Joining the Order means taking on a commitment for life. The commitment to be a Witness to the Faith, to lead an exemplary Christian life of continuing charity in support of the Christian communities spread from Palestine and Israel to Cyprus and Jordan, and to practice the true charitable commitment of a Christian.

The purpose of joining the Order is to serve the Catholic Church, carrying out acts of charity so as to maintain and increase the Christian presence in the Holy Land. The purpose of joining the Order is not to become a member of a prestigious organisation in order to boast of one’s status or acquire personal benefits and advantages.

Usually, though not always, a candidate is put forward by an existing Member of the Order. The Magisterial Delegate with jurisdiction over New Zealand will assess the candidate. If his/her attributes are generally considered to meet requirements, the procedures for admission to the Order through the Local Magistral Delegation will begin.

Candidates must be at least 25 years of age and are distinguished by their assiduous practice of Christian faith, by their moral conduct, by their exemplary involvement in the activities of the Church at the parish and diocesan levels, by their willingness to engage in the specific lay apostolate of the Order at the service of the Church, and by their active interest in the needs and problems of the Holy Land. Candidates will be required to supply the following documents prior to admission:

• Baptismal Certificate, and also for those married, a certificate of Religious Marriage.
• Curriculum vitae (resume) with specific dates concerning residence and activities.

In addition, the following must be obtained for the Grand Magisterium:

• A letter from the candidate’s parish priest.
• Letter of endorsement from his Ordinary.
• Evidence of merit on behalf of the Holy Land.

Ranks within the Order are as follows:

• Knight / Dame of the Collar
• Knight / Dame Grand Cross (KGCHS / DGCHS) (Cardinals)
• Knight / Dame Commander with Star (KC*HS / DC*HS) (Bishops)
• Knight / Dame Commander (KCHS / DCHS) (Monsignors)
• Knight / Dame (KHS / DHS) (Priests)

At Investiture, a lay member is given the rank of Knight or Dame, should the member show signs of great piety and devotion to the Church and the Holy Land specifically, he/she may be promoted to Commander and possibly further over time, all at the discretion of the Cardinal Grand Master.

Each cleric is given a rank according to his role within the Church.