With the Constitution on Laity of Vatican II, lay women and men in the Catholic Church were challenged to be people of God who – through words and action – would bring Christ’s message to the world. To participate as adults in the mission of the Church requires lay people to do more than “pray, pay, and obey.”

From the very beginning, Blessed Basile Moreau believed that the active collaboration, prayers, and support of lay men and women would be essential to the Holy Cross mission. In 1842, just one year after the Congregation’s founding, Moreau established an association of lay colleagues. Moreau considered these lay colleagues and supporters an irreplaceable part of the Holy Cross family.

As described during Vatican II, lay men and women are called to be examples of Christ’s love by who they are and what they do. Today – in addition to work in schools, parishes, missions, and other ministries – men and women grow spiritually, create community, and serve others through Holy Cross lay communities like Spes Unica Associates, which was established by the Holy Cross Brothers over twenty-five years ago. As part of the Holy Cross family, lay women and men are people with “hope and zeal to bring.”

“God will be glorified by the fruits of justice and sanctity we produce as he who plants a tree is glorified by its fruits. Hence, beholding the fruits of our union, the world will glorify God” —Blessed Basil Moreau, C.S.C

REPEAT OFTEN: I am part of the family of Holy Cross.