Newcomers

If you’d like to learn more about Holy Cross or the Episcopal Church, join us for one of our 3-part Newcomer Class series, offered three times a year in October, January, and April. Or reach out to one of the clergy - they are always curious about people’s stories and looking for excuses to get coffee.

FAQs

  • Our services come from the Book of Common Prayer, a resource that gives structure to our worship and unity to our expressions of faith. A typical Sunday service begins with some opening prayers, readings from scripture, a sermon that typically lasts 12 to 15 minutes, prayers for our community and the world, and ends with Holy Eucharist. At 10am, the service also includes the singing of hymns, both old and new, accompanied by organ or piano.

  • Eucharist is a Greek word that means “thanksgiving.” Holy Eucharist is the sacrament of blessing and sharing bread and wine as Jesus did with his disciples. Sometimes we also call it “Holy Communion,” and in other Christian traditions, it might be referred to as the Lord’s Supper, the Divine Liturgy, or the Mass.

  • The 8am service is typically about 50 minutes, while the 10am service is usually about an hour and 10 minutes. It can vary by a few minutes depending on the season of the church year.

  • At Holy Cross you’ll see other worshippers in blazers and slacks, jeans and hoodies, dresses and hats, and the occasional Hawaiian shirt. Please wear whatever makes you feel comfortable.

  • There are many different ways to get into Holy Cross (we like to think it’s a metaphor). The main entrance for worship can be found through the glass doors on the covered porch toward the back of our parking lot. If you are looking for the church office during the week, ring the bell at the red door that faces the parking lot.

  • Absolutely! The accessible entrance can be found just behind the porch, through the entrance to Holly Brook Montessori School. Just head down the ramp, straight down the hall, and the elevator will be on your right. When you get to the second floor, the elevator will let you out right next to the sanctuary.

  • The parish office is open Tuesday through Thursday from 10am to 2pm. The clergy and staff work on a variety of different schedules, but are available outside those hours by appointment, just reach out to them and ask to find a time. And if you have a question and you’re not sure who to ask, our parish administrator can be reached at office@holycrossepiscopal.org Monday through Friday, and they’ll point you in the right direction.

Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross - a young boy holds a piece of paper from which he reads aloud with a table in the background that has a green cloth, flowers, and a wooden cross on it.
Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross: A female priest in a white robe with a green stole greets an older couple warmly with arm outstretched.
Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross: A man has his arm around his young daughter while holding a lit candle.