Q: How do you know you are called to be a Brother?
A: Brotherhood will feel 'right'. It will feel like it is the way you can be your best self. You may feel called to live in a community, serve others outside of traditional married or single lifestyles, and/or the desire to be a brother to those you serve.

Q: How long does it take to become a Brother?
A: From the time one enters college and goes through a period of formation, one takes about seven years before final vows.

Q: When do you consider joining the Brotherhood?
A: This may happen when you are a young man, or not until you have finished college and are in your 30's or older. There are men of many ages in our candidate and novitiate programs.

Q: What do you do all day?
A: Apart from our prayer life, much of our time is spent ministering to others. This can come in the form of teaching, nursing, counseling, etc. We share the responsibility of cooking and cleaning and spend time enjoying each other's company and support at home.

Q: Are there minorities in Holy Cross?
A: While you must be Catholic to become a Brother, race and nationality have no bearing whatsoever on whether or not you can become a Holy Cross Brother. The congregation has many members from Latin America, Africa and Asia.

Q: What is it like living in a community?
A: Sharing everything as in a cohesive family. Many of us are closer to our Holy Cross Brothers than to our biological brothers, primarily because we are united in our goals and mission. There is a comforting feeling of joy, peace and belonging.

Q: How do you view the value of celibacy? A. Brothers of Holy Cross vow celibacy, poverty and obedience. Celibacy is a gift from God that is rooted in a call to love others. Through celibacy, we dedicate ourselves completely to God and to the service of His people as part of our service to the Church. While the sharing in marriage is exclusive, the vow of celibacy binds us to inclusive dedication to serving the Church.

Q: What influenced your vocation decision?
A: This generally varies by individual, but many of today's Brothers were influenced by the example of having Brothers as teachers, coaches, counselors, etc. One may be motivated by wanting to serve the Church within a specific ministry.

Q: What is the age of retirement for Brothers/Priests/Sisters?
A: As in the laity, there is not a set retirement age. As long as you remain in good health, you are generally able to continue your ministry to others. If physical health declines, but mental health stays sharp, you might continue to serve in a different capacity that requires less time or lighter physical work. Whereas one may retire from active ministry, one does not retire from the ministry of being a Brother.

Q: Do you ever look back and wish you had children? WISH YOU HAD A WIFE, FAMILY, ETC. Does one look at other options?
A: Yes. In order to grow, one has to consider life's options. This is called discernment.

Q: Why didn't you just get married, have a job and a family and still help people?
A: All Christians are called to serve God and neighbor. Through our vowed religious life, we serve in a special way.

Q: I know Holy Cross religious take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. What is Poverty? Chastity? Obedience?
A: Along with living life in community, the vows of poverty, celibate chastity, and obedience are the essentials of religious life. Foremost, the vows are interconnected and serve to enrich the ministry of the individual and of the religious congregation. Simply stated, the vows function to free the person and the entire congregation to serve more directly and efficiently. Through poverty, one gives up possessive use of property and goods; also this giving up of possessions frees us so as to share all with others. On a practical level, one is free to move about without being encumbered by possessions. Celibate chastity frees us so that we can minister more efficiently and in a more inclusive way. Obedience frees us from our own personal wants so that ministry becomes the focus. This is without mentioning the spiritual enrichment and positive witness the vows bring to the entire Church.

Q: How important is prayer in a Brother's life?
A: Whether we pray alone or in common, prayer is at the center of our lives. Through it, our relationship with God grows and strengthens.

Q: Is regular prayer easy?
A: Sometimes yes, sometimes no. If we are faithful to prayer in both good and bad times, praying becomes a need and our commitment to a life of prayer becomes easier.

Q: How does the Brother's life help you grow as an individual?
A: Simply put, the sharing that takes place within supports the individual and his ministry.

Q: How do Brothers earn money?
A: Brothers serve in a variety of capacities including teachers, health care providers, counselors, social workers, nurses and so on. They are paid the same wage as the laity in their chosen field, based on their education and experience. Since Brothers take a vow of poverty, all money earned goes back to a common fund to further the mission of the Holy Cross as well as to take care of brothers who are unable to work. Each Brother receives a monthly stipend to cover personal needs; all other expenses including housing, meals and medical care are covered by the congregation.

Q: What is the difference between a Brother and a Priest?
A: Priests are ordained members of Holy Cross and their emphasis is on sacramental ministry. Brothers are not ordained and our focus is on other ministries where the needs of the church are to be met.

Q: Is there a choice in regard to assignments?
A: Yes, to some degree. Holy Cross is an international community with many opportunities for ministry. You and your provincial superior will determine where your gifts and talents may be best used to meet the needs of the congregation.

Q: How do you join or get involved with the Brotherhood?
A. Contact the Vocation Office. Our vocation director will provide answers to questions and invite interested men to visit Holy Cross. He will also help you with discernment, that is understanding and accepting the call God has given you toward a vocation. Read about eligibility and admission in this website.