PICTORIAL HISTORY

pictorial history These pictorial representations will introduce you to the life and times of our Blessed founder Father Basile A. Moreau, CSC. Click to begin reading.

Pilgrimage to our roots

Pilgrimage to Our Roots Download presentation to learn about our roots (8.6 mb)

PRE-CANDIDACY

The Purpose of the Pre-Candidacy Phase is to:

  • offer guidance in the discernment of a woman’s vocation
  • offer support in the process
  • provide opportunities for a woman to understand the implications of a call to discipleship in Holy Cross
  • provide opportunities for the Region/Congregation to note the interest the candidate takes in the life of the community, her ability to become a group member, how she might internalize the spirit and mission of the Congregation, etc.
  • offer a live-in experience while getting to know the life and spirit of Holy Cross during a “Come and See” phase. During this period, which would not exceed two years, the candidate will have the opportunity to experience diverse living situations with the Sisters of Holy Cross.

POSTULANCY

After the formal application and acceptance, the candidate will begin her postulancy phase. During this time she will continue her discernment through participation in the life of the community, on going interaction with the Formation Director, prayer and ministry experiences. The postulant remains financially independent until she enters the novitiate.

NOVITIATE

The novitiate ordinarily lasts for two years. This is a more intense time of discernment. It enables the novice to learn the essentials of religious life and the meaning of the vow of poverty, the vow of chastity, and the vow of obedience; allows her to progress in forming herself in accord with the aim and spirit of the Sisters of Holy Cross; empowers her to assume responsibility for her development in the essential elements of religious life as stated in the Constitutions of the Sisters of Holy Cross; and provides her with experience, instruction and guidance in living the contemplative and apostolic dimensions of our lifestyle.

TEMPORARY COMMITMENT

The profession of temporary vows for a specific number of years enables the sister and the Congregation to verify that she can live the Apostolic Religious Life of the Sisters of Holy Cross in accordance with its particular spirit and Constitutions. During this phase, the sister renews her vows yearly and remains under temporary vows from three to six years.

PERPETUAL COMMITMENT

This profession of vows for life marks a woman’s total commitment to God and full participation in the life of the Congregation. Life as a Sister of Holy Cross is an ongoing process of conversion and integration.

THE CALL TO HOLY CROSS

If you feel that God may be calling you to become a Sister of Holy Cross
and you would like to talk with someone about the possibility, please contact:

Sr. Fran (Francoise) DeMers, CSC
377 Island Pond Road
Manchester, NH 03109-4811
603-622-9504