Living for an Explosively Alive Church
Become a Priest
2025 is a special year for us as we are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the founding of our Community by Fr. Bob Bedard.
I’d like to share a few words from Fr. Bob:
“I love the Church. I call it the “sleeping giant”. Once we begin to rediscover what it means to evangelize and to undertake a large-scale revival of this ministry, I see the Church waking up and coming explosively alive to the point where it, with the power of the Holy Spirit, will shake the earth and the nations with its dynamic presence.” (Fr. Bob Bedard, CC Founder)
Fr. Bob has given us a prophetic vision of the Lord’s plan for renewing the priesthood and waking up his Church. We seek to evangelize continually, in every circumstance, relying on the power of the Holy Spirit, and the strength and support of living together as brothers.
Our priests and lay followers are constantly reporting signs of the Church waking up—hearts being converted, parishes being renewed, people encountering Christ in a personal way and growing as missionary disciples.
This is living for an Explosively Alive Church!
Thank you for being a part of our vision and mission.
God Bless,
Fr. Roger Vandenakker, CC General Superior
40th Anniversary Video Series
For our 40th anniversary, the brothers are reflecting on some of our favourite quotes from Fr. Bob Bedard, CC Founder.
40th Anniversary Book Studies
Join Fr. Kevin Darwent, CC as we study the writings of our Founder, Fr. Bob Bedard, CC.
What does it mean to be a Companion of the Cross? How do we grow in holiness and become disciples? How do we evangelize.
Fr. Kevin will lead us through each of these incredible books. These studies are a must join! Each Wednesday, during the study period, we will send out a reflection from Fr. Kevin Darwent, CC.
March 5 – April 9
Wednesdays
We are Called to be Companions of the Cross
The principal insights the Lord seems to be giving to the Companions of the Cross – trusting the Lord, giving him permission to move as he pleases, being available to him, waiting upon him, wisdom, evangelization, all these and more – are vital components, it is felt, of the Lord’s own plan to renew his Church in our day.
June 4 – August 13
Wednesdays
The Catholic Disciple
The Catholic Disciple is a foundational book that inspires all who desire to grow in faith and live as a true disciple of Christ. Fr. Bob Bedard presents the basic truths of our faith in a relatable, humorous, and clear way.
October 1 – October 29
Wednesdays
Evangelization – A Challenge for the Catholic Church
Fr. Bob Bedard, CC was convicted to the core that “our highest priority as a Church must be the ministry of evangelization. And that mission is for all of us…” He was a courageous pioneer in the New Evangelization and Parish Renewal.
Meet Our Founder
Join the Book Study
Fr. Bob Bedard, CC Founder
Fr. Bob Bedard, CC was born July 17, 1929, and died October 6, 2011.
He founded the Companions of the Cross with four seminarians in 1985. Many have embraced Fr. Bob as their ‘spiritual father in Christ’.
His key teaching was encouraging people to Give God Permission, wave the white flag of surrender, roll out the red carpet for the Lord.
“He understood in a new way the priority and the urgency of evangelization. He became, I believe, attuned in his heart to the infinite love of God, with a burning desire for everyone to come to the knowledge of the truth and to be saved.”
-Bp. Scott McCaig, CC
40 years – A Timeline
1984
A group of four men of the Archdiocese of Ottawa comprising Fr. Bob Bedard, a seminarian, and two other young men with plans to enter the seminary, begin meeting to provide mutual spiritual support through personal faith sharing and prayer.
Fr. Bob is appointed to St. Mary’s Parish and mandated to implement a vision for parish renewal based on his experience in the Charismatic Renewal in Canada. The group of men become involved in St. Mary’s Parish life and ministry.
1986
Fr. Bob receives permission from Archbishop Joseph-Aurèle Plourde to proceed with the foundation of the community. They adopt the name Companions of the Cross after Fr. Bob uses the phrase in his sermon on the Feast of the Triumph of the Cross.
1988
Archbishop Plourde grants the Companions of the Cross recognition as a Public Association of the Faithful.
A group of lay people in spiritual and active association with the CCs form the Lay Associates.
CC priests assume pastoral responsibility for Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Parish in Ottawa. At present in Ottawa, they minister at St. Mary’s Parish, St. Maurice Parish and Annunciation of the Lord Parish.
1994
There being sufficient evidence of a distinct charism, continued growth, and overall stability, Archbishop Marcel Gervais of Ottawa agrees to have the Companions of the Cross move towards becoming a Society of Apostolic Life and helps facilitate this process.
1997
The Constitutions and Rules of the Companions of the Cross, as discerned and written by the community, are adopted and ratified by Archbishop Gervais. They are subsequently revised and approved in 1999.
In the name of the Holy Father, Archbishop Marcel Gervais awards the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Cross to Fr. Bob on September 28.
2000
Fr. Roger Vandenakker is elected Moderator.
2002
Archbishop Gervais seeks permission from the Holy See to establish the Companions of the Cross as an independent Society of Apostolic Life.
2005
Fr. Bob celebrates his 50th anniversary of priesthood. He was ordained on June 6,1955.
2008
The Companions of the Cross open a new foundation in Batangas, Philippines, which remains active for three years.
2011
The CCs expand to Detroit, MI to carry out their formation program in conjunction with Sacred Heart Major Seminary. CC priests are assigned to the Catholic Newman Center at Wayne State University where they remain until 2020. At present, they minister at St. Scholastica and Corpus Christi parishes in Detroit.
Fr. Bob Bedard dies October 6, 2011.
2013
Companions of the Cross priests assume pastoral responsibility for St. Scholastica Parish in the Archdiocese of Detroit where they remain in active ministry.
2016
Fr. Scott McCaig, Moderator at the time, is consecrated as bishop and is appointed by Pope Francis to be the bishop of the Military Ordinariate of Canada which serves the varied spiritual and pastoral needs of military members and their families.
Fr. Allan MacDonald is elected Moderator.
2019
The CCs purchase Visitation House in Detroit, not only a residence for priests and seminarians, but also a base to expand their mission in the USA.
Bishop Christian Riesbeck is appointed bishop of the Diocese of Saint John, NB by His Holiness, Pope Francis.
Fr. Michael Scherrey is appointed interim Moderator. Fr. Michael serves in this capacity for 6 months.
2022
The Companions of the Cross take the first step towards a new foundation in the Diocese of Saint John by assuming pastoral responsibility for Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish, and a few months later, the parochial vicarate of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Saint John, NB.
1985
Sensing God’s blessing upon them, and a genuine fraternal love for one another as brothers in the Lord, it is evident to this group of men that the Holy Spirit is leading them to become a distinct community of priests. Fr. Bob emerges as its founder, being both the one who articulates the unfolding vision for ministry and community life, and the natural leader around whom the group had gathered.
1986-1990
St. Mary’s Parish experiences explosive renewal in the Holy Spirit while the new community of priests and seminarians continues to grow.
In 1990, although the parish remains under the pastoral leadership of the community, Fr. Bob resigns as pastor in order to devote himself full-time to the leadership of the Companions of the Cross.
1992
Fr. Bob Bedard and Fr. Roger Vandenakker begin hosting Food for Life, a weekly evangelistic television ministry broadcast across Canada and parts of the USA. Fr. Mark Goring and Fr. Terry Donahue also host the program in later years.
1996-2000
Fr. John Vandenakker is elected Moderator when Fr. Bob retires from this position for health reasons. Fr. Bob retains the position of Director of Admissions.
1999
With the permission of Archbishop Gervais and by invitation of the respective local bishops, the first CC households and ministries outside of the Archdiocese of Ottawa are established at St. Timothy Parish and York University Catholic Chaplaincy in Toronto, ON, and Queen of Peace Parish and the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Center in Houston, TX. They remain in active ministry under the Companions of the Cross.
2001
New household established in Halifax, NS, with pastoral responsibility for St. Thomas Aquinas Parish and Dalhousie University Catholic Chaplaincy. At present, the CCs minister at Saint Benedict Parish in Halifax and Holy Trinity Parish in Lower Sackville, NS.
2003
With the Holy See’s approval, Archbishop Gervais issues the decree establishing the Companions of the Cross as a Society of Apostolic Life.
Sr. Anna Chan answers the call to incarnate the spirituality of the Companions of the Cross into a community of women. She shares with Fr. Roger, Moderator, her call, and moves to found the Servants of the Cross sisterhood.
The CCs begin a new period of missionary outreach with Renewal Ministries. Priests and seminarians travel to Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Sudan, Ghana, Romania, the Ukraine, Hungary, the Philippines, Vietnam, Mexico, and Zimbabwe over a period of seven years.
2006
Fr. Scott McCaig is elected Moderator.
2010
The Companions of the Cross celebrate the 25th anniversary of the date the Holy Spirit first called them to become a new and distinct community of priests in the Church. (1985-2010)
2012
Fr. John Vandenakker joins the faculty at Sacred Heart Major Seminary where he continues to teach today.
2014
Fr. Christian Riesbeck is consecrated as bishop and appointed auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Ottawa.
2017
The applicancy program evolves, adding one to two years at Assumption Farm where applicants escape the constant noise and distractions of modern society, a key part of preparing for community life and ministry.
2020
Fr. Roger Vandenakker is elected Moderator.
In spite of restrictions on public gatherings due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the CC brothers continue their work of evangelization, taking advantage of the opportunities modern communications technologies offer. Currently, many brothers maintain an online presence, leading hundreds of thousands of followers across the world to Jesus.
2023
The CCs launch a new initiative to further train new priests in leadership skills by appointing a Director of Ongoing Formation. In addition to one year of pastoral internship as seminarians, newly ordained priests are assigned to CC parishes as tertiary priest where they are mentored by experienced brothers.
40 years – A Timeline
1984
A group of four men of the Archdiocese of Ottawa comprising Fr. Bob Bedard, a seminarian, and two other young men with plans to enter the seminary, begin meeting to provide mutual spiritual support through personal faith sharing and prayer.
Fr. Bob is appointed to St. Mary’s Parish and mandated to implement a vision for parish renewal based on his experience in the Charismatic Renewal in Canada. The group of men become involved in St. Mary’s Parish life and ministry.
1985
Sensing God’s blessing upon them, and a genuine fraternal love for one another as brothers in the Lord, it is evident to this group of men that the Holy Spirit is leading them to become a distinct community of priests. Fr. Bob emerges as its founder, being both the one who articulates the unfolding vision for ministry and community life, and the natural leader around whom the group had gathered.
1986
Fr. Bob receives permission from Archbishop Joseph-Aurèle Plourde to proceed with the foundation of the community. They adopt the name Companions of the Cross after Fr. Bob uses the phrase in his sermon on the Feast of the Triumph of the Cross.
1986-1990
St. Mary’s Parish experiences explosive renewal in the Holy Spirit while the new community of priests and seminarians continues to grow.
In 1990, although the parish remains under the pastoral leadership of the community, Fr. Bob resigns as pastor in order to devote himself full-time to the leadership of the Companions of the Cross.
1988
Archbishop Plourde grants the Companions of the Cross recognition as a Public Association of the Faithful.
A group of lay people in spiritual and active association with the CCs form the Lay Associates.
CC priests assume pastoral responsibility for Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Parish in Ottawa. At present in Ottawa, they minister at St. Mary’s Parish, St. Maurice Parish and Annunciation of the Lord Parish.
1992
Fr. Bob Bedard and Fr. Roger Vandenakker begin hosting Food for Life, a weekly evangelistic television ministry broadcast across Canada and parts of the USA. Fr. Mark Goring and Fr. Terry Donahue also host the program in later years.
1994
There being sufficient evidence of a distinct charism, continued growth, and overall stability, Archbishop Marcel Gervais of Ottawa agrees to have the Companions of the Cross move towards becoming a Society of Apostolic Life and helps facilitate this process.
1996-2000
Fr. John Vandenakker is elected Moderator when Fr. Bob retires from this position for health reasons. Fr. Bob retains the position of Director of Admissions.
1997
The Constitutions and Rules of the Companions of the Cross, as discerned and written by the community, are adopted and ratified by Archbishop Gervais. They are subsequently revised and approved in 1999.
In the name of the Holy Father, Archbishop Marcel Gervais awards the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Cross to Fr. Bob on September 28.
1999
With the permission of Archbishop Gervais and by invitation of the respective local bishops, the first CC households and ministries outside of the Archdiocese of Ottawa are established at St. Timothy Parish and York University Catholic Chaplaincy in Toronto, ON, and Queen of Peace Parish and the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Center in Houston, TX. They remain in active ministry under the Companions of the Cross.
2000
Fr. Roger Vandenakker is elected Moderator.
2001
New household established in Halifax, NS, with pastoral responsibility for St. Thomas Aquinas Parish and Dalhousie University Catholic Chaplaincy. At present, the CCs minister at Saint Benedict Parish in Halifax and Holy Trinity Parish in Lower Sackville, NS.
2002
Archbishop Gervais seeks permission from the Holy See to establish the Companions of the Cross as an independent Society of Apostolic Life.
2003
With the Holy See’s approval, Archbishop Gervais issues the decree establishing the Companions of the Cross as a Society of Apostolic Life.
Sr. Anna Chan answers the call to incarnate the spirituality of the Companions of the Cross into a community of women. She shares with Fr. Roger, Moderator, her call, and moves to found the Servants of the Cross sisterhood.
The CCs begin a new period of missionary outreach with Renewal Ministries. Priests and seminarians travel to Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Sudan, Ghana, Romania, the Ukraine, Hungary, the Philippines, Vietnam, Mexico, and Zimbabwe over a period of seven years.
2005
Fr. Bob celebrates his 50th anniversary of priesthood. He was ordained on June 6,1955.
2006
Fr. Scott McCaig is elected Moderator.
2008
The Companions of the Cross open a new foundation in Batangas, Philippines, which remains active for three years.
2010
The Companions of the Cross celebrate the 25th anniversary of the date the Holy Spirit first called them to become a new and distinct community of priests in the Church. (1985-2010)
2011
The CCs expand to Detroit, MI to carry out their formation program in conjunction with Sacred Heart Major Seminary. CC priests are assigned to the Catholic Newman Center at Wayne State University where they remain until 2020. At present, they minister at St. Scholastica and Corpus Christi parishes in Detroit.
Fr. Bob Bedard dies October 6, 2011.
2012
Fr. John Vandenakker joins the faculty at Sacred Heart Major Seminary where he continues to teach today.
2013
Companions of the Cross priests assume pastoral responsibility for St. Scholastica Parish in the Archdiocese of Detroit where they remain in active ministry.
2014
Fr. Christian Riesbeck is consecrated as bishop and appointed auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Ottawa.
2016
Fr. Scott McCaig, Moderator at the time, is consecrated as bishop and is appointed by Pope Francis to be the bishop of the Military Ordinariate of Canada which serves the varied spiritual and pastoral needs of military members and their families.
Fr. Allan MacDonald is elected Moderator.
2017
The applicancy program evolves, adding one to two years at Assumption Farm where applicants escape the constant noise and distractions of modern society, a key part of preparing for community life and ministry.
2019
The CCs purchase Visitation House in Detroit, not only a residence for priests and seminarians, but also a base to expand their mission in the USA.
Bishop Christian Riesbeck is appointed bishop of the Diocese of Saint John, NB by His Holiness, Pope Francis.
Fr. Michael Scherrey is appointed interim Moderator. Fr. Michael serves in this capacity for 6 months.
2020
Fr. Roger Vandenakker is elected Moderator.
In spite of restrictions on public gatherings due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the CC brothers continue their work of evangelization, taking advantage of the opportunities modern communications technologies offer. Currently, many brothers maintain an online presence, leading hundreds of thousands of followers across the world to Jesus.
2022
The Companions of the Cross take the first step towards a new foundation in the Diocese of Saint John by assuming pastoral responsibility for Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish, and a few months later, the parochial vicarate of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Saint John, NB.
2023
The CCs launch a new initiative to further train new priests in leadership skills by appointing a Director of Ongoing Formation. In addition to one year of pastoral internship as seminarians, newly ordained priests are assigned to CC parishes as tertiary priest where they are mentored by experienced brothers.