Our monthly discernment e-newsletter is called Duc in Altum. It is designed, as its Latin name suggests, to help young men discerning priesthood and religious life "to put out into the deep" of their discernment. The name comes from Luke 5:4, in which Jesus invites Peter "to put out into the deep" for a catch. It was a favorite passage of Saint John Paul II, who chose those words as the theme for his message for the 42nd World Day of Prayer for Vocations in 1995.

In that message, the Holy Father wrote, "Dear young people, it is to you in a particular way that I renew the invitation of Christ to 'put out into the deep.' You find yourselves having to make important decisions for your future. ... Trust Christ; listen attentively to his teachings, fix your eyes on his face, persevere in listening to his Word. Allow Him to focus your search and your aspirations, all your ideals and the desires of your heart."

Each e-newsletter includes an original reflection on themes like call, prayer, and discernment, as well as info on upcoming events and other vocation resources. It thus helps you do what the Holy Father asked: to put out into the deep and let Christ focus your search and your aspirations, all your ideals and the desires of your heart.

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Ordinations in September April 2020  Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic our ordination mass has been postponed until September 5. Read about this, and all the other developments happening in the Holy Cross vocations office during these historic times.

Explore the Possibilities March 2020  How do you know if the Lord is calling? In this month's issue read a few stories from our current men in formation describing how they discerned that God was calling them, and check out a few ways to embark on your own journey of discernment.

Saints and Founders January 2020  In the month of January we celebrate the feasts of both St. André Bessette, and Blessed Basil Moreau. Learn more about these two important Holy Cross figures, and stay up do date with all the upcoming opportunities to deepen your discernment and learn more about what life in the Congregation of Holy Cross has to offer.

The Light of the Lord December 2019  Fr. John DeRiso, C.S.C., helps us ponder the mystery of this great season of advent. Plus, we give you a run down of all the up-coming opportunities to visit and learn more about vocations in the Congregation of Holy Cross.

The Strength of the Martyrs October 2019  The vocations office welcomes new director Fr. John DeRiso, C.S.C.! In this edition of Duc In Altum, read Fr. John's column on the Martyrs, and catch up on all the news and events taking place in the vocations office!

Grateful for the Call August 2019  In this August issue of Duc In Altum we say goodbye to our vocations director, Fr. Neil Wack, C.S.C., and we wish him well in his new role as assistant provincial of the Congregation of Holy Cross, United States Province of Priests and Brothers.

Formed in the Same Tradition April 2019  Most people who know Fr. Neil Wack, C.S.C., know that he doesn't enjoy traveling as a rule. So, what event recently took him all the way to Rome? Read all about it in the April 2019 issue of Duc in Altum.

A Lamb at His Feet February 2019  During a recent visit to the Holy Cross mother church in LeMans, France, Fr. Tim Mouton, C.S.C., was struck by a sculputural detail at Blessed Basil Moreau's tomb; a lamb carved at the feet of Fr. Moreau. Fr. Tim explains the significance of the presence of the lamb at the feet of Fr. Moreau.

Patience in a Busy Season December 2018/January 2019  Fr. Tim Mouton, C.S.C., points out that in the life of the Church, Advent is known as the "busy season." While we are busy wrapping presents, and writing Christmas Cards, our priests are busy hosting penance services and advent retreats! Fr. Tim points out that during Advent, all of us need to slow down, and take a moment to really savor the season.

A Faith Fully Lived October 2018  Some people may not know that not only is Fr. Tim Mouton, C.S.C., the associate director of vocations, he is also a priest-in-residence at Fisher Hall. As a resident, Fr. Tim explains that the great spirit of Fisher Hall can be traced back to its rector, Rick Mazzei. Who are the great examples of faith in your life?

Vechicles of Grace August 2018  Late last month, Fr. Neil Wack, C.S.C., traveled to the novitiate in Colorado to celebrate as the former novices took their First Vows. During his trip he had the occasion to pray with several people that he encountered during his travels. Fr. Neil reminds us that because we are Christians we can always be a source of God's love to others simply by being open to the needs of those who cross our path.

The Month of May May 2018  Fr. Neil Wack, C.S.C., reminds us that the month of May brings many opportunities to deepen our relationship with the Lord. From giving thanks for our own mothers, to giving thanks for the Blessed Mother (May is after all dedicated to Mary), to preparing for the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, May is a great time to be Catholic.

Don't Give Up On Lent March 2018  We began the season of Lent with such great enthusiasm, but as the six long weeks march by, we may find that we have stumbled in our resolutions. Associate Vocations Director, Fr. Tim Mouton, C.S.C. encourages us not to give up. It is OK, to start again - even if there is only a short time left. 

Have Collar, Will Travel February 2018  The life of the Holy Cross Director of Vocations involves a lot of travel! Fr. Neil Wack, C.S.C., shares with us where his travels have taken him lately.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year December 2017/January 2018  Associate Vocations director, Fr. Tim Mouton, C.S.C., explains that Advent is a wonderful time of year to realign our lives as followers of Jesus Christ. Though for many Christmas has lost it's meaning, the world's desire to celebrate the season is proof that we still need Jesus to come and save us.

How do you want to live?  November 2017  Vocations director, Fr. Neil Wack, C.S.C., explains that as the liturgical year comes to a close, the readings focus more on the topic of death. This serves not to get us thinking more about death, but more about how we want to live.

Experiences of a Young Priest  October 2017  Associate Vocations director, Fr. Tim Mouton, C.S.C., gives us an inside look at the life of a young pries. Boring? Not even a little. Find out why Fr. Tim describes his time so far in the vocations office as a whirlwind!

The Most Memorable Moment  September 2017  Vocations director, Fr. Neil Wack, C.S.C., shares his experience of his brother, William Wack, C.S.C., recent Episcopal Ordination. He reflects that though watching his brother be ordained a bishop was an amazing moment for him and his family, the best is yet to come because our God is a God of tremendous generosity.

Welcome Fr. Tim Mouton, C.S.C.!  August 2017  We welcome to the Offfice of Vocations Fr. Tim Mouton, C.S.C. In this issue of Duc In Altum, Fr. Tim introduces himself, and shares a little about his journey through the discernment process to his vocation as a Holy Cross Priest.

Let us Also Go to Die with Him  April 2017 –  Vol. 6, Issue 8.  As we approach Holy Week, Fr. Jarrod Waugh, C.S.C., examines the faith of St. Thomas. St. Thomas is perhaps best known for his doubts, but in the end his faith triumphed. Ultimately, he found faith enough to lay down his life for his Lord as a martyr in India. We too move forward, not with perfect faith, but hopefully with enough to follow our Lord wherever He may lead us.

From Ashes to Beacon  March 2017 –  Vol. 6, Issue 7.  Fr. Jarrod Waugh, C.S.C., relates how lent is a time to fan into flame the love and fidelity we have for our faith. Although at times our hearth can seem cold, Fr. Jarrod explains that even a low burning ember can provide the heat needed for a fire that will warm our whole house.

Unexpected Joy  February 2017, Vol. 6, Issue 6.  Fr. Neil Wack, C.S.C. discusses the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life in the context of his recent trip to San Antonio, Texas for the FOCUS conference. In particular he points out that we need to be diligent in following the First Commandment, that is, keeping God first in our hearts.

Find Jesus, and Keep Looking – December 2016/January 2017, Vol. 6, Issue 5.  During the season of Advent, Fr. Jarrod Waugh, C.S.C., reflects that we are all looking for something in our lives. Yes, ultimately we're looking for Christ, but during this life we are also trying to discover the plans He has for us.

For Those Who've Gone Before Us – November 2016, Vol. 6, Issue 4.  As the Church marches forward to the end of the liturgical year, and the celebration of the Feast of Christ the King, she traditionally focuses on the four last things: Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell. These topics are not meant to bring us down, but to raise us up, and to help us remember the heroes of faith we've known in our own lives.

October Saints & Devotions – October 2016, Vol. 6, Issue 3.  The month of October is jam packed with the feast days of some of the most powerful and well-known Saints in the Catholic Church. Take for example, St. Faustina Kowalski, who played a pivotal role in revealing our Lord's Divine Mercy to the world. During this Year of Mercy, Fr. Jarrod Waugh, C.S.C., takes a moment to highlight the life of St. Faustina, and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

Mary's "Yes," Cross and Joy – September 2016, Vol. 6, Issue 2.  Our Lady of Sorrows is the primary patron of the Congregation of Holy Cross. Since her feast day is coming up on the fifteenth of this month, Fr. Jarrod takes some time to explain why Blessed Basil Moreau picked this particular patron to watch over his religious family.

Unexpected Graces – August 2016, Vol. 6, Issue 1.  Fr. Neil gives us an inside look at what life as a vocations director is like. What do the men who are discerning have in common, and how does he answer their questions? Read this month's edition and find out!

Summer Hours – May 2016, Vol. 5, Issue 8.  Fr. Jarrod encourages us to change our spiritual schedule for the summer to allow for rest, relaxation and travel. The summertime offers unique opportunities for reflection on where we've been, and where we want to go.

Homecoming – March 2016, Vol. 5, Issue 7.  Fr. Neil explains how even when he is traveling, he always finds a home among his brothers in Holy Cross.

Fire and Ashes – February 2016, Vol. 5, Issue 6.  The symbols that are used in the Catholic liturgy are meant to be powerful reminders of the real meanings behind them. Fr. Jarrod explains why a Catholic procession can be such a powerful experience.