Historically, since the early Middle Ages, associations organized by lay women or men known as Confraternities have existed within the Catholic Church. The purpose of these groups was to promote religious devotion and perform charitable works of mercy. The Sodality of Our Lady was originally founded by a Jesuit priest, Fr. John Leunis, in 1563. Its primary purpose was to be transformative, leading people towards deeper conversion to their faith and devotion to Mary, particularly through the recitation of the rosary and works of mercy. While both men and women were eligible to join a Confraternity, it was not until the early part of the 18 th century that women were allowed to join a Sodality. Many souls and hearts were drawn to Jesus and Mary through the promotion of the Confraternities by the Dominicans and the promotion of the Sodalities by the Jesuits.

Since 1925, members of Our Lady’s Sodality at St. John the Evangelist and St. Thomas Aquinas Parishes have joined together guided by the Sodality motto, Ad Jesu per Mariam, “To Jesus through Mary” in promoting faith and fellowship to enrich our parish communities, to assist the poor, feed the hungry, help clothe those in need, visit the sick, comfort the lonely, and bring Jesus’ joy and peace to the lives we touch. Our ministry has included organizing the Tree of Life during the month of October to celebrate the dignity of life by collecting necessities such as clothing and diapers for infants and children of young, struggling families supported by Catholic Charities of Lynn. During the month of December, we also donate children’s books that are distributed to needy families at the Annual Children’s Christmas Party at Catholic Charities in Lynn and toiletries for guests of the shelter, Our Brothers Table, also in Lynn. Sodalists stand as an honor guard at the funerals of sister Sodalists to pray for them and offer support to their families and friends. Our Lady’s Sodality has also provided funding toward various projects to enhance our Churches both environmentally and spiritually.

Membership engagement in coming together in this beautiful ministry for the greater glory of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, through a deep devotion to our Blessed Mother is central to all that we do. In giving, we receive. Membership dues are $30.00 annually. Women of both parishes are welcome to join this wonderful ministry to serve the needs of others and deepen our faith and that of our Parish communities.