About Holy Cross · Mesa, Arizona
Holy Cross Catholic Parish is a bilingual (English and Spanish) Catholic parish in Mesa, Arizona, in the 85206 ZIP code on South Power Road. Founded in 1978 by Father William J. Mitchell and dedicated in March 1982, the parish serves a growing East Valley community with seven weekend Masses — including a Spanish Vigil and a Spanish Sunday Mass — daily Mass Monday through Saturday, an active sacramental and religious-education program, Eucharistic Adoration, and outreach through St. Vincent de Paul and a Respect Life ministry. Its slogan, "Deepening our Experience of Jesus Christ," frames a parish life that blends traditional devotions (novenas, benediction, rosary) with contemporary faith formation and Hispanic ministry.
- Established
- 1978
- Patron
- Holy Cross (the Exaltation of the Holy Cross)
- Rector
- Fr. Lawrence Merta
- Diocese
- Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix
Why belong here
Holy Cross is a large, bilingual parish where every member of the family can find a home: seven weekend Masses (including two in Spanish), daily Mass, a Wednesday Healing Mass on the 2nd Saturday of selected months, weekly Eucharonic Adoration, and a full sacramental program. Its Office of Faith Formation walks children Pre-K through grade 12, while OCIA (RCIA) brings adults into the Church, and ministries such as the St. Vincent de Paul pantry, Respect Life, the Holy Cross Seniors Club, liturgical ministries, and the Hispanic outreach program Brazos Abiertos give parishioners concrete ways to serve. With a pastor and parochial vicar on staff, an office of Liturgy & Music, and a long tradition of devotional life (including novenas and benediction), it is a parish designed both for deepening prayer and for active charity.
Mass times at Holy Cross
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Monday through Saturday after the 8:30 a.m. Daily Mass
- Wednesdays from 4:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.
Adoration times
- First Friday of every month: after the 8:30 a.m. Mass until Benediction at 11:30 a.m.
- Wednesdays: 9:00 a.m. until 6:45 p.m.
About Holy Cross Parish
Holy Cross Catholic Parish describes itself with the tagline "Deepening our Experience of Jesus Christ." The parish is located in east Mesa, Arizona (ZIP 85206), on South Power Road, and belongs to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix. It is a bilingual community offering Mass in both English and Spanish every weekend, with the parish office reachable at 480-981-2021. The About page on the parish website serves as the first stop for visitors, with links to mass times, confession times, novenas, adoration, the parish bulletin, online giving, and faith formation.
- Tagline: Deepening our Experience of Jesus Christ
- Diocese: Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix
- Main phone: 480-981-2021
- Parish office located on Power Road, Mesa AZ 85206
History of the Parish
The parish website recounts the founding story. On August 1, 1978, Father William J. Mitchell left Queen of Peace Parish to establish the new Parish of Holy Cross. Eight acres were purchased at Power and Southern Roads. Architects George Christensen and Associates designed the church, and Porter Brothers Construction Company of Mesa built the 825-seat sanctuary. Groundbreaking was September 14, 1980; construction ran from December 15, 1980 to November 15, 1981. The first Mass was November 19, 1981, and Bishop Thomas O'Brien dedicated the church on March 9, 1982.
- Founded August 1, 1978
- Founder: Fr. William J. Mitchell (from Queen of Peace Parish)
- Architects: George Christensen and Associates
- Builder: Porter Brothers Construction Company, Mesa
- Capacity: 825 seats
- Groundbreaking: September 14, 1980
- First Mass: November 19, 1981
- Dedication: March 9, 1982 by Bishop Thomas O'Brien
Clergy and Parish Staff
Fr. Lawrence Merta also serves at the parish. The staff directory includes a Director of Religious Education (Patti Phillips), a Director of Sacred Music, a Coordinator of Youth Faith Formation for Grades 6–12 (Roberto Navarro), a Coordinator of Elementary Faith Formation for Pre-K–5 (Sarah Sanchez), a Coordinator of Hispanic Adult Faith Formation, a Pastoral Associate and wedding coordinator (Bridgette Cosentino), a Facilitator of Liturgy (Phillip Conn), an Office Administrator, receptionists, and maintenance staff.
- Fr. Jacob Varghese, VC — Pastor (Ext 208)
- Fr. Lawrence Merta
- Fr. Raul Herrero — Parochial Vicar (Ext 202)
- Patti Phillips — Director of Religious Education (Ext 213)
- Director of Sacred Music (contact 480-981-2021)
- Roberto Navarro — Coordinator of Youth Faith Formation, Grades 6–12
- Sarah Sanchez — Coordinator of Elementary Faith Formation, Pre-K–5
- Coordinator of Hispanic Adult Faith Formation
- Bridgette Cosentino — Pastoral Associate / Wedding Coordinator (Ext 206)
- Phillip Conn — Facilitator of Liturgy
- Office Administrator, receptionists, and maintenance staff
Novenas and Devotional Life
The parish posts novena prayers for the major liturgical seasons, including the nine-day Novena to the Holy Spirit during Eastertide, leading up to the Vigil of Pentecost (with day-by-day themes: the Holy Spirit, the Seven Gifts, and the Fruits of the Holy Spirit), and the Novena for the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (August 6–14). A separate page lists additional Devotional Prayers.
- Novena to the Holy Spirit (Eastertide through Pentecost)
- Novena for the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Aug 6–14)
- Devotional Prayers page
Faith Formation & Religious Education
Holy Cross runs faith formation year-round with separate coordinators for elementary and youth programs. Elementary Faith Formation (Pre-K–5) is led by Sarah Sanchez, and Youth Faith Formation (Grades 6–12) is led by Roberto Navarro. The Religious Education office is open Monday–Thursday 8 a.m.–5 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m.–12 p.m. Adult formation is handled through OCIA (RCIA) and the Hispanic Adult Faith Formation ministry.
- Elementary Faith Formation (Pre-K–5)
- Youth Faith Formation (Grades 6–12)
- OCIA / RCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults)
- Hispanic Adult Faith Formation (Brazos Abiertos)
- Director of Religious Education: Patti Phillips
OCIA (RCIA) — Adult Sacraments of Initiation
OCIA at Holy Cross welcomes unbaptized adults (and children over 7) as Catechumens, baptized Christians from other denominations as Candidates, and baptized Catholics seeking Confirmation and/or First Eucharist. Sessions run on Thursdays from early August through late June. English Pre-Catechumenate (Inquiry) Sessions meet 6:30–8:00 p.m. and accept new inquirers year-round; English Catechumenate Sessions meet 6:00–8:00 p.m. and include participation in Sunday rites. Contact Patti Phillips at the parish office to begin.
- Pre-Catechumenate (Inquiry): Thursdays 6:30–8:00 p.m.
- Catechumenate sessions: Thursdays 6:00–8:00 p.m.
- Year-round acceptance for inquirers; initial 30-min welcome meeting required
Vacation Bible School and Parish Events
Holy Cross runs an annual Vacation Bible School; the 2026 registration is posted on the parish site. Other parish events include the Holy Cross Seniors Club (on summer recess July–August, resuming September 2026) and ongoing outreach campaigns.
- Annual Vacation Bible School (registration open on the parish website)
- Holy Cross Seniors Club (fellowship for 55+; contact [email protected])
Sacraments
The Sacraments page explains the seven sacraments instituted by Christ (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, Matrimony), citing CCC 1210 and CCC 1131. Individual sacrament pages provide the parish's practical requirements.
Infant Baptism
Parents wishing to baptize an infant at Holy Cross should be registered and actively participating in parish life for at least three months before baptism preparation begins. A Baptism preparation class is required (or proof of attendance at one elsewhere), the child's birth certificate must be presented, and the parish Baptism Coordinator will set the date once requirements are met. Godparents must be fully initiated, practicing Catholics at least 16 years of age; if married, married in the Catholic Church; one or two godparents (one male, one female if two). A non-Catholic Christian may serve as a Christian witness alongside a single Catholic godparent.
- Three-month active-participation waiting period for newly registered parishioners
- Baptism preparation class required
- One or two Catholic godparents; Christian Witness option
Weddings (Matrimony)
Couples seeking Matrimony at Holy Cross first meet with the Pastor, then with the Marriage Coordinator (Bridgette Cosentino). Notification of intent to marry must be given at least nine months in advance; newly registered parishioners have a three-month waiting period. Couples select their own Scripture readings (Old Testament, New Testament epistle, Gospel, and Responsorial Psalm) and the liturgical music; the Music Director will contact them. Additional preparation resources are available at the Diocese of Phoenix's marriage-prep site.
- Nine months' advance notice required
- Three-month waiting period for newly registered parishioners
- Reading selection: 1st Reading (OT), 2nd Reading (NT), Gospel, Responsorial Psalm
- Coordinator: Bridgette Cosentino, Pastoral Associate (Ext 206)
St. Vincent de Paul Conference
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul at Holy Cross is housed at the north end of the parish grounds. It provides food, clothing, and other assistance to neighbors in need and is open Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The conference has its own dedicated phone line (480-985-4259). Volunteers are needed to deliver food, interview and serve clients in the office, pack and distribute pantry food, pick up donations from local grocery stores (including driving an SVDP pickup truck), and assist with phone messages and data entry. The parish lists current pantry needs: cereal, jam/jelly, canned chili, Vienna sausages, canned ravioli, ramen, and long crew socks.
- Hours: Mon–Thu 7:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
- Phone: 480-985-4259
- Volunteer roles: delivery drivers, office/pantry helpers, food pickup, phone/data entry
- Current pantry needs: cereal, jam, jelly, canned chili, Vienna sausages, canned ravioli, ramen, crew socks
Respect Life Ministry
The Holy Cross Respect Life Initiative promotes respect for all human life "from conception to natural death." Activities include Adoration and the Rosary for the Unborn each Wednesday during Adoration; sidewalk prayer at the Planned Parenthood in Tempe during the 40 Days for Life fall and spring campaigns (and year round); supporting local crisis pregnancy centers; distributing pro-life literature; and the annual Spring Baby Bottle Drive supporting Aid To Women, First Way Pregnancy Center, and Maggie's Place. The ministry meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Conference Room; new members are always welcome.
- Meets second Tuesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. in the Conference Room
- Wednesday Adoration & Rosary for the Unborn
- 40 Days for Life campaigns (Fall and Spring)
- Annual Spring Baby Bottle Drive (partners: Aid To Women, First Way Pregnancy Center, Maggie's Place)
- Respect Life Novena available on the parish website
Office of Liturgy & Music — Liturgical Ministries
All liturgical ministries at Holy Cross are coordinated through the Office of Liturgy & Music, which trains and schedules lay ministers for weekend Masses and other celebrations, in line with diocesan standards. Opportunities include Lectors, Ministers of Hospitality (Ushers), Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Cantors, Choir members, Musicians, Mass Captains, Sacristans, Altar Servers, the Altar Society (care of the church environment and Anderson Hall), Ministers of Sewing (creating liturgical linens), and Ministers of Linen (washing vestments and altar cloths). Volunteers must be in good standing with the Church and complete Safe Environment (Call to Protect) training through the Diocese of Phoenix plus a ministry-specific training.
- Liturgical coordinator: Phillip Conn ([email protected])
- Altar Servers — open to those who have received First Holy Communion
- Lectors, Ushers/Hospitality, EMHC, Cantors, Choir, Musicians
- Mass Captains, Sacristans, Altar Society
- Ministers of Sewing and Ministers of Linen
Parish Life & Community
Beyond the sacraments, the parish hosts online resources including a digital bulletin, FORMED ("Catholic Faith on Demand"), online giving through ParishSoft, and Vacation Bible School. Outreach links include Resources For Migrants and a "Reduce Living Costs" page.
- Online Bulletin
- FORMED
- Online Giving / ParishSoft
- Resources For Migrants
- Reduce Living Costs
Visit, Register, and Contact
New parishioners may register via ParishSoft (link on the homepage). The Parish Office is open Monday–Thursday 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (closed 8:30–9:00 a.m. for Mass, and 12:00–1:00 p.m. for lunch) and Friday 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. The church itself is open Monday–Thursday 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. and Friday–Saturday 8:30–11:00 a.m.; Sunday hours correspond to the Mass schedule. The Emergency Anointing link is featured on the homepage for those in need of last rites.
- Parish registration: ParishSoft
- Office hours: Mon–Thu 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; Fri 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
- Church open hours: Mon–Thu 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.; Fri–Sat 8:30–11:00 a.m.
- Emergency Anointing: contact the parish office at 480-981-2021
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. William J. Mitchell1978 – founding pastor
Left Queen of Peace Parish on August 1, 1978 to establish the new Parish of Holy Cross; oversaw groundbreaking (1980), construction, the first Mass (November 19, 1981), and the dedication on March 9, 1982.