Christus Dominus Est is a lay Catholic brotherhood dedicated to helping young men imitate Christ in order to grow in virtue and hold onto the faith throughout their high-school and college years.
Young men face a growing crisis, bombarded by the allure of filth, pride, and countless vices that promise fulfillment but leave only emptiness. Many are tempted to grow in selfishness and reject discipline, spiraling down a path of confusion and spiritual isolation. In contrast, CDE stands as a stronghold of Catholic identity, grounded in truth, virtue, and brotherhood.
It earnestly calls young men to reject the false promises of the world and instead pursue holiness, courage, and the timeless values of the faith.
Whether being called to the priesthood, fatherhood, or any other vocation, there is no doubt of a treacherous pilgrimage that lies ahead.
It is a necessity for young men to stand and take up their cross alongside Christ and venture through the long and narrow path toward the gates of heaven. As brothers, we must learn to avoid the snares that lie ahead and recognize the snare in which we place ourselves. Just as St. Joseph, we must remain humble, pure, and charitable, even amongst doubt, confusion, and frustration in God’s will.
"Let us allow ourselves to be 'infected' by the silence of St. Joseph. We need it greatly in a world that is often too noisy, that does not favor recollection and listening to the voice of God."
- Pope Benedict XVI
Grow in manhood and in brotherhood with other young men.
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CDE is dedicated to serving young men and Christ through work and brotherhood.
We do this by the following:
Forming young men to have a devotion to the Sacred Heart of Christ.
Reflecting on the Holy Family in order to live out the necessity of aiding our own families in holiness.
Growing in devotion to St. Joseph.
Spiritual + Corporal Works of Mercy.
Encouraging formation in both philosophy and theology.
Praying the Roman Breviary - Giving your day to God from the beginning until the end.
Frequent use of the Sacraments - Holy Communion + Confession.
Praying the Rosary.
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What is it? The investiture is the action of formally investing a man into Christus Dominus Est. The man swears an oath to uphold the seven laws and virtues of St. Joseph and to serve their community and God with integrity.
What are the requirements?
Discernment: A man must go throughout the spiritual seasons of his life discerning if this is what God is calling him to do.
Obedience: A man must show obedience to the laws of St. Joseph.
Love for Christ: A man must demonstrate that he is willing to put others before him, reflecting Christ’s love in all that he does. He must be willing to become selfless, pure, and humble.
Must be 16yrs or older.
The Seven Laws and Virtues of our Patron Saint.
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A man must remain pure in order that he may reflect the purity of God
A man must remain humble and control what he says and thinks
A man must recognize and contemplate the need for the imitation of Christ in the family
A man must offer up sacrifices for those that he loves, and remain silent in doing so. He must put every bit of strength he has in order to aid those in need
A man must take responsibility for his actions. He must accept that he is imperfect so that he may strive to grow in Christ, who is perfect
A man must put God before all so that when the time comes, he is willing to die for Christ, just as Christ has given up his life for him
And lastly, a man must forgive, just as Christ has forgiven him
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Humility - Understanding who you are in the eyes of God.
Fortitude - Firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of the good.
Charity - Seeing others through the eyes of God.
Diligence - An attitude exhibiting constant and earnest effort to accomplish what has been undertaken, regardless of the circumstances surrounding a person.
Chastity - Remaining pure of mind and pure of heart
Temperance - Moderates the attraction of pleasures and provides balance in the use of created goods.
Patience/Mercy - The compassion in our hearts for another person's misery, a compassion which drives us to do what we can to help him.