We are the Cistercian Order of the Holy Cross, Common Observance, an independent dispersed religious order within the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church and an autonomous member of the Independent Anglican Church - Canada Synod.

Our Cistercian roots date back to the eleventh century. We have tried to capture the Cistercian charism in our love of solitude, contemplation, work, and study as well as living under the Rule of St. Benedict and vows of Conversatio, Stability, and Obedience.

Our Order has its beginnings in a lay Anglican effort originated by Sister Eileen, Order of the Holy Trinity, in 1981. This group of twenty postulants founded the Oblate Order of St. Benedict. In 1985 they embraced the Primitive Rule of St. Benedict as Cistercians. While principally Anglican, members were also from Roman Catholic and Episcopal jurisdictions. Membership was open to men, lay or clerics, and women.

While the Cistercians were headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Chapters were developed in several states. In many respects they were the only Anglo-Catholic congregation of its kind in North America.

For more information about vocations:

www.cistercianmonks.org

The Most Rev. Oscar Joseph, OCCO
Abbot General
Holy Cross Monastery
1606 Briar Lake Circle
Winston-Salem, NC 27103-6647
(336) 918-0975
Abbot@Bellsouth.net