Questions and answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to what we are asked most often: about the Order, about membership, about pilgrimage and about where your gifts go.

About the Order

What is the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem?

We are a Pontifical Order of Knighthood under the governance of the Holy See, dedicated to sustaining the Christian presence, the Living Stones, in the Holy Land through spiritual growth, pilgrimage and direct charitable aid.

What does the Toronto Lieutenancy do?

Our Lieutenancy coordinates the Knights and Dames of the Toronto region. We raise funds for schools, healthcare and humanitarian projects in the Holy Land while providing spiritual formation and community events for our members.

What does Living Stones mean?

Living Stones is how we speak of the Christian families of the Holy Land, the people who keep the faith alive in the very places where it was born. Our work is directed to them: their parishes and schools, their clinics and their livelihoods, so that a Christian community remains where Christ walked.

Who leads the Order?

The Order is governed from Rome by a Cardinal Grand Master appointed by the Holy Father, with the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem serving as Grand Prior. Its work is carried out through Lieutenancies around the world, each led by a Lieutenant and accompanied by a Grand Prior who oversees its spiritual life.

Is the Order an honorary society or a charity?

Neither only one nor the other. The Order is a lay institution of the Catholic Church, and the honour it confers carries an obligation: prayer, Christian witness and the practical, continuing support of the Church in the Holy Land.

How old is the Order?

The Order traces its origins to the earliest centuries of Christian devotion at the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. It was given its present form by the Holy See, which continues to approve its statutes and appoint its leadership today.

Membership and involvement

How does someone become a Knight or Dame?

Membership is by invitation. Candidates are practising, active Catholics nominated by current members and endorsed by their pastor or bishop, recognised for their leadership, faith and commitment to the Holy Land.

Can I apply to join directly?

There is no open application form. Membership begins with a nomination from within the Order. If you believe you are called to this vocation, the best first step is to write to us through the Contact Us page and we will put you in touch with the right person in the Lieutenancy.

Do I have to be Catholic?

Yes. Candidates are practising Catholics in good standing, able to be recommended by their pastor or bishop. Friends of other traditions are warmly welcome at our public events and are free to support the work in the Holy Land.

What is expected of a member?

Three things, held together: a deepening life of prayer and sacramental practice; real participation in the life of the Lieutenancy, including investitures, feast days, retreats and Masses; and faithful, ongoing support of the Church in the Holy Land.

Is there a financial commitment?

Members are asked for a contribution at investiture and an annual contribution thereafter, and this support goes to the Order’s work in the Holy Land. Current amounts are explained to candidates during the nomination process, well before any commitment is made.

Can non-members attend events or support the mission?

Yes. Non-members are warmly welcome at public Masses, talks and prayer services, and may contribute directly to our charitable projects in the Holy Land.

I am moving to or from Toronto. Can my membership transfer?

Yes. Members who relocate are normally transferred between Lieutenancies so that their membership continues without interruption. Contact the Lieutenancy and we will help arrange it.

Pilgrimage and spiritual life

Do members travel to the Holy Land?

Pilgrimage is at the heart of the Order’s life. Members are encouraged to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, to pray at the Holy Sepulchre and to meet the communities their support sustains. It is a strong encouragement rather than a requirement.

Is it safe to travel to the Holy Land?

Conditions change, and we do not pretend otherwise. Pilgrimages are organised only in consultation with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and in light of current Government of Canada travel advice. When travel is not possible, our support for the Holy Land continues without interruption.

What does the spiritual life of the Order involve?

Daily prayer for the Church in the Holy Land, regular reception of the sacraments, and the celebrations the Order keeps through the year, together with retreats and the annual investiture.

Donations and receipts

Where do donations go?

Charitable donations fund Latin Patriarchate schools, orphanages, medical clinics, emergency relief and parish infrastructure across the Holy Land.

Will I receive a Canadian tax receipt?

Yes. Donations processed through the Toronto Lieutenancy qualify for official Canadian charitable tax receipts issued for eligible gifts.

Do I need to be a member to donate?

No. Gifts from Friends of the Order are every bit as welcome, and they go to exactly the same work.

Can I give monthly, or leave a gift in my will?

Yes to both. Monthly giving provides the steady support that schools and clinics depend on, and a legacy gift allows your care for the Holy Land to continue beyond your lifetime. Contact us and we will help you arrange either.

Can I direct my gift to a particular project?

Often, yes. Needs in the Holy Land shift, so some appeals are time-limited while others run continuously. Tell us what is on your heart and we will confirm what is currently possible.

Events, merchandise and contact

How do I hear about upcoming events?

Feast days, Masses and public events are listed on the Events Calendar. If you would like to be notified directly, write to us and we will add you to our list.

What is available on the Merchandise page?

The merchandise page carries items connected with the life of the Order. Certain regalia and insignia are reserved to invested members; other items may be purchased by anyone who wishes to support the mission.

How do I get in touch with the Lieutenancy?

Through the Contact Us page. Whether your question concerns membership, a donation, a pilgrimage or an event, it will reach the right person and you will hear back from us.

Still have a question?

Whether it concerns membership, a gift, a pilgrimage or an event, your message will reach the right person in the Lieutenancy.