Holy Cross College stands as a beacon of Catholic education, dedicated to forming students who will lead with faith, integrity, and purpose. Rooted in the traditions of the Congregation of Holy Cross, the College fosters an environment where intellectual rigor and spiritual growth go hand in hand. As we celebrate the Feast of St. Katherine Drexel on March 3, we reflect on how Holy Cross College upholds its mission to prepare the next generation of Catholic educators and leaders.
A Calling Lived Out
Brother John Driscoll, C.S.C., served as president and dean for the first two decades of the college’s history from 1966 until 1987. After two interim presidents, Brother Richard Gilman, C.S.C., presided over the next two decades of growth and change from 1992 until 2010. Under Brother Richard, Holy Cross evolved from a two-year community college into a residential four-year liberal arts college. Today the college is led by Marco J. Clark, Ed.D.
At Holy Cross College, education blends faith with learning through a Catholic liberal arts curriculum. Faculty mentor students spiritually and academically, while courses emphasize Catholic social teaching and theology. President Clark says this balance of intellect and faith, and the College’s mission, inspired by Blessed Basil Moreau, ensures students are formed for both academic success and moral leadership.
In 1993, the College reached worldwide fame in the movie Rudy, the story of a young man who attends Holy Cross College and, through diligence and hard work, overcomes great odds to achieve his dream of attending the University of Notre Dame and playing football for the Fighting Irish. In those days, Holy Cross was a two-year junior college with a reputation for transforming good students into excellent students capable of admission to the nation’s finest universities.
Today, students from 50 states and 30 foreign countries have earned their four-year BA degrees from Holy Cross College and are leaders in the Church, community and the world while living the college’s mission to form students who have the competency to see and the courage to act.
Preparing Future Catholic Leaders
A core mission of Holy Cross College is to equip students with the skills and virtues needed to serve in Catholic schools and institutions. Through partnerships with diocesan education offices and Catholic school networks, students gain direct experience in faith-based teaching and leadership. Graduates of Holy Cross College have gone on to become educators, administrators, and lay ministers, making significant contributions to Catholic education across the country.
President Clark emphasizes: “In a world where there’s a deep need for human flourishing, Holy Cross College is uniquely positioned to guide students in their journey, helping them to identify their purpose and live purposefully in life.”
Campus Culture and Spiritual Formation
Reflecting the teachings of Saint Pope John Paul II, Holy Cross College emphasizes “the integral formation of the human person, which includes the development of all human faculties, preparation for professional life, formation of ethical and social awareness, and a religious dimension that completes the personality” (Ex Corde Ecclesiae, 1990). This holistic approach ensures that students not only excel academically but also grow spiritually and morally.
Campus Ministry fosters spiritual growth, offering students prayer opportunities, retreats, and service-learning. Programs such as the College’s community engagement initiatives and the Common Good Seminar allow students to put their faith into action, serving those in need and living out the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. These experiences deepen students’ faith and prepare them to be compassionate and ethical leaders in their future vocations.
A Journey of Faith and Vocation: Maria Gorecki’s Story
Maria Gorecki, a 2023 graduate and now assistant director of campus ministry, never envisioned herself working in ministry. Initially, on a path toward graphic design, she discovered her calling through mentorship experiences and faith-based service at Holy Cross College.
“I thought a full-time job meant working in an office as a designer,” she recalls. “But my time as a mentor showed me the joy of walking with students in their faith journeys.”
Her transition to ministry was unexpected but deeply fulfilling. During her senior year, she completed her Confirmation process through the RCIA program, an experience that strengthened her connection to the Church. Now, she works daily with students, guiding them through their own spiritual journeys and guides the campus’ bustling faith programs during the summer.
“It’s rewarding to share my experiences and help students navigate their faith, knowing I was in their shoes not long ago,” she says.
Beyond mentorship, Gorecki integrates her creative background into her work, leading social media and communications for campus ministry. “It’s a relief to use my education in a way that also serves a greater mission,” she shares. Her story is a testament to how Holy Cross College nurtures both personal and professional vocations, helping students discern how they can serve the Church and community.
Enhancing Catholic Identity Through Visual and Spiritual Expression
Holy Cross College enhances its Catholic identity with campus-wide visual and spiritual expressions, including murals of saints, inspirational banners, and sacred imagery. These efforts serve as daily reminders of the College’s mission, inspiring students to integrate faith into their lives.
One of the most significant additions is a newly dedicated sacred space overlooking the St. Joseph River, designed as a retreat for prayer, reflection, and evangelization. This serene environment allows students and faculty to deepen their spiritual lives in a place intentionally created for contemplation and renewal. The space features a beautifully crafted Marian shrine, peaceful seating areas, and a pathway lined with scripture and inspirational quotes. It has quickly become a focal point for students, faculty, staff, and community members seeking solitude and a deeper connection with their faith.
President Clark highlights how these visual elements reflect the Holy Cross charism of accompaniment, reinforcing the College’s commitment to forming faith-filled leaders. Holy Cross College enhances its Catholic identity with campus-wide visual and spiritual expressions, including murals of saints, inspirational banners, and sacred imagery. These efforts serve as daily reminders of the College’s mission, inspiring students to integrate faith into their lives.
Conclusion
Holy Cross College remains committed to forming students as faith-filled leaders through integrated academics, spiritual growth, and service. Its graduates are prepared to serve the Church and society with integrity and purpose, embodying the mission of Holy Cross College for generations to come.