The Congregation of Holy Cross, the international Catholic religious order whose members founded the University of Notre Dame, is remembering more than 700 friends of the Province in daily prayers and Masses today (May 22) on a special Day of Prayer to thank its benefactors.
Priests and brothers in all U.S. Province Communities, in seven countries on three continents, will thank all those who have offered financial and prayerful support over the past three years through the event, which is the culmination of Phase I of the “Following in the Footsteps of a Great Band of Men” Campaign.
Rev. David T. Tyson, C.S.C., provincial superior of the U.S. Province, said the Footsteps Campaign has energized and strengthened the Holy Cross Community.
“I have witnessed through this Campaign new friendships forged and old relationships strengthened; I have seen the priests and brothers of Holy Cross energized in their ministries, knowing that so many people care enough about their work to support it; and I can attest to what our founder, Blessed Basil Moreau, found essential to the foundation of Holy Cross, that being a close collaboration with the lay faithful,” Father Tyson said. “These intangibles define success for Holy Cross, and we are so very blessed our benefactors chose to be part of the campaign’s success.”
In November 2011, eight months ahead of schedule, the Footsteps Campaign surpassed its Phase I goal of $6.5 million. To date, more than $17 million has been raised. Notre Dame played a significant role in helping the U.S. Province push ahead of its Phase I goal, as did the University of Portland. Both are educational ministries of the Congregation.
The Congregation still wishes to raise $14 million in the coming years in order to meet the overall $30.9 million goal and projected needs for:
• Religious formation, education and advanced studies ($12 million)
• Holy Cross House, retirement, assisted living and wellness ($10.5 million)
• International missions ($8.4 million)
The U.S. Province is a healthy and vibrant Catholic religious community fortunate enough to have diverse age groups – from men in their 20s to men in their 90s – fulfilling Blessed Father Moreau’s vision to educate minds and hearts through a commitment to education, parish and mission. The Footsteps Campaign will allow Holy Cross to remain vibrant and carry out that vision.
A special message of gratitude has also been produced in video, as well as a presentation of names of benefactors, on the Holy Cross website.
Contact:Stephanie Gattman, Office of Communications, Congregation of Holy Cross, 574-631-9452, sgattman@holycrossusa.org