2004 General Chapter on

Mission

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.