The Holy Cross Social Concerns Committee is the parish group that puts into action our belief in working with other faith communities on projects that strengthen our community. Pope Benedict XVI taught us that, “The Church’s evangelizing mission, therefore, moves along the path of ecumenism, the path of unity of faith, of evangelical witness and authentic fraternity.”
Rebuilding Together: Rebuilding Together (formerly known as “Christmas in April”) is a program in which parishioners help restore homes of low-income residents of Montgomery County, particularly the elderly, disabled, and/or families with children. Holy Cross teams with volunteers from Saint Mark Presbyterian and Bethesda United Church of Christ as a visible sign of Christian Unity. The Social Concerns Committee also provides a wonderful picnic meal for the workers. The designated Saturday is in late April, but those with more experience working on houses may volunteer for additional Saturdays. Teens may participate with parents.
Christian Unity Prayer Service: In 1994, parishioner Fran Kleinhenz, a transplant from Ohio, encouraged fellow Social Concerns Committee members to organize an ecumenical service in the North Bethesda area in conjunction with the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. After more than 20 years, the Committee still facilitates this major Christian unity event in Montgomery County, which highlights prayers, scripture, homilies by representatives of the various Christian denominations, a combined choir, and shared refreshments and fellowship. The spiritual event complements service projects done with neighboring faith communities, such as Rebuilding Together and other charitable programs. Photos and videos from past services are on our Facebook page, and the contact email is [email protected].
Contact: [email protected].