In the 1950's, Little Flower Parish experienced rapid growth with the development of the Douglas Park area.  By 1959 it was considered necessary to erect a new Roman Catholic community there -- to be called Holy Cross Parish.  To make a thorough survey and to organize the new parish, Father Michael J. Hogan was appointed first pastor.  In September, 1959, he started to celebrate daily Mass in St. Andrew's School where Msgr. Frank Gerein had already set up an altar which he obtained from the Ursuline Sisters as Brescia Hall. 

As a result of Fr. Hogan's efforts, and with the enthusiastic support of the faithful, plans for a combined church and rectory were prepared by the architect, E. J. McCudden.  On December 1, 1959, Archbishop O'Neill officially established the new parish.  Shortly thereafter, he authorized construction of the new church by Pigott Construction Company.  The church was build to seat about 500 people. 

The church was officially opened on Sunday, November 5, 1961 with the celebration of Mass and Archbishop O'Neill presiding. 
 

Figure of Christ

A one and one half ton figure of Christ standing six feet, eight inches tall made of Manitoba buff Tyndallstone with a remarkable expression of sorrow hangs from a massive stone cross behind a simple stone altar.  The simplicity and the rich gray color give a solemn reverent effect.  The sculpture was donated by Knights of Columbus Msgr. Janssen Council No. 4959. 

The artist was Hubert Garnier of Winnipeg.  The figure was carved without the aid of a model--a method known as stylized carving -- attempted by only a handful of sculptors in Canada.  Emphasis has been put on the arms and hands which are larger than the rest of the body in order to bring out the strength of Christ. 
 

Mosaic Stations

Paul Cloutier, a member of Holy Cross Parish and part of the building committee, created the mosaic Stations of the Cross.  They are made of Byzantine glass in a variety of true colors which gives a finished effect of strength and beauty in keeping with the simple architectural design of the church. 
 

First Parish Council

In September 1969, Msgr. Gerein, then pastor, set up a Steering Committee to establish a parish council with three standing committees: finance, liturgy and workshops, as well as three special committees:  guidelines and constitution, census and nominating.  The Steering Committee worked on this structure until the first Parish Annual Meeting in 1971 when youth and public relations committees were added. 
 

Gerein Centre 

The decision to renovate and expand the parish facilities to include a reception area and lower level meeting space was taken at a special meeting of the parish in May 1982.  The new addition, named after Msgr. Gerein, was built by Bird Construction.  The Official Blessing and opening of the Centre took place on May 6, 1984. 
 

Parish Expansion

With the growth of the City of Regina in the southeast, Holy Cross Parish had several neighborhoods added over the years.  University Park was assigned to Holy Cross Parish in 1978, and Gardiner Park in 1981.  The balance of the area in southeast Regina was served by Holy Cross, Holy Child and Little Flower parishes.  In 2000 Archbishop Mallon announced the formation of a new parish to serve the area south of Victoria Avenue and east of the Ring Road.  Until the establishment of Resurrection Parish in Windsor Park, Holy Cross Parish had approximately 1,300 registered families. 

Membership has been affected by the new parish.  Currently, Holy Cross Parish has 750 families and continues to serve families throughout southeast Regina.  The pastoral team is involved in serving the school communities of St. Andrew, St. Dominic Savio and St. Marguerite Bourgeoys elementary schools and Miller Comprehensive and LeBoldus high schools.