Text reading "About CDE" with a large red letter A and black text.

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.

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

Bronze statue of a saint holding a child in front of a large clock on a stone building.

Grow in manhood and in brotherhood with other young men.

Saint Joseph holding the Child Jesus with a lily flower, stained glass church window artwork.

  • 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.

  • CDE consists of three primary small groups: Anima Christi, Servi Christi, and Ave Christus Rex (see further details on Spiritual Growth page). Each of which emphasize on a particular characteristic of St. Joseph.

    Every young man has his own significant spiritual needs. On one end, a young man may need a greater focus on the contemplative or prayer life. Or, conversely, he may desire a greater focus on philosophy and theology.

    While each group has certain characteristics that are integrated into others, each group has its own distinct focus.

    All new members are initially placed into Servi Christi, as it is our principal group and our primary focus. If a member, over time, feels as if he is called to join either Anima Christ or Ave Christus Rex, he may do so.

  • 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. He must only complete either Exodus 90 or Exodus 40.

    • 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 to the best of his ability, reflecting Christ’s love in all that he does.

    • Must be 16yrs or older.

"St. Joseph was an ordinary sort of man on whom God relied to do great things. He did exactly what the Lord wanted him to do, in each and every event that went to make up his life"

- St. Josemaria Escriva

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Essentially, the goal of CDE is to earnestly call young men to reject a monotonous life and instead pursue magnanimity and a life ordered towards Christ.

    This especially applies to men in their high-school and college years, where many abandon their faith.

  • Any man from ages 16-22 can join CDE. While most members are already practicing Catholics, we firmly believe that the fruits found in this group apply to even non-Catholics. Yes, even non-Catholics can join.

    The Catholic identity of the group will never be negated or altered. Nonetheless, all young men are called to dedicate their lives to Christ in everything that they do.

  • Every member must eventually be invested into the group (see page above). You must contact the group directly, or an existing member, if you are interested in joining.

  • No, CDE is not yet officially recognized at the episcopal level. We are obedient to Catholic doctrine, but we do not claim to be teaching or acting in the name of the Church.