These societies, in distinction from the many confraternities open to lay persons, reached an important place of influence in the Roman Catholic Church by the end of the nineteenth century.
The members are linked together by a bond of brotherhood for mutual co-operation in the pursuit of a specific object of religion or charity by means of prayer, example, and counsel.
Sacerdotal confraternities have as their common objective to preserve priests from the dangers of spiritual and social isolation, and to afford them something of that mutual support which belongs to a religious community.
The particular aims of priests' confraternities may be reduced to three: personal holiness, ecclesiastical learning, and mutual financial aid.
It is an association of Catholic Priests and Deacons in the United States who are pledged to the pursuit of personal holiness, loyalty to the Roman Pontiff, commitment to theological study and strict adherence to the authentic teachings of the Magisterium.