spiritual renewal

Spiritual renewal is required for some existing parish Holy Name Societies and their members who have mistakenly allowed their agenda to become more social/secular and work oriented and less spiritual and less devotional.

“I am the vine, you are the branches.  He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5.

Unfortunately, many parish Holy Name Societies over the years have allowed themselves to become less spiritual in nature and have moved toward a more social and work oriented agenda.   Many who initially became members of the Holy Name Society for spiritual growth or renewal have found instead years of "make work" projects and/or fundraising activities (e.g. pancake breakfasts, bingo, cribbage tournaments, etc.).   These types of activities stifle the spiritual enthusiasm of Holy Name members and can kill their initiative.

The Holy Name Society is fundamentally and essentially a spiritual Confraternity of the Catholic faith founded to help its members grow in holiness and attain their personal salvation.  The proper name for the Holy Name Society is the Confraternity of the most Holy Names of God and Jesus.  It is canonically erected to the Dominican Order and is recognized under canon law as a Public Association of Christ’s Faithful.  All parish Holy Name Societies must remember that they have deep spiritual roots and are not merely "Men’s Clubs" that exist to raise money!

Fund raising is not the purpose of the Holy Name Society.  (When necessary members should  assist other parish organizations in parish fund raising - the creation of standing committees within the Holy Name Society for this purpose should be avoided.)

The Holy Name Society should be providing its members with spiritual enrichment and respite from their labors through their fraternal devotions of prayer, praise and adoration, as well as retreats, days of recollection, Benediction and meditation and contemplation.  The Confraternity should provide for the religious education of their members. 

The Holy Name Society is a canonically recognized parish organization of the Catholic Church.  Each parish Holy Name Society must have a Spiritual Director – the Pastor or Associate Pastor of the Parish.   The Spiritual Director should hold accountable the officers and members ("for what they have done or what they have failed to do") in accordance with the Obligations of Membership outlined in the Official Holy Name Manual and the parish Confraternity’s Constitution and By-laws.  The Spiritual Director should encourage the members to live out their spiritual and fraternal obligations and the Holy Name Pledge.

Holy Name members should have observable spirituality by publicly performing charitable acts and spreading honor and devotion to the Holy Name during each Votive Mass or Second Sunday devotion to the Holy Name. 

Spiritual revitalization of the parish Holy Name Society is needed to attract and retain members.  This is done by adherence to the primary spiritual purpose and mission of the Society as stated in the Official Holy Name Manual and the Constitution of the parish Society.    These documents supply the local membership with meaning, purpose, direction, responsibility, obligation and accountability.  The enthusiasm and holiness of the members will then become the "light" by which the parish Society becomes visible to others in the parish community.

Suggestions for Spiritual Renewal

Review the Official Holy Name Manual and read about the purpose and history of the Confraternity of the Most Holy Names of God and Jesus.  Make sure your parish Holy Name Society Spiritual Director is engaged and also reads these documents.

Use the term "general assembly" and avoid the term "meeting" for formal business sessions of the Society.  The former is what Christian brothers in a confraternity gather to do, whereas the latter is what business people and politicians meet to do, and the warmer and friendly atmosphere of "brotherhood" should prevail.  Pray the Holy Name Pledge before or after each general assembly.

Schedule monthly devotional activities and conferences that begin with the Holy Rosary before the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass - Holy Communion taken by all inducted and novice-members. Use the Hymn to the Holy Name as the processional hymn and Holy God We Praise Thy Name as the recessional hymn.  Pray the Litany to the Most Holy Name of Jesus immediately following the Mass. 

These steps will put your Holy Name Society firmly on the path to Spiritual Renewal!

Blessed John Of Vercelli - Pray For Us!