Holy Cross Ordinations
Scheduled for September 2020

Join the Congregation of Holy Cross from the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on Saturday, September 5, as the Most Reverend Kevin C. Rhoades, Bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend, ordains eight of our brothers for service in the Church. This live-streamed liturgy will incorporate both the ordination to the presbyterate, as well as the ordination to the diaconate.

Please join us in praying for our brothers being ordained to the priesthood: Rev. Mr. Vincent Nguyen, C.S.C., Rev. Mr. Joe Pedersen, C.S.C., Rev. Mr. Gilbrian Stoy, C.S.C., and Rev. Mr. Zach Rathke, C.S.C.

We also lift up in prayer our brothers b eing ordained to the transitional diaconate: Mr. Felipe Campos, C.S.C., Mr. Robert Lisowski, C.S.C., Mr. Geoffrey Mooney, C.S.C., and Mr. David Smith, C.S.C.

The live-stream will be available at

RSVP to this event on Facebook for more updates!
Religious Brothers Day
May 1
On Friday, May 1, the universal Church observes Religious Brothers Day. Spread the word about the vocation and life of Catholic brothers online using #religiousbrothersday (or on Facebook, @religiousbrothersday).
You can even add a frame to your Facebook profile picture (click "edit" on your photo>add frame> type "Religious Brothers Day"> select).
Deadline Extended for Summer Seminary Immersion Program
Mindful that many other high school summer programs have been cancelled, we are extending the deadline for application to the SSIP!

We are looking forward to offering this experience for high school juniors and seniors, June 27-July 11. A theology course for college credit, community, prayer, and resources for discernment... what a great way to spend two weeks this summer! You can find more information about the SSIP here.

While we are hopeful that the SSIP will take place at Moreau Seminary, we are prepared to move the entirety of the program online. In either case, we are committed to offering support to young men discerning God's call.
A Time of New Beginnings
Fr. John DeRiso - Director of Vocations

“On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb.” (John 20:1)

Thus begins the Gospel narrative of Easter Sunday, evoking the first day of the week related in the Book of Genesis when God spoke and light was made, which marked the beginning of creation.

At Easter, we celebrate Christ Jesus, the Light of the World, emerging from the darkness of the tomb. His resurrection marks a new beginning for creation. As Saint John Paul II put it: “In the mystery of Christ's death and resurrection all is redeemed, and everything becomes once more perfectly good, according to God's original plan.” Easter is a season of new beginnings. The newly baptized emerge from the font of rebirth to live as members of Christ, while the faithful renew the promises of their baptism. We, who have been given new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, have been enlightened by Christ. We don’t walk in darkness; we have the light of life!

How might we live with Christ in newness of life and as children of light? What new beginning do we need? What new beginning are we being invited to embrace?

We, men of Holy Cross, serve the Lord Jesus in mission not as independent individuals but in a brotherhood. We live with Christ in newness of life as priests and as brothers who have professed vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience as an act of love for the God who first loved us. The journey of consecrated life in the service of the Lord and His Church begins with the discernment of God’s call.
The Office of Vocations assists men as they discern how God is calling them to live in newness of life. Reaching out to us is the start of the “new beginning” the Lord has in store for them.

Are you interested in a virtual visit to Moreau Seminary or to the Old College Undergraduate Seminary at Notre Dame?

Use this online form in order to arrange for some informal conversations with men in formation and with a vocation director!
Spirituality & Prayer
Looking for some food to fuel your prayer life? We have a few ideas:

  • Watch the video recording of the Easter Mass homily by Fr. Gerry Olinger, C.S.C., from the Basilica of the Sacred Heart.

  • Check out Second Sunday of Easter homily by Deacon Joe Pedersen, C.S.C.

  • In this article, seminarian Brian Vetter, C.S.C., reflects on the celebration of the Eucharist during this global pandemic.
The Congregation of Holy Cross has set up an easy-to-use web form for you to submit your COVID-19 prayer intentions. Have you or someone you know been affected by the virus? Is someone your family working on the front lines in healthcare or food service? Let us know so that we can pray in a special way for you and your family. COVID-19 Prayer Intentions
Upcoming Events
Summer Seminary Immersion Program (SSIP)
June 27-July 11



Profession of Perpetual Vows
September 4 - 2:00 p.m. Eastern
Basilica of the Sacred Heart - Notre Dame, Indiana

Mr. Felipe Campos, C.S.C., Mr. Robert Lisowski, C.S.C., Mr. Geoffrey Mooney, C.S.C., Br. Pablo Quan, C.S.C., and Mr. David Smith, C.S.C.



Livestream: Ordinations to the Presbyterate and to the Diaconate
September 5 - 1:00 p.m. Eastern

Being ordained to the priesthood: Rev. Mr. Vincent Nguyen, C.S.C., Rev. Mr. Joe Pedersen, C.S.C., Rev. Mr. Gilbrian Stoy, C.S.C., and Rev. Mr. Zach Rathke, C.S.C.

Being ordained to the transitional diaconate: Mr. Felipe Campos, C.S.C., Mr. Robert Lisowski, C.S.C., Mr. Geoffrey Mooney, C.S.C., and Mr. David Smith, C.S.C.


Masses of Thanksgiving for the Newly Ordained Priests
September 6