Structure

Known as Sacred Heart Crusade Chapters, each region will have their own chapter that has authority over and responsibility for all Sacred Heart Crusade Units, Mission Crusade Units, and Youth Units in their region. Members who have enrolled in the Crusade can become part of both a Sacred Heart Crusade unit and a Mission Crusade unit if they desire.

Units shall mainly be constituted regionally, connected to local Chapters. Below are descriptions of units based on size.

Crusader Volunteers: 2 Members

Team: 3-6 Members, Commanded by Officer

Squad: 7-10 Members, Commanded by Officer

Platoon: 2-4 Teams and Squads, Commanded by Commander

Company: 3-4 Platoons, Commanded by Regional Commander

Battalion:  1 or more Companies, Commanded by High Marshall

1st Degree Members

Squire: Any who make the consecration of the Sacred Heart Crusade are called Squires of the Mission Crusade. They are the cornerstones of prayer, a much necessary foundation for the success of the Sacred Heart Crusade, as they pray for its success in evangelization.

2nd Degree Members

Knight/Lady: This is the entry rank of the Mission Crusade. To progress from Squire to Knight, one must undergo the initiation ceremony, officiated by a 3rd Degree member or higher. The skills and training at this stage are crucial in the development of a Mission Crusader.

Lieutenant: Members who have served the Mission Crusade for longer than three months will automatically be promoted to this rank.

Major: Members who have served the Mission Crusade for one year will automatically be promoted to this rank. The honor can be given before that by the Officer in recognition of outstanding service.

Captain: Elected by an Officer, this role shall serve the Officer as the next in command and prepare themselves in their leadership abilities. Captains, and rankings above them, must be Catholic.

3rd Degree Members

Officer: The officer has authority over and leads a team of three to six members, or a seven to ten member squad

Commander: They are in control of two to four squads, also known as a platoon. Commanders shall be included in a national council.

Regional Commander: Provides organizational leadership and direction to three to four Commanders and their platoons to accomplish grander goals together. They can elect Officers and Commanders for their region. Regional Commanders shall be included in a national council.

4th Degree Members

Clergy: Clergy are automatically elevated to 4th degree rank, recognizing their spiritual superiority.

Marshall: Can be appointed by High Marshall to assist a region’s operations.

High Marshall: In control of all Chapters in their region, with authority over all regional activities. High Marshalls shall be given the opportunity to serve on a worldwide council, elected to this council by the Grand Marshall, remaining for a term of two years unless voted out by at least two-thirds of members on the council. They can also appoint 3rd degree members.

Seneschal: Appointed by the Grand Marshall to assist them in their duties.

Grand Marshall: The Grand Marshall is the leader of the Crusade and its members. They should exemplify Christian virtue. Their term shall last for ten years, upon which expiring a vote shall be held in which all 3rd and 4th degree members of the total Mission Crusade can cast their vote. Voting shall be held until a candidate receives two-thirds of the vote. The Grand Marshall shall also choose High Marshalls and approve Marshall appointments when needed, retaining the power to remove them if necessary. To coordinate his global movement, the Grand Marshall can direct the High Marshalls toward certain goals.

Regional Councils: Third Degree members in a region can gather in a council specific to local matters. All Third Degree members ought to be invited to this council. Commanders shall see to it that a Regional council in their locality is founded and is in good health. This council can also decide to form new units in an area. The Regional leadership shall also be responsible for all units of the Sacred Heart Crusade, the Mission Crusade, and the Youth Crusade, in their region.

National Councils: Formed whenever two or more Commanders and Regional Commanders are elected in a regional Chapter. This Council can propose suggestions to the Grand Marshall for adoption.

Global Council: All High Marshalls of the Mission Crusade, the Seneschal, and the Grand Marshall, shall participate in a council that meets at least once a year. This Council can propose suggestions to the Grand Marshall for adoption.

All honors must be bestowed by 4th Degree members, however most of the recommendations for these honors will come from 3rd Degree members. Honors can be given at any time, but they are ordinally given on or near the Feast Day of the Sacred Heart.

Knight/Lady of Justice (Black Cross) – A recognition of outstanding leadership.

Knight/Lady of Grace (Blue Cross) – A Knight who has volunteered above and beyond selflessly. 

Paladin (White Cross) – The second highest honor, a Paladin is recognized for their heroic virtues, contribution to the Crusade, or contribution to evangelization.

Knight/Lady of the Grand Cross (Red Cross) – The highest honor, given rarely to the utmost pinnacle of service and excellence.

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, St. Bernard, St. Alphonsus, St. Francis Xavier, St. Phillip Neri, St. Anthony, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. Francis de Sales, Bl. Pauline Jaricot, St. John Baptist de La Salle, St. Isidore of Seville, and St. Carlo Acutis