Knights, guilds and lay societies
Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem
EOHSJ · OESSH · Order of the Holy Sepulchre · Knights and Dames of the Holy Sepulchre
Founded 1847Order of chivalry under the protection of the Holy See, with a public juridical personality in the Church and a cardinal Grand Master appointed by the Pope. With the Order of Malta, it is one of only two non-papal orders the Holy See recognizes.30000
By invitation
Invitation only. The alms are not made clear.
This one comes by invitation. Members are proposed from within the order and confirmed by it, so the warmest way in is simply to become known to the people already there.
There is no application you can submit on your own; the page linked here is an information request form, and the actual first step is being nominated by a current member in the Lieutenancy that covers where you live.
Members have a portal to sign in to.
The Order exists for one purpose, which is to keep the Christian presence alive in the Holy Land. Members give money every year to support parishes, schools, and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, go on pilgrimage there when they can, and take part in the life of their own diocese as a visible example. Membership runs through geographic bodies called Lieutenancies, which hold formation days, a Day of Prayer on the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, and an annual investiture weekend. You cannot apply. A member nominates you, and the file travels up through the Lieutenancy, your own bishop, the Lieutenancy's Prior, and finally the Grand Magisterium in Rome.
What you promise
A required annual donation called the oblation, plus a passage fee at investiture. One year of personal formation before investiture, including attendance at a Day of Formation and the Exaltation of the Holy Cross day. Candidates must produce baptism and confirmation certificates, a Catholic marriage certificate if married, a curriculum vitae, a pastor's endorsement letter, and a sponsor endorsement, and must be adults in good standing (several US Lieutenancies set a minimum age of 25). Priests and deacons can only be nominated by their own bishop.
What the Church attaches
Each Lieutenancy has a Prior who is a bishop or senior priest. Members take part in investiture vigils and ceremonies, Days of Prayer, retreats, and Order-sponsored pilgrimages to Jerusalem. The Order's spiritual life is centered on the Holy Places and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Enrollment checked 2026-10-22. Details change without notice and parish practice varies. Confirm before relying on this sheet.