At Holy Cross, we seek to be Christ's hands and feet in the world, serving those in need in our community and around the world. We do this by partnering with established programs that are engaged in improving the lives of those in need and giving hope to anyone seeking a better life. There are many ways to make a difference in the world.

You are welcome to join us in any of the programs listed here.

Red Wagon

We collect shelf-stable food items for the Committee for Helping Others' food pantry, which serve food insecure families in our immediate surroundings. Donations are delivered to CHO on a weekly basis.

Personal Care Items

Parishioners donate shampoo, soap, and other personal care items that are delivered to the Lamb Center, a day shelter in Fairfax County.

Parish Lunch Line

We regularly make sandwiches for clients of the Embry Rucker shelter—either at home or, when we are gathering in-person, in the parish kitchen. Watch for information about upcoming dates and join us making a difference in the lives of struggling individuals in our community.

Comfort Cases

We hold packing parties twice a year to provide much-needed supplies and a sense of dignity to kids in the foster system.

United Thank Offering

Parishioners drop coins in their blue boxes as they count their blessings twice a year. The funds are gathered and donated to UTO, which provides grants to groups seeking to serve the world.

Porridge Program

During Lent, parishioners are invited to sponsor a student who is suffering from malnutrition, by paying for daily breakfast at St. Augustine's Primary School in Dar es Salam, Tanzania.

Thanksgiving Meals

In November, parishioners pick up shopping lists to purchase Thanksgiving groceries for struggling families served by Second Story.

Angel Tree

During Advent, we collect Christmas presents to be donated to CHO, which makes them available to their clients free of charge. Struggling families can choose gifts for their children at the Christmas store in mid-December.

Pysanky & Prayer for Ukraine

Pysanky, or Ukrainian Easter eggs, are a tradition passed down through generations of Ukrainians as a way to contemplate and express faith and community. To show support for our brothers and sisters in Ukraine, Holy Cross offers a series of workshops where participants could learn the art of Pysanky and contribute to the relief efforts of those affected by the war in Ukraine.

More information is available here.