The Mission and Outreach Commission is a very visible way that the Holy Cross family demonstrates our dedication to our Lord’s teaching to love and serve Him.  This Commission supports our church’s mission statement by providing a compassionate ministry of helping others, near and far, when need exists.         

Our mission statement:  To seek Christ in all persons, answering His call to love others and help those in need .

Specifically members of the Mission and Outreach Commission:

 1.  Screen requests and distribute emergency assistance to people in immediate need in Watauga and Avery Counties (we help with power bills, housing costs, transportation, medical costs and other needs for a total amount determined by Valle Country Fair proceeds and therefore varies from year to year).  If you are in need of assistance, please call Holy Cross at 963-4609, ext. 25 and leave a message.  A volunteer will return your call within 24 hours.

    2.  Determine distribution of Valle Country Fair Grant funds to local non-profit organizations. Local non-profit charitable organizations receiving Valle Country Fair Grants in 2012 are: Avery County Smart Start, A Partnership for Children, Children's Council of Watauga County, Community Care Clinic, Hospitality House, Parent-To-Parent Family Support Network, WAMY Avery Youth (Avery Yo!)   and  Western Youth Network.

Grant recipients display posters of who they are and what they do at every Valle Country Fair (photo) so that the general public can see their efforts which better our  community and help improve the lives of others.       

 3.  Offer an English-as-a-Second-Language class on Sunday afternoons.  We offer an adult class and child care for the children of adult students.  We even take field trips to the Valle Crucis Community Park and Grandfather Mountain.    All are invited to attend or volunteer.

4.  Organize and run Alternative Christmas, Angel Tree, Villager (an outreach of respite for parents of foster children) and a monthly dinner at Hospitality House, the homeless shelter in Boone.

If your local charitable organization is interested in applying for a Valle Country Fair grant, please visit www.vallecountryfair.org and click "To Apply for a Grant." 

If you are looking for volunteer opportunities, Mission and Outreach offers many ranging from holding babies during a Villager evening to submitting MOC articles for the Holy Cross monthly newsletter. Please send Ann Gerber an email at holy_cross@skybest.com  if you would like more information.