We are Men with
Hope to Bring
Called to make God known, loved, and served
by bringing the hope of the Gospel to all the world.
We are Educators in the Faith.
We are a global community of pontifical right: priests and brothers who wish to abandon all to follow Christ. United by our motto — Ave Crux, Spes Unica (Hail the Cross, our Only Hope) — we are sent forth to make God known, loved, and served in ministries of education, parish, and mission throughout the world.
“We are a religious congregation composed of two distinct societies of religious, one of religious priests and one of religious brothers, bound together in one indivisible brotherhood. Ours is a common founder, tradition, rule, government, way of life and mission.”
Constitutions of the Congregation of Holy Cross, 1:6
Discern God’s Call
… with a brotherhood serving the Lord Jesus in mission.
God raises up men in every generation to serve the Church and the world and so to work for the realization of the kingdom. If you are discerning a vocation as a priest or religious brother, we offer a variety of discernment opportunities to help you hear his call, including retreats, pilgrimages, book clubs, summer programs, and more!
Mission Center
Bring Hope Across Borders
The Holy Cross Mission Center brings the hope of Christ to communities in need around the world. With a presence in 16 countries, we support the poor and vulnerable at our international missions through prayer, education, vocational training, health aid, and so much more.
SUPPORT OUR WORK
Help us Make a Difference
The generosity of our donors enables our priests and brothers to fulfill their mission of being men with hope to bring. We are responsible for providing for our young men in formation, retired and infirm religious, and our ministry to the poor — both here at home and in our international missions.
“[The vows of consecrated celibacy, poverty, and obedience] are an act of love for the God who first loved us. By our vows we are committed to single-hearted intimacy with God, to trusting dependence upon God and to willing surrender to God. We wish thus to live in the image of Jesus, who was sent in love to announce God’s rule and who beckons to us to follow him.”
Constitutions of the Congregation of Holy Cross, 5:43
Lay Collaborators
Looking for Other Ways to Assist our Mission?
The Congregation of Holy Cross has a long history of lay contributors and partners in mission who assist our work of education, parish, and mission in a variety of ways. If you’re searching for unique opportunities to get involved — or if you’ve already partnered with us at one of our many apostolates — we’re glad you’re here!
News & Events
Our Mission is the Lord’s
Stay informed of the latest events and updates from the United States Province of Holy Cross.
Student Essay Contest: “Thin Places: Where Heaven and Humanity Meet” by Kylene Coyle
We are pleased to present to you this second-place essay from the 2024 Holy Cross Missions Student Essay Contest, which invited students to reflect...
Ganguly Exchange Reflection: Home in the Sacred Heart of Jesus
The Holy Cross Mission Center is pleased to share written reflections from the Holy Cross participants in the 2024 Ganguly Exchange, an eight-week...
Rev. James N. Watzke, C.S.C. | July 7, 1936 – November 9, 2024
NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Rev. James Norman Watzke, C.S.C., 88, died at Holy Cross House, Notre Dame, Ind. on Saturday, November 9, 2024, after a short...