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I hope this is the appropriate place to post this -- I was torn between here and the "Prayers" section as I was just elected as President of our local Holy Name Society chapter last Sunday. So I'll ask for your prayers here, and also your opinions.

I haven't seen much discussion on this forum regarding and I was wondering how prevalent they are in the Eastern Rite churches. I went to the national association's page for their mission statement and some ideas about how to steer this ship but I feel quite unprotected. I basically can't hide behind the recording secretary's book any more, it's my turn and I want to do the best job I can for my chapter and my church.

Any words of advice are gratefully appreciated.

Dear Mr. President,

Congratulations!

What exactly is the "Holy Name Society?"

And what does it do at the parish level?

Alex

Rich,

I know the Holy Name Society is active many of the Ukrainian Gr. Catholic parishes in the anthracite coal regions of PA. Many would consider it a Latinization, but I'm sure the framework of the HNS would allow for latitude on the parish level.

Perhaps if I/we knew more of the situation, and the needs that exist in your parish society, we could more effectively brainstorm for answers?

Fair use quote from http://www.holynamesociety.info/about/mission.shtml:

"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. "

It is a men's society within the church, performing acts of charity and evangelization.

But your last question is pretty much what is bringing me here - "what DO we do at the parish level?" I want to find out what we should be doing, and make sure we're doing what we're supposed to. I have a feeling that this group is going through the motions and in somewhat of a funk, and I want to stir things up - but in a fruitful way. Sort of like how you turn a compost pile to get some additional bioactivity.

The Holy Name Society is fairly simple: Christian men in a parish who are dedicated to their Church, and have an organization which aids them in being Christian and Catholic men. Their motto is, I think, "Blessed be His Holy Name." They are particularly against, well, using the Lord's name in vain...

But they often are a parish support organization, aiding in "manual labor" projects to fundraising. They are fraternal in that some groups have monthly Communion Breakfasts, were the group will attend Mass (Liturgy) on Sunday morning and then attend breakfast together (with their wives maybe?) and talk about what they can do to help their parish.

I may have only scratched the surface. My late grandfather was a member of the HNS at Sts. Peter and Paul Greek Catholic in Mt. Carmel 'back in the day.' I saw a picture of that group - like 50 guys!

Hmm...
Some examples of what a very active RC HNS does in my home area:

• The parish had a "Resurrecifix" above the altar in the Church, and the pastor knew it needed to be changed, the Holy Name Society raised funds and bought a new, beautiful hand-carved wooden crucifix from Italy.
  
  
• The same group, every year, rents billboard space along the highway which goes through their town and places the Nativity Scene with "Keep Christ in Christmas" logo, and who donated it. The town Knights of Columbus council does the sign for the southbound lanes!

I know the Ukrainian Catholic South Anthracite Deanery Holy Name Society sponsors Lenten Stations of the Cross (Please don't attack this here, folks) in different parishes in the deanery.

I think the key is: Do things which require work but which will provide pride for the group, so that they could say years down the road: "We worked for that!"

However, never lose sight of the prayer and sanctification aspect of the group!

It would seem that the Holy Name Society and The Jesus Prayer would go hand in hand (or chotki in hand.)

[quote=Jon]Hmm...
Some examples of what a very active RC HNS does in my home area:

[list]
[*]The parish had a "Resurrecifix" above the altar in the Church, and the pastor knew it needed to be changed, the Holy Name Society raised funds and bought a new, beautiful hand-carved wooden crucifix from Italy.

Jon,

Is that like the Notre Dame "Touchdown Jesus"?

Ung

Ung,

Yeah, pretty much. Picture this superimposed on a cross! [churchsupplywarehouse.com]

I'm glad that our diocese is progressing beyond that and getting with the times Just for an example of our progression: Our bishop recently restored our cathedral; a friend, when viewing it, said "This can be a church in Rome!" Deo Gratias!

Thanks, everyone, for the thoughtful replies. I will mull it over and pray.

I just want to make sure I do right by this group. After all, knowing Who it is that we are ultimately working for, I may have much to answer for if we fail.

Doc,

That was PRECISELY my thought!

Maybe the group could read "the Way of a Pilgrim" to start...

God bless!

Gordo

PS: Here is a link that works:

http://www.holynamesociety.info/index1.shtml

Sounds like my in-laws' parish could use a branch of the Holy Name Society!

And as Dr Eric said, there is lots of ways it could be adapted to a specifically EC context.

Alex

The good news is that these are being actively replaced from the RC churches. The one in the church where I taught at the school was going to be moved when replaced.

hawk

Glory to Jesus Christ!

Hello Jon, What's wrong with that? [Linked Image]
Excellent.

The San Damiano crucifix is not a "resurrection" crucifix. Christ is portrayed as alive (not yet dead?) and reigning from the Tree. There is a difference.

John K