1. Sharing ministry and mission in collaboration with the Holy Cross Province of Priests and Brothers in Haiti:

The Associates will work with Holy Cross religious who have a long tradition of mission and ministry in Haiti. Associates will develop relationships with other Holy Cross religious who serve in the country and ultimately it is the Holy Cross Congregation who will help assess where Associates can best respond to the needs of the Haitian Church and people.

2. Christian Community with other Holy Cross Associates:

The experience of living in community is an integral part of the Associate program. Associates seek to build bonds between themselves that are indications of support, challenge, companionship, healing, honest struggle and sharing life at a deep level with each other. In Haiti, while the living situation will differ from other Associate communities, the volunteers will still be expected to create a sense of community amongst themselves. While many Associates have found the experience of building community with each other to be tremendously challenging, most would also agree that the process has been deeply rewarding.

3. Living simply and choosing a preferential option for the poor:

The Associates in Haiti will be living in areas where they are surrounded by persons living at poverty level. This immersion facilitates a process of reflection on what it means to live a preferential option for the poor. A sufficient budget is provided for the Associates to share funds for essential needs. Each receives a monthly personal stipend. While in the Program, Associates rely on finances provided for them by the Program, rather than on personal monies. They are asked not to bring or have sent to them additional funds or credit cards for their use during their time in the program.

4. Prayer and Reflection:

The process of integration and spirituality includes prayer and opportunities to reflect with others. Associate communities develop a rhythm of daily or weekly communal prayer and reflection on the Gospels. Willingness to share one's questions, insights and reflections about one's faith is at the heart of Associate living. While some questions and struggles with your faith or the Church are natural, the HCA Program presupposes a desire to grow spiritually.

5. Integration with the Notre Dame Haiti Project

The Associates in Haiti will work, primarily, on projects related to the Notre Dame collaborative project in Haiti, which deals primarily with public health and education. Associates, particularly in the first years of the program, will explore ways to expand the relationship between the program and the broader Holy Cross community in Haiti.

6. Exploring the socio-political, economic, cultural and ecclesial dimensions of Haiti:

Associates continue with life's education during their time in Haiti. Cross cultural experiences can be personally enriching and exciting, but also difficult and disorienting. Associates struggle with differences in language, pace of life, and organizational ideas to name a few. The experience calls for openness, patience and flexibility.