Spirituality in Action | Order Of Malta American Association

About the Order The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and Malta is one of the oldest institutions of Western and Christian civilization. The 13,500 Knights and Dames remain true to its principles – nurturing, witnessing and protecting the faith and serving the poor and the sick.

Upstate New York Spirituality in Action

Two Upstate New York Area members host a class for inmates at NYS maximum security prison twice a month. Classes are generally modeled on Church year and seasons, but also covers lessons from the Catechism, biographies of saints & priests who suffered imprisonment, like Cardinal Kung, Walter Ciszek, Fr. Capuan, and Maximilian Kolbe and Catholic literature, like Dante and Divine Comedy.
Since 2013

Malta Camp USA

Malta Camp USA, inspired by the Order of Malta’s charism, is a unique, 5-day experience. At Malta Camp USA, Guests with disabilities have are given a week away to feel independent and free to enjoy new experiences. The impact of Malta Camp goes well beyond just a week – friendships developed at the camp create a robust community of support for Guests year-round and longer-term! Our week together at camp is a catalyst for the long-term friendships Malta Camp USA helps to create between those with and without disabilities!
Since 2022

Quest for Grace Changeover

Quest for Grace Grace provides clothing and other necessities for foster children living in the Capital District region of New York State. Foster parents are referred to Quest by child and family service agencies, the police and other organizations. The majority of these children are at risk and some are removed from abusive situations on an emergency basis and require special attention. Approximately 10 members of the Upstate New York Area assist in Quest’s seasonal changeover of clothing, shoes etc. each spring and fall. Members go to Quest’s “retail shop” to remove items from shelves, pack and put them away and then unpack, sort, hang or place on shelves clothing for the upcoming season.

Sister Maureen Joyce Food Pantry

Seven Knights, Dames, and Auxiliary bring donated bakery products, from Au Bon Pain Bakery in Empire State Plaza, to the Sister Maureen Joyce Center (SMJC) Food Pantry, serving residents in a low income neighborhood of Albany. The Area members also supply toilet paper to the food pantry to give to individuals seeking assistance there.

The Welcome Table

Together with family and friends, Knights, Dames, and Auxiliary members provide, prepare and serve lunch at a soup kitchen, the Welcome Table, for approximately 150-200 residents of the South end neighborhood of Albany. Members welcome luncheon guests on their arrival, set tables, inform guests of the day’s menu choices, take the guests orders for lunch, serve lunch items that have been purchased or made by members. After lunch, members clean tables and chairs, wash dishes, and otherwise handle clean up.