What Makes HCA Unique?

Size of the program

With approximately 30-35 Domestic Associates each year, we are large enough to offer a variety of service placements and opportunities yet small enough to still make up an intimate group.  Associates from all of our placements come together once before their Associate year for an orientation, and then again in May in beautiful Portland, OR for a retreat.  As a result, long lasting friendships and support are built not only with one’s own housemates, but also with those in other houses.   

Sponsorship by the Congregation of Holy Cross

The location of our Associate houses is far from random; we work and live where the Congregation of Holy Cross also has a strong presence, whether through universities, parishes, or other apostolates. As a result, each year the Associates are welcomed into the local Holy Cross community and are invited to take part in the life of that community. Over the years, Associates often have commented that one of the most valuable aspects of their experience was the opportunity to develop close relationships with the Holy Cross Priests and Brothers.

Support and Community

Support to the Associates is offered on several levels. The HCA staff stays in regular contact with each Associate house, conducting site visits twice a year and keeping in touch with individual Associates through phone calls and email. Each local house has two co-facilitators, one usually a Holy Cross Priest, and the other a lay woman who is an Associate alumna. These facilitators join the Associates once a week for “Community Night”, a regular event in which dinner is shared, followed by a time of prayer and another activity, planned by one of the Associates. The facilitators accompany and assist in planning two house retreats during the year and generally are the first outlet of support for the Associates.

The Community that exists for Associates consists of much more than one’s housemates. In each location, there is a network of Associate alumni, friends of the program, and Holy Cross Religious who invite each new group of Associates to be an integral part of their parish or community. Former Associates will tell you that the generosity of neighbors and friends during one’s Associate year can often be overwhelming.

Our Tradition

HCA is now in it’s 27th year of existence and thus has developed strong ties to local agencies and communities in each placement.