Summary of basic elements that should be included in Our Apostolic Life - Dossier V

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SUMMARY OF BASIC ELEMENTS
THAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN
OUR APOSTOLI( LIFE
1. Goal -in view of our origins: work of Reconciliation.
2. Specific ways of fulfilling this mission:
Ministries that are a traditional part of the Congregation
Particular emphases to be given within these ministri es
Genera! spirit with which to approach this mission
3. In view of our origins: Mary in our aposto la te
4. Prayer and the apostolate
5. Canmunity and the apostolate:
participation of all members in some mission
collaboration of members and communitie s
6. Collaboration with clergy, religious and laity
7. Ongoing evalua tion of our apostolates:
criterio for priorities
l.

OUR
APOSTOLIC
LIFE
Total Responses:
183
Dossier V
..
France
5. D.
Brazil
Swiss
- 14
- 56
- 27
l
I.H.M.
M.Q .
MQ of P.
Morondav.
- 40
- 15 '
- 9
- 12 Poland-Comments.
Constitutional Texts
1. Our Congregation is meant to be a sign and instrument of the
work of Reconciliation accmplished by Christ and to which Mary,
as her Apparition recalls, isso closely associated. (p. 11)
5 - 117 4 - 44 3 - 9 2 - 3 1 - 1
Our Congregation is "called" is better than "meant 11 •
Use "miristry of reconciliation II
Not false, but absolutement inadquate.
involved at La Salette is ve,ry special.
instead of "L :,Jrk of Recon •••
The Reconciliation
I would hope to see the "end "of the Congregation and its
"spirit II yet more clearly def ined . This paragraph still
lacks the clarity that is needed ifa stranger reads it.
All Christians are called to this . ••
Keep original, but restructured:
According to the grace and charism of our congregation,
we are called to be •••••••• and with which Mary
~
****************
2. Taking Ch,r ist as the source and model of our apos·tolate and
inspired by the Message of Dur Lady at La Salette, we devote
ourselves:
- to working for the reconciliation of sinners and the
liberation of all people through filial submission to
the wi 11 of God ;
- to awakening and deepening the faith of the People of
God so that all human realities may be illumined by
the light of the Gospel;
to announcing the Good News where it is not yet known;
- to fighting against contemporary disorders which compromise
the saving plan of God and the dignity of the
human person. (pp. 12-3, 26 - 36)
2.

r
I
I
5 - 96 4 - 40 3 - 12 2 - 10 1 - 1
In my op1n1on there is an orientati □n lacking - which
I would place third or at the end:
To multiply the s □uls devoted to Christ crucified and
to Mary, the mother of sorr □ ws •••
It is absolutely necessary that we mention here the
apostolate towards those gener □ us souls who offer themselves
with Christ crucified , following Mary's example .
Add at the end:
- and support efforts made for t he unity of Churches.
Change II the reconciliati □ n of siners II to
II
reconciliation
of men between themselves and with God .• 11
We propose the following text:
1 - to announce the good news .••
2 - to be attentive t □ the life of men, their 9 spirations,
their needs, to those things that crush human dignity,
3 - to the awakening and deepening of faith etc •••
4 - to the reconciliation of sinners •••
Use "crimes of the day" instead of "contemporary disorders" or
"contemporary ills 11 •
Instead of filial submission use "through loving response to
the will of God" or "thnJgh loving union with the will of God. 11
Change "all human reali ties II to "our human experience 11 •
Instead of reconciliation of sinners,
people with themselves, each other and
-- reconciliaton of
God.
11
Many are against the word fighting 11 and w□ uld .prefer
"confront 11 , "work against 11 , "counteract 11 ••• •
Filial is sexist language!
Filial should be followed by
11
Father 11
instead of sim!!Jly God.
"Working for the reconciliation and liberation of all sinners
through filial •.•• etc. ..
11
Stress more reconcilition of Catholics to their faith •••
Libewation has too many political overtones - use freedom
instead.
****************
3. In these different apostolic commitments we put in evidence
the incomparable role that Mary has played in Salvation History
3.

and which she sill exercises in the life of the Church. (pp. 13,
37-8)
5 - 107 4 - 31 3 - 20 2 - 9 1 - 1
Change "put in evidence"
Should specify Mary at La Salette here.
"Ministries 11 instead of 11 commitments. 11
to ' 1 wi tness tG" or "we ref lect" ••
***************
4. Aware that we must be disciples as well as apostles, we make
every effort to live united with Christ in a deep spirit of obedience
to the Father 1 s loving plan. Following Christ 1 s example,
our lives consist of apostolic activity and prayer , mutually
supporting and enriching □ ne an □ther in our servic~ to people
far the kingdom of God. (pp. 13-4, 39-43)
5 - 116 4 - 34 3 - 12 2 - 3 1 -1
Not false, but absolutely inadequate far there is no
mention of the cross and of mortification.
Unclear, not sure if the support is mutual between prayer
and activity, or support given by the members ••••
Bring in the Spirit in some way ••• "attentive to the gifts
and promptings of the H□ ly Spirit within us •••• "
Suggested rewording: Following Christ I s example, our lives
consist of activity and prayer, which mutually support and
enrich each other in our service to people far the Kingdom
of God.
Drop the section about Chris t obedient to the Father. does net
fit in here and is already said amply in section on □bedience.
**** ** ***********
5. Just as Christ carne tobring the Good News of liberation to the
poor and the oppressed and just as Marv at La Salette, made her
message known to the poor and humble, we also, without neglecting
□ ur mission to the whole People of God , turn more willingly in
our apostolic endeavors t □wards those looked down upon in this
world and those most alienated from God ~nd the Church. (pp . 14
44-50)
4.

5 - 103 4 - 42 3 - 8 2 - 9 1 - 1
Simply eliminate the words "without neglecting our mission
to the whole People of God •.. 11
Replace word "liberation" wi th "freedom 11 • • • "news of
liberati on 11 - trendy ! ! ! '
Add:"towards the poor and oppressed" •• turn more willingly
to the "materially poor".
Ins tead of "those looked down upon" say "victims , or the
weak and powerless. 11
Suggested rewording: As Christ carne "to bring glad tidings
to the poor" and as Mary, at La Salette, chose to entrust
her message to the poor and humble, so we also, without
neglecting ourmission to the whole People of God, give
preference in our ministries to the poor and oppressed
as well as to those alienateci from God and thg Church.
add: "Just as Mary at La Salette made her message known to
the poor, the lowly and those turned against the Church •• • 11
We must be careful that our mission t o the "poor and humble"
doesn I t exclude the weal thy and influe n tial , etc. , because
they may be the ones most alienateci from God and the Church.
Singling out the poor and oppressed seems forced and onesided.
••• I agree wholeheartedly that no matter what stratum of
society we work with, we are called to work for the poor, but
not that the poor are our preferential area of apostolate.
I 1 m not sure there ' s such a clear connection between the fact
that Maryappeared to poor children and the fact that we ought
to "turn more willingly to the poor. 11
**************
6. Attentive to the needs of the universal and local Church and
to the signs of the times, we accept those apostdates which seem
indicateci by Providence and which are confided by the Church. We
also willingly evaluate our apo?tolic activities and constantly
seek to renew the methods we employ in the apostolate, better
adapting them to the needs of the times and to the requirements
of the situation in which we work. (pp. 14- 5, 51-3)
5 - 105 4 - 33 3 - 16 2 - 1 7 1 - O
Indicateci by Providence is very vague
5.

Take out of a passive position and make more active. Suggest:
Responding to the needs of the universal and local
Dlurch and to the signs of the times, we engage in(accept )
those apostolates which we discern as a community to be
the onesto which we are called by Providence and which
are confided by the Church .•• remainin~ always attent ive
to our charism of origin.
Add after the words "confided by the Church ... always
remaining attentive to our charism of origin and
to the comkmunity~iscernment which is indispensable.
**************
7. All of us, Father and Brothers, participate by the different
ministries and works to which we have been called in the
mission of Reconciliation entrusted to the Congregation by
the Church. (pp. 15 , 54- 55)
5 - 126 4 - 27 3 - 5 2 - 7 1 - 3
Many recommended dropping Fathers and Brothers and
say simply "all of us as Missionaries of .••• 11
ASJggested text: Eachmember of the Congregation,
whatever his activity may be, shares his talents and
capabilities in the mission of Reconciliation ••••
**************
8. To be more effective in our service we strive to work in
close collaboration with other religious congregations,
the diocesan clergy and the laity, in conformity with the
pastoral orientations outlined by the hierarchy. (pp._ 15, 56-8)
5 - 112 4 - 31 3 - 12 2 - 5 1 - 2
Is the final phrase necessary concerning orientations
from hierarchy? Wouldn't it be better to simply say,
"according to the nieeds of the People of God " •• It i s
a fact that there are Bishops who can give some orientations
that are in contradiction to those of the whole Church ••
Better to say ''in close collaboration with the laity,
diocesan clergy and other·religious c □ 1:,gregations ••• 11
6.

Trouble with "hierarchy" •• could state simply "pastoral
orientations of the Church" ••• or "orientations outlined
by Dlurch directi ves •.. 11
Instead of saying "to be more effective", state "because of
the need for u nity among Dlurch activit~ .• 11
"Cl □ se c □llaboration" is redundant •.• say , "In our ministries
we collaborate withothers ••. "
Need fora greater emphasis on the laity
Enfield community and also France •.
asked for by
***************
Capitular Norms
33 . The C□ngregation dedicates itself to serving the People of
God . H□wver, among the apostolic activities that can be confided
to it, some are more in line with its charism and can thus bPtter
nourish the spiritual life of its members. For example :
- work dev □ ted to deepening the faith: preaching retreats
and missions; animating r~newal centers, prayer groups
and groups dev □ ted to deepening their understanding of
the Dlristian v □ cati □ n; helping m □vements that promote
human devel □pment and apostolic involvementOC"caring far
places of pilgrimage, especially the □ ne at the H□ ly
Mountain;
- the administration of parishes;( .
the preaching
already r □□ ted
from it;
of the Gospel where the Church is not
or among social classes that àre estranged
the formation of those called to priestly and religious
life and assisting religious c □mmurities. (pp . 59- 60)
5 - 84 4 - 39 3 - 12 2 - 11 1 - 5
Activities par excellence:
1 - conversi on , return to God of those who have
forgotten him • • "if my pe □ple will not s ubmit ••• 11
2 - help gener □ us souls who unite themselves with Mary
t □ Christ crucified •• "Nomatter how much you pray
or do, you will never be able to recompense ••• "
Many have suggested dropping the Administration of parishes.
Or put, administration □ f parishes where necessity requires
it.
7.

Why not say , (!;he formation of youth J especially those called
to the priesthood and religious life ••••
Parishes and formati □n
Add chaplaincies in general .••
Why drop ecumenism?
are not in line with La Salette charism.
*************
34. Every Missionary o'f Dur Lady of La Salette , apostle of
Reconciliation, should:
deepen his understanding of sin and its consequences in the
life of individuals and society,
- work to eliminate the deep causes of people's alienation
and separation from God and others, e.g . , the loss of the
sense of God and of man; the rupture between a. life of
faith and commitment in the w□ rld; hatred;social injustice;
devote himself to making the sacrament □ f Rec □ ncilia"tion
a living encounter with the healing and saving Christ;
- choose to seek out, especially in parishes, those who are
no longer practicing in the Church and try to bring them
to participate once again in the life of the ecclesial
community . (pp . 61 - 77)
5 - 103 4 - 40 3 - 12 2 - 8 1 - 2
Begins too much on a negative note - sin - better to begin
with - deepen his understanding of redemption (the covenant
with God) and of sin .•• etc. in □ wn life, etc ••••
Bring in the idea of "healing" - work to heal the deep hurts
which cause people to be alienateci •.• the eliminate the deep
causes of people's alienati □ n = to heal the radical causes.
For the third □ne: Devote himself to helping people experience
reconciliation within themselves, with others
and with God, especially ttmugh the sacrament of Reconciliation,
a living enco~nter with the healing and saving
Christ.
In the fourth □ne: drop "especially to parishes" and simply
state: "choose to seek out those entirely indifferent to
their baptism and bring them to participate once again
in the 1 if~ of the Church ••• "
There is aéertain element that we should not forget=the cr □ gs.
8.

A suggested text: 0ur mission as Reconcilers demands that
we become more knowledgeable, insightful, competent and
skilled in whatever relates to making people aware of t heir
brokenness and alienation and helpi ng them experience
reconciliation within themselves, with others and with
God. (from Dossier - p. 17)
Instead of "apostle of reconciliation"
work of reconciliation ".
say
"called t o the
A number objected to singling out parishes in the last item.
Make clearer the two -aspects of reconciliation:
the socio-theological dimension / the sacramental dimension.
For the fourth: To create in our parishes groups or
Basic Christian communities, where everyone would be
welcome in view of living a more profound ecclesial life •••
,,.
•1
'
**************
35 . Furthermore, the Missionaries strive to:
- be available to all people since God has loved all,
- respect the culture and pe~sonality of the peo~le whan
they serve and attempt to integrate themsel ves with them
in arder to offerto Christ all the richness and value of
their culture;
- be open to the problems and difficulties of people in order
to help them find correct solutions. (pp. 78-80)
5 - 98 4 - 43 3 - 6 2 - 5 1 - 2
Instead of saying "correct solutions" say, "to help them
know of the Lord and his power to heal and help them find
solutions to Christian living" •• or "find solutions consonant
wi th the Good News of Christ."
Last point seems unnecessary.
Sound s like we should also respect andintegrate a
materialistic culture as well.
Make more active - more positive - use word "affirm" instead
of respect ••• Find the commentary more active than the
actual norm ••••
The text as it is gives the impression of a bit of "paternalism
". Evangelii Nuntiandi 18-20 reminds us that all this
should be done from the very midst of the culture or people
whom we are cornmitted t □ serve.
9.

A suggested text:
Furthermore, the missionary
- reaches out to all people so that the call and love
of God may be transmitted through him,
- respects the culture and personality of the people
He WISHES TO serve and etc •..
- rernains sensitive to their aspirations and helps them
find solutions to their difficulties .•.
*************
36. Personal and community prayer is an essential part of
the Congregation's apostolic activity. Each member brings before
the Lord in prayer the needs of the people he serves and finds
in prayer the strength and light he himself needs far his work.
(pp. 80-1)
5 - 132 4 - 24 3 - 8 2 - 2 l - O
Change "work " to ministry.
Some want to see mention of community support here - a
really sharing c □mmunity.
Brings to the Lord the needs of the people he serves and of
his brothers .
****************
37. Each Province, through its Chapters and Councils, will
determine its priorities that will guide their choice of apostolic
works; will establish the criteria far the acceptance
□ f new works; and will periodically evaluate its activities.
(pp. 81-2)
5- 117 4 - 37 3 - 12 2 - 2 1 - l
Something should be added concerning discernment in union
with the Holy Spirit and also "in keeping with the spirit
and charism of the La salette family •. • "
This norm could substitue or eliminate norm 33.
Better to saw "will establish its priorities
determine its criteria ••• 11
and
Within the orientations established by our Constitutions
the apostolic intent of the communitv~
Best to leave to each local community.
lU.

**************
38. All communities and their members seek mutual c □ llabo r ­
ation in their ap □ st □ lic activities. Whenever a number of communities
are working in the same area and the works undertaken
make it possible and desirable, the Superior s will try to
coordinate the efforts in arder to render thern apostolically
more effective. (pp. 82-83)
5 - 90 4 - 33 3 - 14 2 - 6 1 - 1
W h y "superi or" - al.l sounds tao much like big house li ving.
Replace "superior" by "the □ ne
similar.
responsible " ors □methin g
**************
39. When a Province accepts parishes, it will give preference
to those most in need . ._ These parishes will ordinarily be served
by several religi □ us. When this is not possible, Superi □ r s
will try to insure that the parishes are suffi ciently close t o
□ne another or t □ a community so that the religi □ us can come
together regularly far communi t\j meetings. (pp. 83-4)
5 - 102 4 - 32 3 - 13 2 - 9 1 - 3
:
Eliminate the words "or to a community" because these
members even if they are dispersed should come together
as a community in the broad sense of the term, at least.
We should come together far more than "community meetings".
It is a poor emphasis _far joint efforts. Cane· together
far mutual support, prayer, sharing, meetings, reflect i □n s,
Instead of saying When which makes it seem like the thing
that is normally done, i.t would be better to say "Should
a province accept parishes •••• "
Leave out "gives preference to" and si.rnply say, 11 when a
province accepts parishes it takes those most in need ••• 11
As is, seems to build the exceptior;into the rule •••
Dnit "when this is not possible ••.• 11 to the end.
Suggested text: When a Province wishes to accept the
pastoral care of parishes according to its established
priorities and determined criteria, it gives preference
to those most in need of our distinctive character and
in line with our specific mission. ·
In arder to insure canmunity life, parishes re-
11.
etc.

quìrìng the service of several religious, or those with
living quarters large enough to accommodate members
engaged in other ministries nearby,or parishes sufficiently
close to □ne another orto a community, are acceptable.
In our missions this seems an impossibility, i.e., to avoid
□ne man parishes in isolateci sectors. Ar~ we not"unconsciously"
destroying our missionary spirit?
*************
40. Members serving in parishes will bring a specific contribution
to the life of the l □ cal Church by living with great
fidelity their religious consecration, their community life and
the apostolic orientations of the Congregation.
They will also strive to promote an intense ecclesial life characterized
by:
- a serious c □mmitment to the cause of Reconciliation;
- a great openness to the needs of the Church,
especially concerning evangelization,\ vocations and
foreign missi □ ns,
- an authentic Marian dev □ tipn;
- an active participation of the laity in the life of
the parish community through different mi nistries and
councils. (pp . 84 - 85)
5 - 113 4 - 34 3 - 7 2 - 3 1 - O
Why add the word "foreign" with mission? The whole w□ rld,
Europe included, is a mission country today. Pueble has
reminded us of this.
Say just missions.
Put something abut striving to promote among the parishioners
marian devotion, especially to Our Lady of La Sale~te.
Needs a stronger emphasis on the laity here.
****************
41. When the Congregation assumes responsibility fora work
which depends on an Drdinary, care will be taken to draw up
with the diocese the contracts required by law. The same will
be done when a religious is put at the di~position of a work
that does n □ t depend on the C□ngregation. (pp. 85-6)
12.

5 - lll 4 - 31 3 - 10 2 - 2 1 - 3
It is not necessary to have this norm.
Each Provirce should have i ts own set of cri teria
for accepting a contract. Therefore, after "required by
law" add "and explici tated in the Provincial directory ••• 11
Use "subject to the authority of the ordinary", instead
of "depends on •••• "
Suggested text: When the Congregation assumes responsibility
fora work which depends upon the Drdinary of a diocese,
or when the Congregation does not assume responsibility
fora work to which a member is assigned, care will be
taken to draw up contracts required by law.
**************
42. Religious chosen for the missions must receive special
preparation. Having given their consent they are assigned by
the authorized major superiors, in agreement with the religious
superior of the mission region~ (p. 86)
5 - lll 4 - 32 3 - 6 2 - 6 1 - O
The idea and notion of volunteer should be brought back.
Feel this text concerning preparation should be inserted
elsewhere because it really applies to anyone entering any
apostolate.
New text suggested: Members, having volunteered and
been accepted for themissions, receive special preparation
(prior adequate preparation), given the adequate
knowledge of the Church's doctrine and missionarv
work as well as knowledge of the history, language
and religion of those among whom they must minister.
*****************
43. Following the directives of the Church, once the time is
ripe, our Congregation entrusts christian communties once
formed to the diocesan clergy, but as a sign of the consecrated
life, continues to maintain institutions and works proper to
the Congregati on. (pp. 87--8)
13.

5 - 103 4 -27 3 - 11 2 - 4 1 - 8
Sometimes entrust Christian communities to other religious
institutes, or evento the laity.
It would be better to drop the second part,about taking
care to leave signs of consecrated life ••• it strikes □ne
as pretenti □ us. What is important is to serve the People
of God.
Ideal ought to be the àìnination of parishes.
Reword the second phrase: However, as a sign and instrument
of the ministry of reconciliation, it continues to maintain
institutions and ministries proper to the Congregation.
Some criter for leaving parishes:
- when diocesan clergy want a parish back,
- when episcopal cooperation becomes impossible,
- when clustering of parish~s becomes impossible,
- when reduced numbers of available personnel farce
usto abandon a work, we leave the healthiest first -
those deemed most viable •••
*************
44. Since the Congregation as a whole is responsible for its
missions, it assures them of all possible collaboration and
help, It does so primarily through the provinces sponsoring
them. (pp. 88-891
5 - 110 4 40 3 - 11 2 - 3 1 - O
Perhaps would be good to mention the role of the
General Council - or the superior general.
****************
45. In order to answer particular pastoral needs, brothers may
be called to the diaconate actording to Church legislation.
(p. 89)
5 - 109 4 - 23 3 - 9 2 - 5 1 - 8
Creates a third category.
Indicate "permanent diaconate".
Present text is terrible - use:
14.
Needs more explanation •••
11
Brothers in our congrega-

gation who experience a call to the permanent diaconate
are encouraged to respond."
**************
46. The Missionaries seek the cooperation of the laity in
their apostolic work and provide them with the instruction and
spiritual support they might need. (p. 89)
5 - 109 4 - 29 3 9 2 - 4 1 - 1
The place of this number is meaningful ••. the apostolate
is conceived as clerical, whereas according to Vatican II,
the first apostolate is confided to the laity, and we are
with them at their service and support •• ••
"collaboration" rather than 11 8□□peration".
It is a mutual ministry- they draw f r011 us and we draw from
them.
This needs to be expanded and more emphasis given to the laity.
Seems to be tao weak -seek ~
it is an obligation.
Proposed text: The laity are drawn to join the Missionaries
in their important work , espeially by observing the
prayerful dedication and humble selflessness of their
leaders. We should always be available to them and
value their contirubtions of their zeal and time.
l
. ,
****************
General Remarks:
Need more emphasis on laity.
Some attention should be given to team ministry idea.
Wouldn't it be necessary to underline also in the
constitutional text that the apostolic activities should
give the opportunity to preserve a real community life?
The prophetic dimension of our apostolic life is missing
in the proposed texts. We are called to be prophetic,
not only in fulfilling our various ministries and services,
but also in the selection of those ministries. Granted that
the leadership of the Church has a role in the seletion,
our congregation is note merely passive or receptive as
"'~;i
15.

norms seem to imply .
Give attention to formation of ministerial community
among God's people - formation of lay ministry, sharing
of authority and life- style. Our apostolate criteria ought
to c □nsider the formation of these "basic communities" which
are servi ce communi ties. La Salettes ough·t to be on the
prophetic cutting edge, in whatever way the members discern
his gifts allow.
Value of preaching ministry for us as La Salettes in light
of this having been □ne of our first ministries.
Value of community in our apostolate.
The goal of the revision of the rule is to revise it in
fucntion of the Council texts. But certain of the new
texts come from a Preconciliar vision. Since Vatican II,
the Church is for the world. The priests are at the service
of the laypeople. Our apostolate cannot therefo~e, be
centered on the Church and on . the priests, but on the service
to the world and se~vice of the laity .
These general remark applies not only to these texts, bu
far others as well . It seems important to keep in mind
the overturning of the vision of the world and the Church
that was accomplished by Gaudium et Spes and in the visi □n
Laity-Priest in Lumen Gentium .
********************
Comments received to late to include in proper places.
C. N. 33 - Sane mention should be made of media communication/
preaching, i.e. Radio and TV . The words "retreats and
missions II might be exter:ided to include radio and ·rv.
General remark: It is hard to believe that in this 20th century, no
mention is made of preaching or carrying out our ministry ir the
Electronic media . In our vision of the future of the çt,urch 11 1ybe
we are not even envisioning how the Church is going to reach her
peoplel
16.

THE FOLLOWING ARE QUESTIONS AND SUGGESTIONS THAT THE
GENERAL COUNCIL OFFERS AS A RESULT OF IJS REFLECTIONS
ON THE CONSULTATION MATERIAL
************************* *
l . Paragraph one of the Constitutional Text:
We favor the suggestion that the text read, "Our Congregation
is called .... rather than "Our Congregation is meant to be .. •
2. Paragrapth two of the Constitutional Text:
We favor the suggestion of replacing the word God · with "FAther"
after "filial submission".
trans­
In the French text there is a redaction problem for
lating the word "awakening".
3. Paragraph Four of the Constitut ional Text:
Some of the comments made us aware that the proposed text
creates some confusion as to what is "mutually supporting"
what. The text wants to point out that prayer and apostolic
activity mutually support one another.
Also the idea of Christ's deep spirit of obedience is clearly
stated in the section on obedience. Therefore we suggest
changing that phrase a bitto highlight the role of the Holy
Spirit in our prayer and ministerial life that must be
connected to Go d's loving plan. We therefore suggest the
following rewording:
Aware that we must be disciples as well as opo&tles,
we make everv effort to live united with Christ, ond
like Him,we are quided by the Spirit In
fulfilling the Father's loving plon. Following Christ's
example, our lives consist of opostolic activity ond
prayer which mutually support and enrich one another in
our service to people for the Kingdom of God.
4. Paragraph Six of the Proposed Constitutional Text:
We favor the suggestion to try to make the paragraph less
passive, as is conveyed by the word "accept".
17.

We would therefore suggest that the paragraph read:
Responding to the needs of the universal and local Church
and to the signs of the times, we generously cornmit
ourselves to those apostolate}~which, thr ough prayer end
d i scernment, we believe Providence is calling us.
- We also willingly evaluate ... etc ....
5. Paragraph eight in the proposed Constitutional Text:
We would have no obje~tion to following the suggestion of
replacing Houtlined by the hierarchyH with simply Houtlined
by t he Church.H
Capitular Norms :
Norm. 33.
There are questions that could well be disc us sed here/
The question of
The question of
The Question of
taking parishes
ecumenical work
Chaplaincies in generai. -
We would favor adding chaplaincies since there definitely s e ems
to be a number of members involved in such work .
Could perhaps state:
- the administration of parishes and acc eptance of
chaplaincies.
Norm 34 .
We tavor the suggestion that the first goal be stated
more positively, but nevertheless maintaining the focus on
sin and its consequences since it is ot the bas e of reconci ­
liation.
A possible text:
- to deepen his understanding of our cal i ond covenant
with God ond of its violation through s i n and the
c onsequences in the life of individuals a nd society;
Norm 35:
WE favor the suggestion of
changing Hcorrect s olutionsH to
18 .

read "solutions consonant with the Good News of Christ."
Norm 36:
Here andina number of places, it has been s uggested that the
word "work" be changed to"ministry". We would agree with
this.
·Norm 39:
In the English text we favor changing the final phrase .
Instead of saying "come together regularl y for communi ty
meetings ." .... say, "come together regularly for
community gatherings." This expresses better the intention
of the norm - that is , the members come together regul arly v
either for prayer, social gathering, plon~ing, sharing, or
whatever. The term "communi ty meetings" in Engl ish is t oo
specific.
Norm 40 :
Two questions were raised by the consultation thot drew our
attention:
should we drop the term "foreign" when speaking of miss ions ?
are there other forms of participation by the laity beyond
councils and min.istries? could we add "different ministries,
councils and other activities"?
Norm 43:
.,
This norm, was ,originally in the section specifically for the
missions. Con it realistically be applied to non-mission
situations? Is it a goal that we would want to propose?
What would concretely be works specifically devoted to
our charism as on institution and also as religious?
Norm 45.
In view of one of the suggestions we would propose:
In arder to answer particular pastoral needs, brothers may
be called to the diaconate according to Church legislation.
Brothers who experience a call to the permanent diaconate
are therefore encouraged to respond.
19.

Norm 46:
In view of the desire trom many to give greater emphasis to
the laity, we would favor a rewording of the text along the
following lines :
The Missionaries always work in close colloboration
with the laity, willingly listening to t hem, sharing
responsibilities with them, being available for thei r
formation and assuring them of the spiritual support
they might need. ·
..,.
20.