A confraternity is a supernatural fellowship of baptized Catholics who commit to certain devotional practices for the glory of God and the good of society. A confraternity is approved by the Church and provides many graces for those who join it.

The members of this particular confraternity commit to honoring the Name of Jesus in word and deed and encouraging others to do the same. 

The members of the Confraternity of the Holy Name invoke the Holy Name each day in faith and confidence, refrain from speaking the Holy Name carelessly in conversation, prudently correct blasphemous uses of the Holy Name, and encourage others to follow these same practices.

A member of the confraternity invokes the Holy Name by piously meditating on verses from Scripture, praying the Litany of the Holy Name, utilizing the Jesus Prayer, speaking the Divine Praises, spending time in adoration, and, above all, engaging with the sacramental life of the Church.

A man shows honor to the Holy Name by invoking it in prayer, bowing his head whenever he hears it, speaking well of Jesus to his family and friends, and encouraging others to do the same.

Yes. Jesus asks that if we do not love the neighbor we can see, how can we love the God we cannot see? Refraining from sins in speech against God necessarily requires refraining from the same sins with respect to others. A Holy Name man is guarded and prudent in his speech so as not to commit sins against God and neighbor by his words.

Yes. To call upon the Holy Name presupposes a relationship with God. The challenge of the confraternity is not simply to speak well of God and man but to live as one who can call upon the name of Jesus with confidence and faith. He possesses the disposition of someone who is grounded in his relationship with Jesus Christ and, because of this, authentically and humbly calls upon his Holy Name. The confraternity calls him to this task.

The Confraternity of the Holy Name remains relevant because the Holy Name continues to be abused. Not only do people continue to blaspheme the Holy Name but the Holy Name is invoked, not in humility and faith, but to further one’s own status or objectives in society. The confraternity stands as a reminder that calling upon the Holy Name comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ. It is something received, not to be manipulated to one’s own goals or spoken with flippancy.

The members of a canonically established chapter meet together in chapter at least once a month for fellowship, encouragement from the chaplain, and to conduct any business of the chapter. The purpose of these meetings is not to give men a space to talk about the deep issues facing men in society but to experience authentic fraternity, organize themselves to serve the community, and challenge them to persevere in living a life that honors the Holy Name. 

While the greatest benefit comes from being an active member of a chapter, this is not necessary to live according to the way of life of the confraternity. A man may join the confraternity and receive the spiritual benefits by contacting the Promoter of the Holy Name Confraternity. The Promoter will inscribe his name in the register of the chapter at St. Vincent Ferrer Church in NYC.