Holy Cross Catholic Church A Silver Jubilee History 2001–2026
For twenty-five years, Holy Cross Catholic Church has been a spiritual home where the Catholic faith has been celebrated through the Eucharist, prayer, fellowship, and service. Located at 141 Hornbine Road in Rehoboth, Massachusetts, the church began as a small gathering of five worshippers and has grown through the faithfulness and dedication of its clergy and parishioners.
Holy Cross Catholic Church was founded on August 14, 2001, by the Most Reverend Raymond E. Laliberte, who became the church’s first pastor. The first Mass was celebrated at 5:00 p.m. that evening, on the Vigil of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. From that humble beginning, the community steadily developed into a welcoming parish family.
The new Catholic community initially worshipped in a building owned by Hornbine Baptist Church, whose pastor was Pastor Edgar Farley. The relationship between the Catholic and Baptist communities was marked by hospitality, cooperation, and mutual respect. The name “Holy Cross” was chosen in consideration of the Baptist community. Rather than selecting the name of a particular saint, the founders chose a sacred Christian symbol honored by both Catholic and Baptist Christians.
The two congregations worked together in a spirit of Christian unity and held joint worship services twice each year. These gatherings gave the communities an opportunity to pray together and strengthen their shared witness to Jesus Christ.
In its early years, Holy Cross celebrated Mass on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. and on Sunday at 8:30 and 11:30 a.m. Saturday Mass was later moved to 4:00 p.m. As the needs and circumstances of the parish changed, the schedule was adjusted again. In May 2021, Holy Cross began celebrating one Sunday Mass at 10:30 a.m., which continues to be the center of its weekly Parish life.
Monthly fundraising suppers became an important tradition at Holy Cross. They provided financial assistance to the parish while also bringing people together for food, friendship, and fellowship. The suppers continued until March 2020, when they were discontinued because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Before the pandemic, the parish also held two Portuguese feasts, celebrating the faith and cultural heritage of the Portuguese community.
A major milestone occurred on February 28, 2015, when ownership of the church building was transferred from Hornbine Baptist Church to Holy Cross Catholic Church. The transfer gave the parish a permanent spiritual home and opened a new chapter in its history. A building that had first been shared through the generosity of the Baptist community now became the lasting home of Holy Cross.
The parish faced a serious challenge during the summer of 2021, when a tree fell on the church and caused extensive damage to the building. While repairs were underway, Mass was celebrated in the church hall so that the worshipping life of the parish could continue.
The late Chris Howe played an important role in helping Holy Cross recover from this disaster. He contacted his son’s restoration company and arranged for the damaged church building to be repaired. Through this generous assistance and the efforts of those involved in the restoration, the church was repaired and ready for use again by the fall of 2021. This period became another example of the resilience, generosity, and determination that have characterized Holy Cross throughout its history.
Several assistant pastors have contributed to the sacramental and pastoral life of the church. They include the Reverend Tom Bevilaqua, now deceased; the Reverend Matthew Roias, who left before the COVID-19 pandemic; and the Reverend David Gonsalves, who continues to serve Holy Cross today. Their ministry has helped sustain the community through times of growth, transition, and challenge.
On May 7, 2023, Bishop Raymond Laliberte—affectionately known to the parish as “Bishop Ray”—stepped down as pastor and became Pastor Emeritus. On that same day, the Most Reverend Jeffrey E. Megna was elevated to pastor. Bishop Jeff continues to lead and serve Holy Cross today. Although Bishop Ray now serves in a diminished capacity, his presence and ministry remain an important part of the parish he founded.
The mission of Holy Cross extends beyond the walls of the church building. The parish provides pastoral and sacramental ministry to four nursing homes. Bishop Ray ministers at one of these residences, while Father David ministers at the other three. Through this outreach, Holy Cross brings the comforting presence of Christ and the grace of the sacraments to older adults, the sick, and those who are unable to attend Mass at the church.
Of the five people who attended the first Mass in 2001, Sharon Laliberte and Derek McMurtery are the last two who remain active in the parish. Their continued presence provides a living connection between the humble beginnings of Holy Cross and the parish community of today. Their faithfulness, together with that of many other parishioners and clergy members, has helped Holy Cross endure and grow.
Today, Holy Cross Catholic Church has approximately twenty-five members. Though modest in number, the parish is rich in faith, fellowship, perseverance, and service. Its history reminds us that the strength of a church is not measured solely by the size of its congregation, but by its devotion to Christ, its care for its members, and its willingness to serve those in need.
As Holy Cross Catholic Church celebrates its Silver Jubilee, the parish gives thanks to Almighty God for twenty-five years of blessings. It gratefully remembers those who founded and sustained the community, those who offered their time and resources, and those faithful members who have gone before us. It also remembers with gratitude the friendship of the Hornbine Baptist community and all who helped make Holy Cross a spiritual home.
From five people gathered for the Vigil Mass of the Assumption to the parish family of today, the story of Holy Cross is a testimony to faith, perseverance, Christian cooperation, and dedicated service. Even when confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic and severe damage to its church building, the community remained faithful and continued to gather around the altar of the Lord.
As Holy Cross looks toward the future, it does so with gratitude for the past and confidence in God’s continuing providence. The words of Saint Paul fittingly express the spirit of this anniversary:
“But may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” — Galatians 6:14
May the Holy Cross of Jesus Christ continue to be the strength, hope, and inspiration of this community. May God bless Holy Cross Catholic Church, its clergy, parishioners, benefactors, and ministries as its story continues to unfold for generations to come.