What is a Brother?
Men who take up a life of service to the Church and a life of prayer and community, Brothers take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. While we talk about priests as shepherds leading their flocks, we Brothers say that we walk side by side with those we serve. To Top

What is the difference between Holy Cross Brothers and other religious orders?
A charism — a guiding mission or spirit — distinguishes each order. The ideals that guide the Holy Cross charism are community, collaboration, advocacy for the poor, and education in the faith. The fact that Holy Cross Brothers and priests are equal in standing also distinguishes our congregation from others.

Because our founder, Father Basil Moreau wished us to serve where the needs are greatest, we have adapted our work to the most urgent needs of the time. Holy Cross Brothers bring hope to the people who need it most through practical ministries — education, building, counseling, a food bank, medical research, and retreats to name a few. To Top

How do I know if the Congregation of Holy Cross is right for me?
Holy Cross was the right choice for Sister Suellen Tennyson because she felt at home among the Marianites [one of three orders of sisters associated with us]. The time you spend with us and our own insight will help you discern whether our community is the best place for you to nurture your talents and best serve God. Taking the risk to explore the possibility of a vocation at Holy Cross will bring you further along your journey to your call in life. To Top

How do you measure your impact on people?
Ask one of our Holy Cross students, and he replies, “The Brothers measure their success in terms of their effect on us.”

For Juli Scott, former Chair of the Board of Directors, Notre Dame High School, “The continuation of Holy Cross spirituality in our schools is as important as the development of physical facilities.”

Another example: Each month 250 to 300 families receive groceries from the Holy Cross Center Food Bank run by Brother Francis Kjeldgaard, who is now the only Brother in the state of Wyoming. Beyond the people he feeds, however, he has infused the Center’s 30 lay volunteers with hope. From its origins in a single room 20 years ago, the Center has enlarged its operation with the gift of a donated building. A group of volunteers, including electricians, plumbers, and carpenters remodeled this site, specifically to serve as a food bank. In the process, the Center has enlarged the heart of the community, which will carry on the Holy Cross mission in years to come. To Top

Is life less complicated for a Brother?
Although we try to simplify our lives, our lifestyle is just as full as a lay person’s is! We frequently keep in touch via e-mail, juggle our work and community life, and invest some of our time in common and private prayer. To Top

Is there an age limit?
For the South-West Province, candidates must be younger than 40. To Top