We are a multi-vocational (ordained, lay and professed religious) Community based on the early Church as described in the Acts of the Apostles and in the writings of the early saints. The idea behind the Community is certainly not new, but rather a return to an earlier model of communal life. In our Community laity, clergy and religious are brought within the one House, following the core teaching and tradition of the Church, and answering the call to universal holiness which the Second Vatican Council (Lumen Gentium, 39) invited all the members of the Church to strive for.
Our Community, "The Brotherhood of the Holy Cross", tries to put into concrete practice all that our Catholic Faith is. We hope that the strength of our Eccleshall Community will be, God willing, like a "light on a hilltop which cannot be hidden...." (Mt 5:14-16). Reflecting Christ and walking hand in hand with our Holy Mother the Church, we will invite others to "come and see" (Jn 1:46).
Members enjoy the company, spiritual life and support of a small, prayerful Community. In addition, priest members have the same level of autonomy as normally enjoyed by secular clergy, and great opportunities for self-development due to the flexibility offered by sharing diocesan, Community and other obligations, such as the care of a parish. Lay members continue with their career, and if married, their spousal commitment and the upbringing of their children under the support and guidance of the whole Community.
The Brotherhood of the Holy Cross aids local parishes by providing retreats, renewal programmes, and especially adult catechesis. Adult catechesis displays our commitment to helping parishes to develop their own facilities and resources, in order to aid the faith development of the individual in the areas of catechesis, liturgy, pastoral and spirituality, whether they be religious, lay or clergy, in the wider contexts of the family, parish, diocese and universal Church.
People come to the Community for spiritual reawakening and renewal in order for them to re-enter the world with their faith strengthened, so that they can act as a leaven in their own families, workplace, parish and society.
Our Community life is based upon faith, hope and charity. Faith is seen in our prayer life, based around the Mass, Divine Office and devotions. Hope in our life together living in common, and our personal and corporate pursuit of holiness. Charity in the way that all members work and contribute in order to help sustain the Community, support the Church, and bring others to know and love Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Saviour.
Our Eccleshall Community will remain small, the core members numbering no more than eight. When numbers exceed this level we will seek to set up another Community House elsewhere, and so on.
If you, or anyone you know of, might be interested in The Brotherhood of the Holy Cross, and would like to find out more, then please initially contact us via the parish email address, located by clicking on the 'Contact Us' button on the Home Page of this website.
Meanwhile, please remember our Community, its work, and future development, in your prayers.
God bless you.
Father Stephen Cochrane - Community Co-Founder
