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TexLaMex, July 2005, Page 6
There was a gathering of approximately 60 Holy Cross priests and brothers at Notre Dame. The U.S. Regional planning commission gathered with others from the provinces in the U.S. to discuss the future. They looked at the statistics in terms of the numbers of religious expected to be in each province.
Jeff Allison, a member of the Commision from our province, was there; the other member, Len Collins, is still at Bro. Vincent Pieau Residence regaining the use of his knee after his fall. Also present were Marin Hernandez Campos, Joe Moyer, Joe Tomei, and John Korcsmar.
The statistics were quite sobering. We will have some real challenges to face in the future. At times we feel that we are facing some difficult choices in the South, but it was very clear that all of the provinces will also be facing very difficult decisions.
For us the challenges of the internal ministries that support the Congregation are in need of support. Vocation recruitment, formation, leadership all need more people and energy.
Another issue facing the Congregation is the situation of the Brothers. Holy Cross has the vision of priests and brothers as equal partners in the mission. But there have been so few brother vocations in recent years. It was proposed that the religious under 50 meet. There are 90 of them; 84 are priests. We need more brother vocations to strengthen their presence within the Congregation.
The general administration has been working very hard on vocations and vocation recruitment. There will be a major effort at attracting more vocations in the near future.