"Not to hurt our humble brethren is our first duty to them, but to stop there is not enough. We have a higher mission- to be of service to them wherever they require it." ~ Francis of Assisi
Holy Name Society is a group of Catholic men that promote reverence for the name of God and sanctification of its members, support the clergy, and work for the good of the parish. Come and join us for our meeting every 4th Tuesday of the month, 7:30-8:30 p.m. in the parish conference room. Also, we will sit together and receive Communion at the 9:30 a.m. Mass on the second Sunday of the month. Please contact Dan Donohue (301) 648-7718 if you have any questions or would like to join.
Historical:
The formal beginning of the Holy Name Society is credited to Pope Gregory X, who in 1274 commissioned the newly founded Dominican Order to concentrate its efforts on preaching greater devotion to the Holy Name. Blessed John of Vercelli, the Dominican Master General took the historical document from the Pope and at one began to take appropriate action. He ordered the erection of special altars in all Dominican churches, with monthly processions, and a preaching crusade throughout the land in honor of the Holy Name of Jesus. Blessed John was "a saint of the road" traveling on dusty roads throughout Europe despite a crippled foot. When he could no longer walk, his friars carried him on their shoulders. On April 13, 2564, Pope Pius IV instituted the Confraternity of the Most Holy Name, and thus provided Papal recognition and approval for this devotion to the name of God and Christ. The historic degree of the virtues of Blessed John was attested to by Pius X who beatified him in 1903.
The Holy Name Society has existed at St. Mary's since the early 1950's.
Objectives:
1. Honor and glory of our Triune God and the personal
sanctification by acts of love and devotions to the Most
Holy Name of Jesus. This spiritual life of its members is
a perpetual act of reverence and love.
2. Practice frequent reception of the Sacraments including a
monthly corporate Communion.
3. Practice public profession of faith through wearing of
the Holy Name insignia (button).
4. Practice making an annual retreat.
5. Practice participation in public religious programs and
similar activities.
6. Practice observance of the promises contained in the Holy
Name Pledge.
Officers (as of July 1, 2018):
President -- Dan Donohue (301) 283-6414
1st Vice President -- James Macaluso
2nd Vice President -- Mike Deshields
Secretary -- Roger Brown
Treasurer -- Roy Voglezon
Marshall -- Bob Hoffman
Auditors -- Clem Gaynor, Ed Bednar
Spiritual Director -- Rev. Timothy K. Baer
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Obligations:
1. Avoid disrespect to the name of God, of Jesus, and of what
is sacred, and should abstain from all improper language,
such as blasphemy, perjury, cursing, profanity, and
indecency.
2. Should as far as prudence permits, induce others to refrain
from such insults to God and morality.
3. Should praise and glorify God by fidelity to prayer, especially
to both private and public Holy Name devotions.
4. Should as far as can be done, bring others, particularly
those committed to the member's care, to know and honor the
name of God by prayer and praise.
5. Should avoid any contact which would cause or tempt others
to ridicule or despise our Catholicity or Holy Name
Society, lest it be true in the words of St. Paul, "the name
of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of
you." (Rom. 2:24)
6. Should fulfill all the obligations of membership in the
Mystical Body of Christ, the Church, according to
one's state in life, as well as the specific obligations of
membership in the Holy Name Society.
*It should be noted that regulations imposed by the
constitution do not bind under sin. Holy Name Members
as a matter of honor should live up to these regulations.
They should also, in all their activities, as members, be
mindful of the divine law of charity.
What We Do: (Sponsorship/Involvement)
1. Group communion at Holy Name Mass at second
Sunday of each month.
2. Monthly one-hour meetings on fourth Tuesday of each
month at 7:30 p.m. in the office conference room. This
meeting is followed by a social with complimentary
beverages and snacks.
3. Sick visitations and Vigils for members.
4. Support Holy Hours Devotion (Eucharistic Devotion).
5. Support St. Vincent de Paul for food distribution and
aid to the poor and sick in the parish.
6. Support annual retreat weekend to Loyola Retreat
House, Faulkner, MD with men of St. Mary's.
7. Support ushering.
8. Support lecturing and Extra-ordinary Ministers of Holy
Communion.
9. Support youth ministry.
10. Church and school involvement.
11. Sponsor Christmas fruit sale.
12. Support Church Christmas Bazaar, raffle, and other
fundraising events.
13. Support annual Spaghetti Dinner.
14. Sodality collaboration.
15. Cooperation with JFK Knights of Columbus, Accokeek, MD
16. Support annual altar server outing.
Your pledge :
Blessed be God. // Blessed be His Holy Name. //
Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God, and true man. //
Blessed be the Name of Jesus. //
I believe O Jesus, //
That Thou art the Christ, //
The Son of the living God. //
I proclaim my love, //
For the Vicar of Christ on Earth. //
I believe all sacred truths, //
Which the Holy Catholic Church //
believes and teaches. //
I promise to give a good example //
By the regular practice //
Of my faith. //
In honor of His Divine Name, //
I pledge myself against perjury, //
Blasphemy, profanity and obscene speech. //
I pledge my loyalty //
To the flag of my country, //
And to God-given principles //
Of freedom, justice, and happiness, //
For which it stands. //
I pledge my support //
To all lawful authority, //
Both civil and religious. //
I dedicate my manhood //
To the honor of the Sacred Name of Jesus Christ, //
And beg that He will keep me faithful //
To these pledges //
Until death. Amen.
The Holy Name Society recently presented an Honorary Award to Roger Brown for his many years as their Secretary and his untiring volunteer efforts within our church and parish community.
The award was presented by Peter Beck, President, Charles Swanick, Past President, and Father Timothy K. Baer, pastor and Spiritual Director. The presentation was in the parish hall after Mass on March 16 at which the Scout Troop and Society had a combined group Communion. Roger has been for many years, and is still, serving as Secretary of the Society; Chairman of the St. Vincent de Paul Society; and Chairman of the Church Maintenance Committee. He continues serving in the Boy Scout Troop 1572 leadership along with volunteering in the Knights of Columbus, JFK Council.
Thanks, Roger for your amazing example of unselfish service to the Holy Name Society, St. Mary's Church, Boy Scouts, the Knights of Columbus and to our community!