The Cistercian Order of the Holy Cross is happy to receive male applicants for Holy Orders, e.g., Priest, Deacon. We would also consider incardination for other rightfully ordained clerics.
While there are traditional qualifications for ordination/incardination, the principal interest is discerning a true vocation and developing Priests or Deacons who are fruitful ministers. Therefore, educational requirements may be individually tailored.
We celebrate valid apostolic lines of succession, the seven sacraments and liturgical worship consistent with the historical churches. While some practices may differ, e.g., married clergy, we adhere to the dogmas constituted by true apostolic teaching. Members of the Cistercian Order of the Holy Cross may either retain their membership in their own historical churches or transfer membership to the Order. Naturally, those who hold orders and/or live in residence are members exclusively with the Order. Those members who are living in community will establish liturgical practices consistent with Cistercian monasticism, ancient church liturgies and their common faith traditions.
If you are interested in ordination or incardination, complete the application and forward it to the Abbot General. His office will then contact you.
The Cistercian Order of the Holy Cross, Common Observance, is an independent dispersed religious order within the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.
