Statutes of the Confraternity of Saint Nicholas

The Confraternity of Saint Nicholas is a public association of the faithful who, through prayer, fasting, and good works, are dedicated to the protection of all children from scandalization, abuse, and trafficking. Our Lord, He who loves innocence, said “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matt. 19:14. Yet everywhere exist powers and principalities which seek the corruption of children. Of these forces and the people who obey them, our Lord said “it were better for him that a millstone should be hanged about his neck, and that he should be drowned in the depth of the sea” 18:6. The Confraternity seeks to create spiritual millstones and depths of prayer to drown those demons which inspire men and women to commit evil against children. The members of the Confraternity, by fulfilling its obligations, gain many spiritual benefits. Members enjoy the intercession of St. Nicholas, great wonder worker, Bishop, and patron of children. We pray that, as St. Nicholas defended the Divinity of Christ, he too by our prayers, fasting, and good works defends all children from harm.

    1. To help its members grow in holiness and devotion to St. Nicholas through prayer, fasting, and good works for the protection of all children so that they may more effectively combat the powers and principalities which seek the corruption of innocence.
    2. To spread awareness of the scandalization, abuse, and trafficking of children to the faithful so that their prayers and fasting may be increased.
    3. To hinder, bind, and stop the spiritual forces of darkness which seek the corruption of innocence.

His Excellency Bishop Mark E. Brennan of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston has the authority to establish this Confraternity.

  1. To establish the Confraternity at a parish, the consent of the local pastor is required.

  1. Parishes at which the Confraternity has been established will have a Promoter of the Confraternity appointed by the local pastor.
  2. For the supervision and growth of the confraternity, Bishop Mark Brennan will appoint a General Promoter of the Confraternity.
  3. Each PC and GPC may be a priest, religious brother or sister, or a member of the laity.

  1. To organize and preside over periodic meetings of Confraternity members consisting of prayers and information relevant to the cause.
  2. To regularly inform the local pastor on the Confraternity meetings and initiatives.
  3. To promote devotion to St. Nicholas as patron and protector of children.
  4. To distribute information on the various dangers facing children locally, nationally, and globally.
  5. To keep account of the number of local Confraternity members and forward this information to the General Promoter of the Confraternity.

  1. To supervise the growth of the Confraternity across the universal Church.
  2. To organize and distribute prayers and informational materials for local Promoters of the Confraternity and Confraternity members.
  3. To organize meetings of regional Promoters of the Confraternity.
  4. To publish an annual written report on the Confraternity’s growth and activities.
  5. To keep an accurate account of Confraternity membership worldwide.

  1. All the faithful who remain in full communion with the Catholic Church may become members of the Confraternity.
  2. To become a member, a candidate shall either register online, in writing, or request a Promoter of the Confraternity for admission.
  3. Admission into the Confraternity shall be recorded in the Confraternity Book and in Certificates issued to members. These certificates are to include the member’s first and last name, date of birth, and Diocese or Eparchy.

  1. To attend Mass or Liturgy on December 6th, the Feast of St. Nicholas, and May 9th, the Memorial of the Translation of his relics.
  2. To pray the Litany or Akathist of St. Nicholas once a week for the protection of all children and to offer the daily prayer of the Confraternity.
  3. To fast from one meal every Wednesday in reparation for sins committed against children insofar as health permits. Another form of abstinence from other pleasures is permitted.
  4. Priestly members of the Confraternity are to offer one Mass per month for the Confraternity if able.
  5. These obligations are not binding under pain of sin. Unfulfilled obligations lead only to a loss of spiritual benefits which could have been gained.

  1. Fruits of masses dedicated to the Confraternity offered by its priestly members.
  2. Fruits of daily and weekly prayers of all Confraternity members.
  3. Supernatural fruits of the merits, good works, and indulgences obtained by the Confraternity.
  4. Partial Indulgence granted to Confraternity members who fulfill the obligations (if granted by their local Bishop).
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Daily Prayer of the Confraternity

Let us pray:
May we, aided by the prayers of St Nicholas,
be strengthened on our earthly pilgrimage to pray, fast, and advocate
for the protection of all children from scandal, abuse, and trafficking.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God
from Age unto Age. Amen.

Litany of St. Nicholas
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.

God, the Father of heaven,
have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit,
have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God,
have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, Holy Mother of God,
Pray for us.

St. Joseph, Pray for us.

Nicholas, Holy Bishop of Myra,

Nicholas, Holy Saint in Bari,

Nicholas, Patron of children and seafarers,

Nicholas, Gift-giver and Wonder-Worker,

Nicholas, Friend of the poor and needy,

Nicholas, Icon of gentleness and generosity,

Nicholas, Model of meekness and charity,

Nicholas, Defender of the Christian Faith,

Nicholas, Myrrh of the fragrance of Christ,

Nicholas, Help of those who suffer wrong,

Nicholas, Faithful steward of the mysteries of God,

Nicholas, Guide of the penitent sinner,

Nicholas, Source of joy and thanksgiving,

Nicholas, Saint who points us to the Manger,

Pray for us.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord!

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord!

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.

Let us pray:

May we, aided by the prayers of St Nicholas, be strengthened on our earthly pilgrimage to pray, fast, and advocate for the protection of all children from scandal, abuse, and trafficking. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God from Age unto Age. Amen.