Support the growth of our Congregation!
Young women eager to dedicate their lives to God and to the ministries of the Sisters of the Holy Cross are entering our International Novitiate program. When this two-year program opened in 2009, four women entered as first-year novices. In 2017, there were 21 women participating and we expect to have nearly 30 novices next year as more young women discern a call to religious life. This is a true blessing!
The International Novitiate is a house of formation providing new members with a common experience and connecting them with their peers from around the world. Living together is like grafting—creating a Holy Cross community identity and spirit by praying, listening, eating, learning and sharing life and cultures together. These young sisters are learning from the examples set by Sisters of the Holy Cross since 1841. Our novices are eager to carry on the ministries of teaching, health care, and social and human services around the world.
“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” — John 13:15
New growth brings new challenges
The buildings used for the novitiate program are not equipped to house all of the novices expected for the coming years. To create a space where our novices can come together in community and in closer physical and spiritual contact with sisters at our motherhouse, we are remodeling Loretto Convent.
The renovation of this 1915 structure is costly. The renewed building will offer privacy and serve as a peaceful, reflective place for the formation, work and life of the novices. A new kitchen and large dining space, new chapel, bedrooms and classrooms will provide a space for the novitiate community to grow. Updates will cover all 22,000 square feet of the building and include the installation of new mechanical and electrical systems and plumbing. The historical and architectural integrity of the building will be maintained as much as is possible.