A union of hearts. That is how Father Basil Moreau, founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, described our religious community. Moreau’s vision, based on the model of the Holy Family, brought together Brothers, priests, and sisters in an unusually democratic way after the French Revolution.

Originally called the Brothers of St. Joseph, we rely on Joseph’s intercession as our patron and model. Like him, we strive to create a home where we find sanctuary in God’s presence and in each other’s company. All men begin their lives as Holy Cross Brothers by living in community. The ideal, according to our Congregation’s Constitutions, is to live as a group, because relationship is essential to our way of life. By living with our Brothers, our prayer life and evolving spirituality, our ministry, and our experience of community are interwoven and supported.

Dynamic situations may alter that experience from time to time. Just as there are many kinds of families today, we have expanded our definition of community life to fit the circumstances of our ministries.

Ultimately, our mission takes its meaning from community. We find support in each other’s conviction, and we experience a wide range of gifts. Worship, witness, and service, and zeal for mission all flow from living together in brotherhood.

“We grow close to one another as brothers by living together in community. If we do not love the brothers whom we see, then we cannot love the God we have not seen.”
— Congregation of Holy Cross Constitution
on Brotherhood