Holy Cross Parish Advisory Councils

About the Holy Cross Pastoral Council 

The parish's Pastoral Council serves as an advisory resource for our pastor, Fr. Pius Wekesa, bringing to him needs that have been identified by the Council members and suggestions submitted by parishioners. In collaboration with the pastor, the Council members help to develop processes, research solutions and prioritize parish needs for facility and operational improvements. 

Parishioners are welcome to attend the Council meetings, and to communicate with members of the Council personally or by submitting remarks to the Pastoral Council Comments Box located in the church's gathering space, to the right of the parish office.

Holy Cross Pastoral Council expectations

• Enthusiasm about the future direction of the parish.
• Commit to attend regularly scheduled 60- to 90-minute meetings on the second Tuesdays of the month and any called special meeting with a three-day notice. 
• Willingness to attend a Pastoral Council half-day retreat and orientation/training.
• Willingness to listen, to speak respectfully and honestly, and to work through discernment to reach a consensus.
• Ability to work well with others, to be flexible, and to be open with people and and their ideas.
• Ability to articulate Pastoral Council actions and goals to parishioners.
• Ability to inspire and empower others.

Holy Cross Mission Statement

Holy Cross Church was founded by the Society of Jesus to serve the African American Catholics of Durham. We are a people baptized in Christ. We gather to worship the Lord in joy, to proclaim the Gospel, and to serve the Durham community, as well as, the needs of the whole people of God. Our special character as an African American parish continues to shape our worship, our ministries, and our contribution to the wider church

Holy Cross Pastoral Council Members (elected in 2020)

• Ron Patterson , Pastoral Council Chairperson
• Juyne Clemens, member
• Quincy Purvis, Member
• Leslie Tobin , Vice Chair  
• Joe Spina, Member
• Ogo Udemado, member

Ex Officio Council Members  

• Nadine Goodwin-Blake , Finance Council Chair, Ex Officio Member
• Deacon Phil Rzewnicki , OFM, Ex Officio Member
• Recorder | This role is currently empty. If interested, contact Ron Patterson .