Onamia

The Crosiers in Onamia have a vibrant center for Crosier Religious Life at the gateway to the beautiful lakes region in central Minnesota. The community has been a vital part of Crosier presence in the United States since members of the Order came from Europe to stay in 1910. Our members serve in a variety of ministries, working as parish priests, retreat leaders and jail ministers, and the community is home to the Crosiers in formation.

Our ministry is contemplative in nature with a focus on having a presence within the larger community. The filial priory is located in one of the poorest counties in Minnesota, and we strive to bring consolation, security and spiritual presence to our neighbors. Our ministry in the Mille Lacs Healthcare System brings a communal sense to the lives of patients, workers, families and the community. 

Holy Cross Priory Church

The Crosiers in Onamia worship at the priory church, 102 Crosier Drive North, as do the members of Holy Cross Parish.

Notable Features of the Church

The baptismal font at the entry immerses all in the faith and supports the crossing from this life to the next. The crucifix above the font further reminds visitors of their entry and exit in the world.
In the nave is a figure of the resurrected Christ in front of a “shadowed” cross. This Christ has passed through the experience of the cross and stands on the other side of it; he is not bound by nails and suffering in agony.

Twenty-two stained glass windows, designed by Robert Pinart in 1955, line the church walls and tell the story of how St. Odilia’s martyrdom is entwined with the history of the Crosiers.

On the left side of the sanctuary is the Marian shrine, an icon known as Our Lady of Vladimir.
The Blessed Sacrament is placed so that Crosiers can pray in its presence with privacy throughout the day.
Above the organ loft is the rose window with the Crosier cross and motto, “Ours to Glory in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The Crosiers have published a guidebook to the church and the National Shrine of St. Odilia, with information about its symbolic imagery, station prayers, further meditations and insight on the Crosier life.

Crosier Liturgy Schedule

*MON., TUES., THURS. & FRI.

7:30 a.m. Morning Prayer

8:00 a.m. Mass

5:00 pm Evening Prayer

*WED.

7:30 a.m. Morning Prayer

*SAT.

5:00 p.m. Evening Prayer

*SUN.

8:15 a.m. Morning Prayer

9:00 a.m. Holy Cross Parish Mass

5:00 p.m. Evening Prayer

*Times subject to change for holidays, feasts and special Crosier filial priory schedules.

Prayer Intentions

The Crosiers welcome prayer intentions, which may be mailed to the National Shrine of St. Odilia, P.O. Box 500, Onamia, MN 56359

Lay Program

The Associates of the Crosier Priory in Onamia are Christian women and men rooted in their baptismal commitment. They dedicate themselves to creating a community intent on God that experiences the timeless treasures of hope, joy and new life by embracing the Cross.

They will accomplish this vision by

  • living the values of community, prayer and service inspired by the spirituality and heritage of the Canons Regular of the Order of the Holy Cross (Crosiers) and
  • keeping the Gospel alive and prophetically proclaimed to the contemporary Church and world.

Their efforts together are motivated by

  • the Gospel, the Rule of St. Augustine and other vital Crosier traditions;
  • the values of respect and mutual support as sisters and brothers in the crucified and risen Lord; and
  • genuine hospitality for all people as temples of God.

Crosier Associates seek to

  • embody/embrace the charism of the Crosier way of life in their daily lives;
  • pray the Scriptures, especially the Church’s morning and evening prayer;
  • nurture communal spirit and participate regularly in group activities;
  • be people of healing, hope and hospitality, especially for the poor, suffering, and neglected;
  • participate in spiritual-growth events and ministries;
  • be people intent on God in our secular society; and
  • foster equality and unity.

How can I become an Associate?

A person can become a Crosier Associate through invitation from or contact with a Crosier or Associate; by meeting with the director of the Crosier Associates; after personal reflection and prayer during a period of inquiry, while exploring the life of the Crosiers and Associates; by requesting to become a candidate and, together with other candidates, seriously explore, embrace and integrate the Crosier charism into one’s life; and through continued discernment and prayer.

Candidacy Period

The period of candidacy (generally one year) concludes with one’s request to become a Crosier Associate through a formal commitment.

The annual enrollment for Crosier Associate candidates takes place in late September. Prior to this enrollment is a period of inquiry that can take one to six months, tailored to the needs of the individual.

More information

For more information about the Associates, email Marie Norman or call (320) 532-3103.

Crosier Associates
PO Box 500
Onamia, MN 56359