They are a Catholic, family, fraternal and service organization. Their theme permeates through the entire service program of church, community, council, family, pro-life, and youth activities. In Arcadia the church is involved with fundraising activities and volunteering for different projects, including Hope for Haiti's Children and Pakistan Flood Fund. They started in New Haven by a priest from St. Mary's in 1882. They have been called "the strong right arm of the Church" and have been praised by popes, presidents and other world leaders through the years.