Rebuilding Catholic Civilization: Restoring Catholic Dependency Through Private Membership Associations
In the wake of the unprecedented evil and chaos unleashed upon the world during 2020–2021, it has become evident that Catholics must take decisive steps to protect themselves, their families, and their faith. From forced vaccinations to church closures, violent upheaval, and the imposition of controls antithetical to our Holy Faith, Catholics cannot afford to remain dependent on systems of exploitation and manipulation that threaten their well-being and undermine their spiritual mission.
The time has come for Catholic men in particular to rise to the challenge of rebuilding a Christian order by creating structures that cultivate Catholic dependency—a return to reliance on the Church and one another as members of the Mystical Body of Christ. One such solution is the establishment of Private Membership Associations (PMAs)—an innovative legal framework that fosters a “Catholic village” model for faithful cooperation and evangelization.
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The Catholic Vision of Dependency
The Catholic Faith has always emphasized the necessity of mutual reliance and unity under Christ, especially in times of persecution. St. Benedict exemplifies this vision with the establishment of his monastic rule during the collapse of the Roman Empire. His Benedictine monasteries not only preserved Catholic culture but provided a model for faithful dependency on Christ and one another. As St. Benedict wrote:
“Prefer nothing to the love of Christ, and may He bring us all together to life everlasting.” (Rule of St. Benedict)
The concept of PMAs aligns with this spirit, providing Catholics with a way to build communities that prioritize the love of Christ, the common good, and the safeguarding of Catholic principles through a culture of shared dependency.
The Call of the Popes
The call to resist modern systems of exploitation and restore Catholic dependency has been echoed by numerous popes:
- Pope Leo XIII emphasized the need for Catholics to build social structures rooted in the Gospel in his encyclical Rerum Novarum (1891):
“It is the Church that proclaims from the Gospel those teachings by which the conflict can be brought to an end, or at least made far less bitter; the Church uses her efforts not only to enlighten the mind, but to direct by her precepts the life and conduct of each and all.”
- Pope Pius X famously warned against the secularization of Catholic life and urged Catholics to build structures that depend on Christ’s reign in all aspects of life:
“In the very grave and spreading evil of modernism… it is urgently necessary to sustain, consolidate, and extend the reign of Jesus Christ in the family, in society, and in public life.” (E Supremi, 1903)
- Pope Pius XII, in his 1941 Pentecost radio message, emphasized the importance of fostering justice and charity through systems rooted in Catholic values:
“The world has need of an economy that is just and equitable. It is not merely a question of achieving justice but also of fulfilling the law of charity.”
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Private Membership Associations: A Legal and Practical Solution
PMAs offer Catholics not only a practical framework but also an excellent legal protection for conducting business and trade according to their own values and standards, free from the increasing hostility of external regulations. Many people have questions about the legality and operation of PMAs, so here are some key points:
- 1. What is a PMA?
A Private Membership Association is a legal entity where individuals voluntarily associate to achieve common goals, such as trading goods or services, educating their children, or fostering spiritual and social connections. Because members join by agreement, PMAs typically fall outside the jurisdiction of certain public laws that apply to businesses open to the general public.
- Is a PMA Legal?
Yes, PMAs are legal and operate under constitutional protections in many countries, particularly in the United States, where freedom of association is guaranteed under the First and Fourteenth Amendments. PMAs allow members to operate under private agreements without being subject to many public regulations, provided they do not violate public law or engage in unlawful activities.
- What Can a PMA Do?
Facilitate trade and commerce among members according to Catholic values.
Organize education or homeschooling cooperatives.
Provide healthcare or wellness services aligned with Catholic teaching.
Support mutual aid or charitable activities.
- What Protections Does a PMA Offer?
PMAs provide a shield from public regulatory overreach because they operate as private, not public, entities. For example, members can buy and sell products that align with their faith without being forced to adhere to mandates that violate Catholic morals, such as participating in unethical medical practices or supporting businesses engaged in immoral activities.
- Evangelization through PMAs
Because PMAs require members to share common values, they offer a unique opportunity for Catholic evangelization. The requirement that members be Catholic—or at least catechumens—ensures that these associations are spiritually grounded. The practical benefits of PMAs naturally attract interest from non-Catholics, providing an excellent opportunity to bring souls into the Church.
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Conclusion: Restoring Catholic Dependency
In a world increasingly hostile to Christ and His Church, Catholics must take up the mission of rebuilding a civilization founded on truth, justice, and charity. Private Membership Associations provide a powerful means of restoring Catholic dependency, where the faithful rely on one another and on Christ to live out their vocation. They are tools to preserve and promote the Faith, protect families, and serve as beacons of light in a darkened world.
As St. Benedict, Pope Leo XIII, and countless other saints and popes have shown, it is only by uniting under the banner of Christ the King that we can hope to overcome the evils of our time. Through the establishment of PMAs, Catholics can begin to restore the social reign of Christ in their communities and beyond.