the Holy Spirit to give us the power to proclaim the message of Jesus and to fulfill the New Evangelization in our parish.

When do you start?

The Pentecost novena begins on Friday, May 18th, the day after the Ascension. The nine days of prayer end Saturday, May 26th.

The novena will be completed with a special consecration of the parish to the Holy Spirit at all Masses on May 27th, Pentecost Sunday.

Please join us in praying this novena for the continued growth and success of Holy Cross Parish for the next 100 years.

We pray the Holy Spirit will come down upon our parish to make us fruitful in the work of the New Evangelization and the proclamation of Christ’s message to the world.

Below is the novena in it’s entirety so you can pray it from this page.

You can also click here to download a pdf copy to print for more convenience.

Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit for Holy Cross Parish

Act of Consecration to the Holy Spirit (To be recited daily during the Novena)

On my knees, I offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace, and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Guard my thoughts and grant that I may listen to Your voice always following Your inspirations. I give myself to You and ask, by Your compassion to watch over me in my weakness. Trusting in the precious wounds of Jesus, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me the grace to say to You always and everywhere, “Speak Lord for Your servant hears You.” Amen.

Prayer for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit (To be recited daily during the Novena)

Christ Jesus, before ascending into heaven, You promised to send the Holy Spirit to Your apostles and disciples. Grant that the same Spirit may perfect in our lives the work of Your grace and love.

Grant us:

• The Spirit of Fear of the Lord that we may be filled with a loving reverence toward You;
• The Spirit of Piety that we may find peace and fulfillment in the service of God while
• serving others;
• The Spirit of Fortitude that we may bear our cross with You and, with courage, overcome the obstacles that interfere with our salvation;
• The Spirit of Knowledge that we may know You and know ourselves and grow in holiness;
• The Spirit of Understanding to enlighten our minds with the light of Your truth;
• The Spirit of Counsel that we may choose the surest way of doing Your will, seeking first the Kingdom;
• The Spirit of Wisdom that we may aspire to the things that last forever;

Teach us to be Your faithful disciples and animate us in every way with Your Spirit. Amen.

First Day (Friday after Ascension or Friday, May 18)

Holy Spirit! Lord of Light! From Your clear celestial height, Your pure beaming radiance give!

The Holy Spirit

Only one thing is important — eternal salvation. Only one thing, therefore, is to be feared–sin· Sin is the result of ignorance, weakness, and indifference The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Light, of Strength, and of Love. With His sevenfold gifts He enlightens the mind, strengthens the will, and inflames the heart with love of God. To ensure our salvation we ought to invoke the Divine Spirit daily, for “The Spirit helpeth our infirmity. We know not what we should pray for as we ought. But the Spirit Himself asketh for us.”

Prayer

Almighty and eternal God, Who hast vouchsafed to regenerate us by water and the Holy Spirit, and hast given us forgiveness all sins, vouchsafe to send forth from heaven upon us your sevenfold Spirit, the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel and fortitude, the Spirit of Knowledge and Piety, and fill us with the Spirit of Holy Fear. Amen.

Pray: Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be.

Pray: Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Second Day (Saturday, May 19)

Come. Father of the poor. Come, treasures which endure; Come, Light of all that live!

The Gift of Fear

The gift of Fear fills us with a sovereign respect for God, and makes us dread nothing so much as to offend Him by sin. It is a fear that arises, not from the thought of hell, but from sentiments of reverence and filial submission to our heavenly Father. It is the fear that is the beginning of wisdom, detaching us from worldly pleasures that could in any way separate us from God. “They that fear the Lord will prepare their hearts, and in His sight will sanctify their souls.”

Prayer

Come, O blessed Spirit of Holy Fear, penetrate my inmost heart, that I may set you, my Lord and God, before my face forever, help me to shun all things that can offend You, and make me worthy to appear before the pure eyes of Your Divine Majesty in heaven, where You live and reign in the unity of the ever Blessed Trinity, God world without end. Amen.

Pray: Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be.

Pray: Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Third Day (7th Sunday of Easter, May 20)

Thou, of all consolers best, Visiting the troubled breast, Dost refreshing peace bestow.

The Gift of Piety

The gift of Piety begets in our hearts a filial affection for God as our most loving Father. It inspires us to love and respect for His sake persons and things consecrated to Him, as well as those who are vested with His authority, His Blessed Mother and the Saints, the Church and its visible Head, our parents and superiors, our country and its rulers. He who is filled with the gift of Piety finds the practice of his religion, not a burdensome duty, but a delightful service. Where there is love, there is no labor.

Prayer

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Piety, possess my heart. Enkindle therein such a love for God, that I may find satisfaction only in His service, and for His sake lovingly submit to all legitimate authority. Amen.

Pray: Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be.

Pray: Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Fourth Day (Monday, May 21)

Thou in toil art comfort sweet, Pleasant coolness in the heat, solace in the midst of woe.

The Gift of Fortitude

By the gift of Fortitude the soul is strengthened against natural fear, and supported to the end in the performance of duty. Fortitude imparts to the will an impulse and energy which move it to under take without hesitancy the most arduous tasks, to face dangers, to trample under foot human respect, and to endure without complaint the slow martyrdom of even lifelong tribulation. “He that shall persevere unto the end, he shall be saved.”

Prayer

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Fortitude, uphold my soul in time of trouble and adversity, sustain my efforts after holiness, strengthen my weakness, give me courage against all the assaults of my enemies, that I may never be overcome and separated from Thee, my God and greatest Good. Amen.

Pray: Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be.

Pray: Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Fifth Day (Tuesday, May 22)

Light immortal! Light Divine! Visit Thou these hearts of Thine, And our inmost being fill!

The Gift of Knowledge

The gift of Knowledge enables the soul to evaluate created things at their true worth–in their relation to God. Knowledge unmasks the pretense of creatures, reveals their emptiness, and points out their only true purpose as instruments in the service of God. It shows us the loving care of God even in adversity, and directs us to glorify Him in every circumstance of life. Guided by its light, we put first things first, and prize the friendship of God beyond all else. “Knowledge is a fountain of life to him that possesseth it.”

Prayer

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Knowledge, and grant that I may perceive the will of the Father; show me the nothingness of earthly things, that I may realize their vanity and use them only for Thy glory and my own salvation, looking ever beyond them to Thee, and Thy eternal rewards. Amen.

Pray: Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be.

Pray: Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Sixth Day (Wednesday, May 23)

If Thou take Thy grace away, nothing pure in man will stay, All his good is turn’d to ill.

The Gift of Understanding

Understanding, as a gift of the Holy Spirit, helps us to grasp the meaning of the truths of our holy religion BY faith we know them, but by Understanding we learn to appreciate and relish them. It enables us to penetrate the inner meaning of revealed truths and through them to be quickened to newness of life. Our faith ceases to be sterile and inactive, but inspires a mode of life that bears eloquent testimony to the faith that is in us; we begin to “walk worthy of God in all things pleasing, and increasing in the knowledge of God.”

Prayer

Come, O Spirit of Understanding, and enlighten our minds, that we may know and believe all the mysteries of salvation; and may merit at last to see the eternal light in Thy Light; and in the light of glory to have a clear vision of Thee and the Father and the Son. Amen.

Pray: Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be.

Pray: Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Seventh Day (Thursday, May 24)

Heal our wounds–our strength renews; On our dryness pour Thy dew, Wash the stains of guilt away.

The Gift of Counsel

The gift of Counsel endows the soul with supernatural prudence, enabling it to judge promptly and rightly what must done, especially in difficult circumstances. Counsel applies the principles furnished by Knowledge and Understanding to the innumerable concrete cases that confront us in the course of our daily duty as parents, teachers, public servants, and Christian citizens. Counsel is supernatural common sense, a priceless treasure in the quest of salvation. “Above all these things, pray to the Most High, that He may direct thy way in truth.”

Prayer

Come, O Spirit of Counsel, help and guide me in all my ways, that I may always do Thy holy will. Incline my heart to that which is good; turn it away from all that is evil, and direct me by the straight path of Thy commandments to that goal of eternal life for which I long.

Pray: Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be.

Pray: Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Eighth Day (Friday, May 25)

Bend the stubborn heart and will, melt the frozen warm the chill. Guide the steps that go astray!

The Gift of Wisdom

Embodying all the other gifts, as charity embraces all the other virtues, Wisdom is the most perfect of the gifts. Of wisdom it is written “all good things came to me with her, and innumerable riches through her hands.” It is the gift of Wisdom that strengthens our faith, fortifies hope, perfects charity, and promotes the practice of virtue in the highest degree. Wisdom enlightens the mind to discern and relish things divine, in the appreciation of which earthly joys lose their savor, whilst the Cross of Christ yields a divine sweetness according to the words of the Saviour: “Take up thy cross and follow me, for my yoke is sweet and my burden light.

Prayer

Come, O Spirit of Wisdom, and reveal to my soul the mysteries of heavenly things, their exceeding greatness, power and beauty. Teach me to love them above and beyond all the passing joys and satisfactions of earth. Help me to attain them and possess them for ever. Amen.

Pray: Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be.

Pray: Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Ninth Day (Saturday, May 26)

Thou, on those who evermore Thee confess and Thee Adore, in Thy sevenfold gift, Descend; Give Them Comfort when they die; Give them Life with Thee on high; Give them joys which never end. Amen.

The Fruits of the Holy Spirit

The gifts of the Holy Spirit perfect the supernatural virtues by enabling us to practice them with greater docility to divine inspiration. As we grow in the knowledge and love of God under the direction of the Holy Spirit, our service becomes more sincere and generous, the practice of virtue more perfect. Such acts of virtue leave the heart filled with joy and consolation and are known as Fruits of the Holy Spirit. These Fruits in turn render the practice of virtue more attractive and become a powerful incentive for still greater efforts in the service of God, to serve Whom is to reign.

Prayer

Come, O Divine Spirit, fill my heart with Thy heavenly fruits, Thy charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, faith, mildness, and temperance, that I may never weary in the service of God, but by continued faithful submission to Thy inspiration may merit to be united eternally with Thee in the love of the Father and the Son. Amen.

Pray: Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be.

Pray: Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Image credit: Fr. Stephen Cuyos

What is the Annual Diocesan Appeal (ADA)?

Basically, the ADA is how the diocese pays the bills.

It is the major source of revenue for the programs and agencies the Diocese of Peoria runs.

So what does that have to do with you?

The diocese seems kind of distant, but it’s closer than you think. The diocese is always behind the scenes supporting Holy Cross so we can support you.

Diocesan programs and agencies provide essential services in:

• Direction for the right celebration of Mass and liturgical music,
• Support for Catholic schools,
• Education, training, and guidance for religious education programs,
• Youth and Young Adult ministry and evangelization,
• Pre-Cana classes for engaged couples,
• Natural Family Planning classes,
• Support for Campus ministries at the Newman Centers,
• Seminary education, room & board for seminarians,
• Catholic Charities and many others.

All this is only possible through the generous contributions of parishioners from throughout the diocese.

We need your help! The suggested Annual Diocesan Appeal gift is 1/2 of 1% of your annual income.

So, if your yearly income is $36000, that’s $30/month for 6 months or $180.

Our goal this year is $85,068. That’s less than last year…so that’s good!

Please prayerfully consider contributing as much as you can.

Image credit: iko

The Magnificat is an easy-to-read pocket-sized daily Mass companion, and features the complete readings for each Sunday, weekday and feast day Mass; also daily reflections, daily prayers  for both morning and evening, and more.

If you are already receiving one, please fill out the renewal form that was included in your April issue of the Magnificat.

The Magnificat is ordered through the Parish Center, so please make your checks payable to “Holy Cross” not ‘Magnificat, and bring it or mail it to the Parish Center, or drop it in the collection basket in an envelope marked “Magnificat”.

If you would like to place a new order, please call 352-8748.

The cost is $25.00 for a year, which is half the regular subscription cost because we order as a group.

PAYMENT AND ORDER FORM MUST BE IN BY MAY 15.

Take this opportunity to improve your daily prayer life and your relationship with Jesus.

celebrate the 19th anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood on May 29th.

Father Steve-we are grateful to God for you and your dedication to the Church and to us.

We are truly blessed!

Congratulations to our deacons who also celebrate their Ordination to the Permanent Deaconate

this month:  Deacon Hank Hart on May 9th, Deacon Ed Mohrbacher on May 18th and Deacon Bob

Ulbrich on May 19th.

May you be blessed with God’s love and grace with that same abundance as we have been blessed

by you.

Shop.

After that they can be picked up either at the Parish Center during regular office hours, or at the

school cafeteria, Monday through Friday, between 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Thanks to all of you who ordered these shirts in support of our Centennial Celebration.

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.