Who We Serve

Inspired by each other. The commitment to unite in a common mission inspired this institute, which serves Holy Cross educators nationwide. Many have fostered mission as a lifelong experience, developed grassroots ministries and collaborated on local and regional initiatives to sustain the Holy Cross heritage.

The institute enables:

  • Experienced educators to continue their spiritual development and nurture leadership capabilities.
  • Board members to participate in more structured opportunities, such as annual retreats and heritage seminars, to learn how to enhance mission-based decision making.
  • Holy Cross students to take part in leadership conferences and service ministries.
  • People in different regions to learn from and collaborate with each other as they implement the Holy Cross mission.

Reaching out to diverse communities. Designed to respond to the needs of the 25 schools and nine universities across the country sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross, Holy Cross Institute will also stimulate reflection and evaluation of the Holy Cross tradition worldwide. The Holy Cross charism — the divinely inspired gift to our community — transcends cultural differences and guides our individual and collective growth in mission.

Examining ways to build a community of learning and practice among Holy Cross educators. More than 150 individuals from 22 Holy Cross institutions across the country gathered at St. Edward's University March 26–28, 2006, to consider what it means to be a Holy Cross educator at the Holy Cross Institute's Inaugural Convocation. The institute will serve schools and programs in 14 states and help to ensure that the Holy Cross mission is carried forward with the same intentions and passion embodied by the university's and congregation's founders. A governing board, established in May 2004, has already begun the work of defining how the institute will provide mission-based programs, research and training for the laity serving as administrators and educators.

Growing in Mission — a profile of Terry McGaha
A member of the faculty at Holy Cross School, New Orleans for a number of years, Terry returned in 1994 as principal. An early member of the Table, a collaboration of leadership for mission in the South-West Province, he also began facilitating the annual Student Leadership Conference at St. Edward’s University. Building on all this experience, he became Director of Campus Ministry at Holy Cross School in 2004. In 2005 Notre Dame High School appointed him special assistant to the President, where he handles special projects and assists the campus ministry team with student retreats.


The Holy Cross Institute at St. Edward’s University, 3001 South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78704. 800-566-1837
© Copyright 2006.