St. Joseph’s Men’s Group

Ave Maria University Men's Group calls men to be like St. Joseph

Ave Maria University has one of the most unique fraternities in the country: St. Joseph’s Men’s Group, whose primary mission is to form men to become selfless husbands and loving fathers, just like its namesake, St. Joseph.

Through joyful fellowship and service, the men who are members of St. Joseph’s Men’s Group grows and supports each other in their mission to live and give witness to their Catholic faith in all areas of their life. The fraternity is comprised of two member types: regular members who actively participate in the group’s community life and “Fraternity” members that coordinate the group administratively and lead smaller, more intentional gatherings on specific topics. There are currently around 200 regular members and 12 Fraternity members.

The men’s group is relatively new, having been founded by Ave Maria University student Joe Cox in spring 2022, with help from a special advisor, Matt Fradd, Catholic speaker, author and host of the popular podcast “Pints with Aquinas,” whom Cox met at Catholic Family Land in Ohio. Based in part on his experience with St. Joseph’s Men’s Group, Cox, a senior at Ave Maria University, plans to enter the seminary next month.