The National Holy Name Society Mission Statement (Adopted at the 1998 Scranton Convention-Revised April, 1999 San Antonio Spring Board Meeting) The National Association of the Holy Name Society promotes the honor and glory of our Divine God and the personal sanctification of its members by acts of love and devotion to the most Holy Name of Jesus. The spirited life of its members is a perpetual act of reverence and love. Our members perform the Corporal Works of Mercy: to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, give drink to the thirsty, shelter the homeless, tend the sick, visit those in prison, and bury the dead, as well as Spiritual Works of Mercy: to convert sinners, instrct the ignorant, counsel the wayword, comfort the sorrowing, bear adversity patiently, forgive offenses, and pray for the living and the dead on a parochial, diocesan, and national level.
The Holy Name Association promotes respect for the Holy Name of God, faith in the Catholic Church and the magisterium, loyality to one's country and respect for all lawful authority both civil and religious.
History of the Holy Name Society The history of the Holy Name Society goes back to 1274 and the Fourteenth Ecumencial Council of the Roman Catholic Church, the Second Council of Lyons. During this time in the Albigensian Heresy was causing a great upheaval in society and in the Church. This heresy attacked the divinity of Christ and repudiated the sacraments of the Church. Pope Gregory X (1273-1276) and over 560 bishops convened in Lyons, France on 1 May, 1274 to address this heresy and other pressing issues in the Church.
The council prescribed that the faithful should have a special devotion to the Holy Name of God and Jesus in reparation of the insults spoken by the Albigensian blasphmers. The Dominican Order was asked to spread this devotion in a special letter to Blessed John of Vercelli, Master General of the Dominican Order. The Dominican's fervently executed the Pope's command, preaching everywhere the power and glory of the Holy Name of Jesus. Through the efforts of the Dominican Order, Societies became popular in Europe and eventually in the universal Church. In 1571 Pope Pius V gave the Dominican Order sole jurisdiction to erect Holy Name Societies in his Bull Decet Romanun. Throught the world, Holy Name Societies have given reverence to the Name of Jesus, bore much fruit for the Kingdom of God (Matt 7:16), and helped many men to grow in their love for Jesus. (For a more in depth history, go to http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07420b.htm)
The Holy Name Society of St. Lucy's Church
Our Holy Name Society has been active in our parish for over 8 decades. It officially received its charter on April 27, 1928. Living up to the wishes of Pope Gregory X, our Holy Name Society has continuously promoted reverence and love for the name of Jesus. We are an organization for men characterized by a deep love of Jesus and a desire to serve Him. As with all Holy Name Societies, we strive for fellowship, spiritual growth, and service to our parish and community.
Our Holy Name Society offers the men of our parish the opportunity to share their talents in our faith community. The Society is open to the men of St. Lucy's Parish who are at least 18 years of age. To join, just attend one of our monthly meetings, contact any of our members, call the office at 347-9421, or e-mail Fr. Ferretti, at revferretti@stlucy-church.org. We'd love to have you join us !
Officers of Holy Name Society
Joe Guido - President; Jack DeLeo - Vice President; Bill Buckley - Treasurer; Joe Gentile - Secretary
Schedule and Activities
The Holy Name Society meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m., in the Church hall, with the exception of July and August.
Some of the Spiritual Activities of the Society
1. To attend Mass as a body on the second Sunday of the Month and to receive Holy Communion 2. To offer and attend a Mass for the family of a deceased member 3. To conduct a Holy Hour on Holy Thursday night 4. To make an annual retreat 5. To be aware of member's responsibility to provide a solid example of Christian living to his family, especially where devotion to the Holy Name and Sacred Heart of Jesus are concerned 6. To attend the annual Memorial Mass in November for all deceased members 7. To promote the annual Forty Hours devotion 8. To support St. Francis Soup Kitchen and St. Patrick's Food Pantry
Other spiritual activities are planned as desired.
Some of the Social Functions
The Taste of Italy, Three Blood Drives a Year, St. Lucy's Feast Day Social, Mardi Gras Dinner Dance, and the Communion Breakfast.
Some of the Stewardship Functions
Annual Carnival, Holiday (Thanksgiving) Bingo, Annual Raffle, and of course our famous Spaghetti Dinner.
Holy Name 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 of earth. I believe all the sacred truths Which the Holy Catholic Church believes and teaches. I promise to give 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 loyality-to the flag of my country- And to the 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(myself)- To honor of the Sacred Name of Jesus Christ- And beg that He will keep me faithful- To these pledges-until death. Amen.
