2004 General Chapter on
You did not choose me, but I chose you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last (John 15:16)
STATEMENT ON
God has sent the Son and the Spirit to renew the face of the earth. We are sent to participate in this mission of God, revealed most fully in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Mission in the image of Jesus is the proclamation of Truth and the outreach of Love, moving beyond expected boundaries toward those in need, breaking down barriers of fear, privilege and prejudice, inviting all into one family.
We go to our world, embodying the Good News of Jesus, not as independent individuals but together as Church and blessed by the internationality of our communion in Holy Cross. In this new millennium, we respond to the Church's call for a new evangelization. To all whom we serve, from those who have never known Jesus to those to ignore or reject him, we offer, "the precious legacy of human and Christian values which have given meaning to (our) lives" (john Paul II, 1999). The diverse cultures and context in which we find ourselves as Holy Cross today help us to be aware of the complex realities of the world we are called to serve and open our eyes to the many faces of Jesus and the works of the Spirit around the glove. They also give us a special lens through which to see and understand how to effectively proclaim the Risen Jesus and his message of salvation in our times--as Lord of Reconciliation, Lord of Hope, Lord of Dialogue, Lord of Justice, and Lord of Creation.
Our constitutions present mission as border-crossing activity. Gathered in Chapter we have focused on this dimension of mission as especially timely for our Congregation's reflection today. From the time of our founding, we have understood our responses to the needs of the world and the Church as calling us to cross borders. There is a richness and joy to be experienced when we cross these borders with open and generous hearts. But the borders in our world that are barriers that divide God's family in fear, misunderstanding and distrust, remain many. They are, as our constitutions state, "of every sort"--cultural and racial, national, religious, socio-economic, ideological--and we have learned that crossing them requires both "the competence to see and the courage to act" (C2,17;C2,14).
Today's Context for
This Chapter recognizes as especially significant the effort of the 1998 General Chapter to situation our mission in a world context characterized by increased globalization, the neo-liberal economic model, the growing chasm separating the privileged few from the vast masses of the poor, and an intolerance of differences that elicits fear and violence between peoples (Proceedings, p. 14). Though many advances in technology and communication serve the efforts of development and solidarity around the world, in the past six years it has become even clearer that there are negative effects of globalization which increase injustice and inequality. Additional aspects of the global context include:
v violence and terrorism, and the resulting vulnerability and insecurity experience by our confreres and the people we serve. Where violence is prolonged, some become numb, even indifferent; in others, fear and the desire for retaliation make responses consistent with the Gospel and Church teaching seem unrealistic. Further, the ongoing war in Iraq has deepened the hostility of many already fearful of western dominance, increasing tensions between Christians and Muslims in several areas of our service;
v disregard for life, manifested in abortion, the abandonment of children, the sexual exploitation of children and young adults, euthanasia and capital punishment;
v religious fundamentalism, in its intolerant and often violent forms, diminishing the moral authority of more authentic interpretation of the great religious traditions;
v the global burden of disease (HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis);
v environmental pollution, threatening the integrity of the earth itself;
v the migration of refugee people, bringing the challenges of hospitality, respect for diversity, and concern for the rights f minority to our mission everywhere;
v sinfulness and the misuse of power within the Church, weakening our credibility before the world, call us to deeper conversion and fidelity.
As we try to respond to these and other global challenges in our mission we are aware of a whole set of other realities that call us forward and give us hope:
the inspiration and commitment of colleagues with whom we work;
· the generosity and hunger for God that we experience in students, parishioners and others in our ministries;
· the prophetic voice of the Church on behalf of the poor and in support of life and peace, and the service rendering by it to the needs of people around the world;
· the faith and social commitment of so many youth, evidenced in time given to service projects, their desire for evangelization, and the success of World Youth Day;
· local initiatives in the area of our service to improve the quality of life, sharing resources with those in need, and raise consciousness of just and peace issues;
· a growing solidarity among those committed to transforming the national and international policies and structures that block progress in the direction of God's reign of love, unity, justice and peace.
Today's Direction for our
Whatever the context, the words of our founder in his Rule on Zeal describe what is most basic: "If we have faith and the zeal that faith inspires, we will...be ready to undertake anything...to suffer anything and to go anywhere...to save souls that are perishing and to extend the reign of Jesus Christ on earth." For Basic Moreau and for all in Holy Cross, the zeal that faith inspires is the primary apostolic quality. We know that the "mission is not simple, for the impoverishments we would relieve are not simple" (C2,14), and we are aware of our personal and corporate limits, but zeal inspires a service that is generous, competent and courageous. And so, with the General Chapter of 1998, we call the Congregation "to intensify its efforts to confront the modern world and its fascinations with a clear, bold, and faithful vision of the Kingdom to come" (Proceedings, p. 14). In that way, we will be "men with hope to bring" (C8,118).
At this time when the globalization of market forces, technology and culture is to pervasive, we desire to promote a congregational commitment to the globalization of solidarity in the teaching, healing, and sanctifying mission of Jesus. Our communion with each other in Holy Cross and our structured interdependence among societies, provinces, and district is the basis for an internal solidarity that renew our mission. There is much to learn from one another and the richness of our cultural diversity, much inspiration to take from one another, much support we can give one another.
Since 1980 each General Chapter has affirmed two priorities for our mission as Holy Cross: the preferential option for the poor and the proclamation of the truth of the Gospel as educators in the faith. This General Chapter concurs that these two interrelated priorities are at the heart of our charism as Holy Cross and are to give direction to the border-crossing mission in each of our ministries. Our reflection has further convinced us that this mission effort in each local context will be challenged and enriched by attention to and connection with Holy Cross life and mission in other contexts. Our diversity, shared in a spirit of mutuality, solidarity and interdependence is a valuable resource for mission and a gift we can off to all whom we serve.
Recommendation 8: Solidarity in
In order to express our interdependence as Holy Cross in mission and promote solidarity across the borders of our life and ministry, the Chapter recommends that each Holy Cross ministry develop of relationship of Christian solidarity and mutual exchange with a similar Holy Cross ministry or ministries in another culture. The example and experience of those who have already developed such relationships, and the encouragement of local, district and provincial leadership will be helpful in this effort. The congregational Solidarity Commission should assist and coordinate the implementation of this recommendation as needed.
OPTION FOR THE POOR
In Vita Consecrata, Pope John Paul II called religious to the conversion required to live the option for the poor in fidelity to the Gospel: "All Christ's disciples are held to this option, but those who wish to follow the Lord more closely, imitating His attitude, cannot but feel involved in a special way" (VC82). In Christ we see that the option for the poor is a privileged and essential way of proclaiming the Good News of God's reign, and it is a test of our fidelity to his mission.
A privileged expression of this option will always be direct commitment and ministry to the poor. Other expressions include advocacy with the poor, sharing Catholic social teaching and educating others about the needs of the poor. Each ministry in Holy Cross must be touched by the plight of the poor in allowing it to inform and shape our every effort in faith.
A concern about the welfare of our home, the earth, has been growing. These concerns for the integrity of creation have become part of our justice mentality. The Chapter urges every province, district and individual religious to become more aware of these issues and to continue exploring creative ways by which we might announce good news to the poor and freedom to those held captive.
In this Chapter we have reflected on our practice in living out the option for the poor and in educating and witnessing for justice these last six years. We celebrate blessings:
· the witness and work, some of it extraordinary, for structural change in direct service to the poor by many of our members and lay collaborators; and
· the congregational animation that has increased our social justice consciousness.
At the same time the Chapter exhorts all of us into a deeper awareness of justice, peace and environmental issues and a more effective standing with the poor by:
· encouraging a still more dynamic animation of our Holy Cross religious and lay collaborators;
· increasing the awareness in our local communities of the especially challenging context in which many of our confreres live, e.g., where Christians are a small minority, where religious fundamentalism is a threat, and where violence and terrorism are frequent events;
· developing a more effective pedagogy of justice for all levels of the socio-economic spectrum we serve in our ministries.
The General Chapter of 2004 recommits Holy Cross to the preferential option for the poor. This is a biblical imperative, a call of the Church and our Constitutions. We make the following recommendations in order to help us continue to work with people of good will to build up the reign of justice, peace, and love.
Recommendation 9: Office of Justice and Peace
The Chapter recommends that the Superior General continue to foster the commitment of the Congregation to the preferential option for the poor be establishing and adequately funded Office of Justice and Peace. Some goals of this Office are to:
gather and communicate information about projects throughout the Congregation that are implementing this priority;
1. engage in research and encourage and facilitate research on pedagogical approaches about justice issues throughout the Congregation;
2. be a resource for regional, provincial and district gatherings of religious involved in justice and peace activities;
3. develop tools for evaluation the effectiveness of the Congregation's implementation of its preferential option for the poor;
4. organize congregational gatherings of province and district justice and peace coordinators to reflect on justice and peace activities throughout the whole Congregation;
5. serve as a liaison with other international development, just and peace and Integrity of Creation organizations;
6. participate in the Holy Cross International Justice Office.
Recommendation 10: Coordinator of Justice and Peace
The Chapter recommends that each provincial and district superior appoint a Coordinator of Justice and Peace. A coordinator can serve more than one province or district.
Recommendation 11: Option for the Poor
The Chapter recommends that the Superior General continue to foster an ongoing reflection on the option for the poor within the Congregation by writing a letter on this priority. This letter should be written after receiving input from all sectors of the Congregation.
Recommendation 12: Holy Cross Solidarity Day
The Chapter recommends that the Superior General continue the tradition of declaring the 13th of September as an annual day of fasting, prayer, almsgiving and education for justice and peace in the Congregation. Regions may choose an alternate date and invite participation from those with whom we serve. To insure a commonality throughout the Congregation, themes for this day, educational resources and prayer servers are to be developed by the province, district or ministry highlighted. Alms offered on this day, either through funds saved or through personal donations, will be forwarded to the General Administration for use b the designated ministry.
EDUCATION IN THE FAITH
Those who teach justice to many will shine like the stars for all eternity. (Daniel 12,3) Living out the Legacy of Venerable Basil Moreau
As men of hope, we proclaim our identity as educators in the faith. To live this identity, to truly educate in the faith, we must be zealous: we must have "that flame of burning desire...to make God known, loved, and served....(Christian Education, "Zeal"). This is part of the legacy left to us by our founder, Venerable Basil Moreau. In his short treatise on Christian Education, he frames the goals of our mission in evangelization as "the formation of the very heart" and "the full development of the person's capacity and understanding of life in relation to God" (Christian Education, "Zeal").
We educate in the faith and within the context of our faith. How are we to live out our vocation "to extend the Reign of Jesus in the hearts of all people" ) Moreau, 1855 Exercises) in a world shattered by fear and violence? How are we to lead and to form hearts?
In parishes, schools, alternative educational settings and programs, college and universities, we educate in the faith, to teach justice to many. We draw our inspiration from the gifts of our history and heritage to serve all whom we meet. Basil Moreau founded a Congregation of men and women, lay and cleric, based on a principle of equality. We are challenged to value inclusiveness and collaboration in our life and ministry. He rooted Holy Cross deeply in the local Church and context, and we are challenged to value adaptability. He stressed community and union, and we are continually challenged to shape our life and ministry by these values. He instructed us to show preference to the poor, "those who have no one else to show them preference, those who have the least knowledge, those who lack skills and talent, and those who are not Catholic or Christian" (Christian Education, "Zeal"). In the poor and in all people, Venerable Basil Moreau said that we must see "the image of God imprinted within them like a sacred seal that must be preserved at all costs" (Christian Education, "Zeal".
In his various Apostolic Letters, John Paul II has called us to enter "a new era of proclaiming the Gospel," one that is "new in ardor, methods and expression." This New Evangelization is a "call to conversion, grace and wisdom." We respond to that call as educators in the faith. Intrinsic to our Holy Cross charism is the holistic pedagogy of cultivating hearts and minds that directions our participation in this New Evangelization.
Educating in the Faith: Our Ministries
In whatever we do, wherever we go, individually or communally, we continue the mission of Jesus. Our prayer draws us into relationship with Jesus and is nourishment for the journey. We pray in gratitude for all the gifts received. In our teaching and preaching, we confront the truth of the Gospel. We pray for openness so that it may touch us and move us and the people we serve. We shepherd a people broken by sin and suffering and desire to bring healing. In all our ministries, we seek to affirm the goodness of God's people, to challenge them and ourselves to continued growth, to work for justice and to offer nourishment, security and comfort to those in need, all in the name of Jesus.
Crossing Borders of Every Sort
In founding Holy Cross, Basil Moreau crossed borders that marked social roles and prejudices. He sent his first religious across borders among nations, cultures and ways of life. Today we are challenged to cross those same borders, and we pray:
May we leave our world a heritage of crossing from ignorance to knowledge and from knowledge to wisdom. May we cross from despair to hope and from hope to the realization of our hearts' deepest desire. May we cross from fear to trust and from trust to unflinching love. (2004 General Chapter Prayer).
We continue to invite the many men and women who labor with us in our ministries among diverse peoples and cultures to share in our mission as educators in the faith--as Holy Cross educators. They embrace this mission as their own, and in doing so, like us, have crossed the border from mind to heart. They say, like us, that they feel privileged to share in this mission and to stride in the footsteps of our founder, Venerable Basil Moreau.
Recommendation 13: Educational Heritage
The Chapter recommends that provincials and district superiors continue to encourage research, reflection, and study with regard to the Congregation's educational charism, mission and heritage and to develop resources for their respective regions.
Pastoral Ministry
Work ceaselessly to care for the flock entrusted to you. Moreau
The two mission priorities of the Congregation of Holy Cross guide us in our approach to pastoral ministry. Our option for the poor is expressed in providing direct services to people in need, in working with the poor and others for just structures, and in assisting those blessed with social status and material wealth to understand Catholic social teaching and the needs of the oppressed. As educators in the faith, we proclaim the good news through preaching, programs of religious education and experiential learning. We help people to understand and apply Catholic social teaching, both where it benefits them and where it challenges them.
"Holy Cross Priests, Brothers and Sisters serve the Church in many pastoral ministries, but prominently in the parish apostolate. While fulfilling the diverse service parochial ministers are expected to provide, Holy Cross religious emphasize and exhibit certain aspects of this ministry as characteristic of Holy Cross." With this statement, the General Chapter of 1998 introduced a core set of characteristics with which Holy Cross pastoral ministers could identify. Since 1998, reflection on our charism in meetings and in mission assessment has led to the articulation of additional characteristics of Holy Cross pastoral ministry. We incorporate these further understandings into the 1998 characteristics and affirm the following as our ideals in Holy Cross pastoral ministry;
· a closeness to people's lives, their difficulties, joys, and struggles; an openness to their culture and way of living;
· the witness of living, praying and sharing meals together in community; a spirit of hospitality and availability;
· a recognition of the equality of all persons; mutual respect and support for the roles of each;
· a spirit of collaboration with the laity in order to empower them, through spiritual and theological formation, to become active ministers of evangelization;
· a special sensitivity to the role of women in the Church and a disposition to collaborations with them, especially, when possible, with our sisters in Holy Cross;
· a preferential attention to the poor through direct service to immigrants and minorities, to the vulnerable, untouchable and abandoned;
· the education of parishioners to an active and social justice ministry, working for structural change;
· the recognition, integration and celebration of diverse cultures within our parish communities and the broader Church; the fostering of an awareness of the international mission of Holy Cross;
· liturgical celebrations sensitive to the demands of inculturation, prepared with an awareness of the transforming power of liturgy in the life and faith of the People of God;
· a preference for work in dioceses where Holy Cross, with a spirit of initiative and innovation, can uniquely impact the life of the local Church;
· a participative and collaborative management style and a transparency in financial matters;
· a special preoccupation with the strengthening of family values and the education of the young; a commitment to Catholic schools, to the education of heart and mind;
· a culture of fostering vocations, inviting you people to answer the call to priesthood and religious life in Holy Cross; an openness to the formation and training of young priests in our parishes.
While some of these characteristics have specific application to parish ministry, we see most of them as relevant to our members serving in other pastoral contexts, such as in hospitals, counseling services, and centers for street children. Inspiring and challenging us, these Holy Cross characteristics are worthy of continued reflection and can effectively be used as an aid to mission assessment.
Recommendation 14: Regional and Congregational Networking of Holy Cross Parish Ministries
The Chapter commends efforts in several provinces and districts to call together those engaged in parish ministry for ongoing formation, the sharing of initiatives and challenges, and mutual support. To promote the benefits of such gatherings throughout the Congregation, the Chapter recommends that:
1. Province and district superiors organize regional gatherings of Holy Cross parish ministers on a regular basis for the purpose of ongoing formation, discussion of the characteristics of Holy Cross parish ministry in each context, mutual support and prayer.
2. The Superior General explore ways to network Holy Cross parish ministers across international borders, bringing together the experience of parish ministry in our diver contexts for mutual enrichment.
EDUCATIONAL MINISTRY
Take care that the ten thousand children confided to our care are educated according to (the Rule's) norms....Our rules certain insure the necessary training for the mind, but their first and foremost concern is with the formation of the heart....(Moreau CL79).
Since the General Chapter of 1998, continued reflection and research by Holy Cross educators on the education vision and values of the Venerable Basil Moreau have led to a deeper understanding and appreciation of our charism and heritage. These formative experiences have been undertaken by board members, administrators, faculties and staffs, as well as by students and their parents. All of these groups have found a wider application in the various cultures in which we minister around the world, as clearly evidenced by the Asian Holy Cross Educators' Conference which took place in Dhaka and Agartala, and the efforts of the Holy Cross Educational Foundation of North-East India (an affiliation of eleven schools owned and/or administered by Holy Cross).
These networking experiences, as well as the exchanges from the Congregations Education Commission, the work o the Holy Cross Ministries Office (serving Holy Cross in the educational institutions in the Eastern Province of Brothers, Midwest and Indiana Provinces), The Table (an association of administrators of sponsored South-West Province schools), the initiation of the Holy Cross Institute at St. Edward's University, Austin, Texas (a collaborative undertaking of the University and the three U.S. Brothers provinces) and meetings of the presidents of Holy Cross universities and colleges for over twenty-five years in the United States, give evidence of a preoccupation with defining and affirming the Holy Cross character and Catholic identity of our schools on all continents where we minister.
From a reflection on the
traditions of a Holy Cross school, members of the Education Commission,
representing seven different countries and Holy Cross educational contexts,
listed the following elements found in a
· an education focusing on the whole person, beginning where an individual finds himself/herself;
· an intentional effort to awaken within students and lay colleagues, the fundamental Christian sense of vocation or call to live and practice gospel values;
· campus ministry and religious education programs that are central to our curriculum and institutions;
· a vibrant family spirit that creates a spirit of collegiality and inclusiveness;
· collaboration with and empowerment of lay faculty and parents;
· a strong emphasis on education for justice and a commitment to the option for the poor hat includes making our students aware of the demands of the common good through service projects;
· the inclusion of students of different social strata and of different religious and ethnic backgrounds in our schools;
· a strong sense of commitment or zeal which is the foundation of a pursuit of excellence in all school programs;
· the fostering collaborative relationships with the local Church and the neighborhood or civic community in which they are located;
· an adaptable spirit that alls the schools to meet needs and challenges as they occur.
The results of these reflections have led to the conclusion that there can be many additional enriching opportunities for networking that cross borders of every kind. We can learn much from each other as we share a common heritage and tradition.
All involved in Holy Cross educational ministries are challenged by our mission priority concerning the option for the poor. Since most of our schools are private, education is expensive and competitive. To keep our schools affordable and non-elitist, many Holy Cross schools and colleges work hard to provide financial assistance and scholarships to students in need. Some of our schools and colleges lengthen the school day and offer literacy and other practical and technical programs for the poor and those who ordinarily would be unable to attend them. To educate in the area of social justice, almost all Holy Cross schools have developed outreach and service programs, some even begun by the students themselves. Others offer immersion service projects for students that extend for a period of time. Social formation and education for justice are a central part of the curriculum in many Holy Cross schools.
We are challenged to reach out to those who are marginalized, poor or neglected in our society. To help improve their socio-economic development, programs for non-formal education have been established in all areas where he Congregation is present. These programs provide specialized services in the fields of human resource development and skills training, leadership development, community organizing, basic literacy, legal advocacy, as well as justice and peace and human rights issues. The Chapter commends all of these efforts that carry out our mission priority, opting for the poor. We urge their continuance and encourage further efforts to met related challenges in the future.
Teacher training is seen to be of utmost importance, especially in schools that serve in rural areas. In schools in which we serve, formation programs that assist faculty to understand the mission of the institution, along with how to promote Christian values in a society, are seen as a challenge. In some areas, schools have to deal with government regulations that affect the Catholic identity of the institution. In our ever changing world, the challenge is to meet the many different needs of the students who come to us.
Because the reality that our
education mission is adapted to the local and unique natures of very diverse
education settings, the unique relationship that exists between the
Congregation and many of its educational ministries continues to be refined in
what is called sponsorship in the
The Chapter recognizes the importance of higher education institutions sponsored by the Congregation and the role they play in carrying out the mission priorities of the Congregation. The option for the poor and the evangelization for the new millennium are articulated in their pedagogy, policy formulation, scholarly activities and programs and are the special hallmarks of Holy Cross colleges and universities.
The Good News of the Gospel is proclaimed in our Holy Cross educational efforts. Our institutions live out the Gospel. These experiences are adapted to each local situation. It is a special challenge to live and witness the Gospel in regions where most of our students and faculties are not Christian. In many parts of the world, religious fundamentalism challenges our wok. So too, the globalization of the culture and the aggressive promotion of the materialistic consumer culture tend to draw the young people away from basic Christian values. We continue to proclaim the Gospel, we remain vigilant of the challenge between forming in the faith and providing an education of superior academic quality. As Venerable Moreau so aptly said, "We shall always place education side by side with instruction; the mind will not be cultivated at the expense of the heart" (CL36).
Recommendation 15: Regional and Congregational Networking of Holy Cross Educational Ministries
Commending the many efforts of the past six years to bring Holy Cross educators together to reflect more systematically on the Holy Cross charism in our education ministry, the Chapter recommends that;
1. provincials and district superiors in each region encourage and foster regional networking among all of their educational institutions, both formal and non-formal. This networking, in collaboration with institutional leadership, should include the promotion of regional meetings. The meetings should promote mutual reflection on the characteristics of the Holy Cross charism in education in each local context and the ways in which these institutions embody the mission priorities of the Congregation in admissions, curriculum, and all other dimensions of service of their community.
2. the Superior General explore ways to continue the work begun by the Education Commission of the past four years, networking Hoy Cross education ministries across international borders, and promote sharing and solidarity among Holy Cross educational institutions in diverse contexts.
Recommendation 16: Sponsorship
The Chapter recommends that provincials and district superiors continue to engage in dialogue with the governing bodies, institution leadership and local Holy Cross communities associated with the educational institutions and programs sponsored by their respective provinces and districts. This dialogue will focus on:
· the role of the Congregation in the institution or program;
· the means by which the Holy Cross educational charism, mission and heritage are lived and effected;
· an assessment of the mission effectiveness of these institutions and programs which include the mission priorities of the Congregation.
EVALUATION OF
Periodically we review how well our ministries fulfill our mission. We must evaluate the quality, forms and priorities of our commitments as to how effectively the serve the needs of the Church and the world. (C2,19)
Each of us is called to translate the mission priorities into concrete experiences in our life and work. The suggested process adopted by the Chapter of 1998 encouraged individual and communal reflection on mission effectiveness in our various ministries and was used as the basis for mission evaluations and assessments in various settings.
The questions that follow focus primarily on mission evaluation and assessment in educational and parish ministries, reflecting the principal apostolic involvements of he majority of Holy Cross religious around the world.
Information
What is the level of awareness of and appreciation for the mission and heritage of Holy Cross among our lay colleagues with whom we serve and among those served?
Formation
In what ways is this educational or parish community inclusive, reaching out to the afflicted, and in a preferential way, to the poor?
How are adaptability and inculturation, so characteristic of our apostolic approach in Holy Cross, demonstrated in this ministry? What evidence is there that those we serve perceive us to be open and hospitable in our journey with them? How has our openness and attentive listening to those we serve in this ministry led us to new responses to the mission?
What evidence is there that we are forming, empowering, and accompanying our lay colleagues in this ministry?
Transformation
How does the international perspective of Holy Cross, with its sense of wider horizons and the freedom to be ourselves, benefit this parish or educational ministry. How are we acting in concert with the local Church? How are we a source of creative and liberating energy in transforming the local Church?
What evidence is there that this ministry forms disciples with the competence to see and the courage to act--disciples with not only a heightened sensitivity to the issues of just and peace, but who are prepared to act with this convictions?
In parish ministries, how do the pastoral programs provide opportunities for the parishioners to develop an openness to conversion, to turning to the Lord, and to dependence on one another in community?
In educational ministries, how to the pastoral activities (campus ministry, liturgy, retreats, service programs) provide opportunities for the students, faculty, staff, administrators, board members, and parents to develop an openness to conversion, to turning to the Lord, and to dependence on one another in community?
How does Venerable Basil Moreau's vision of the family of Holy Cross find expression in the community life of hose religious working together in this ministry? How does the charism of family animate and inspire the work done together in mission?
Sponsorship in Educational Institutions
How does the province/district support this institution it sponsors--even if separately incorporated--in terms of information for and formation in the mission and heritage of Holy Cross?
How does the province/district hold accountable this institution for which it is canonically responsible? As the sponsoring religious body, what expectations does the province/district define to assure that the institution remains at the service of the wider Church and in line with the mission priorities of the Congregation?
We believe that congregational and provincial district leadership may find these questions useful in the exercise of their responsibility to evaluate our life in light of mission. Furthermore, these questions can be adapted for reflection by individual holy Cross religious engaged in other ministries. When used in institutional settings and where appropriate, the Chapter suggests that a written report be shared with institutional leadership and other appropriate sectors of the ministry.