Order of Malta

Every day around the world, the Order of Malta is bringing light to those who need it most—feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, and defending human dignity. Here in New York City, volunteers and members play a critical role in this work, launching transformative projects like Lourdes in a Day and our Mobile Ministry, serving refugees in Ukraine, and assisting pilgrims in Rome during the Jubilee Year.

If you have felt the call to serve, the first step is joining the Affiliates, the official volunteer corps of the Order of Malta. Affiliates are volunteers of all backgrounds and religions who serve alongside Knights and Dames, helping us to carry forward our over 900-year-old mission to defend the faith and serve the poor and the sick. Joining as an Affiliate is a wonderful way to learn more about the Order and meet our community.

For some, serving as an Affiliate reveals a deeper calling: To become a Knight or Dame of the Order. Knights and Dames make solemn vows to God, pledging their lives to our ancient mission.

Joining the Affiliates

We welcome new Affiliates year-round. To learn more about the program, we encourage you to attend our events, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet Knights and Dames who can sponsor your application.

Download Auxiliary/Associate Application
Download Volunteer Auxiliary Application

To learn more and inquire about a sponsor, contact nycaux@orderofmaltaamerican.org.

The Affiliates are made up of three groups:

  • Auxiliary (ages 18-39, Catholic)
  • Associates (age 40+, Catholic)
  • Volunteer Auxiliaries (all ages, all faiths)

Affiliates are the backbone of our over 900-year-old mission—a community of all faiths who serve New York’s most vulnerable. As an official volunteer of the Order, you will:

  • Grow spiritually through monthly Mass, annual retreats, and the opportunity to join global pilgrimages
  • Serve with purpose, helping the people in need right here in New York City
  • Become part of a local community of fellow volunteers united in faith and committed to service
  • Join international works of spirituality, service, and fellowship, making friends from around the world
  • Step into leadership by heading new initiatives or joining planning committees, including the opportunity to be considered for the St. John Committee (Spring Knights, White Cross Ball of New York City) and Malta Camp USA volunteer roles
  • Be invited to Order receptions, events, and international trips, with access to special prices for the Lourdes Pilgrimage for those 39 and under and the White Cross Ball of New York City

Joining as a Knight or Dame

Affiliates interested in exploring a call to full membership are invited to our annual reception each May for candidates. To learn more about the process, contact NYC Area Membership Chairs Camille and Rory Kelleher, GCMOb.

Membership in the Order is by invitation only. Candidates are expected to be practicing Catholics who have demonstrated exemplary character, professional distinction, and a proven commitment to our mission through involvement in the Order’s works.

Each prospective member must be sponsored by a current Knight or Dame and complete a Year of Formation, during which they deepen their understanding of the Order’s history, spirituality, and hospitaller mission.

Order of Malta

American Association, U.S.A
122 East 42nd Street
Suite 1900
New York, NY 10168
(212) 371-1522