St. Christopher’s parish men of age 18 or older are cordially invited to join the Holy Name Society. The HNS was founded in the 13th Century by Blessed John of Vercelli, a Dominican friar, in Europe at the request of the Pope Gregory X and the Council of Lyons, to spread devotion to the Name of Jesus. The Holy Name Society has supported Catholic parishes and Clergy for eight centuries.

Our chapter at St. Christopher’s parish has thrived due to the many benefits of being a member. These include spiritual enrichment: we attend Holy Mass together each 3rd Saturday of the month at 5:00 pm; we pray together (the Rosary) before each of our monthly meetings on the 2nd Tuesday of each month (our Pastor also provides spiritual direction at all meetings): we attend men's retreats twice per year; and we have an annual parish men's (and sons) Communion Breakfast following the June Holy Name Mass. The keynote speakers at these breakfasts provide enriching spiritual talks. We also pray for and visit our sick members.

Another benefit is the satisfaction that members derive from charitable works: The Society contributes financially to the parish as well as several charities (including a sponsored poor child in Guatemala, and a seminary fund in India). Society members also work with the St. Vincent DePaul Society through contributions of donated time and dollars to assist in providing food for members of our community who are in need. The financial contributions are made possible through fundraising activities in which the members participate in assisting at many parish functions, including our monthly public breakfasts, annual family picnics, food sales at annual Apple Blossom and Hardscrabble festivals, and occasional raffle drives. Members participate voluntarily, as their availability permits.

A special request to all parish men: please consider joining and participating in the Holy Name Society. You are welcome to attend a monthly meeting to see for yourself what we do; if you like what you see and wish to join us, you would be heartily welcomed. Our meetings begin at 7:30 p.m. each 2nd Tuesday of each month in the Parish Center (except July and August). The meetings are preceded at 7:00 p.m. by the recitation of the Holy Rosary of Our lady. We look forward to seeing you there.

For any questions, call HNS President Tom Sullivan at 845-758-3732 or HolyName@stchrisredhook.org.