The Holy Cross Center of Learning, Trenton, will begin its 41st year of offering religious education to children and adults with special needs Sept. 6 with a Mass held in Divine Mercy Parish’s Holy Cross worship site at 10:30 a.m. The Mass will be followed by a luncheon in the former Holy Cross School cafeteria.

The center, organized in 1974 under the auspices of the Mercer County chapter of the Holy Innocents Society of the Diocese of Trenton, operates a religious education program for students age seven and older who have special needs preventing them from functioning in typical parish catechesis programs. The center is staffed entirely by volunteers and is sponsored by Knights of Columbus councils, area service organizations and individuals.

Holy Cross Center of Learning provides the children and adults with cognitive or developmental disabilities religion classes involving sacramental preparation, Bible study and altar server instruction. Other program activities include the celebration of Mass, music, prayer services, Rosary recitation, workshops and parties.

Classes are held from September to mid-May in the former Holy Cross School at Grand and Arch Streets, Trenton, Saturday mornings from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Parents may enroll a child or adult in the program at no cost to them.

The Center is seeking volunteer aides to assist students in the classroom and for other activities. Any person 13 years or older who wishes to volunteer in this special ministry, including those who need community service for their school or Confirmation programs, should contact the program coordinator, Rose Anna Romanello, at 609-882-4567.

The Holy Cross Center of Learning is located in Divine Mercy Parish’s former Holy Cross School at Grand and Arch Streets, Trenton. The Sept. 6 Mass will be celebrated at the Holy Cross worship site, 201 Adeline Street, Trenton.