As part of our ministry to the College, the chaplains are available to meet one-on-one with individual students to discuss any concerns, questions, or difficulties they may have. The concern may include grieving the loss of a loved one, difficulty adjusting to college life, or questions about faith. We will also aid you, if necessary, in locating appropriate resources and referrals. Please come to our offices in Campion or call us at 508-793-2448.
In addition to individual meetings with students, we also offer student support groups, as the need arises, to help you deal with your concerns in a peer group setting with a chaplain facilitator. In the past, support groups have been offered for bereaving students through Good Grief and survivors of sexual assault.
- LGBTQIA+ Ministry
- Grief In Common
- Support for Pregnant Students and Partners of Pregnant Students
- Healing Circles for Survivors of Sexual Assault
LGBTQIA+ Ministry
Rooted in our Catholic and Jesuit identity and grounded in the Universal Apostolic Preferences, the Office of the College Chaplains desires to provide a welcoming and inclusive community for personal and spiritual growth for all students. We believe that all are made in the image and likeness of God. Our ministry for the members of the LGBTQIA+ community seeks to provide opportunities for pastoral care, the building of community and connection, spiritual development, service, and reflection. This ministry strives to empower all students at Holy Cross to consider their spiritual beliefs and identities within a community of welcome, accompaniment and support. Our specific offerings include:
Faithfully Queer: A 24-hour retreat for student members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Registration is open for this retreat.
LGBTQIA+ Weekly Support Group: Facilitated by Meg Fox-Kelly (she/her) from the Chaplains’ Office and Kelsey Moran (she/they) from CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services), this is a weekly support group for students who identify in the LGBTQIA+ community.
TGNC+ Monthly Support Group: Facilitated by Meg Fox-Kelly (she/her) from the Chaplains’ Office and Kelsey Moran (she/they) from CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services), this is a monthly support group for students who identify as TGNC+ (trans and gender non-conforming).
Pastoral Care: Individual, confidential, pastoral counseling is provided by all of the College chaplains. Depending on the desire and needs of the individual, these meetings can help the student find meaning and value in their life experiences. Students often discuss questions of identity and belief, questions about finding God in their lived experience, and the sharing of the struggles and joys they may encounter. If you desire to meet with a chaplain, please call the office at (508)793-2448 or email the chaplain directly.
The following resources are available to students LGBTQIA+ students:
Weekly Support Group
Email Meg Fox-Kelly or call 508-793-3899
Pride
Visit Pride's Facebook page
Chaplains' Office
Email chaplain@holycross.edu or call 508-793-2448
Counseling Center
Call 508-793-3363 (in an emergency call 508-793-2222 to reach Public Safety)
Office of Student Affairs
Call 508-793-2411
Health Services
Call 508-793-2276
Many out and allied faculty members (Please see the "Ally" and "Safe Space" Stickers on office doorways.)
Resources for Coming Out
Human Rights Campaign
PFLAG
Religious Resources
Dignity Boston
Questions? Contact: Meg Fox-Kelly, LCSW @mfox@holycross.edu
“We are to recognize the inherent dignity of all human beings, walk with the excluded and work for a more just world.” -Holy Cross President Vincent Rougeau
“Every encounter–as we know–calls for openness, courage, and a willingness to let ourselves be challenged by the presence and the stories of others.”–Pope Francis, October, 2021–Homily from the opening mass for the synod
Grief In Common
Have you lost a loved one? Dealing with death while at college is especially hard. Grief In Common is a 4-week series focused on various topics connected to grief.
Purpose: To support students grieving from the death of a loved one, recent or years ago. To provide education to help normalize the symptoms of grief; to provide an opportunity for students who have experienced the death of someone they love to connect with others; to provide the time and space for students to connect with how they are doing with the death of a loved one. The sessions are intended for students who have experienced the death of someone in their life–family member, friend, classmate, mentor, etc.
Facilitated by Chaplain, Social Worker Meg Fox-Kelly and hosted in Campion House. Sessions begin Fall semester 2023. Registration is open for these sessions.
For questions, email Meg Fox-Kelly or call 508-793-3899 and Meg will get in touch with you.
Support for Pregnant Students and Partners of Pregnant Students
The emotional, spiritual, and health issues during a pregnancy can seem overwhelming. At Holy Cross, we make every effort to provide you with a supportive environment intended to assure confidential, non-judgmental, caring, professional assistance. We also provide support to others affected by the pregnancy. There are many resources available to you that will assist you in continuing and completing your degree.
The goal of the College is to provide a comprehensive support team that emphasizes caring and personal respect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I think I might be pregnant?
First, know that you are not alone. Holy Cross is a supportive community. Health Services provides free, confidential pregnancy testing. Call 508-793-2276 to make an appointment. Walk-ins are also welcome.
If I reveal I’m pregnant, can I remain at Holy Cross?
Yes. The Holy Cross community will make every effort to provide you with a caring, supportive environment, and we will work with you as you develop a plan for completing your degree.
Can I take a leave of absence?
Yes, some pregnant students decide to take a leave of absence, although it is not required. Your class dean can help you coordinate your academic plans. Whether or not you decide to take a leave of absence, you are legally protected from any reduction or loss of scholarship money, including athletic scholarships, because of your pregnancy.
People in the following offices can provide you with confidential, non-judgmental assistance:
- Chaplains' Office
508-793-2448 - Class Deans Office
508-793-2532 - Counseling Center
508-793-3363 - Health Services
508-793-2276 - Student Affairs
508-793-2414 - Title IX Office
508-793-3336
You can also contact your resident assistant, community development coordinator, or one of your deans for assistance in finding someone you are comfortable talking to.
On-Campus Peer Support
Students for Life
studentsforlife@g.holycross.edu
Worcester Area Resources
Problem Pregnancy
495 Pleasant St.
Worcester, MA 01609
Call/Text: 508-507-8378
Free pregnancy testing, counseling for one or both parents, medical referrals.
Clearway Clinic
358 Shrewsbury St.
Worcester, MA 01604
Call: 508-438-0144
Text: 774-314-8298
Free testing, options counseling, ultrasounds, and adoption and medical referrals.
Visitation House
Call: 508-965-7391
Provides housing for pregnant women in need of a place to stay.
National Resources
OptionLine
Call: 1-800-712-4357
Text: "HELPLINE" to 313131
24/7 helpline, texting, and live chat counseling and non-judgmental support; local referrals for resources and medical care.
Pregnant on Campus
Resource lists for pregnant or parenting college students by school.
Visitation Center
Non-judgmental support and options counseling.
Birthright
800-550-4900
Provides free and confidential pregnancy tests, non-judgmental support for pregnant women, and maternity and infant supplies. Referrals for legal assistance, parenting classes, breastfeeding, child care, employment and education, adoption services, counseling, and medical care.
Healing Circles for Survivors of Sexual Assault
Healing Circles is a 2-part series focused on providing tools for supporting a survivor of sexual assault. The group is open to survivors of all genders as well as those accompanying survivors in their healing journey.
Regardless of if you are survivor yourself or will join us to support someone in your life who is, there is no expectation that those attending will need to share their story. We hope that the information shared and any discussion that follows can benefit and uplift. Registration is open for this series. For questions, email Meg Fox-Kelly or call 508-793-3899 and Meg will get in touch with you.