The Baptism Preparation Class for parents and godparents is held in English on the third Tuesday evening of the month and cuarto Martes en Español at 7:00pm at Holy Cross' Hayes Hall (Suspended due to Covid-19).
This class reviews the basic teachings of the Catholic Church, the responsibilities of bringing up the child in the practice of the faith, and a full understanding of the Baptism ceremony.
Applications are available in the Rectory Office; please bring child’s Birth Certificate.
Families wanting to have children baptized younger than 6-years-old, please call the Rectory at (805) 962-0411 or secretary@holycross.sbcoxmail.com
Children older than 6 years, please contact the Religious Education Office at (805) 962-7311 or cre@holycross.sbcoxmail.com
Copies of Baptism Certificates for Children baptized at Holy Cross require $10 plus request form.
Preparation for First Reconciliation and Communion
Holy Cross Faith Formation Program is for elementary 1st grade to 6th grade school age children are welcom to register for a weekly faith formation class.
Classes are held Sundays for Year 1 and Year 2 both from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. The teaching material is bilingual, English & Spanish.
For children preparing to make First Reconciliation and First Communion, the sacramental preparation process as prescribed by the Los Angeles Archdiocese guidelines is two consecutive years. No matter what year or grade a student enters Religious Education, regular attendance and participation is required for completion to make their First Communion.
Our Catechists are volunteers that share their faith with the children. Their training is provided through the Office of Religious Education and workshop offerings from the Santa Barbara Regional Office and the Archdiocese.
Our vacation breaks generally follow the schedule for the Santa Barbara Unified School District.
The registration period is from September 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021. Copy of Baptism Certificate is required to register a student. Classes meet from October to May.
Religious Education Office at (805) 962-7311 or cre@holycross.sbcoxmail.com
CONFIRMATION
To be young is to be attracted to truth, freedom, peace, beauty and goodness. To be young means to be eager to live; to live joyfully, meaningfully.” - Pope John Paul II
Our gifted and generous catechists and coordinators at Holy Cross are called to share our faith with the young adults of our parish in preparing them for the Sacrament of Confirmation and seek to impart a sense of hopefulness and enthusiasm in our young people.
The Confirmation preparation process consists of various elements which provide a framework for supporting our youth and the parish as they grow as a faith community. The Confirmation team affirms and supports the policies of the Archdiocese and will continue to implement the process in a manner that will address the unique needs of every young adult.
Confirmation finishes the rights of initiation started in baptism sacramentally bringing a candidate into full communion with the Catholic faithful. Like the apostles at Pentecost, confirmation anoints a person in a special way with the Holy Spirit.
Our program at Holy Cross is a two-year program for High School students, generally beginning for teens in their freshman year - 9th grade or sophomore year - 10th grade (no 18 year olds in year 1).
We meet Sunday evenings, twice a month from 5:30-7:00pm, beginning in October and running through May.
All students must be Baptized and have received the Sacrament of the Eucharist (First Communion) prior to registration.