Most of the questions we receive are regarding joining us, so, once again here are our primary membership requirements:

TO BE A MEMBER YOU MUST BE A PRACTICING CATHOLIC AND BE OF IRISH HERITAGE BY BIRTH OR DESCENT. (Only Exception: Clergy need not be Irish.)

1) What is a Practicing Catholic?

Membership in our Order is open to practicing Catholic gentlemen in union with the Holy See, who are of Irish Descent and who are at least 16 years old . A practicing Catholic is one who lives up to the Commandments of God and the precepts of the Church.

2) What Do You Mean By Irish Descent?

Officially, the idea is that you must be a descendent of an Irish bloodline, or adopted by someone of Irish descent.

But, let’s face it!America is known as the great melting pot, and, accordingly, most of us are more Irish mutt than thoroughbred. Because of this, our standards are somewhat relaxed here, and we allow Irish Descent to be self-defined. Be aware, however, that a single drop of Irish blood may be stretching it, while several drops are usually more than enough!

3) What’s the difference between a full member and an associate member?

Practically speaking, not much. An Associate Member cannot vote and he cannot hold an office, but he can otherwise participate to the fullest extent.

4) What am I getting myself into by joining?

We understand that life has an odd way of getting in the way of important commitments. We also live by the mantra that we are brothers forever, so a couple of years of distracted non-participation are perfectly reasonable to us in many instances. Also, we call ourselves brothers, and there is plenty of precedent where brothers are prodigal, rather than present for all of the family meals. Still, we want you to be as involved as you can be and want to be, because we believe that participating in our initiatives is actually a great way to grow as human beings.

5) Do We Care That We Don’t Know You?

Of course we do, potential AOH brother!  While you may be reluctant to join us without a clear connection, or a Brother referral, we promise you that if you want to try us, we will open up our arms (as well as our cold cans of effervescent barley malt)  to you! We are not perfect; but we will do our best to welcome you, embrace you, and assimilate you into our fold.

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