The Congregation of Holy Cross has received the full report resulting from the external investigation commissioned by the University of Notre Dame into allegations of past sexual misconduct. We are grateful for the opportunity to have cooperated with the Notre Dame investigator throughout the scope and duration of this investigation. We are filled with sorrow that some allegations involve members of the Congregation. We offer profound apologies to the individuals harmed, their families, and our community. No words can undo the pain these individuals feel or erase past events.
Over the last several years, we have implemented systemic enhancements to our application process and our safe environment training. This includes comprehensive psychological testing and an interview process with lay people of diverse expertise. All members of the Congregation currently undergo yearly training, regular meeting sessions, and annual courses as part of the certification of suitability for ministry. We are deeply committed to working closely with the leadership of the University of Notre Dame to implement a range of additional enhancements to policies and practices to prevent, investigate, and respond to potential sexual abuse and misconduct on campus.
While we cannot change the past, we are committed to the ongoing review of our safeguarding policies and protocols with all of our collaborating partners, organizations, ministries, and outside agencies.
Provided by The Congregation of Holy Cross, United States Province of Priests and Brothers, May 2026
