Defining Commitments of Holy Cross Associates
While continuing to live their primary vocations, Holy Cross Associates enter into relationships with like-minded colleagues who hold in common a faith-filled desire to deepen their spiritual lives through the charisms and the mission of Holy Cross. These charisms are trust in divine providence, the cross our only hope, apostolic zeal, and being family.
Spirituality, Community, Service
The relationships Holy Cross Associates foster are formed by commitments they make to one another and to the congregation. These commitments take the form of three annual promises:
- To grow spiritually by embracing the charisms of Holy Cross
- To form Community and foster a welcoming environment
- To serve God’s people by sharing directly or indirectly in the mission of Holy Cross.
Expectations and Activities
Besides the annual promises, there are expectations Holy Cross Associates embrace that strengthen their chapter-communities, and provide support in their faith-journeys together. These expectations are:
- Participating in monthly chapter meetings, which is at the heart of Holy Cross association.
- Taking turns in facilitating monthly chapter meetings.
- Striving to make an annual retreat or day of recollection.
- Sharing in the chapter’s organizational affairs.
- Sharing the responsibility to keep their chapter “alive and well” by addressing issues that promote or hinder this aspiration.
- Supporting the congregation through prayer and materially as their means allow.
Student Contest
Each year, Midwest Holy Cross Associates (MHCA) sponsors an Essay and Video Contest for the students in Holy Cross High Schools.