confraternity

Confraternity is a voluntary association of lay people formed for mutual support, religious devotion, and charitable work. The term comes from Latin confraternitas, meaning "brotherhood" or "fellowship." In Christian usage, especially within the Catholic Church, confraternities are lay organizations authorized by a parish or diocese to promote devotion, assist the needy, and perform acts of public worship or charity. They are distinct from religious orders, since members generally remain lay and do not take monastic vows.

Historically, confraternities arose in medieval Europe as guild-like bodies united by shared piety and social obligation. They organized processions, funded hospitals and charitable ventures, offered penance or devotion, and provided mutual aid to members and their families. Over time, many confraternities adopted specific devotions to saints, the Blessed Virgin, or the Passion, and operated under the authority of local bishops.

Types and structure: religious or penitential confraternities emphasize devotional life and public worship; charitable confraternities focus on almsgiving, care for the sick, burial funds, or social services; some function as parish-based lay groups with elected officers such as a president, secretary, and spiritual director. Symbols, insignia, and periods of prayer or ritual steps are common. Membership tends to be voluntary and may require baptism and acceptance of statutes, with oversight by a parish priest or bishop.

Modern usage is diverse; many confraternities continue charitable and devotional activities through churches or schools, while others persist in historical or regional forms. They are typically distinguished from academic or social fraternities by primary aims in piety and charity rather than academic achievement or social life.