Steps to spiritual renewal

The following steps are necessary for renewal of the parish Holy Name Society that has lost it's spiritual focus. 

Establish or re-establish an oversight committee and call it a “Council” not a “Board”.  Religious organizations are governed by Councils – secular organizations, businesses, corporations and government organizations are governed by Boards.  The Council should contain at a minimum the following positions: Spiritual Director, President, Secretary and Treasurer.  It is strongly recommended that the Council, as a body, hold a prayer service before the Blessed Sacrament prior to their deliberations and planning sessions to request assistance and guidance from the Lord.    

Update the parish Holy Name Society Constitution and By-laws to make sure they are in full accordance with the Official Holy Name Manual and the Church’s teaching on the role of the Lay Apostolates within the Church – Apostolicum Actuositatem.   Distribute all current members a copy of the revised Holy Name Society Constitution and By-laws so they are aware of the spiritual nature of the Society. 

Schedule spiritual conferences – not meetings - of the Society on a regular basis.  These conferences should not be business meetings.  The conferences should contain speakers that help the Holy Name members learn to teach, spread, and defend the Faith.  Hold these conferences at the parish.   

Establish standing committees to carry out traditional spiritual and devotional activities, i.e., days of recollection, annual retreats and prayer devotions, and any activities necessary to spread devotion and honor to the Holy Name of Jesus.  Make sure all of the activities of the Society  provide for the spiritual enrichment, development and religious education of members. 

Distribute information to prospected candidates for membership - novitiates - about the Spiritual Benefits of membership and the Obligations of membership.  Schedule a formal Induction Ceremony with your Spiritual Director on the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus – January 3rd – or if necessary another suitable date. 

Induct members to the Confraternity in full accordance with all of the requirements outlined in the Official Holy Name Manual.

Initiate a committee chairperson committed to the cause for canonization of our founder Blessed John of Vercelli.  Pray for the intercession of Blessed John, Saint Dominic, and St. Bernardine of Siena.

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

Blessed John Of Vercelli - Pray For Us!