A record number of Holy Cross parishioners attended the general parish meeting Friday night, January 31, in the parish’s assembly room.

Parish Council president, Bill Layburn, noted a marked increase in involvement in parish activities. “Involvement is apostolic action,” he said. “We should especially help youth to establish a good relationship with the parish, the community and the church,” he added.

Finances and education were the two major reports presented at the meeting. Ray Warrell, chairman of the budget and finance committee presented the parish’s financial position, illustrated with graphs on the overhead projector.

J.B. Green, chairman of the Board of Education reported a 12% increase since October in enrollment in the parish school of religion. As of January 13, 1,399 youngsters attend class, including 36 young people at Norcross and 50 at the Lawrenceville mission.

Seventy-seven parishioners are active as catechists, including six at Norcross and five at Lawrenceville

Mr. Green announced a sex education program for 5^th and 6^th graders to be taught by Dr. Charles Ward of the parish, an obstetrician. This program will be given on February 15^th and 22^nd.

A recent survey concerning the possibility of a weekday kindergarten at Holy Cross drew sufficient interest according to Mr. Green, and the Board of Education will consider the matter on Sunday, February 9, at their 8:15 p.m. meeting.

Mrs. Pente Sheppard, chairman of the women’s circles reported an increase in circles from 18 to 22 in the parish since September. All women in the parish’s 1,050 families are automatically members of one of these neighborhood groups which foster neighborliness as well as performing numerous good works in the parish and their respective communities.

Father Eusebius Beltran, pastor, closed the meeting saying, “Every area of parish life must be integrated to form the Christian community. We need to develop as an active Christian family. The goal is not to construct buildings and impress people, but to help people, to make them more aware of Christ.”