“The Passion of Jesus is the greatest and most overwhelming work of God’s love.”

– St. Paul of the Cross

The Passionist Family is more than just vowed religious — it’s a wide circle of people united by a deep love for the Crucified Christ and a desire to bring compassion, hope and healing to a wounded world. 

Here in Holy Cross Province, we invite all those who share in our mission and bring the Passionist spirit to life in countless ways, both lay and vowed.

A large group of Passionists and lay collaborators pose together in front of a crucifix during the 2023 Chapter gathering.

Our Extended Passionist Family includes:

A man in a yellow printed shirt plays the keyboard with sheet music in front of him.
Paul Puccinelli plays the keyboard during Mass at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center in Sierra Madre, CA
  • Lay men and women who live out the Passionist charism in their daily lives.
  • Passionist Associates and ministry partners.
  • Volunteers, donors, staff and collaborators in our retreat centers, parishes and missions.
  • Anyone who seeks to keep alive the memory of Christ’s Passion in service to the suffering and in commitment to justice, peace and love.

The Role of Lay People in Our Province

Lay people in Holy Cross Province play a vital role in continuing the legacy of St. Paul of the Cross. Together with our priests and brothers, they:

A woman and two Passionist priests sit smiling with a golden retriever in front of them, surrounded by a group.
(l-r): Faith Offman, Fr. Pat Brennan, CP, and Fr. Johnson Emmanuel, CP, comprise the Ministry Team at St. Paul of the Cross Passionist Retreat & Conference Center in Detroit, MI
  • Work, lead and serve in the provincial offices, retreat ministry, parishes and social outreach.
  • Lead and participate in formation programs, prayer groups and community gatherings.
  • Help shape the future of Passionist ministry through leadership and collaboration.
  • Witness to the Passion of Christ through their work, families and everyday life.

In this shared mission, lay people bring their unique gifts, vocations and perspectives, enriching the Passionist community and deepening its impact.

Passionist Alumni

The Passionist Formation Alumni are a community of individuals who, at one time or another, took part in the formation programs for Passionist priests and brothers in Holy Cross Province.

Community of Passionist Partners

Whether you’re a teacher, parent, student, retiree or professional, you are invited to be part of something larger than yourself — a movement of people who believe that the Passion of Christ continues today in the lives of the suffering and the hopeful alike.

As part of the Passionist Family, the Passionist Partners are not just supporting a mission — they are living the mission!

Want to Get Involved?

There are many ways to become more connected with the Passionist Family:

Let’s walk this journey of faith together — remembering the Cross and discovering the Resurrection.