Parish News & Events

Parish Mission Statement

The parishioners of the Cross In The Woods shrine-parish, open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, are dedicated to preserve, live and proclaim the Good News. As a sacramental people we are committed to welcome all into Christ's presence among us. Their ministry is one of evangelizing, hospitality, and providing an atmosphere or reverence and peace.

Cross in the Woods is a vibrant parish community dedicated to the needs of their parishioners and the larger community. Guided by the Holy Spirit, they are called to manifest Christ's presence in the world.

Msgr. Charles Brophy, Shrine founder, dies

Msgr. Charles Brophy, who was instrumental in establishing the National Shrine and Parish of The Cross in the Woods, died July 7, 2005 at St. Ann's Home, Grand Rapids, at the age of 91. He was the oldest priest (66 yrs) in the Grand Rapids Diocese.

In 1946, as a young priest driving through the woods of northern Michigan, on his way to establish a new parish in Indian River, Msgr. Brophy thought of the Mohawk woman named Kateri Tekakwitha. She places crosses in tress at the Jesuit Mission where she lived in Canada in the 1600's. That vision led Msgr. Brophy to dream of a shrine with a large crucifix as it's centerpiece; a place that would draw people, from all walks of life and religious denominations, to come and visit. In his six years as Pastor, Brophy raised funds from across the country to build the new church on 13 acres of land acquired from the State of Michigan, clear land and build "Calvary Hill" in preparation for the new Redwood Cross.

Even though Msgr. Brophy left Indian River in 1952, he remained a member of the Shrine Board and was instrumental in the placement of the Cross in 1954 and the addition of the Corpus in 1959. Msgr. Brophy tried to visit Indian River at least once a year and stayed involved and interested until his death. His last visit was in 2003. In 1952 Msgr. Brophy was assigned as Pastor of St. Jude's Parish in Grand Rapids, a post he held until 1988.

The vision that Msgr. Brophy first had in 1946 has led to an active parish of 400 households and a religious landmark that has been viewed by millions of people. His memory and legacy will live on at the Cross in the Woods.

Soon after acquiring the property for a church in 1948, Fr. Brophy placed a small shrine to the Blessed Virgin Mary on the grounds.

Msgr. Brophy at the 50th anniversary of the Parish in 1996.