THE COMPANIONS
Founded in 1884, the Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross is a group of women, known as Companions, committed to intercessory prayer and thanksgiving, spiritual growth and simplicity of life.
Together we support God’s mission in the world through work for social justice, for peace and unity and for environmental responsibility. Our call is for transformation and reconciliation within ourselves, our Companionship, our faith communities and all creation.
Today more than 700 women in 30 chapters worldwide are Companions. We come from different walks of life with many perspectives and opinions. Started as an organization for Episcopal women, today we welcome all women who desire to follow Jesus and want to share our vows of prayer, service and community.
Vocation Statement
The Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross is a community of women, Christ’s disciples, called by God to a life of prayer, transformation and reconciliation within ourselves, within our Companionship, within our faith communities, and within the whole creation.
Aims
To bind together by thanksgiving, common intercession, and simple rule those who desire to follow more closely in the steps of our Lord’s most holy life.
To foster the spirit of thankfulness and Christian joy; to encourage constant prayer for others; and to pray and work especially for social justice and peace, the unity of all God’s people and for the mission of God in the world.
To practice peacemaking and nonviolence, acknowledging responsibility for the environment and for economic justice throughout the world.
To inspire and maintain an earnest effort for simplicity of life and for the patient joyous bearing of the cross.
To deepen obedience to God in all aspects of life.
Join us! Find a Companion near you. Email us at hello@schcCompanions.org.
WHO ARE WE
Companions are women committed to prayer, spiritual growth and simplicity of life.
OUR COMMUNITY
As a nurturing community, Companions create lifelong bonds with each other as we share prayer, wisdom, creativity, laughter and acceptance of others.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
We offer a unique combination of contemplation and action in the world, bound by prayer and our individual spiritual compasses.
"Companions is the circle where I feel seen and heard, liked and welcomed as my whole self. In turn, with Companions I learn how to see, hear and welcome others on a more intimate level than is common today. Talking with Companions feels like a series of interesting explorations. And not surprisingly, my prayer life has deepened significantly."
LYNN ADAMS
"My chapter is such a source of inspiration and strength with amazing women who have been contributors in so many ways. It’s a reminder that we always have something to give back. No matter how small or insignificant we think that contribution is, it makes a difference to someone else."
ANNE CAMPBELL
“The Companions have been my support and the “big sisters” I never had. We have laughed and cried together and held each other’s hands through joy and grief. I can’t imagine life without them.”
TRISH BRAGA
"We have great diversity in how we engage in prayer and in living out our Aims. But there is a kinship that I have not found in other organizations: our relationship with Christ is applied to each other."