Frequently Asked Questions...and Answers

1.  How do I know if I have a vocation or call to religious life?

Those who are considering religious life may experience this call in a variety of ways.  Some experience a deep attraction to emulate someone that they know who is a religious.  Some desire to serve others (e.g. teaching, working with the poor or sick, going to a foreign mission, etc.). Others speak of a thirst to draw closer to God by means of prayer, service, or community by using one’s talents for God and neighbor.  In short, there are some men drawn to religious life because it just makes sense for them; they find it attractive.  Others find that it makes sense for them because of certain experiences where they see, in faith, God’s hand drawing them to this way of life and service in the Church.

2.  How long is the preparation time?

If a candidate has his college, professional or technical studies completed, he spends one year in a pre-novitiate program and one year at the novitiate, after which he takes temporary vows for one year. Two years, then, are needed for those who have completed their studies.

3.  Where does one study?

The candidate program is at Moreau House, located on the campus of St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas, and the novitiate program is at Holy Cross Novitiate, Cascade, Colorado, a suburb of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

4.  Does Holy Cross emphasize community life?

Yes, we are an active apostolic religious community.  Beginning with the candidate program at Moreau House we share a common life of prayer, fellowship and work. This is the norm for Holy Cross members throughout their lives.

5.  Do you have a choice in regard to assignments?

All assignments are determined through mutual discernment between the individual Brother and the Provincial Superior. Assignments are based on the gifts and talents of the Brother involved and the needs of the Congregation.  Holy Cross is an international community with a broad array of apostolic opportunities.

6.  What about celibacy?

As religious men we vow celibacy in addition to poverty and obedience.  Celibacy is a gift given by God.  It is rooted in a call to love others that is different, but not necessarily better, from marriage.  Through celibacy, Holy Cross religious dedicate themselves completely to God and to God’s people in their service to the Church.

7.  How does one enter Holy Cross?

Contact the Vocation Office in your region.  A vocation is a gift from God; therefore, prayer and discernment are necessary.  The Vocation Director will provide answers to questions and invite interested men to visit Holy Cross. 

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