What is the SSC?

SSC stands for Societas Sanctae Crucis - the Society of the Holy Cross.

​

History 

The Society was founded in London in 1855 by a small group of Anglo-Catholic priests led by Father Charles Lowder. At a time when the Catholic Revival in the Church of England was threatened by persecution and misunderstanding, these priests came together for support, mutual prayer and encouragement.

If you'd like to learn more about our history please click here.

Fr. Lowder spelled out the objects of SSC:  ​

• To defend and strengthen the spiritual life of the clergy

• To defend the faith of the Church

• To carry on and aid Mission work both at home and abroad

The Society Today​

The Society is spread throughout the world and is organized in autonomous Provinces under Provincial Masters elected by their Brethren.  Priests of the Society live under a common Rule and meet together in their local SSC Chapters every few months for prayer, Mass and some kind of study or conversation.  Presiding over the Society worldwide is a Master-General who has a special responsibility to ensure an on-going fidelity among the Brethren to the spirit of the Society.

SSC is not a devotional guild, but takes its stance upon a shared vision of ‘a disciplined priestly life fashioned after a definite spiritual rule.’  It is this Rule of Life which unites the Brethren in their various priestly ministries and lives. They are required to ‘consider their obligation to the Society as a close spiritual bond...which takes precedence to that of any other voluntary society.’  This obligation includes a commitment to attend local SSC Chapter meetings and annual Provincial Synods.  The life of the Society is experienced primarily through the local Chapter, and attendance at Chapter is of obligation unless prevented by genuine pastoral duties.

Priests of the Society can be recognized by the small gold lapel cross that they generally wear. On it is inscribed the motto of the Society - in hoc signo vinces - in this sign, conquer!

​

our rule of life

If you'd like to read more about our Rule please click here.

​​
Contact

The Master of the Province of Our Lady of Sorrows is:
The Very Rev. John W. Jordan, SSC
​

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Society,  contact the Master or a current member in your area. The life of the Society is lived out through participation in local chapters.