Next · Wednesday, July 22
Next Mass
Today's Readings8:00AM
Mass
Wednesday, July 22
Wednesday, July 22
This Week
Luminescence at the Cathedral Basilica
Experience the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul illuminated with stunning 360° projections. Be transported by an immersive soundtrack that brings history and architecture to life. Watch the Cathedral Basilica's stone walls transform into vibrant works of art through light and motion. Journey through the founding of Philadelphia and the Cathedral Basilica as the nation celebrates 250 years! Duration: Approximately 60 minutes Age Requirement: All ages are welcome Accessibility: Venue is ADA accessible
Weekly Schedule
This week at the parish
Jul 21 – Jul 27
Tue
21
Mass
Wed
22
Mass
Thu
23
Mass
Fri
24
Mass
Sat
25
Confession›
and by appointment
Mass
Sun
26
Mass›
livestream
Mass
Mass
Mon
27
—
Bulletin · upcoming
Around the parish
Tuesdays · 10:00 AM
H.O.P.E. Food Pantry
Sundays · 4:30 PM
OCIA (previously RCIA) for adults entering the church
church
Sundays
Confirmation Class
Mondays · 6:15 PM
First Penance and Communion Class
Virtual
Sat · Aug 1
Luminescence at the Cathedral Basilica
Experience the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul illuminated with stunning 360° projections. Be transported by an immersive soundtrack that brings history and architecture to life. Watch the Cathedral Basilica's stone walls transform into vibrant works of art through light and motion. Journey through the founding of Philadelphia and the Cathedral Basilica as the nation celebrates 250 years!
Duration: Approximately 60 minutes
Age Requirement: All ages are welcome
Accessibility: Venue is ADA accessible
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul
Sun · Aug 9 · 10:00 AM
HOLY CROSS HELPING FACE TO FACE
Face to Face is a Poverty Resource Center providing Social Services, Law Services and Meals. Dates open for new volunteers: Aug 9, Sept 13, Oct 11, Nov 8 & Dec 13 to meal prep from 10:00 -1:00 PM at Face to Face in Germantown. To sign up contact: moc.liamtoh@ytreffar-divad 267-495-6348 Jesus said "feed my lambs"
Face to Face in Germantown
Sun · Aug 9 · 10:00 AM
Face to Face Volunteer Meal Prep
Face to Face is a Poverty Resource Center providing Social Services, Law Services and Meals.
Face to Face in Germantown
Sun · Sep 13 · 10:00 AM
Face to Face Volunteer Meal Prep
Face to Face is a Poverty Resource Center providing Social Services, Law Services and Meals.
Face to Face in Germantown
Names lifted up at the altar
Mass Intentions
- Evelyn GoldstoneSat Jul 4 · deceased
- Janis KirschnerSun Jul 5
- Richard A Laws SrSun Jul 5 · deceased
- John SheekeySun Jul 5
- Jean O'ShaughnessyTue Jul 7
- Diane WhelihanSun Jul 12
Pastoral MessageJuly 11, 2026
Father Kevin's Reflection: True Freedom Is Found in Christ
True Freedom Is Found in Christ
My brothers and sisters,
- True Greatness Is Found in Humility: In the first reading, the prophet Zechariah presents a king who comes "humble and riding on a donkey," not on a warhorse. God reminds us that greatness is measured not by power or status but by humility and service. As citizens and as Christians, we are called to build our nation and our parish through kindness, respect, and selfless love.
- God Reveals Himself to the Humble: Jesus thanks the Father because He reveals His wisdom to the little ones. Faith is not about being the smartest or the strongest; it is about having an open and trusting heart. At Holy Cross Parish, may we remain a community where every person; the young, the elderly, the poor, the immigrant, and the lifelong parishioner, knows they are welcomed and loved by God.
- Christ Offers Rest to the Weary: Many people today carry heavy burdens: worries about family, health, finances, violence, and uncertainty about the future. Jesus invites us, "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest." Real peace is not found in wealth or success but in a relationship with Christ. Let us bring our burdens to Him and allow Him to renew our hearts.
- Freedom Means Living by the Spirit: St. Paul reminds us that we are called to live according to the Spirit, not according to selfish desires. As we celebrate our nation's independence, let us also ask whether we are spiritually free, free from sin, hatred, prejudice, selfishness, and division. The best way to honor our country's freedom is to become people who choose goodness, justice, forgiveness, and love every day.
As we celebrate this historic anniversary, let us pray for the United States, for its leaders, for all who have sacrificed for our freedom, and for all who continue to serve our nation. May God help us use our freedom wisely, always seeking first His Kingdom.
May Holy Cross Parish continue to be a place where Christ's gentle yoke brings hope, healing, and peace to all. Amen.
Staff & Clergy
Who serves here
Rev. Kevin Okafor
Parish Administrator
Rev. Msgr. David Benz
Pastor Emeritus
Shannon Sweeney
Parish Secretary
Dan Welsh
Facility Manager
John Duffner
Business Manager
Alyssa Garcia
Choir Director
Darin Williams
Coordinator of Religious Education
Sonya Songhai
Saturday Musician & Cantor
RT Mail
Bookkeeper
Bruce Giermann
Group Facilitator
From the bulletin
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Address
140 E Mt Airy Ave
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19119
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19119
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