DOMINICAN LAITY INTER-PROVINCIAL COUNCIL MEETING

ROSARYVILLE RETREAT HOUSE

PONTCHATOULA, LA

APRIL 3 – APRIL 6, 2014

MEMBERS ATTENDING

Southern Province

Fr. John Lydon, O.P. Religious PromoterCOL Jo Ann Cotterman, O.P. Provincial PresidentMs. Cindy Martinez, O.P. Delegate

Ms. Donna Woods, O.P. Recording Secretary

Ms, Sandy Sanchez Recording Secretary

Central Province

Father Gerald Stookey, O.P. Religious PromoterMr. Joseph Komadina, O.P. Provincial President

Ms. Sharon Huizenga, O.P. Delegate

Western ProvinceMr. Anthony Galati, O.P. Provincial President

Eastern Province

Ms. Marianne Jablonski , O.P. Provincial Council President

Ms. Kathleen Desrosiers, O.P. Delegate

Canadian Province

No representatives present

International Council of Lay Dominican Fraternities

Mr. Gary Sims, O.P. Representative,North America

Mr., Lazaro Gomez Gutierrez, O.P. Provincial President, Province de SantiagoICLDF Representative, Latin America

International

Fr. Rui Lopes, O.P. Promoter General of the Dominican Laity

DAY ONE–THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2014

Prior to the dinner, the delegates gathered in the Chapel for Evening Prayer.

Session Leader: Col Jo Ann Cotterman, O.P., USA. Ret.

The meeting opened with a prayer

WELCOME -INTRODUCTIONS – PACKET OVERVIEW

Jo Ann welcomed the delegates to the Southern Province and to the DLIPC meeting. She gave a brief explanation about Rosaryville and the fact that it is Holy Ground because the recently declared blessed Spanish Civil War martyrs lived at Rosaryville. Rosaryville was the site of the Studiuum for the Province of the Holy Rosary in Spain until all the friars were recalled to Spain in 1939. She informed the delegates that there is a booklet about Rosaryville and the rules in your room. The delegates introduced themselves. She reviewed the meeting packet with the delegates.

Review of 2012 DLIPC Meeting Minutes

See attachment A – 2012 DLIPC Minutes

See attachment B – DLIPC Guidelines

Ms. Jablonski stated that their meeting was held at the Dominican House of Studies.

At the 2012 DLIPC meeting, the role of the DLIPC was defined and guidelines were developed:

Definiton of DLIPC and its roles:

• Discuss issues/concerns of mutual interest, e.g., initial/continuing formation; changes in community life/membership; internet presence; challenges in New Evangelization

• Where possible make recommendations addressing issues/concerns of mutual interest to the provinces.

• Identify resources/opportunities to support each others provinces/chapters (e.g., shared internet sites; e-newsletters; formation materials).

• Select the NA delegate to the ICDLF

• Is a representative of one of the five NA provinces.

• Life promises.

• Serves one 3-year term

• Attends ICLDF meetings at ICDLF expense.

• Describes ICDLF recommendations/actions to DLIPC.

• Attends DLIPC meetings at home province expense.

• Provides for ongoing communication between the ICDLF and DLIPC

• Fairly represents the interests/positions of the DLIPC and ICDLF and reverse.

• Takes provincial assessments from provincial representatives to ICDLF.

• Attends DLIPC meetings at home province expense.

• Provides for ongoing communication with ICDLF and DLIPC members.

• Recommendations/position papers/documents will not be forwarded as a position of the DLIPC without unanimous agreement of all Provincial representatives of the DLIPC. This includes request for NA response to questions/issues posed by the ICDLF.

Provincial Report, Eastern Province

Ms. Marianne Jablonski, O.P., Provincial President

Under demographics we have 19 states in the Eastern Province and we go from Maine to Virginia over to Kentucky up to Ohio. Compared to the rest of the North American country, we are the smallest geographically, yet we are the largest per capita. The Laity, in our province, have been in existence for 150 years. We have 62 chapters and 5 formative groups. We used to call these groups provisional chapters, we checked with Rome and no one else had provisional chapters so we do not have them anymore. We are re-doing our directory and we are calling them formative groups. They will be mentored by members of a chapter and will undergo formation and will be guided by the chapter and their promises will be received until they are able to petition and become a chapter. Membership: we have 1,033 active members, which mean you attend monthly meetings regularly, you participate in chapter, region and provincial apostolate and you don’t sit and do nothing. You must be in to something!

Inactive members are life promised members whose life circumstances or their aging process incapacitates or prohibit them from participating in chapter life. What we have done, when possible, we have paired inactive members with particular chapters, and we have asked them to be the prayer warriors. They are still connected within the community, they are still acknowledged as being a brotheror sister and they are active in their prayer life. At the end of the meeting they are given all the prayer intentions. We have 1,082 life-promised members, of that 67 are inactive and 15 have been grandfathered in as private members.

We have 224 temporary promised members 70 postulants and 7 dispensations. They have been released from their promises. Most of them asked to be released; they feel God is calling them to something else. The biggest problem with the membership in our region is the age factor, the bulk of our members are old. That is not an uncommon problem. I believe it is going to take at least 1.5 generations to really see the full effectiveness. We are moving forward, but it is very difficult. We have recommended a process with advancement to a full chapter status, the full chapter of the formative group petitions the lay provincial council they perform a due diligence they make their recommendations to the prior-provincial who in turn decides whether or not to recommend it to the local ordinary. This past year 5 out of 7 of our groups were approved by the local ordinaries. A new one in New England, 2 in the Virginia area, 1 in Ohio and 1 in Northeast Pennsylvania. The lay councilmakes a recommendation to the prior provincial, he then writes a letter requesting it to the local ordinary, the local ordinary makes his decision notifies the prior-provincial of the election they in turn notify us and we notify the chapters.

We have had issues in which the council has had to intervene. I am very proud of my executive team and the regional leadership teams in their mentoring and intervention.

There was a discussion concerning the selection of the Provincial Promoter of the Laity. Fr. Stookey stated that at the 2008 International Congress in Argentina that there were so many agenda items and not enough time to address them all. He recommended that the DLIPC be more pro-active and submit the names of 3 friars that you trust. It was suggested that Lay Provincial Councils could do the same

procedure for the Provincial Promoter of the Laity.

Motion: to accept the DLIPC Guidelines as drafted.Motion by: Mr. Tony Galanti, O.P.Seconded by: COL Jo Ann Cotterman, OP, USA, Ret.Motion passed unaminiously.

The evening meeting concluded with Night Prayer in the Chapel.

DAY TWO – SESSION 1- FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2014

The session began with Morning Prayer in the Chapel before breakfast.

SESSION LEADER: Mr. Gary Sims, O.P.

WELCOME TO THE SOUTHERN PROVINCE

Very Reverend Christopher T. Eggleton, O.P., Prior Provincial

Welcome to the Southern Province

Very Reverend Eggleton welcomed all the delegates to the Province of Saint Martin de Porres. He shared his experiences working with the Lay Dominicans. He blessed our work as we began the DLIPC meeting.

PROMOTER OF THE LAITY REPORT/REMARKS

Very Reverend Rui Lopes, O.P. Promoter General of the Laity

Fr. Rui is 63 years old. He made his first profession in1981 and was ordained as a Priest in 1984. he began by bringing us greetings from the Master of the Order. He is the Promoter of the Province – military… started last September 4, 2014. Ideas for Dominican Laity imported theme: Joel 3:1 – Holy Spirit sent.

Slide show –

first Christian community accepted Holy Spirit and good news into hearts proclaim to and help us think about this gift, that we, all of us in the order receive a call.

St. Dominic, our father (slide w/Dominic) is important to remember we are family of preachers with same vocation just used in different ways. Lay vocations are important as other branches we are complimentary, no one person is more important in the order.

First question of the Master is if he believes the Dominican Laity is as important as rest of the order with same mission. Common vocation (Vatican II quote)… explain slide with hour glass and percentage each group relatesto..48 minutes laity.

Difference between the Order and the Family – the order consists of the Friars, the nuns and the Laity…. The Family consists of the Apostolic Sisters, the International Dominican Volunteers, DVUSA, Dominican Associates, and Dominican Young Adult Groups.

Letter from the Master 2014

In Dominican life all are involved in preaching - be attentive to all groups in family - all involved in our mission.

There are Secular institutes of Order in France.

After Bogotá July 2013, new group of order make promise – other groups not so strong – confraternity of Rosary– Dominican family need them, they can be lay Dominicans.

Associates = persons who work with Sisters and support the Sisters Apostolic Mission.

Holy Name Society = persons of Dominican origin sponsored some accepter by Provincial – some not. They have their own Promoter as does Rosary Confraternity.

Our common vocation: Study, Prayer, Community and Mission --- need to support mission! Common but different in style.

Preach from our experiences of life: family work social problems

Damien Burkes’ letter states, “Cooperation of the family to preach prophetic preaching not property of clerics only.”

Examples of Lay Preaching in our Dominican history: 1 Martyrs – in England 2. Sister /woman – French revolution

Ideas for preaching: 1. Peace - like Catherine 2. Justice -

a. Swedish Dominicans b. Old Rosanna c. Pier Giorgio d. Giraldi e. Martin de Porres - Preaching of Laity in Christ

Volunteerism = preaching , our lady of mercy… love more important.

MA prison Dominican Laity Chapter picture

Preaching common for all on Order… we must share.

Letter from the Master -- all Laity vocation in church reflects women in church.

Other groups – Dominican Young Adult Movement / International Council … assembly of groups need a link: USA - Okinawa - Africa - Venezuela - Portugal - Brazil (look up link). We need a link to help them to accept other groups for support and to develop formation.

Their gifts: Affirmation in Dominican charism in formation in faith history of Order helps young people to see difference and help them know our Mission. In Brazil, a young group and fraternity work together to restore monastery.

Last chapter asked us – want to strengthen mission, help regional suitors help new groups to grow where they work….. mission, formation, communication between groups for members to volunteers for year, work together via website - look up website for International Dominican Young adults.

Jubilee of Order; Jubilee website - linked to all provinces - Jubilee Presentation - Jubilee Prayers should be done at least weekly.

The morning session concluded with Mass in the Chapel.

DAY TWO – SESSION 2- FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2014

SESSION LEADER: Ms. Cindy Martinez, O.P.

ICLDF Report

See Attachment B: 2013 ICLDF Report

See Attachment: 2014 ICLDF Report (Power Point)

Mr. Sims stated that the International Congress is held every 10 years. The next one will be in 2018In his Power Presentation report he reviewed the 2008 International Congress Argentina 2007 meeting report. The Commissions’ recommendations for issues that were discussed at the Congress were sent the Master of the Order.

There was discussion of appointment of Religious Assistants who were not Dominicans. fr. Rui suggested that we ask our Promoters for assistance in finding Religious Assistants for our Chapter and Groups. The process for appeal for a person who has been dismissed from a Chapter or Group l must be in the following order: Chapter, Lay Provincial Council and then the Master. 2014 Euro conversion rates for the ICLDF dues were given.

It is recommended that the member of the ICLDF be able to speak at least 2 different French, Spanish, and English. English is the preferred language at the meetings. and/or Volunteer translators. Volunteer translators may be at the meeting.

To enhance communication with ICDLF and international provincial promoter, it is recommended that Provincial reports to be submitted at least 3 weeks prior to the meeting to allow for review.

Report from Province of Saint Martin de Porres

COL Jo Ann Cotterman, O. P. – Provincial President, Southern Province

See attachment: Southern Provincial Report (Power Point)

Discussion:

Province of Holy Name of Jesus Report

Mr. Tony Galati, O. P. – Provincial President, Western Province

See attachment: Western Provincial Report (Power Point)

Our Chapter was founded in 1894. Newsletter can be viewed on our website www.dominicanwest.org/newsletter. Its name is “Truth be Told” edited by Mark Gros with a circulation of about750 persons. It is put out every 2 months.

Amendments to statutes have caused us to re-write our directory.

There are 20 active chapters in the Western Province. 1. Alaska has a Chapter but there is none in Hawaii, as far as we know. 2. A vital chapter in Washington (state) with the love of Jesus Christ and people are coming from everywhere. It has caused a growth problem – good problem to have! 3. Gary’s chapter is on its 2nd and 3rd generation in their chapter. 4. Idaho has a chapter with no friars present. Because of this the Friar connects with Skype. Father Vincent Sirpa and father Vincent Cal are our promoters. 5. Salt Lake Center at the Newman center.6. California has 11chapters – some are involved in prison ministry and, 7. Arizona has 4 active Chapters.

In total we have calculated approximately 350 active members (slightly more). Unfortunately we have no Vietnamese or their vicariates. We think language is the main problem. Marianne stated they had a Vietnamese who had the rubrics translated so that he can do the ceremony in his own language.

The bulk of inquiries are for 2 active Dominican parishes so there is also concern for the Carmelite vocation because it seems to read easier.

Submit reports early for review – standardize template to set-up for report.

Recommendations for DLIPC Actions: 1. Final action on the DLIPC Guidelines developed at the last meetings. The western province LPC voted to approve the guidelines as presented. The DLIPC should finalize adoption of the Guidelines.2. The western province Executive Committee will meet in June, prior to the annual LPC meeting. It will consider the request for topics/issues to address/include in the next International Congress (currently planned for 2017). All provinces are encouraged to develop similar recommendations to send to the North American representative to the ICDLF, since we will not meet before the next ICDLF meeting. 3. Pending outcome of the ICDLF meeting in July 2014, the DLIPC consider including the individual provincial recommendations for discussion in the next DLIPC meeting to determine if there should be a consolidated North American regional recommendation(s).

Motion: – To accept DLIPC guidelines as amended with discussion.

Motion: Mr. Gary Sims, O.P.Second: COL Jo Ann Cotterman, O.P.Motion passed unanimously

Motion: – Submit ICLDF Agenda recommendations and Provincial reports/agendas for ICLDF meeting for review at least 3 weeks prior to meeting. Create a Standardized template for report with 3 items of success and/or problems.

Motion: Mr. Gary Sims, O.P.Second: COL Jo Ann Cotterman, O.P.Motion passed unanimously

Dominican Volunteers USA Presentation

Mr. Michael Chapuran, Executive President DVUSA

Dominican Volunteers USA (DVUSA) was formed December 22, 2000, the same day the Dominicanorder was founded). Mr. Chapuran asked for your support. We pay the volunteers $ 20.00 per monthtotaling $240 per year. We need assistance with their expenses. He suggested we go back to yourperspective Chapters and ask your members if they would think about adopting a volunteer for the year.This would greatly help our budget.

However if you are unable to adopt a volunteer, we have a donor who is willing to donate $ 20,000 if we can be matched. So please ask your Chapter if they can donate whatever amount possible between now and the end of July 2015, in order to meet the matching funds.

Thank you for your time and generosity!

The session concluded with Evening Prayer in the Chapel before dinner.

DAY TWO – SESSION 3 -FRIDAY APRIL 3 , 2014

SESSION LEADER: Mr. Joseph Komadina, O.P.

Province of Saint Albert Report

Ms. Sharon Huizenga, O. P. – Delegate, Central Province

See Attachment C : Central Province Report

13 chapters 4 pro-chapters and 5 groups (debate of pro-chapter terminology) challenges for future: Hoping to attract new persons at the college level – students, faculty, advisors…. Have a concern about having a large Vietnamese chapter who speaks no English which it difficult to communicate with them. One person in this chapter is trying to learn the English.

Discussion Agenda:

Name for DLIPCStandardization of Disciplinary Issues, especially for life promised members not living in

accordance with Catholic teachings and the norms of the OrderDeacons as Lay DominicansReligious Assistant (Proper Terminology?)

1.) Name for DLIPC: ICLDF requested that DLIPC be changed to North America Council of Lay Fraternities to be in alignment with the Region on the ICLDF. It was decide the members did not wish to change our name.

2.) Standardization of Disciplinary Issues, especially for life promised members not living in accordance with Catholic teachings and the norms of the Order: Dismissal – try to

work with person who doesn’t fit into out Dominican life or see if transfer is necessary. Council is having a problem weeding out person with questionable backgrounds since events do not usually occur until some vows have been taken. It was suggested that 4 ½ years of study is required, but we don’t want to make “hurdles” to extreme, discernment made to be scrutinized.

3.) Deacons as Lay Dominicans: A question was raised if deacons should be member of the Dominican Priestly Fraternity since they are ordained. fr. Rui stated that the Congregation for the Institutes of Consecrated Life stated that:

“approves the declaration to Regula Fraternitatium Sancti Dominic (Rule of the Lay Fraternities of Saint Dominic) with consent of the Prior Provincial.”

4.) Religious Assistant (Proper Terminology?): Religious Assistants have stated that they are uncomfortable with the title Religious Assistant. The question was to be referred to the ICLDF as an agenda item for 2018 International Congress.

Question: Members of the Province would like to take a religious name. In Central Province, it is prohibited. We should rejoice to be lay members of the Church and the Order. During the discussion, DLIPC members said that the practice of taking religious name is optional but the namecan not to be used publicly.). This policy has not be been written but should be in the statutes/directory.

There was a discussion concerning Lay Dominicans wearing habits to meetings. It was stated that our habit is the scapular. Action plan to be submitted by Mr. Joseph Komadina, O.P.

There was a discussion that the Provincial Reports could be sent to DLIPC members before the meeting. Members could read them ahead of time. Any questions or discussion about the reports could be ask at the meeting.

Motion: Make the Provincial Reports a part of a Consent Agenda.

Motion: Mr. Joe Komadina, O.P.Second: COL Jo Ann Cotterman, O.P.Motion passed unanimously

2015 DLIPC

Central Province will host in St. Louis, MO in the fall of 2015.

Promoter of the Laity and Provincial Promoters Meeting

Very Reverend Rui Lopes, O.P., Promoter General of the Laity

All of the promoters went into Executive Session.

The session concluded with Night Prayer in the Chapel .

DAY THREE – SESSION 1 –SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2014

The session began with Morning Prayer in the Chapel before Breakfast.

SESSION LEADER: Ms. Marianne Jablonski. O.P.

2014 Year of the Dominican Laity Congress

Mr. Bruce Trigo, O. P. – Congress Chair

Theme: Joel 3:1 Dare To Dream; Dare To Preach

Mr. Bruce Trigo, O.P., presented a Power Point describing the events at the 2014 Year of the Dominicanlaity Congress which is being sponsored by the Province of saint Martin de Porres. The dates for the Dominican Congress will be Thursday August 7, 2014 – Saturday August 9, 2014. At the Marriot DFW.The hotel is llocated by DFW Airport. Courtesy van is available at the hotel. A brochure/flyer will be developed and sent via email to all in the province. Reservations should be made at least 2 weeks in advance (July 15, 2014 deadline).

It is our intention to create a Congress program in order to raise money to off-set our costs. We invite you to consider placing an ad in this program. Thank you.

Motion: DLIPC members will promote the “Year of the Laity Congress” to be hosted by the SouthernDominican Province in their individual Provinces.

Motion :

Motion: COL Jo Ann Cotterman, O.P.

Second: Ms. Sharon Huizenga O.P.

Motion passed with one abstention (Western Province will be conducting their LPC andwill be unable to attend the congress.)

Fr. Rui wants to ask the Master of the Order. The Southern Province should inform andinvite the Bishop of Dallas.

Discussion Agenda:

Formation for Military Members (Online, Skype, etc.):

After much discussion, it’s agreed that many active military persons have expressed their interest in becoming members of the Dominican Laity. The best solution given is that they work with whatever Chapter is available to them (due to military transfers) for their Formation process. This could also be done through SKYPE, especially since the person may be overseas on assignment.

All Provinces would work together for these persons who so diligently put their lives on the line for our freedomeveryday.

Formation of a True Dominican Collaboration for the mission of the Order Inter-provincial

Bookstore

After discussing the options available, it was felt that, since the Eastern Province has an established bookstore, using the Eastern Province would be the option. No decisions were made on how the other Provinces could assist with the bookstore.

DAY THREE – SESSION 2 – SUNDAY, APRIL 6, 2014

SESSION LEADER: Mr. Tony Galati, O.P.

Discussion Agenda:

Reception of the Report from the International Board of the Dominican FamilyReception of English version of the ACTA of General ChaptersImprove communication between Regional, Provincial, Inter-Provincial and ICLDFVietnamese Vicariate

Reception of the Report from the International Board of the Dominican Family

Fr. Rui would check on this report.

Reception of English version of the ACTA of General Chapters

There was a discussion of how to receive an English translation of ACTA of general and how soon it is available after the General Chapter. Usually, the English translation is available through your Provincial Office. They are available on www.op.org when they have been translated.

Improve communication between Regional, Provincial, DLIPC and ICLDF

There was a discussion of ways to provide more timely information Regional areas in a Province, at theProvincial level, the DLIPC and ICLDF. It was suggested that a report from ICLDF representative aftermeeting would be very helpful. If the Provincial reports and agenda items were submitted to the ICLDFrepresentative more later 3 weeks before the ICLDF meeting, there would be time for ICLDF representative to review the reports and agenda items and ask any clarifying necessary.

The session ended with the departure to New Orleans for a tour of Saint Louis

Cathedral, Vigil Mass, and Dinner hosted at Antoine’s Restaurant

DAY FOUR – SESSION 1 – SUNDAY, APRIL 6, 2014

The day began with Morning Prayer in the Chapel

SESSION LEADER: COL Jo Ann Cotterman, O.P., USA, Ret.

Report form Province de Santiago

Mr. Lazaro Gomez Gutierrez, O. P. – Provincial President, Province de Santiago

Discussion Agenda: Should Mexico belonging to the North America Dominican Region?

It was agreed that although Mexico is in the Province of North America, of which the Friars of Mexico are activemembers. However, the Dominican Laity of Mexico prefer, for many reasons, to belong to the Central American Region. They feel more aligned to the Central America and South America Regions. Therefore, they would prefer to a member of Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico (CARMEXCA) Council.

Mr. Gomez Gutierrez, O.P., asked that we, the DLIPC members, assist his Lay Dominicans, once they have crossed the border, to find new Chapters/Groups in the United States, especially on the border of Texas. It was discussed that there is a need for the development of a communication tool for sending information between Provinces as well as to the Province de Santiago.

The meeting concluded with Mass before lunch and departure of DLIPC members.

MOTIONS APPROVED AT 2014 MEETING:

Motion: – To accept DLIPC guidelines as amended with discussion.

Motion: Mr.Tony Galanti, O.P.Second: COL Jo Ann Cotterman, O.P.Motion passed unanimously

Motion: – Submit Provincial reports/agendas for ICLDF meeting for review at least 3 weeks prior to meeting. Create a Standardized template for report with 3 items of success and/or problems.

Motion: Mr. Gary Sims, O.P.Second: COL Jo Ann Cotterman, O.P.Motion passed unanimously

Motion: DLIPC promotes a “Year of the Laity Congress” to be hosted by the Southern Dominican Province. Motion: COL Jo Ann Cotterman, O.P.

Second: Ms. Sharon Huizenga O.P.

Motion passed with one abstention ( Western Province will be conducting their LPC andwill be unable to attend the congress.

Motion: Make the Provincial Reports a part of a Consent Agenda. Motion: Mr. Joseph Komadina, O.P.Second: COL Jo Ann Cotterman, O.P.Motion passed unanimously

Motion: DLIPC promotes a “Year of the Laity Congress” to be hosted by the Southern Dominican Province.

Province of Saint Dominic

See attachment E: Canadian Province 2014 DLIPC Report

The Canadian Province was unable to attend the 2014 DLIPC meeting. Their 2014 CanadianProvince DLIPC Report is found in the Attachment Section.

Respectfully submitted by:Ms. Donna Woods, O.P.Mrs. Sandy Sanchez