What is Society of the 12?
Society of the 12 is a Catholic lay movement created for Catholics discerning their vocation and relationships to make friends, build community, and enjoy a fun, wholesome social life rooted in faith.
Through intentionally formed groups, social hours, dinners, sports, retreats, trips, charity events, and formation programs, the Society creates spaces where friendship, and sometimes courtship, can grow naturally.
Society of the 12 is not a dating app and not a pay-to-access club. It’s best understood as a community made up of smaller communities, which we call Tribes.
Why does Society of the 12 exist?
After college, most adults lose built-in environments for belonging.
Many Catholics:
- move to new cities
- leave behind lifelong friends, sports teams, and social groups
- experience parish life mostly as “in and out” for Sunday mass, without real connection or ways to meet people like them.
As a result, people often turn to bars, nightlife, or dating apps to try to meet others. These rarely create real community, and often make people feel more isolated, especially from others who share their faith and values.
Society of the 12 exists to rebuild what was lost: normal, human Catholic communities with a joyful social life, where people can get to know each other, do life together, and not navigate faith, friendship, church, or discernment alone.
Is Society of the 12 only for singles?
It’s primarily designed for Catholics who aren’t married yet, but not exclusively.
Some members may already be dating or discerning seriously. Others may become engaged or married after joining and still want to remain connected to the friendships and community they’ve built. Some married friends may participate in certain events or help foster community life.
The goal is not to isolate people by status, but to build lasting friendships that don’t disappear once someone’s relationship status changes.
Is this only for very devout Catholics?
Society of the 12 is deeply rooted in Catholic faith and tradition, and people who are already passionate about their faith often thrive here.
That said, it also welcomes Catholics who:
- feel out of place in typical “young adult” scenes
- have struggled to prioritize faith on their own
- are returning to the Church or seeking deeper integration
What matters most is openness to growth, respect for the faith, and a desire for real community.
Is Society of the 12 only for Catholics?
Society of the 12 is explicitly Catholic in identity, culture, and values.
Most activities are designed for Catholics, and some gatherings are sacramental in nature. At the same time, it’s possible that some non-Catholics, especially Christians, may participate in certain social or cultural events and enjoy Catholic community life.
The heart of the movement, however, is Catholic.
Is Society of the 12 a dating or matchmaking service?
No. Society of the 12 does not sell, promise, or engineer relationships.
It prioritizes friendship first, because healthy courtship grows best in real community. When people know each other through shared life, trust, and mutual respect, romantic discernment becomes more natural and more human.
Courtship and relationships are welcomed and encouraged, but never monetized.
How does Society of the 12 work?
Society of the 12 is built around Tribes and Chapters. Tribes bring together Catholics with shared values, lifestyles, and interests, helping ensure that no one navigates Catholic life, dating, or discernment alone. Within each Tribe, Chapters group people more closely by age, making community life smaller, more personal, and more relational.
Tribes and Chapters provide:
- a familiar group of peers
- friendships across different life stages
- opportunities for mentorship and support
- a foundation for shared hospitality, service, and ministry
Are Tribes grouped by age?
No. Chapters are grouped by age, not Tribes.
Tribes are formed around lifestyle and interests. Within them, Chapters help people primarily bond with others in a similar stage of life, while still remaining connected across generations.
Current Chapter groupings are:
- Chapter I: under 22
- Chapter II: 21–29
- Chapter III: 26–39
- Chapter IV: 32–49
- Chapter V: 42–59
- Chapter VI: 55+
People naturally move from one Chapter to the next over time, helping guide younger members while continuing to grow with their own circle of closer friends.
What does community life look like?
Within this structure, members may be invited into a rhythm of shared life that includes:
- dinners and brunches
- social hours and parish-based events
- retreats and pilgrimages
- dances, social outings, and adventures
- sports leagues and tournaments
- prayer, service, and formation
Everything is designed to be real-world, human, joyful, and rooted in faith.
Who leads or guides the Society?
Society of the 12 is currently guided by a small group of Mentors during its formative season.
Mentors are not gatekeepers or elite members. They are stewards of culture, helping protect the spirit, integrity, and mission of the movement by example.
The movement operates under founder-led stewardship, with the support of mentors and advisors who offer counsel, wisdom, and perspective.
Is this officially run by the Church?
Society of the 12 is a lay-led initiative operating in fidelity to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
It does not claim ecclesial authority and does not replace parish life or existing ministries. Instead, it seeks to strengthen parish life by restoring fraternity, hospitality, and meaningful social connection among Catholic singles.
The Society welcomes dialogue, collaboration, and pastoral guidance from clergy and diocesan leaders.
Are there priests or clergy involved?
Not yet formally, but there is a plan.
Within the Mentors of the 12, specific roles are designed to be filled by clergy. As the movement grows, the goal is to invite priests who resonate with the charism of the Society to offer mentorship, guidance, and pastoral oversight, helping ensure continued fidelity to the Church.
Do I have to participate in everything?
No. Society of the 12 respects season of life, availability, and personal discernment.
Some members participate actively in gatherings and chats. Others attend occasional events. Some remain connected more quietly. Members can step back or re-engage freely as life allows.
This is not an all-or-nothing commitment. That said, we invite everyone to practice basic Christian friendship, showing up when possible and communicating clearly and kindly, rather than disappearing without explanation.
Is there a cost to belong?
There is no cost to belong to Society of the 12.
Some optional retreats, pilgrimages, or programs may have costs to cover logistics, but membership, community, and relationships are never monetized.
How do I get involved?
The first step is simple: people join with their email on our website. The weekly email is the movement’s official form of communication.
They then receive two short registration forms. Once completed, they are officially part of the community and will begin receiving updates, invitations, and orientation opportunities.
Tribe placement may take some time, as people get to know the community and discern where they fit best.
What is the heart of Society of the 12?
At its heart, Society of the 12 is about belonging and celebrating a bold but fun Catholic life together.
It exists so that Catholics don’t have to choose between faithfulness and friendship, or between holiness and a joyful social life.
It is a place to:
- belong
- grow
- discern
- and journey toward holiness together
Join a tribe 