Holy Cross Parish

From a humble beginning to a vibrant hub of faith, the Holy Cross Parish in Henderson, Auckland has a story to tell. Did you know that its roots trace back to the 1880s? Priests from Avondale Parish would travel to Henderson and Swanson, holding mass in the homes of local Catholic families. The first Catholic church in the Western district was built around 1900 in Swanson. Henderson received its own little wooden church on August 6, 1911. This marked a significant milestone for the growing Catholic community. The church was extended and later dedicated to the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on September 16, 1923. In 1940, the Holy Cross Parish officially became an independent parish. Its boundaries encompassed Hobsonville, Whenuapai, Massey, Swanson, and Henderson. The small wooden church eventually gave way to a larger brick structure. This new building was opened and blessed on November 20, 1960. The interior was renovated in 1973 to better serve the needs of the parish. Holy Cross Parish continued to grow and evolve. In 1966, a new church dedicated to St Malachy was opened in Ranui. In 1967, the Massey Parish was established, taking over part of the original Holy Cross Parish territory. Today, Holy Cross Parish is a vital part of the Catholic Diocese of Auckland. The parish is now served by the Capuchin Friars, a branch of the Order of Friars Minor founded by St. Francis of Assisi. The friars reside in the Friary next to the school at 14 Lavelle Road. Holy Cross Parish stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and community. It continues to serve the spiritual needs of the people of Henderson and beyond. It has seen remarkable transformations over the years. It has adapted to the changing times. Through it all, Holy Cross Parish remains a beacon of hope and a place of worship for generations of Catholics.