Anointing of the Sick/Home Visits
Those who are seriously ill need the special help of God’s grace in this time of anxiety, lest they be broken in spirit and weakened in faith.
The celebration of the anointing of the sick consists in the laying on of hands by the priests and the anointing with blessed oil.
The words of anointing: “Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.
This sacrament is offered during Sunday Mass twice a year and is always available after Mass for those who are facing serious illness. Arrangements can be made by contacting Fr. Carlton or Jan Erlenbaugh Gaddis, the parish nurse.
In addition to the Sacrament of Anointing, we are happy to provide communion and visits to the homebound. A delegated visitor will bring the Eucharist, visit briefly with the person and then offer some prayers and give the Eucharist. This can be arranged through Jan Erlenbaugh Gaddis, the parish nurse.
Anointing of the Sick:
Father Carlton Beever
(317) 637-2620 non-emergency
(317) 441-8534 emergency
Home Visits (Communion):
For those who are sick or homebound and unable to attend Sunday Mass, we offer the opportunity of visits to their home to bring Communion. Also available is the parish nurse for health consultation and offering resources/referrals as needed for health care or any special needs not to exclude end of life issues and bereavement follow-up visits. Please contact the parish office or speak with Jan Erlenbaugh Gaddis, Parish Nurse.
For home visits, Communion for the ill and homebound, or hospital visits, make arrangements with:
Parish Nurse Jan Erlenbaugh Gaddis
(317) 637-2620 x406
jerlenbaugh@holycrossindy.org
Mass of Christian Burial; Funerals:
The funeral director or family begins arrangements by calling the parish office:
(317) 637-2620
Marriage:
The Catholic Church considers marriage one of its Sacraments. That is a radical statement. We believe that the relationship between spouses in all its humanness is a sign for the world of God’s love. Because of this the rules of the Church governing marriage and who can be married in the church can be complex. We welcome the opportunity to discuss any questions you may have.
For a wedding to be held in our church both parties must be free to marry in the eyes of the Church and at least one must be Catholic.
Weddings:
Our recently renovated interior can provide a beautiful space for weddings. Both parishioners and non-parishioners are welcome to marry at Holy Cross.
Parishioners:
You are a parishioner if you’ve been attending Holy Cross regularly for at least six months and have completed a registration form or are included in your parents’ registration. Administrator Fr. Carlton Beever or sacramental minister Fr. Jeff Godecker is available for marriage preparation and witnessing your marriage. You are also welcome to invite another priest to officiate. At least one of a couple must be a parishioner to qualify for parishioner rates for church use.
Non-Parishioners:
Non-parishioners must make arrangements with their own priest for marriage preparation.
Fees:
A deposit is required to reserve your date and the remainder of the fee is due one month before the wedding. All fees are refundable if the wedding is cancelled.
Parishioners – $500 ( $350 Rental plus $150 refundable deposit)
Non-Parishioners – $850 ($600 Rental plus $250 refundable deposit)
For your information:
- The church seats 364 people.
- The church is not air-conditioned.
- A wedding hostess will be on-site for your rehearsal and wedding.
- Our gymnasium is available to rent for receptions. Its use requires a separate contract and rental fees.
You are welcome to visit during office hours or come to Mass to see the church.
Please contact our parish secretary for more information about our wedding policies or use of our gymnasium for a reception. If you decide to book your wedding here, you will receive a packet with the paperwork you will need to reserve Holy Cross for your wedding.
Michael Cook, Parish Secretary
(317) 637-2620 x401
hcadmin@holycrossindy.org
Baptism:
Because Baptism is initiation into the community of Faith, our primary concern is to look for positive signs the child will be raised in the community of Faith. The baptism ritual begins with dialogue between the priest and the parents:
“What name do you give your child?” and “What do you ask of God’s Church for _____?”
“Baptism”
“You have asked to have your child baptized. In doing so you are accepting the responsibility of bringing him/her up in the practice of the Faith. It will be your duty to bring him/her up to keep God’s commandments as Christ taught us by loving God and neighbor. Are you ready to accept this responsibility as Christian parents.” And then to godparents, “Are you ready to help the parents of this child in their duty as Christian parents.”
The only requirement for baptism at Holy Cross is that parents and godparents be ready to answer an authentic “yes” to those questions. There are no fees for baptism. To begin the process of discerning whether you are ready for an authentic celebration of baptism, all that is needed is to call the parish office and arrange an appointment.
While baptism may need to be delayed in some situations, it is never refused.
Baptism:
- Infant – If you are regularly attending Mass at Holy Cross, contact the parish office about scheduling the baptism of your baby. Parents who are not attending Mass regularly are asked to establish faith practice in a parish before seeking baptism for their children.
- Child – Children who have reached the age of reason (6-7 years old) may enroll in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Children.
- Adult – If you are an adult who has not been baptized and you want to become Catholic, you may enter the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults to prepare for Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist. If you have been baptized in another Christian tradition and wish to enter into communion with the Catholic Church, the process is simpler and tailored to your needs. Contact the parish office to initiate the process.
Planning a Child’s Baptism:
The most important thing to consider in planning a child’s baptism is the faith and commitment of the parents. So the first thing we would want to consider is where the parents attend Mass and how regular in attendance they are.
If you are regular in attendance at Holy Cross, you can schedule a baptism by calling the parish office.
If you are new or not attending Holy Cross, we would want to sit down and talk. We never refuse baptism but sometimes find it necessary to delay baptism until the parents have an opportunity to clarify for themselves their commitment. This can be done by calling the parish office.
Baptisms usually occur during the Sunday Liturgy. This allows the whole community to be involved in welcoming the child and the family.
Sponsors (godparents) for baptism should be practicing Catholics.
Confirmation:
We have an annual program that prepares youth to be confirmed. If you are a baptized Catholic adult who seeks to be confirmed, contact the parish office.
