The Holy Cross Mission Center (HCMC) is grateful to take this opportunity to share how we have engaged with the community in the past month.
- Baraka Bouts Tournament: The Baraka Bouts Tournament at the University of Notre Dame on November 5, 11, and 18 was a success! HCMC Director Fr. Tom Eckert, C.S.C.; Assistant Director Michael Jezewak; and Outreach Coordinator Maria Kangapadan attended all three nights of the bouts. Fr. Tom, as chaplain of the club, blessed each pairing before their turn in the ring. He also addressed the audience about the missions in Uganda before blessing the start of the tournament. At the HCMC table, attendees had the opportunity to enter a raffle to win a “Holy Cross Missions” sweatshirt. Many enthusiastically entered. Thank you to the Baraka Bouts leadership and coaches for making this tournament a beautiful one!
- Sr. Catherine’s Visit to the United States: Fr. Tom, Michael, and Maria welcomed Sr. Catherine Yampa, C.S.C., a member of the Sisters of Holy Cross from Burkina Faso.
- U.S. Twinning Partner Relations: Maria met with Twinning partners at parishes within the U.S. Province, learning about ways in which they encounter and fundraise for their partners abroad.
- Bengal Bouts Collaboration: Fr. Tom and Maria were present at some of the first Bengal Bouts Mission Mondays of the season. Fr. Tom spoke to the men about the impact they have on the missions in Bangladesh and how they are carrying on the missionary nature of Holy Cross in the work they are committed to doing. Thank you to the boxers for starting off the season strong!
- Magnificat Choir Pre-departure Meeting: Michael and Fr. Tom presented to the Notre Dame Magnificat Choir in preparation for their trip to Peru in early January.
Provided by the Mission Center, December 2025
