The Companions of the Cross, abbreviated CC, is a Catholic society of apostolic life of diocesan right for men based in Ottawa, Ontario.

As a curate at Assumption Parish in Eastview (now Vanier), he was involved in youth ministry and formed a small group of young men aged 12 to 16 to encourage vocations to the priesthood.

He founded the Companions of the Cross in 1985, out of what had initially been a prayer and support group for seminarians and priests that began informally in 1984.

"[2] Bedard stressed a model of companionship that sees priests serving several parishes living in community in one place.

Riesbeck was ordained to the priesthood on October 12, 1996,[7] and consecrated bishop on March 19, 2014, at Notre Dame Cathedral in Ottawa.

The Companions' General Superior Scott McCaig said, "[I]t becomes his full time job," and "Rome releases bishops from any obligations to the constitution and rules of a community.

[10] MacDonald resigned as General Superior effective July 13, 2019, and was replaced by Michael Scherrey on an interim basis.

[12] Priests of the Companions of the Cross can be found serving as pastors, teachers, chaplains, and conducting parish missions.

A definition of the beliefs, practices and goals of the Companions is: "We are a Roman Catholic community of priests, committed to living and ministering together as brothers in the Lord.

We proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to all we are called to serve, with special attention to parish communities, the poor, youth, and those alienated from the Church."