Time is devoted to deepening one's relationship with God through personal and common prayer. Classes are presented on religious life, the vows of celibacy, poverty and obedience, and the history, charism and Constitutions of the Congregation of Holy Cross. As the novitiate year draws to a close, the novice may ask to take vows for one year. After completing the novitiate year, the men in annual vows are usually assigned to the Brother Charles Andersen Residence in San Antonio, Texas. Typically they study theology and are engaged part time in ministry or take whatever courses are necessary to prepare them for ministry.
Brothers usually participate in the post-novitiate program for one or two years.
They may ask to renew their vows each year. After having renewed temporary vows for a minimum of three years, and after having served in full-time ministry for two or more years, a Brother may ask to make a permanent commitment as a religious of Holy Cross by professing final vows, that is, making forever to God the vows of poverty, celibacy and obedience. Growth in religious life does not end here. We are continually called by God to renew our commitment, and to deepen our relationships to God, to those we serve and to our Brothers. How to Contact a Vocation Counselor Brother John McLaughlin , is the vocation counselor for the Congregation of Holy Cross, South-West Province.