Candidate Program Post-College
“Candidates who come to the Congregation deserve from us the cultivation of their maturity, faith, generosity, learning, and ability to live in community.” (Constitution 6.61)
The one-year Candidate Program is designed for men between the ages of 21 and 35 who are prepared to immerse themselves in Holy Cross community life while continuing their personal discernment. Candidates live at Moreau Seminary across St. Joseph Lake from the University of Notre Dame’s Golden Dome. Each day is centered on the celebration of the Eucharist and the Liturgy of the Hours.
Specific elements of the year include an introduction to Holy Cross history and spirituality; personal prayer; academic preparation in philosophy and/or theology; supervised ministry placements; spiritual direction; regular meetings with formation chaplains; weekly formation meetings; and retreats.
It is a busy year in many respects, but the Candidate Program is designed to give a well-rounded portrait of life in Holy Cross and to allow a person to answer two fundamental questions before deciding whether to apply to the Novitiate:
- Do I have a religious vocation? and
- Do I feel a fit with Holy Cross?
For further information about the Congregation of Holy Cross and our seminary programs, please access our contact form.