BISHOP'S VISIT - May 4, 2025
Bishops try to visit every parish in the diocese annually, partially for the purpose of strengthening our broader Episcopal community, but also for Confirmation.
Confirmation is the process in the Episcopal Church through which baptized Christians make a voluntary, public, reaffirmation of their identity in Christ. The Book of Common Prayer calls upon all who have been baptized at an early age “when they are ready and have been duly prepared”, to make a mature public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their Baptism and to receive laying on of hands by the bishop.
While the Bishop Richards is at Holy Cross he will confirm a number of confirmands (confirmation candidates) as well as parishioners who wish to reaffirm their commitments to Christ.
For more information about reaffirmation of your faith, contact Father Dorian.
The Right Reverend Daniel Richards
Bishop of the Diocese of Upper South Carolina
Worship
We worship God in community through liturgy (our order of worship), prayer, music, and immersion in Scripture. Our worship services focus on the gospel of Christ and God’s love and grace for every human being made in God’s image.
“Ascribe to the LORD the honor due His Name; bring offerings and come into his courts. Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness; let the whole earth tremble before Him.” (Psalm 96:8-9 BCP)
Liturgy
Holy Cross is a parish of the Episcopal Church. As part of Anglican Communion the liturgy, or order of worship, practiced by Holy Cross for our worship services is steeped in the traditions of the Church of England and is known for its beauty and the inclusion of a broad spectrum of theological views. It provides connection, education, and inspiration.
Prayer
Our prayer focuses on /giving glory to God while also providing for the needs of the Holy Cross community, the Simpsonville community and the larger community of all peoples.
Music
Holy Cross offers a spectrum of music from the traditional to more contemporary Christian music.
Scripture
Our worship services include Old Testament and New Testament lessons (NRSV Bible) as well as Psalms and the Epistles (letters) of the Apostles.
Support
We share our time, resources, and presence to serve the physical and spiritual needs of individuals and communities. Our pastoral care offers support for those suffering from illness, family disruption and emotional setbacks. As a family of Christ followers we support each other through our mutual journeys through life.
“Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me…Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’” (Matthew 25:34-36, 40 NRSV)
Pastoral Care
Holy Cross has many church members dedicated to helping others depending on their needs. Help with meals, transportation to doctor’s appointments, understanding the availability of community services and focused prayer are just some of the ways that people are assisted.
Outreach
We are part of the larger community of Simpsonville, Greenville, Fountain Inn and have many ways in which we support the community through meals for students, support for food banks, and charitable efforts to the needy.
Spiritual Growth
We are formed into the image of Christ through worship, fellowship, service and enlightenment and inspiration by scriptural study and understanding.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20 NRSV)
Teachings
We provide the environment where individuals can learn the power of God’s teachings through Christ to help lead more spiritual lives. Fundamental to this learning is the better understanding of God’s Grace and Love.
Holy Cross provides for children in two significant ways. First Holy Cross Academy is a comprehensive day care center that provides care for infant, toddler, and elementary school aged children. Second, there are programs designed specifically for young children helping in Christian formation, first communion and fellowship.
Teen age years are a critical time in the development of young people’s attitudes towards life and its many challenges. The Holy Cross program is designed to provide a fun environment for spiritual growth of youth and confirmation into the broader church.
Sermons at Holy Cross are spiritually uplifting and inspiring informing the Holy Cross family of God’s Love and Grace in their lives and in the lives of all.
