The Seven Laws and Virtues of Our Patron Saint

    • 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

    • 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.

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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.

  • 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 also 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 15yrs or older.

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Anima Christi

  • This group centers on deep spiritual formation and intimacy with Jesus through prayer and reflection, ideal for those drawn to contemplative spirituality or the interior life. The spirit of the group reflects the virtues of St. Joseph, the Silent Witness, particularly his purity, silence, and hidden union with God.

  • Galatians 2:20
    “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.

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Servi Christi

  • Rooted in the call to serve, this group embodies the humility and love of Christ the Servant. Members are encouraged to live out their faith through acts of mercy and community service. Ideal for those with a heart for servant leadership within the Church and the world. This group embodies St. Joseph the Worker.

    Note that all members are automatically placed into this group upon entering CDE.

  • Mark 10:45
    “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

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Ave Christus Rex

  • This group honors the reign and majesty of Jesus Christ, the King of Kings; aimed at those passionate about evangelization, philosophy, theology, and apologetics. This group reflects the spirit of St. Joseph, Terror of Demons as a steadfast protector and defender of the Church.

  • Revelation 22:13
    “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”