You Were Wondering...

1. How many members do you have and where are they?
Worldwide we have more than 1,800 Holy Cross priests, brothers and men in formation. The Eastern Province has over 150 members. Most serve on the East Coast, but we are also in other regions of the United States, in the District of Peru, and elsewhere.

2. What does it mean to be "educators in the faith?"
In the spirit of our founder, Father Moreau, members of the Congregation continue to educate all those whom we serve in our apostolates through both the classroom and our sacramental ministry.

3. What vows do you profess?
Holy Cross religious profess vow of: poverty, chastity and obedience.

4. What is your spirituality as a religious congregation?
Our spirituality is centered in the hope found in the Cross; for this reason our Constitutions call us to be "Men with Hope to Bring." Our patroness is Our Lady of Sorrows, Mary at the foot of the Cross, and the solemnity of Our Lady of Sorrows is celebrated as the patronal feast day of the Congregation. The solemnity of the Sacred Heart is celebrated as the patronal feast day of the priests’ society, and the solemnity of Saint Joseph as the patronal feast day of the brothers’ society.

5. Is there an age limit to be considered for acceptance?
The Eastern Province typically considers someone up to 40 years of age, and looks for a greater maturity and stability in an applicant in his mid to late 30’s.

6. How long does it take to become a priest or brother?
We refer to the preparation, or training, for final vows and ordination as "formation." The Candidate Program – the one-year program for college graduates or the collegiate program at Stonehill College – is followed by the Novitiate year. Formation continues with graduate studies – the three-year Master of Divinity program for seminarians or theological studies for brothers. One year of full-time apostolic work, while not mandatory, is common before professing final vows and, for seminarians, being ordained a deacon. Ordination to priesthood follows a year later.

7. What are you expecting to see in someone applying to Holy Cross?
We look for a serious commitment to the Catholic faith and lifestyle, and an openness to God’s will as it becomes clearer to you and Holy Cross through the formation program. The ability to complete graduate theological studies at the University of Notre Dame is necessary, as well as the physical, emotional and psychological health to thrive in formation, religious life and ministry.

8. Are there any obstacles to being accepted?
We seek men of reasonable spiritual, intellectual, physical, psychological and psychosexual health. We seek men who are sexually well adjusted and have the potential to live a healthy celibate life. Serious concerns would be raised by: a marriage not yet annulled by the Church, a dishonorable discharge from the armed services, or a criminal record. If you have any questions about these or other issues, we invite you to ask the vocation director if there are any circumstances that would affect your application to Holy Cross.

9. Is psychological testing involved in applying to Holy Cross?
Yes, the province arranges for a comprehensive psychological interview, and the subsequent report is part of the application considered by the Admissions Committee and decided upon by the provincial superior.

10. How much of a commitment is there in becoming a candidate?
It’s basically one year at a time, whether as a candidate, a novice or a temporarily professed religious, although the seriousness of commitment increases from one stage to the next. But both the one-year post-college Candidate Program and the collegiate Candidate Program provide an opportunity to get to know Holy Cross—and yourself— better. And at the end of the year you— and Holy Cross— will decide what’s best for you for the following year. And of course you’re free to leave at any time during formation.

11. So, what do I do now?
Pray about what you’re feeling, and ask God for an openness to His will and an ability to understand it more clearly. If Holy Cross appeals to you, we’ll be happy to hear from you! Contact Fr. Joe Sidera, C.S.C., our vocation director, at csc-ep@stonehill.edu.