Holy Cross Catholic Church

Holy Cross Catholic Church, located in East Bernard, Texas, In 1901, Catholic immigrants gathered to celebrate the first mass in the East Bernard area. The roots of faith these pioneers planted continue to grow and flourish, and today more than 700 families call Holy Cross Catholic Church their parish home.

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The Office of Safe Environment develops and implements programs which strive to create an environment free of abuse and harassment for all children, youth and vulnerable people as they participate in religious activities and ministries within the church and Catholic school system of the Diocese of Victoria. 

The Diocese of Victoria continues its longstanding commitment to support and healing of sexual abuse survivors and reaffirms our commitment to protect the children, youth and vulnerable adults from harm.  Since the creation of the office in 2003, the Office of Safe Environment has educated and trained more than 14,800 adults in the Keeping Kids & Vulnerable Adults SAFE and VIRTUS abuse awareness, recognition, prevention and reporting procedures as mandated by the state of Texas and by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop’s Charter.  More than 630 school employees have been fingerprinted as part of the background check policy for school employees.  Annually, the Diocese of Victoria educates an average of 9,000 children, youth and 2,200 parents in the area of personal safety.

The Diocese of Victoria requires each parish and diocesan entity to implement this program.