In our permissive society, the layman is challenged daily with the choice between Christian values and pagan values. In this critical confrontation, no man can remain neutral. In the unity and strength of the Holy Name Society, the layman can effectively respond to the challenge.

The Holy Name Society is a Men's Confraternity created to encourage its members to live their faith and to help the others to do so by their example.

In 1274 devotion of the Holy Name was fostered and aimed particularly to counteract the damages wrought by the Albigensian heresy, which denied the Divinity of Christ. Through the ages the Society has fostered reverence for the Person of Christ by assisting its members in developing a sound spiritual life.

. To honor the Names of God and of Jesus by the example of a faith-filled religious life.

. To spread and increase love for the Sacred Name of Jesus Christ.

. To suppress blasphemy, profane and indecent language.

. To prevent false oaths in & out of the courts.

. To impart to Christian men courage in the profession of their faith.

History of the Holy Name Society

. The Society owes its origin to Pope Gregory X in the year 1274 through a papal decree.

. Dominican Blessed John of Vercelli is the founder of the Holy Name Society.

. On April 13 th , 1564 , Pope Pius IV instituted the Confraternity of the Most Holy Name.

.On February 1 st , 1970 , the National Association of the Holy Name Society was established at a national convention in New Orleans .

Member Obligations

.He should avoid disrespect to the name of God, of Jesus, and of holy things, and should abstain from all improper language, such as blasphemy, perjury, cursing, profanity and indecent expressions.

.He should, as far as prudence permits, induce others to refrain from insults to God and morals in speech.

.He should praise and glorify God by fidelity to prayer and thanksgiving, especially to Holy Name devotions in private and in public.

.He should, as far as he properly can do so, bring others, in particular, those under his care, to know and honor the Name of God by prayer and praise

.He should avoid everything in his conduct that could cause or tempt others to ridicule and despise his religion, profession and Society, and so profane the Name of God (Rom.2.24)

.He should practice,
.         a) the duties that oblige all practical Catholics, according to their state of life, especially those that are directly related to the honor of God.

Solemn Pledge of the New members of the Confraternity, received on Sunday, January 11th, on the occasion of the Feast of the Holy Family (Octave Day of the Holy Name feast)

.            b. The duties that oblige on the members of the Holy Name Society, especially attendance at Society Communions, and general zeal for the good of the Society. Holy Name men should make an honest effort, as a matter of honor, to live up the rules of the Society and in the conduct of the meetings, they should be mindful at all times of the divine law of fraternal charity.

Spiritual Benefits

.Every member while he is faithful to his obligations, shares in all the good works, the Masses, the preaching, the teaching, and the manual labor of the Dominican Order.

The Society of St. Mary's meets every fourth Saturdays after 8:00 am mass.

.On October 25, 1967 , the Sacred Penitentiary of the Dominican Order granted a plenary indulgence to the members of the Holy Name Society, the usual conditions being observed, on the following occasions:

        •  The day of the member's enrollment

•  You will be praying for members and members will be praying for you.

"For which cause God also hath exalted him, and hath given him a name which is above all names; That in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those that are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth."

Phillipians 2:9-10   

During the early history of St. Mary's Church, the Holy Name Society flourished, but nationally as well as at St. Mary's it became outmoded and fell by the wayside even though the working together of people and priests was one of the objectives of the Council.

The Institute, at the suggestion of the men, was happy and honored to restore the Society at St. Mary's Oratory. After a period of planning, the first meeting of the revived Society was held on the 1 st Saturday of July, 2003. Month after month the Society grows in spirituality, unity, and strength.

On the Feast of the Holy Family, the Octave of the Feast of the Holy Name, Father Meney, Chaplain of the Society, had the joy of presiding at the Official Reception Ceremony for the initial members and the Official Installation of Officers. The elected officers are: Ronald Putzer, President; Gordon Wisniewski, Vice President; Joseph Fink, Secretary and Edward Osterbrink, Treasurer.

The following men were officially received into the Holy Name Society:

Mark Anesko, John Connolly, Tony Doyle, Joe Fink, John Heidvogel, Charles Klein, Wally Kunz, Joe Leitermann, Ed Osterbrink, Todd Osterbrink, Patrick McCloskey, Joe McGrath, Mieczyslaw (Mitch) Mielczarek, Ron Putzer, Gerard Troyanoski, Gerard Zeitz. (six members were absent)

Picture taken after the Monthly Meeting of January 2004

On January 2008 a branch of the Society has been erected at St. Mary's in Cashton. This society will meet every 4th Sunday of the Month.