Greg and I were first introduced to the Congregation of Holy Cross as undergraduate students at Notre Dame. We would attend dorm Mass every Sunday night at Siegfried Hall. Fr. John Conley, C.S.C., the dorm’s rector, was usually the celebrant, and to this day, we remain grateful for his kindness and good homilies. Throughout our educational journey, Holy Cross priests like Fr. Paul Kollman, C.S.C., and Fr. Richard Bullene, C.S.C., provided valuable support and guidance in our studies as well as beyond the classroom. In fact, Fr. Bullene just happened to witness the moment when Greg proposed outside of the architecture building on Notre Dame’s campus, and he kindly gave us a blessing just after I said yes!
In critical moments of discernment, we were able to count on spiritual direction and prayerful support from Holy Cross priests. We also began to develop friendships with seminarians going through formation, and it was a great joy to attend the final vows and ordinations of these great friends, Fr. Matthew Hovde, C.S.C., and Fr. Ryan Pietrocarlo, C.S.C.
During my time as a graduate student in the Echo service program at Notre Dame, I saw how willingly and generously Holy Cross priests gave of their time to make the Sacraments available to us: saying daily Masses, offering adoration, hearing Confessions, and hosting us for retreats at the Holy Cross Retreat Center in La Porte, Indiana.
On a number of occasions, we were struck by the witness of this “great band of men… who had made and lived by their vows, men who had walked side by side in their following of the Lord. They beckoned us to fall in step with them. We wanted to be part of the family they formed in order to share in their life and work” (Constitutions of the Congregation of Holy Cross, 1:5). We had such an opportunity to share in their work and collaborate closely when I began working as Director of Christian Formation at St. Joseph Parish in South Bend, Indiana, which only served to deepen our appreciation for Holy Cross spirituality. We were privileged to witness firsthand the fraternity, pastoral care, and devotion that characterized this unique community. As we worked with Fr. Brian Ching, C.S.C, to prepare catechumens and candidates for the celebration of the Sacraments, not only did we learn a great deal about liturgical planning, but more importantly, it ignited an enduring love for Liturgy and Sacraments.
In the years that followed, we were also blessed to work with Fr. Paul Ybarra, C.S.C., and Fr. Ryan Pietrocarlo, C.S.C, as well as other seminarians, when I worked as a junior high teacher and formed part of the youth ministry team at St. Adalbert’s School and Parish in South Bend. The zeal and dedication with which they served the community was remarkable to behold, as they truly are “men with hope to bring” (Constitutions of the Congregation of Holy Cross, 8:118).
One of the most joyful family moments we were able to share with the Congregation was celebrating the Baptism of our first child and having several Holy Cross priests concelebrate. It is such a meaningful memory for us! Despite no longer being in South Bend when it came time to baptize our second child, we were fortunate to still have Fr. Brian Ching, C.S.C., join us to celebrate her Baptism Mass. Our third child has her own unique connection to the Congregation, having been named Lucia Dolores in honor both of my paternal grandmother and Our Lady of Sorrows (Nuestra Señora de los Dolores), the special patroness of the Congregation. Greg and I have often spoken of our desire for our children to have as many opportunities as possible to interact with good and holy priests, and we are incredibly grateful that when we continue to visit with our Holy Cross friends, they get to do just that.
Throughout the years in our various roles in ministry, we have had the opportunity to work with many priests, both diocesan and of various religious orders. However, there is something distinctive about the Congregation of Holy Cross, something that really sets them apart. They are unique in the way they come together to pray, celebrate, serve, and hold each other accountable. Their homilies show just how attuned they are to those they serve and how much care goes into everything they do. Indeed, in times of sickness, when we are unable to attend Mass, watching Mass from the Basilica, recognizing the celebrant and concelebrants, and hearing a message of hope is a great consolation. We have whole-heartedly embraced the spirituality and charism of the Congregation and feel that the Congregation too has embraced us and welcomed us as “part of the family”. We strongly believe in supporting the Congregation and all the good work it carries out. We pray that Blessed Basil Moreau and Saint André Bessette continue to intercede for us all!
Author: The Cruess Family
Published: April 2025
