The Federal Auxiliary

The Federal Auxiliary is a group of young Catholics (age 25-40) who share the same ideals as the Order of Malta and agree to volunteer a bit of their time at one of the Order's personal service projects. The group was formed in 1992 and its original membership consisted almost exclusively of the sons and daughters of the Knights and Dames of the Federal Association. Since then the group has grown to include the friends, co-workers and other associates of these original members.

In Washington, many members of the Auxiliary have volunteered at St. Ann's Infant and Maternity Home. Each year, the group sponsors 3-4 picnics or parties (summer picnic, Halloween, Christmas, etc.) for the children living at St. Ann's. Also, many Auxiliary members have participated on the annual Christmas in April home renovation project. Typically, a team of 10-15 volunteers will gather on the last Saturday in April to paint, rake, scrape and clean the home of an elderly person or of a facility serving the poor in the Washington-area.

Auxiliary chapters are starting to take shape in other cities around the country. The hope is that young Catholics will volunteer at the Federal Association service projects in the region. As they come to meet members and know more about the Order, they may be invited to the Masses and social activities sponsored by the Knights and Dames in the region.

One of the major activities of the Auxiliary over the years has been participating on the Order's annual pilgrimage to Lourdes. The pilgrimage is usually the first week of May. Auxiliary volunteers - who pay a reduced travel rate for the trip - assist the Knights and Dames of the Order as they care for the sick. Youthful energy and enthusiasm are valuable commodities and the Auxiliary members are an important part of the pilgrimage.

Each year, the members of the Auxiliary will gather for Mass, often followed by a meeting and a social gathering afterward. At these meetings, the volunteer projects and other activities for the coming months are discussed.

©2008 Order of Malta, Federal Association, U.S.A.
The emblems and insignia of the Order of Malta and the name of the Order of Malta are registered service marks of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and Malta, Via Condotti 68 Rome Italy I-00187, used under license to the Order of Malta, Federal Association, U.S.A.