Order of the Holy Cross (OHC)

The Order of the Holy Cross is a Benedictine monastic community for men open to both lay and ordained. The principles governing the Order’s life are those of The Rule of St Benedict and The Rule of the Order of the Holy Cross, written by its founder James Otis Sargent Huntington.

The liturgical life of each house centers around the corporate praying of the Divine Office and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Members are also expected to spend time in private prayer and meditation.

The work of the Order is varied, depending on the nature of the household and the gifts and talents of its members. Houses range from traditional monastic centers with active retreat ministries to an urban house from which brothers go forth to minister. One brother lives independently a Monk Not In Residence.

Members are engaged in preaching, teaching, counseling, retreat conducting, spiritual direction, parish and diocesan work, evangelism, and ministry with the homeless. The South African community administers a scholarship program for local children. The Order founded and supports Holy Cross School in Grahamstown, South Africa.