Welcome to Our Site

We are the Cistercian Order of the Holy Cross, Common Observance, a religious order within the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.

Our Cistercian roots date back to the eleventh century. We have tried to capture the Cistercian charism in our love of solitude, contemplation, work, and study as well as living under the Rule of St. Benedict and vows of Conversatio, Stability, and Obedience.

We describe ourselves as living under a Common Observance because our Order allows for much flexibility in exercising the Cistercian charism. We also try to be open to the authentic movement of the Holy Spirit in our time and place.

Some unique aspects of the Order of the Holy Cross are:

1. First order monks are single or married.

2. They may live in or outside a monastery.

3. They may perform works of charity, pastoral ministry, and mission work.

4. Priests and deacons of/in the Order may be single or married.

5. Men and women from both the Historic and Protestant churches may participate as third order oblates.

Our research indicates that the Holy Spirit has already called men and women who are married or single, to the life we are describing. These individuals are largely unattached to a formal institution, although they prefer otherwise, because few such institutions exist. And, where they do exist, entry requirements and lifestyles are not realistic. It is our desire to support, educate, and validate such people of faith.

Our purpose is:

1. To seek perfection through Contemplation, Work, Prayer, Stability, and Obedience

2. To praise and worship God daily

3. To produce educational materials

4. To host retreats and maintain retreat houses

5. To found autonomous religious communities

6. To prayerfully intercede for those in need and for peace in the world

7. To perform works of charity, pastoral ministry, and mission work.

It is our hope that these pages will help you to better define and respond to God’s call upon your life. If we can serve you in this regard you are welcome to contact my office. We would also be pleased to accept your application.

If you are seriously considering a vocation with the Order but need more information, E-mail us requesting your personal code to gain access to the Inquirer Section of this web site.

In the Inquirer Section you will find our ” Constitution”, “ Canons on the Sacraments” , “The Rule of St. Benedict” , information about religious vows, “Code of Ethics”,” General Statement Regarding Liability”, “ General Principles of Conduct”, and “Guidelines for Holy Orders”.

Having read this material you will be fully informed and will be better able to make your decision.

If we can help you further, contact the office of the Abbot General.

Pax,

The Most Rev. Oscar Joseph, OCCO
Abbot General