Faith & Spirituality
In the Jesuit, Catholic tradition, the service of faith and the promotion of justice is a foundational principle.
Our mission calls us to work together, to be sensitive to one another, and to serve others on campus and in the world.
Exploring Faith
At Holy Cross, the liberal arts education builds upon Jesuit traditions of academic excellence and ethical development to offer pathways to personal, intellectual and spiritual growth. We welcome a culturally and religiously diverse community, and for those who choose, we empower meaningful engagement with the traditions of the Catholic church.
Faith & Service Opportunities
Life at Holy Cross means readily participating in a dialogue about basic human questions — in the classroom, in the chapel, and through service and solidarity programs around the world.
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The Intersection of Faith and Reason
The academic experience at Holy Cross equips students to become skilled, conscientious and discerning leaders, who are committed to justice and prepared to thrive in any profession. A Jesuit, liberal arts education helps free students from prejudice, bias and ignorance. By becoming open-minded, inquisitive truth-seekers, they gain the freedom to make mistakes, question their beliefs and grow as men and women of faith, as scholars and as global citizens.
Cannonball Moments
Many students believe they have their path in life carefully planned, only to find during their time here that they want to try something different. It could be a new activity or career direction — or simply a new perspective on their current course of action.
The evolution of this idea follows in the precedent set by St. Ignatius Loyola during his time of convalescence, when he contemplated life’s most important questions: Who am I? What do I want to become? For whom am I living?
These questions came to him after he was injured by a cannonball during the Battle of Pamplona, while a reckless and passionate young man. While recovering from his wounds, he read and reflected on what it means to be an engaged and caring human being, and that set him on a journey toward God.
Holy Cross seeks to create a place where students can also reflect on who they are and how they wish to live. We call the moments of insight and realization born of these reflections “cannonball moments.”
All Are Welcome Here
Holy Cross is a multi-faith community that values the diverse backgrounds our students bring to campus. We celebrate Catholic Mass and also offer ecumenical and interfaith prayer opportunities.
Join a number of events that bring all backgrounds and lived experiences together from Food and Faiths to Interfaith Immersion.
Contemplate and Connect With Others
Mass in Saint Joseph Memorial Chapel.
Students descend the stairs at sunset mass services.
Prayer vigil for peace in Mary Chapel.