Have You Thought About the Holy Name Society?

Basically, the Holy Name Society is a spiritual organization.  Beyond that, they try to support the work of the Church and specifically to assist the Pater and the parish where we worship.  No one member is required or event asked to join in all activities.  However, as many good men can respond, the more hands working together makes any burden light.  The Holy Name Society of any parish needs the spiritually motivated person with the love of Jesus Christ to serve where the church calls.  Interested good men should contact Father Ralph J. Chieffo immediately to join our Holy Name Society here at St. Mary Magdalen Parish.

Specifically, what to men do?

Meetings are just once a month.  The programs include instruction in the faith, normal business affairs, good fellowship, occasional social events and support for the Pastor's projects.

Spiritual Life

The Holy Name Society encourages each member to receive Holy Communion together once a month and daily Mass when possible.  We encourage Eucharistic adoration, spiritual retreats, days of recollection, Memorial Masses, prayers for the dead and outreach to fellow Catholics.

Manpower

The Holy Name Society of a parish tries to respond to the pastoral needs of the parish by encouraging the men to become Ushers, Lectors, Choir Members, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and any other manpower the Pastor may suggest.

Works of Mercy

The members of the Holy Name Society visit the sick, the aged and those in prison.  They help the needy in any way they can.  Again, at the request and guidance of the Pastor.

Youth

The members of the Holy Name Society support the parish youth programs for the good of our young people and encourage young men to join our group.

Obligations of the Holy Name Society

The Holy Name man assumes the special obligation to strive by word, deed, and example to fulfill the petition of the Lord's Prayer, "Hallowed Be Thy Name", that is:

• To avoid disrespect to the name of God, of Jesus, of the Holy Spirit and of holy things.  To abstain from all improper language as blasphemy, cursing, perjury and profane and indecent expressions.

• To induce others, with prudence, to abstain from insults to God and morals in speech.

• To spread and increase love for the Sacred Name of Jesus Christ by the example of a sensible religious life.

• To safeguard the proper observance of Sundays and Holy Days of Obligations.

• To receive Holy Communion whenever possible, with the members of the Society, on the day determined by the parish unit.

• To attend the monthly meetings of the parish branch and to live up to the Constitution and By-Laws governing the Society.

• To cooperate generously, as far as ability and circumstances permit, in every project in the field of the Lay Apostolate proposed by the Cardinal, the Diocesan Director and the Reverend Pastor.

The Holy Name Society is a vital society in any parish.  It is a world wide Confraternity of the Church, founded publicly to proclaim Jesus as Our Lord and Savior.  Charged by the Pope over 730 years ago to strengthen the Church against error and opposition, Holy Name endures today as the same powerful ally in the mission to spread the Good News.

The Holy Name Society is one of the most faithful organizations in the Church.  It can help enrich your own life.  It offers you a chance to serve united with other parishes in our Archdiocese, and with other Dioceses in the United States, Holy Name becomes the voice of Catholic men.

Holy Name Society Membership Application Form

National Association of the Holy Name Society

Holy Name Pledge

SMM Holy Name Confraternity Charter