Franciscans of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross are a group of men, women and married couples living by vows of Simplicity, Faithfulness, and Obedience, in communion with our Bishops to further God’s kingdom on earth through Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. We are bound together by a common way of life patterned after St. Francis of Assisi and the Desert Fathers. Our life is founded on the Gospel and rests on the “three great pillars of ancient Christian Monasticism: Prayer, Work and Study”.
Who can become an Exaltation Franciscan?
Any single male, female or a married couple over 21 years of age, who feel the call of God in Christ to serve the poor, marginalized, outcast, downtrodden and rejected may “come and see…”. You should have the sponsorship of your local CEC congregation and be recommended by your spiritual advisor; debit free and able to be employed, and in good health. A college degree is a plus but not a requirement.
Can I be a Priest and a Friar?
All friars are brothers, but not all friars are Priests. After time in spiritual discernment, a call to the Priesthood may be revealed and those individuals will be recommended to the Bishop for Holy Orders and preparation through St. Michael’s Seminary. Remember, St. Francis was a Deacon all his life.
Can I try it out?
Come for a visit Friday evening through Sunday evening and see what we do, how we live and worship with us.
Living the Balanced Life
Exaltation Franciscans are expected to live a wholesome, balanced life. Through Prayer, Work and Study we seek to immerse ourselves in the Life of God, bring the Gospel into the Community and Grow in wisdom and knowledge. Each Franciscan works outside the Friary fulfilling a dual mission: support for the Religious Community and witnessing the Gospel in the workplace. Each day begins with a very early morning Eucharist, the central celebration of our community, so that all may participate in this, our greatest act of worship. Because differing schedules are followed by the brothers, a personal “rule of prayer” designed for the individual and approved by the General Servant is followed during the week. On the Weekends and especially Sundays, the entire community gathers and celebrates the traditional Hours of Prayer.
Chapter Houses rather than Monasteries
We are a growing Community so we maintain small houses with two to four Brothers or sisters in each. Chapel space is central in each of our houses and we take great solace in our time of quiet reflection and prayer. A “great silence” is maintained in each of our Houses from 9:00 pm until 8:00 am. Daily Visitors must leave after Vespers. For Married Couples or males and females who wish to be married at a future time, called domestics, we ask that they live out their lives with a personal schedule of work and prayer approved by the general Servant.
Our Ministries
Mt. AlvernaRetreat Center A Place of quiet and solitude, reflection and renewal. Located in Hendersonville, NC, we provide a place of respite from the rigors of daily life. Come renew yourself in the LORD and rest in His Holy Presence.
Day Private or Directed Retreats
Day Group Retreats
Day Family Retreats
Healing Seminars
IcononographyWorkshops
Eucharistic Adoration and Daily Mass Adoring Jesus in the Holy Eucharist, our Great Thanksgiving, is central to our hours of prayer. We wait with Him in the Garden as we intercede for all. Advocates of the Unborn We maintain a visible presence in our fight to save countless thousands of Children from Abortion. With SC for Life and CEC for Life we witness against and provide alternatives to Abortion.
Exaltation of the Holy Cross Friary, CEC
609 Price Road, Hendersonville, NC, 28739
828-697-8875 or 828-699-2200
cecfranciscans@ymail.com
www.exaltationfriary.org
