Immersion Program

Holy Cross Immersion  

Social justice has been a significant part of our Holy Cross Mission since the establishment of the Congregation of Holy Cross by Father Moreau.  All of our schools have had social justice as a part of our educational ministry since our schools were begun.  Informal shared activity began amongst some of our schools in the mid 1990’s.  In 1999 a social justice experience was formally established.

In 1994 the Presidents and Principals of our five schools committed to work together and reinforce each other as a commitment to the legacy of Holy Cross mission and values.  The group invited the Provincial of the South West Province to join us in this collegial effort and named itself “The Table.”  The Table committed to meet twice a year to continue supporting each other.  Realizing the value of this networking and support through The Table, it was decided to expand the network sharing among our teachers, staffs, and students as a means of Holy Cross formation.  The decision to extend the sharing to our students was made in 1997 and, at the urging of the leaders from St. Francis and Holy Cross New Orleans two programs formally were begun and continue to keep us connected in a mutual support of our Holy Cross mission: 

• Holy Cross Conference for Student Leaders in 1998
• Holy Cross Immersion in 1999

 Holy Cross Immersion was created as a social justice experience giving our students and the chaperoning adults an opportunity to live our Holy Cross Mission.  Through this program, our “Holy Cross Family” makes a difference in the local communities of the host school by identifying and exploring the social justice needs of each geographic area.  Hosting responsibility has rotated among the five schools. (See the historical record below.)

Each Immersion tends to be unique based on the location.  The purpose is not to provide a tourist experience though seeing the contrasts that exist in all of our cities can be a learning experience for the students.  The focus must always be on interacting and doing; not just looking and learning.  

Holy Cross Immersion History