GENERAL STATUTES 2015

SUORE MARISTE VIA AURELIA 292

00165 ROMA

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CONTENTS GENERAL STATUTES

Preamble 3

Vow of Poverty 5

Prayer Life 5

Community Life 6

Formation 7 Candidacy 7 Novitiate 7 Temporary and Perpetual Profession 9 On-going Formation 9

Government 10 General Chapter 10 Elections 11 The Superior General 12 The General Administration 13 Plenary General Council 16 Unit Chapter 17 Election of Unit Leader 19 The Unit Leader 20 The Unit Administration 21 Units 23 Other Structures 23 Transfers 23 Communities 24

Administration of Temporal Goods 25 The General Bursar 27

The Unit Bursar 27 The Community Bursar 29

CONSTITUTIONS Chapters 5, 6 and 7 31

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PREAMBLE

In the name of Mary,

we, the Marist Sisters, Women of the Word, rejoice in the richness of our cultural diversity

and recognise our ever-changing reality.

In order to Embrace Life to the full we choose structures which are simple, flexible and life-giving,

allowing for the fostering of leadership across the Congregation.

With three levels of governance we will continue to grow in interdependence for the sake of mission

in a spirit of service and collaboration.

Guardian of the spirit of the Congregation, the Superior General –

with the support of her Council and the General Bursar – serves the whole Congregation,

doing everything possible to foster unity and collaboration at every level.

(Consts 103)

Each Unit is organised according to local circumstances.

The Unit Leader has the appropriate authority to take up responsibility for its life and mission.

She collaborates with other Unit Leaders and nurtures the interdependence of the Unit

with the Congregation as a whole.

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The Congregation comprises thirteen Units who collaborate as follows:

Units of ASIA-PACIFIC Aotearoa-New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Philippines.

Units of EUR-AFRICA England, France, Ireland, Italy, West Africa.

Units of LATIN AMERICA Brazil and Mexico.

Units of NORTH AMERICA Canada and United States of America.

These General Statutes refer to the canonical governance structure where a Unit Leader and two Councillors comprise a leadership team. It is understood that not all thirteen Units of the Congregation will function in this way. In such cases the Unit Leader will have delegated authority as specified in the Unit’s Decree of Erection.

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VOW OF POVERTY (Consts Chapter II)

1. a) Before making First Profession, or when she receives goods, the Sister draws up a document, stating to whom she cedes the administration, use and enjoyment of her goods. A copy of the document will be kept in the Unit archives. This cession can be modified for a just reason with the permission of the Unit Leader.

b) With the permission of the Unit Leader, a Sister may transform her goods while retaining their capital value.

2. At least before Perpetual Profession the Sister makes a Will that is valid in the civil law of the country where her assets are held. The Unit Statutes indicate when the Will is to be made. She will send the original to the Unit Leader and keep a copy for herself. Wills can be modified for a just reason, with the permission of the Unit Leader.

PRAYER LIFE (Consts Chapter III)

3. Each community must arrange its programme of prayer in accordance with the Constitutions and Statutes. It is the personal responsibility of each Sister to be faithful to this programme and to one hour of personal prayer daily. Sisters will make an annual retreat of one week and, as far as possible, a monthly recollection.

4. a) Communities will study ways of deepening their knowledge and love of Mary and will joyfully celebrate her feasts.

b) Sisters will renew their consecration annually on the feast of the Holy Name of Mary, 12th September. Where this is not possible the Unit will choose another feast of Our Lady.

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c) They will honour St Joseph as a special protector of the Congregation.

5. Sisters will pray daily for the Congregation, for the Superior General and for all those in authority. They will be faithful to praying for the deceased Sisters and have Masses offered for them and for deceased parents and benefactors.

6. a) The principal anniversaries of the Congregation are:

– Promise of Fourvière 23 July (1816) – Decree of Praise 3 October (1864) – Pontifical Approbation 29 October (1884) – First Profession of Marist Sisters 6 September (1826) – Death of Jeanne-Marie Chavoin 30 June (1858) – Death of Jean Claude Colin 15 November (1875) – Feast of St Marcellin Champagnat 6 June (1840) – Martyrdom of St Peter Chanel 28 April (1841)

b) We celebrate important Marist Family Feasts:

– Patronal Feast of the Holy Name of Mary 12 September – Foundation Day of the Marist Brothers 2 January 1817 – Foundation of the Little Servants of Nazareth 15 March 1922 – First Profession of the Marist Fathers 24 September 1836 – Approbation of the SMSM as an Institute of Pontifical Right

30th December 1931

COMMUNITY LIFE (Consts Chapter IV)

7. The Unit Statutes must contain directives for the life of the communities. Each community must outline its programme for community and apostolic life.

8. Each community must arrange conditions to safeguard the privacy to which the Sisters have a right.

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9. Hospitality should be a notable characteristic of our way of life. In our relationship with others, we give special attention to our families.

10. The official dress of the Congregation will consist of a dress or suit in blue and/or white and the emblem of the Congregation.

FORMATION (Consts Chapter V)

11. The Guidelines for Initial Formation are promulgated by the Superior General and her Council. Under their authority they are revised regularly.

Candidacy

12. The person who wishes to be admitted to the candidacy must make her request in writing to the Unit Leader.

13. The Unit Leader decides where the candidacy is to be made, either in a community or outside.

14. During the candidacy, the candidate is under the direction of a Sister appointed by the Unit Leader with the consent of her Council.

Novitiate

15. All the norms required by Canon Law for the validity of the novitiate will be observed.

16. During the canonical period of the novitiate, the Superior General can allow the group of novices to reside for a certain period of time in another house of the Congregation or in another place designated for this purpose.

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17. As well as the canonical period, the novices normally have formative community and apostolic periods. The place, the duration and the norms governing these periods are determined, after consultation with the Directress of Novices, by the Leader of the novice’s Unit with the consent of her Council. In particular circumstances, the Unit Leader may admit to First Profession a novice who has not had formative community and apostolic periods.

18. During the canonical period of the novitiate, studies or duties which do not directly serve the formation of the novice must be excluded.

19. If the Directress of Novices needs an assistant or a substitute, she will be appointed by the Superior General with the consent of her Council.

20. The Unit Leader is to be kept informed about the progress of each novice from her Unit. At the end of the novitiate, the Directress of Novices must send a written report on each novice to the novice’s Unit Leader and to the Superior General.

21. A novice may not relinquish her goods, nor encumber them with obligations.

22. A novice is free at any time to leave the Congregation. If a novice is deemed unsuitable, the Unit Leader, with the advice of her Council, may dismiss her.

23. In a particular case, the Unit Leader, with the advice of her Council, may prolong the two-year novitiate period - but not beyond six months.

24. Admission to First Profession must be requested of the Unit Leader, in writing, by the novice.

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Temporary and Perpetual Profession

25. For the validity of each profession, it is necessary that:

a) the Sister making profession be admitted by the Unit Leader with the consent of her Council;

b) the commitment be made in full liberty;

c) the vows be expressed in formal terms; and that

d) the profession be received by the Superior General or by the Unit Leader or Community Leader, or by a Sister delegated by one of these three.

26. The Unit Leader will have a special concern for the Sisters in Temporary Profession and will give directives for their formation.

27. After Temporary or Perpetual Profession, the Sister concerned, the Sister receiving the vows and the two witnesses sign the official document.

28. For admission to Perpetual Profession, the Sister must make her request in writing to the Unit Leader three months before the date envisaged for this Profession.

On-going Formation

29. The norms concerning on-going formation for perpetually professed Sisters are to be indicated in the Unit Statutes.

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GOVERNMENT (Consts Chapter VI)

The General Chapter (Consts 96-100)

30. The General Chapter is to be convoked ordinarily every seven years by a circular letter from the Superior General. This letter of convocation, stating the place and date of the Chapter, must be sent out at least one year before the opening date.

31. The preparatory work of the General Chapter is to be undertaken by a Pre-Chapter Commission. This Commission is composed of the Superior General and her Council and members named by the Plenary General Council.

32. The Pre-Chapter Commission:

a) studies matters that concern the greater good of the Congregation and the findings of the Unit Chapters/ Assemblies;

b) examines the wishes and suggestions submitted to the General Chapter by the Unit Chapters, communities and by individual Sisters;

c) formulates the procedures to be followed at the General Chapter;

d) prepares for submission to the Chapter, provisional lists of members for the Chapter Commissions;

e) proposes to the Superior General those to be invited as consultors or observers; and

f) foresees the provision of interpreters and assistant secretaries.

33. The Superior General may invite Sisters as consultors or observers to the General Chapter. They participate fully in the work of the Chapter but do not have the right to vote.

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34. The Superior General whose term of office is finishing, or, in her absence, the Assistant General, presides over the Chapter.

35. a) The Chapter will begin with at least two days of spiritual preparation and will be conducted in an atmosphere of prayer and discernment.

b) At the first assembly of the Chapter, the election of delegates and, if necessary, of substitutes, is verified.

c) Official secretaries and scrutineers are elected by an absolute majority.

d) The reports of the Superior General and of the General Bursar are presented to the Chapter and examined; the Unit Leaders’ reports are made available to the Chapter.

36. During the Chapter, the Superior General has authority in matters concerning the ordinary government of the Congregation.

Elections (Consts 101)

37. The right to elect belongs to the members of the Chapter present. If, however, one of the electors present in the house is unable to be present in the Chapter Hall because of illness, the scrutineers must go to collect her written vote.

38. The scrutineers count the votes and check whether the number of votes corresponds with the number of electors present. If the number of votes is greater than the number of electors, the ballot is invalid and must be taken again. The majority required for the election is calculated on the number of Chapter members present at the Chapter. An absolute majority is more than half the number of electors.

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39. The election of the Superior General will be presided over by the member of the Chapter who is the oldest by profession.

40. If the Superior General who has been elected is not present, she will be summoned immediately. No important decision will be made until the newly-elected Superior General is present.

41. The Chapter determines the date on which the Superior General and General Councillors will take up office.

42. A vote must be taken to close the Chapter as soon as its work is completed. The Chapter members are to sign the Acts of the Chapter.

43. It is the newly elected Superior General who promulgates the decrees of the General Chapter and decides the date of their promulgation. Once promulgated, they are binding on all and remain in force unless they are modified or revoked by a succeeding Chapter.

The Superior General (Consts 102-104)

44. The Superior General must make at least one official visit to all parts of the Congregation. During the visit she will meet with the Unit Leadership. At the conclusion of her visit to the Unit, she will report to the Unit Leader.

45. The Superior General has the right to confirm, modify or abrogate decisions made by her predecessors or by other Superiors.

46. For particular reasons and according to common law and the Constitutions, the Superior General may delegate part of her authority.

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General Administration (Consts 105-110)

47. The General Administration is composed of the Superior General, the General Councillors, the General Secretary and the General Bursar.

48. The General Councillors may not undertake work incompatible with their role as Councillor. They will endeavour to keep up to date with the evolution taking place in the Units and to contribute to maintaining unity within the Congregation.

49. The General Secretary may be one of the Councillors but not the Assistant. The Superior General will determine her task and, if necessary, an assistant secretary may be appointed.

50. The General Bursar may not be chosen from among the General Councillors. She is appointed by the Superior General with the consent of the Plenary General Council. (See also GS 56)

51. The General Councillors and the General Bursar do not have an active and passive voice in their Units.

52. The Superior General must convoke her Council regularly. For a quorum, there must be at least three members present, including the president.

The consent of the Council is necessary to decide the following matters:

a) the establishment, modification or suppression of a Unit, and structures of administration other than those specified in the Constitutions; (Const.113)

b) the canonical erection of a house, with the written permission of the Bishop; the closing of a house, after consultation with the Bishop; change of a work, with the permission of the Bishop;

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c) the erection of a novitiate or the designation of other houses in which the canonical period can be made and the appointment of Novice Directress and novitiate formation team after consultation with Unit Leader/s;

d) the transfer of the Generalate;

e) the convocation of an extraordinary General Chapter;

f) the granting of an Indult of Exclaustration to a perpetually professed Sister for a period not exceeding three years;

g) the granting of an Indult of Secularisation to a temporarily professed Sister;

h) the re-admission to the Congregation of a novice who had completed her novitiate or of a Sister who had made profession;

i) the manner of probation for a Sister who transfers from another Congregation;

j) the appointment of the Secretary General;

k) the replacement of a General Councillor incapable of fulfilling her task;

l) the appointment, where necessary, of Unit Leadership, following a process of consultation among all the Sisters of the Unit;

m) the replacement, following consultation, of a Unit Leader incapable of fulfilling her task;

n) the authority to be delegated to Leaders of entities which depend on the General Administration;

o) the prolongation of the term of office of a Community Leader for more than six consecutive years in the same house;

p) the approbation of Unit Statutes;

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q) the choice of the fourth member of the Council for a case of dismissal;

r) the approval of the financial report of the General Bursar to the General Chapter, and of the annual financial report on the General Fund and the Marist Solidarity Fund;

s) the contributions of the Units to the General Fund, after consultation with the Plenary General Council;

t) a request to the Units for an extraordinary contribution;

u) the amount to be contributed each year from the General Fund to the Marist Solidarity Fund;

v) the distribution of subsidies from the Marist Solidarity Fund;

w) the financial capacity of Unit Leaders which depend on the General Administration, after consultation with the Plenary General Council;

x) the permission for extraordinary administration which exceeds the financial capacity of Unit Leaders and leaders of entities which depend on the General Administration;

y) the selling or mortgaging of property; lending money or giving away valuable objects outside the Congregation; accepting gifts with onerous conditions; and

z) all other matters for which common or particular law requires the consent of the Council, and all those which require the authorisation of the Holy See.

53. The advice of the Council is necessary to decide the following matters:

a) after consulting the Sisters of the Unit, the names on the short list from which the Unit Leader will be elected;

b) the transfer of a Sister from one Unit to another;

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c) the transmission to the Holy See of a perpetually professed Sister’s request for an Indult of Secularisation;

d) permission for a perpetually professed Sister to renounce her patrimonial goods; and

e) the nomination of the members of the Congregational Finance Committee.

54. For all matters involving finance, the General Bursar will be invited to attend in a consultative capacity.

Plenary General Council (Consts 111)

55. The Plenary General Council is composed of the General Administration and Unit Leaders.

56. The Superior General, with the consent of the Plenary General Council, appoints the General Bursar.

57. The Superior General asks the advice of the Plenary General Council for the following matters:

a) the amount of the contributions from the Units to the General Fund;

b) the amount of the financial capacity of Units;

c) matters pertaining to the foundation of Congregational missionary communities whose members are drawn from different Units; and

d) preparation of the General Chapter.

58. The Plenary General Council meeting preceding the General Chapter will determine representation at the General Chapter.

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Unit Chapter (Consts 114-118)

59. Following the convocation of the General Chapter, a Unit Chapter is to be convoked by the Unit Leader in a circular letter stating the place and date of the Chapter.

60. The preparatory work of the Unit Chapter is undertaken by a Pre-Chapter Commission, set up in accordance with the norms of the Unit Statutes.

61. The number of elected delegates is indicated in the Unit Statutes.

The manner of electing the delegates to the Unit Chapter is according to the norms laid down in the Unit Statutes. For this election, all perpetually professed Sisters have an active and passive voice; those with temporary vows have an active voice only after three years of profession.

The Unit Leader may invite Sisters as consultors or observers to the Unit Chapter. They participate fully in the work of the Chapter, but do not have the right to vote.

Units may ask permission for alternative forms of Unit Chapter. This request must be submitted for approbation to the Superior General with the consent of her Council.

62. The Unit Leader, or in her absence, the Assistant Unit Leader, presides over the Chapter.

63. The Chapter is preceded by a suitable time of spiritual preparation.

64. At the first assembly of the Chapter, the election of delegates and, if necessary, of substitutes, is verified. Official secretaries and scrutineers are elected by an absolute majority.

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65. The Chapter deals with the affairs of the Unit, gives orientations and studies the following:

a) the reports of the Unit Leader and of the Unit Bursar;

b) the wishes and suggestions submitted by the Pre-Chapter Commission, communities and by Sisters;

c) the means of renewing religious apostolic life;

d) the question of recruitment and formation;

e) the state of the communities, the development of apostolic activities and their adaptation to the needs of the Church and of the world;

f) the financial state of the Unit; and

g) propositions to be made to the General Chapter.

The Unit Statutes are reviewed. Any modifications require a two-thirds majority vote.

66. In accordance with the norms of the Unit Statutes, the election of delegates to the General Chapter takes place towards the end of the Unit Chapter. They are elected by an absolute majority. Immediately afterwards, in like manner, substitutes are to be elected to replace any delegates prevented from going to the General Chapter. The absolute majority is calculated on the number of electors present at the Chapter.

67. The findings and propositions of the Unit Chapter are to be forwarded to the Pre-Chapter Commission of the General Chapter.

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Election of the Unit Leader

68. Following the consultation of the Sisters by the Superior General, the Unit Leader is elected by the Sisters of the Unit from a short list. The Superior General confirms the election. The mandate of the Unit Leader is three years and she may be re-elected for a second consecutive term of office.

69. If, after consultation of the Sisters whose names are on the short list, it is impossible to return to the Unit a minimum of two names for the election process, the Superior General will inform the Sisters of the Unit and will consult them again before deciding how to proceed. It may be necessary for the Superior General, with the consent of her council, to appoint the Unit Leader.

70. In particular circumstances, following consultation of the Sisters by the Superior General, a Unit may request either an election without a short list or an appointment.

71. When a Unit Leader is to be elected during an Assembly of the Unit, a letter indicating the time and place of the Assembly is sent out by the Unit Leader whose term of office is due to finish. Two-thirds of the electors must be present if the election is to be valid. Electors unable to attend may vote by mail on the first ballot.

72. In an Assembly of the Unit, the election of the Unit Leader is to take place in an atmosphere of prayer and discernment.

73. When the election is by mail, the Unit Leader will designate a day on which each community will come together to pray and discern before voting. Each Sister will put her ballot paper in an envelope and seal it. The Community Leader will forward the ballot papers to the Unit Leader. Two-thirds of the ballot papers must be returned for the election to be valid.

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74. Whichever method of election is used, it is required, on the first ballot, that the candidate receive an absolute majority of the valid votes cast. The same majority is required on the second ballot. If a third ballot is necessary, electors may vote for only one of the two candidates who received the most votes on the second ballot. In the case of parity, the Sister who is senior by profession is elected. In the case of parity of profession, the senior by age.

75. In an election in an Assembly or by mail, the counting of the votes is done by the Unit Leader or her delegate, with the help of two scrutineers.

The Unit Leader (Consts 119-123)

76. Following the General Chapter,

a) the Unit Leader with Delegates to the Chapter will determine the best means of transmitting to the Unit the decisions and orientations of the General Chapter and of bringing the Unit Statutes into line with the General legislation;

b) the Unit Statutes are submitted to the Superior General for approval;

c) the Unit Statutes, decrees and decisions will be promulgated as soon as possible by the Unit Leader.

77. The Unit Leader makes the canonical visitation of the Unit once a year and other visits as appropriate. The aim of the canonical visit will be to stimulate the spiritual and apostolic life of the communities. She must examine the material circumstances of the communities and their economic situation.

78. The Unit Leader must keep the Superior General informed about the state of the Unit. She must submit to the Superior General matters which are reserved to her and her Council.

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The Unit Administration (Consts 124-127)

79. The Unit Leader must convoke her Council regularly. For a quorum, the Unit Leader and two Councillors must be present. The consent of the Council is required to decide the following:

a) the appointment of Community Leaders and, if necessary, Assistants;

b) the appointment of the Unit Bursar and Community Bursars;

c) the appointment of Sisters with responsibility for those in Temporary Profession and Sisters with responsibilities for candidates;

d) the admission of novices to First Profession and the admission of Sisters to each renewal of vows;

e) all that pertains to apostolic periods during the novitiate;

f) the reduction in the time of temporary profession to fewer than six years or its extension beyond six years;

g) the request for a Sister, at the expiration of her temporary profession, to leave the Congregation;

h) the call of Sisters to Perpetual Profession;

i) permission for a Sister to live outside community for a period of not more than a year;

j) the financial capacity of Community Leaders;

k) the authorisation of Community Leaders and Community Bursars to carry out acts of extraordinary administration which exceed the financial capacity of the Community Leader;

l) the authorisation of the Unit Bursar to carry out acts of extraordinary administration, within the financial capacity of the Unit Leader;

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m) the approval of the Unit annual financial statement and budget, and the financial statements and budgets of the Communities;

n) an additional contribution from the Unit’s surplus money to the Marist Solidarity Fund;

o) the approval of the Unit Bursar’s report prior to the Unit Chapter; and

p) all other cases prescribed by Canon Law, the Constitutions and Statutes and not listed above.

80. The advice of the Unit Council is required to decide the following:

a) after consulting the Sisters of the Unit, the drawing up of the shortlist from which the Unit Councillors will be elected;

b) the admission of a pre-candidate to the candidacy;

c) the admission of a candidate to the novitiate;

d) the prolongation of the two year novitiate for a period of not more than six months;

e) the dismissal of a novice deemed unsuitable;

f) the time and norms regarding preparation for First and Perpetual Profession; and

g) the transfer of a Sister from one Unit to another.

For all matters involving finance, the Unit Leader will ask the Unit Bursar to attend in a consultative capacity.

81. With her Council, the Unit Leader prepares matters to be discussed with the Plenary General Council.

82. The Unit Leader appoints a Unit Secretary, where necessary, with the consent of her Council and decides the length of her mandate. The Unit Leader will determine her task.

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83. In accordance with the norms of the Unit Statutes, the Unit Bursar is appointed for three years by the Unit Leader with the consent of her Council. The Unit Bursar must be perpetually professed. Normally she is not a Unit Councillor. She may be re-appointed.

Units

84. A Unit may be established wherever there is a grouping of Sisters engaged in mission. (GS 52 a. and Consts 113) In the sense of Canon 634, a Unit, as a canonical juridical person, has the right to acquire, possess, administer and alienate goods. (Consts 136)

Other Structures

85. In particular circumstances, the Superior General, with the consent of her Council, may establish structures of administration other than those in the Constitutions and determine their authority.

Transfers

86. The transfer, permanent or temporary, of a Sister from one Unit to another, requires the consent of the Sister, of the Unit Leaders concerned and of the Superior General with the advice of their respective Councils.

87. A Sister who is temporarily transferred from one Unit to another:

a) is accountable to the Leader of the Unit to which she is transferred;

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b) is free to choose in which Unit she wishes to exercise voting rights and to answer consultations. She will put her decision in writing. If she wishes to change this decision, she will also put it in writing.

Communities

88. The permission of the Superior General with the consent of her Council is required, if a Community Leader is to continue in office for longer than six consecutive years in the same house.

89. The Community Leader has an assistant who will replace her when she is absent or is, for any reason, unable to fulfil her office. The method of election or appointment of the assistant is to be determined by the Unit Statutes.

90. Each community proposes to the Unit Leader the composition of the council. The method of election or appointment of the councillors and their competence is to be determined by the Unit Statutes.

91. A Sister living temporarily in another community is responsible to the Community Leader in all that pertains to the daily life of the community.

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ADMINISTRATION OF TEMPORAL GOODS

(Consts Chapter VII)

92. Bursars administer the goods of the Congregation under the direction of the competent Superior. A major Superior may not be a Bursar.

93. The financial capacity is the amount which a Superior may authorise to be spent on extraordinary administration. It is fixed:

a) for Community Leaders according to the norms of the Unit Statutes;

b) for Unit Leaders, by the Superior General with the consent of her Council, after consultation with the Plenary General Council.

94. Extraordinary administration includes buying and selling immovable goods, borrowing large sums of money, erecting new buildings or carrying out extraordinary repairs.

95. The written permission of the higher competent Superior, with the consent of her Council, is required when extraordinary administration exceeds the financial capacity of the immediate Superior.

96. The written permission of the Superior General, with the consent of her Council, is required for selling or mortgaging property belonging to the patrimony of the Congregation, lending money or giving away valuable objects outside the Congregation, accepting gifts with onerous conditions. Each time Canon Law requires it, permission must also be obtained from the Holy See. The Congregation is not allowed to act as surety or to receive deposits.

97. The Congregation has a Marist Solidarity Fund which is formed from:

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a) the amount contributed annually from the General Fund, as decided by the Superior General with the consent of her Council;

b) annual contributions from the Units, based on a percentage of ordinary income as decided by the General Chapter. If necessary, between Chapters the Plenary General Council may make modifications;

c) further contributions from surplus money, or loans, as decided by the Unit Leader with the consent of her Council;

d) gifts received for the missions.

98. This Fund is used for:

a) expenses of novitiate formation of our Sisters;

b) the development of new missions;

c) expenses of Sisters working in these areas e.g. travel to home Unit, health insurance, on-going formation;

d) development projects and emergencies in poorer countries;

e) sharing within the Congregation when the need arises;

f) situations which meet the criteria for a Grant allocation. (See

Marist Solidarity Grant Application Form)

99. The Superior General, with the advice of her Council, will appoint a finance committee, in accordance with Canon 1280.

100. Bursars will draw up a provisional budget for the coming year and will try to keep expenses within its limits. The Community Bursar will send a copy to the Unit Bursar. The Unit Bursar will send a copy of the Unit Budget to the General Bursar. The Congregation and Units should avoid excess profit and the accumulation of possessions.

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The General Bursar

101. The General Bursar takes care of the assets of the Congregation under the direction of the Superior General and gives regular reports to her and her Council. She administers the General Fund and the Marist Solidarity Fund.

102. Each year the General Bursar prepares the financial report of the General Fund and the Marist Solidarity Fund and submits it for approval to the Superior General with the consent of her Council. Whenever requested, she gives an account to the Superior General and her Council.

103. Each year the General Bursar examines the financial reports of the Units of the Congregation and submits them to the Superior General and her Council. The General Bursar transmits any necessary recommendations to the Unit Administrations.

104. The General Bursar gives support and guidance to the Unit Bursars in carrying out their administrative functions. She may be sent by the Superior General to visit the Units of the Congregation to ascertain their economic situation and/or to give assistance where needed.

105. At the time of the General Chapter, the General Bursar must present a financial report on the state of the Congregation. This report will have been approved previously by the Superior General, with the consent of her Council, and signed by the Superior General and the Councillors.

The Unit Bursar

106. The Unit Bursar takes care of the assets of the Unit under the direction of the Unit Leader, and gives regular reports to her and her Council. She attends Unit Finance meetings in a consultative capacity. She administers the Unit Funds and helps the local Bursars in carrying out their ministry of stewardship.

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107. Each Unit must make its contribution to the General Fund, the amount being fixed by the General Chapter. If necessary, between Chapters the Plenary General Council may make modifications. (GS 57 a) The Superior General, with the consent of her Council, can, in exceptional cases, ask the Units for an extraordinary contribution.

108. Within her financial capacity, the Unit Leader with the consent of her Council, may authorise the Unit Bursar to carry out acts of extraordinary administration. If these exceed the financial capacity of the Unit Leader, permission must be sought from the Superior General with the consent of her Council.

109. Each year the Unit Bursar prepares the financial statement and Budget of the Unit. After approval by the Unit Leader, with the consent of her Council, she sends one copy to the General Bursar. Whenever requested, the Unit Bursar gives an account of her administration to the Unit Leader and her Council.

110. At the time of the Unit Chapter, she must prepare a financial report on the Unit. This report is to be approved previously by the Unit Leader with the consent of her Council and signed by the Unit Leader and the Councillors.

111. The Unit Bursar has active voice and, when this is not in conflict with her role, passive voice.

112. The Unit Bursar administers dowries, patrimonies and keeps the Sisters’ Wills. She transfers the contribution of the Unit to the General Fund and the Marist Solidarity Fund. (GS 97 b)

113. Each year, the Unit Bursar will examine the financial reports and budgets of the houses and submit them to the Unit Leader and her Council for approval.

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The Community Bursar

114. Under the direction of the Community Leader, the Community Bursar takes care of the assets of the house, current income and expenditure and ordinary repairs.

115. Each community must make its contribution to the Unit fund, according to Unit Statutes.

116. Bursars are to calculate depreciation on all buildings, equipment and furniture according to the norms in use in each country and following the directives of the Unit Statutes.

117. Whoever administers goods must give a report of her administration to the competent authority according to the norms of the Unit Statutes.

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Marist Sisters

The CONSTITUTIONS Chapters 5, 6 and 7

in the light of our current Governance Structure

Via Aurelia 292, Roma April 2015

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CHAPTER V

FORMATION Introduction

55. God calls us to a life of intimate union with Christ, to share in his mission and to live out our consecration within a particular religious institute, the Congregation of Mary.

God himself takes the initiative in forming us in the image of his Son through the action of the Holy Spirit: ‘Behold, like clay in the potter's hand so are you in my hand.’

Jer 18:16

56. Having heard God's call, we fully and freely make our response, convinced that each one of us is primarily responsible for her own formation.

We must actively co-operate with God's grace and use all the means put at our disposal to help us throughout the different stages of our Marist life: pre-novitiate, novitiate, first profession, perpetual profession, on-going formation.

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57. Sisters responsible for the various stages of formation, must be perpetually professed and carefully prepared for their office.

The directress of novices must be at least five years perpetually professed and freed from any duties incompatible with carrying out her task. The superior general with the consent of her Council appoints the novice directress and novitiate team.

Sisters responsible for other stages of formation are appointed by the unit leader with the consent of her council.

Where the unit leader does not have a council the appointment is made by the superior general with the consent of her council.

58. These sisters must seek to live in intimate union with God, to have total confidence in Mary, and a deep attachment to the Congregation and its spirit.

Their task is to co-operate humbly with the work of the Holy Spirit and, while respecting personal development, to strive to help each one to respond generously to the gift of vocation.

Pre-novitiate

59. The person who seeks admission must have: a sincere desire to give herself to God, sufficient spiritual and human maturity

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to respond generously and freely to her vocation, the physical and psychological health necessary to fulfil the obligations of an active apostolic Congregation, and must satisfy all canonical requirements.

It is the unit leader with the advice of her council who admits to the pre-novitiate. Where the unit leader does not have a council, such permission is given by the superior general with advice of her council. The time varies according to the individual but ordinarily should not last longer than two years.

60. The aim of the pre-novitiate is: to enable the candidate to deepen her faith, her prayer life and the sense of her Christian vocation, to ascertain whether God is calling her to the religious life and to acquire some knowledge of the Marist religious life.

61. The candidate will be in regular contact with a sister responsible for her and with one or several Marist communities. She will follow a biblically-based programme to further reflection on vocation and will have guidance available to foster human and spiritual growth.

62. Those who guide the candidate help her to discern God's will. They try to evaluate her suitability for religious life in our Congregation, and whether she is gradually making the choices that correspond to her call.

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63. Having taken advice from those who have guided the candidate

during the pre-novitiate the unit leader, with the advice of her council, decides whether or not to admit her to the novitiate. Where the unit leader does not have a council, such permission is given by the superior general with advice of her council.

The Novitiate

64. The novitiate is the time when the novice is formally initiated into a new way of life - the Marist religious life.

65. This initiation will be realised through following a programme which emphasizes the vital importance of personal and community prayer and of the liturgy. The novice will be helped to develop an intimate relationship with Christ, to taste God in prayer, to share her prayer with others and to become more aware of Mary's influence in her life.

66. The novice will gradually discover the meaning of religious consecration through the practice of the evangelical counsels, through the experience of community living, and of the apostolate.

From the start, she will strive to integrate prayer and action.

67. The programme will make provision for the study of Scripture and theology and for solid grounding in the doctrines of the faith.

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It will include times for retreats and for apostolic and formative experience, to enable the novice to grow in spiritual and human maturity.

68. The study of the Constitutions and the documents of the Church will help the novice to discover the mission of the Congregation within the Church.

To increase her attachment to the Congregation, she will be introduced to its history and to the life of the Founders. She will endeavour to make its spirit and the values of Marist religious life her own.

69. For validity, the novitiate must include a canonical period of twelve

months, in conformity with the prescriptions of Canon Law and the norms of the general statutes. The canonical period must be made in a house legitimately designated for the purpose by the superior general with the consent of her council. During this period, absences from the novitiate house of more than three months, continuous or broken, render the novitiate invalid. Any absence of more than fifteen days must be made good.

70. The time spent in apostolic and formative experiences is added to the

twelve months of the canonical period. The total length of the novitiate must not exceed two years. During the whole of this time, the directress of novices has the overall responsibility for each novice.

71. Admission to first profession rests with the unit leader, after

consultation with the directress of novices, and with the consent of the council. Where the unit leader does not have a council this admission will lie with the superior general with the consent of her council.

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The time and norms governing the preparation for first profession are determined by the unit leader with the advice of her council, and must include a spiritual retreat. Where the unit leader does not have a council, this is decided by the superior general.

First Profession

72. The novice to be admitted to first profession must be at least twenty

years of age. She must have the intention of giving herself entirely to God, and must have given signs during the novitiate of her ability to live the vows, in a Marist religious community.

73. The following is the formula for religious profession:

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

In your hands, Sister ...(holding the place of Sr ...), superior general, I, Sister ..., on this day, (date), for ... (time) give myself to God by the profession of the three vows of chastity, poverty and obedience in the Congregation of Mary (Marist Sisters) according to the Constitutions of this Congregation. (At perpetual profession add `in the heart of which I wish to live and die’).

With Mary, our Mother, as guide, I desire to remain faithful to my calling to follow Christ, by living the Gospel as Mary did, in this Congregation which bears her name.

The sister may add an introduction and/or conclusion to this formula, these additions to be approved by the unit leader.

74. The period of temporary profession is a time lived in community, during which the sister deepens her commitment to Christ, furthers her understanding of Marist religious life and participates in its apostolate. If necessary, she also continues her professional training.

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75. The period of temporary profession lasts for six years. At first

profession, the vows are made for one, two or three, years, according to the norms of the unit statutes. They may be renewed for one, two or three years until perpetual profession.

For good reasons, the unit leader, with the consent of her council, may reduce the period of temporary profession but not to fewer than three years; or may extend it, but not to more than nine years.

Admission to each renewal of vows rests with the unit leader with the consent of her council.

The sister in temporary profession is guided by those responsible for this stage of formation.

After three years of profession, a sister has an active voice in the elections in the province.

At the expiration of her temporary profession, a sister is free to leave the Congregation. She may also be asked to leave, by the unit leader, acting with the consent of her council.

Where the unit leader does not have a council, the above decisions rest with the superior general with the consent of her council.

76. The sister asks to be admitted to perpetual profession. Admission rests

with the unit leader with the consent of her council. Where the unit leader does not have a council, the decision rests with the superior general with the consent of her council.

The period of immediate preparation for perpetual profession is of the greatest importance and must include a spiritual retreat.

The time and norms governing the preparation are determined by the unit leader with the advice of her council. Where the unit leader does not have a council, the decision rests with the superior general with the advice of her council.

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Perpetual Profession

77. By perpetual profession the sister publicly and definitively, by the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience, re-affirms her determination to follow Christ, by giving herself to God forever, in the Congregation, according to the Constitutions.

78. She thus renews her commitment to live out fully her baptismal consecration, witnesses to the primacy of the love of God and neighbour in her life, and undertakes to contribute unreservedly to the vitality and mission of the Congregation in the Church.

79. The Sister now has all the rights and obligations of a perpetually professed member of the Congregation, which accepts the responsibilities inherent in such membership.

On-going Formation

80. Fidelity to the grace of vocation, joy and perseverance in the apostolate, demand that daily conversion to which Christ calls each of us and which requires courage, humility and faith.

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81. Thus we must be ready, at both personal and community level, to make use of the opportunities offered us by the Unit, the Congregation and the Church, to foster continuous spiritual and human renewal. Whatever our age or our activities, we have always something to learn, something to receive from and to share with others.

82. One of the aims of this on-going formation will be to try to understand more fully Mary's place in the mystery of Christ and of the Church, in the thought of our Founders, in the tradition of our Congregation, and in our own lives.

83. By showing real appreciation for our religious vocation, by persevering in prayer, asking the Lord to send workers into his harvest, we may hope to awaken in others the desire to follow Christ in the religious life.

Separation

84. The superior general with the consent of her council can, for a grave

reason, grant an Indult of Exclaustration to a perpetually professed sister, for a period not exceeding three years. The rules of Canon Law are to be observed.

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85. Dispensation from perpetual vows is a very serious matter for both the

sister and the Congregation. A sister, who, having taken advice, believes before God that, for a very grave reason, she must leave the Congregation, will ask for the necessary dispensation. The superior general will forward this petition to the Holy See, together with her opinion and that of her council.

86. The superior general, with the consent of her council, can grant a

dispensation to a sister in temporary profession, before the expiration of her vows, if for grave reasons 1. the sister asks to leave the Congregation; 2. the unit leader, with the consent of her council, asks her to leave. Where the unit leader does not have a council, she refers the matter to the superior general.

87. The right to re-admit a sister who has lawfully left the Congregation

after the completion of her novitiate or after profession, rests with the superior general with the consent of her council. Prior to temporary profession, an appropriate period of probation will be determined by the superior general. Temporary profession will be made for at least three years before making perpetual profession.

88. The norms of Canon Law will be followed in the case of a sister asking

to transfer to or from another Congregation. In the latter case, before making perpetual profession according to our Constitutions, three years’ probation is required. The manner of this probation will be determined by the superior general with the consent of her council.

89. If, for grave reasons, it is necessary to dismiss a perpetually professed

sister, the superior general and her council will proceed in a collegial manner. For validity, the council must comprise four members. If there are only three councillors, the bursar general or a unit leader of a unit other than the one to which the sister belongs, will be co-opted. The choice of the fourth member rests with the superior general with the consent of her council. The procedure outlined in Canon Law will be followed. This holds for the dismissal of a sister in temporary vows also.

90. If a sister leaves the Congregation or is dismissed, she cannot make a

claim for money on behalf of her work or of services rendered. Her dowry and patrimonial goods will be returned to her.

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CHAPTER VI

GOVERNMENT Introduction (GS Preamble) 91. As Marists,

we recognise Mary as first and perpetual superior of the Congregation.

Those called to exercise authority must be convinced that their task is to further Christ's redemptive plans as understood and lived by Mary.

They will seek to make her role real and active in the government of the Congregation.

92. The service of religious authority has its source in God, through the ministry of the Church.

In fulfilling their role, superiors will strive to imitate Mary, in her gentleness, her respect for persons and in her attentiveness to all.

Sensitive to the inspirations and suggestions of the sisters, they will do all in their power to foster unity.

On both the human and spiritual levels they will encourage the efforts of each sister to live out her Marist vocation and to accomplish the mission confided to her.

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93. All sisters have a responsibility for the Congregation, and share to some extent in decision making, though all do not exercise authority.

This participation requires the sharing of information, effective collaboration and the willingness, when necessary, to sacrifice personal preferences in order to give priority to the common good.

94. There are three levels of government within the Congregation - general, unit and local.

At each level, superiors are fully responsible for the decisions which are within their competence, according to common law, the Constitutions and Statutes. Higher superiors must respect the authority which pertains to the different levels. They will intervene only when necessary.

Collaboration between the different levels presupposes openness, trust, mutual respect and real communication.

95. The Congregation

is divided into units, established by the superior general with the consent of her council. Unit leaders who do not have a council have appropriate authority delegated to them as indicated in a Decree of Erection.

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GENERAL LEVEL The General Chapter

96. The general chapter is an assembly which represents the whole Congregation. All the sisters participate in its preparation. The chapter is the highest normative authority within the Congregation while in session.

97. The main goal of the general chapter is to preserve and foster the spiritual patrimony of the Congregation. It examines carefully what the Lord expects of us, by taking into account the directives of the Church, the developments in contemporary society and the aspirations of the unit chapters.

It calls us to conversion and renewal and decides on the means best suited to bring this about in accordance with our spirit.

98. The general chapter fulfils functions of primary importance: it elects the superior general and the general councillors; it gives directives and issues decrees; it revises the general statutes and, if necessary, the Constitutions.

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Any modifications to either the Constitutions or the general statutes require a two-third majority vote. Any change in the Constitutions requires the approbation of the Holy See, to which also belongs their authentic interpretation.

99. The general chapter is convoked every seven years by the superior

general. If the office of superior general becomes vacant, the assistant general convokes as soon as possible a general chapter to be held within six months. For serious reasons, the superior general, with the consent of her council, may call an extraordinary general chapter.

100. The general chapter is composed of members by right of office and

members elected according to the norms of the general statutes.

The number of elected members must exceed the number of members by right.

Members by right of office are: the superior general, the general councillors and the general bursar, leaders of units who have councils, and other leaders of units according to their Decree of Erection.

The superior general, or, in her absence, the assistant general, is president of the chapter.

101. The general chapter elects the superior general for a period of seven

years non-renewable. She must be at least ten years perpetually professed.

She is elected by an absolute majority. This majority is calculated on the number of members present at the chapter. If however, the absolute majority is not reached after four ballots, a fifth and final ballot is taken, between the two candidates with the highest number of votes in the fourth ballot. In the case of parity, the senior by profession is retained and in the case of parity of profession, the senior by age. For this last ballot, these two candidates abstain from voting. The sister with the highest number of votes is elected. In the case of parity, the senior by profession is deemed elected. In the case of parity of profession, the senior by age.

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If, for serious reasons, the superior general, outside the time of general chapter, wishes to resign, she will present a motivated request to the Holy See and await its reply.

Only the Holy See can remove the superior general from office.

The Superior General

102. The superior general has authority over the whole Congregation, its units, communities and sisters, in conformity with the Constitutions and Statutes.

She will guide the Congregation in accordance with its own particular spirit, and work to promote its spiritual and apostolic vitality.

103. Guardian of the spirit of the Congregation, she will try to understand and live it ever more fully and to encourage its growth in others. Its centre of unity, she will do everything possible to foster unity and collaboration at every level.

104. In her role as leader, the superior general will initiate programmes and give directives. She will make an official visit of each of the units at least once during her term of office.

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Responsible for the general well-being, she will be attentive to persons and situations and support the efforts of all in a spirit of fidelity to the Church and the Founders.

The General Administration

105. There are at least three general councillors who form the permanent council of the superior general. They must be at least ten years perpetually professed. The councillors collaborate with the superior general in serving the Congregation. They fulfil their function in conformity with the Constitutions and Statutes and the directives of the general chapter.

106. They are elected by the general chapter for seven years and may be re-

elected for a second consecutive term of office.

The chapter will decide the number of general councillors to be elected. Each councillor will be elected separately, using the same procedure as that used for the superior general, the only difference being that, after three inconclusive ballots, a fourth and last ballot will be taken.

If a councillor ceases to fulfil her office, or is unable to do so through illness or any other cause, another councillor will be appointed by the superior general with the consent of her council. Her term of office will end at the following general chapter.

107. The assistant general will be chosen by the superior general from among

the general councillors. She replaces the superior general if the latter, for any reason, ceases to fulfil her office, or is unable to do so, through illness, absence or for any other cause.

108. The superior general appoints the secretary general with the consent of

her council and decides the length of her mandate. The secretary general is secretary of the general council and of the Congregation.

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109. The general bursar is appointed by the superior general with the

consent of the plenary general council, for a period of seven years. Her mandate may be extended for one, two or three years. She must be perpetually professed.

The general bursar administers the temporal goods of the Congregation under the direction of the superior general and gives regular reports to her and her council.

Permanent General Council

110. The superior general seeks the consent or advice of her council, in all cases prescribed by Canon Law, the Constitutions and Statutes. Whenever financial matters are discussed the general bursar is present in a consultative capacity.

Plenary General Council (GS 55-58)

111. At least twice in the interval between general chapters, the superior general convokes the plenary general council, which is composed of the general administration and the unit leaders.

The role of the plenary general council is to foster unity in the Congregation, to study in greater depth the directives given by the general chapter and other matters of importance or of general interest to the Congregation.

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UNIT LEVEL

112. A unit is a group of communities under the responsibility of the unit leader. For its establishment, there must be sufficient Sisters, houses and resources to ensure a stable administration, the possibility of development and the efficient accomplishment of apostolic works.

Some units may have a leader with delegated authority.

113. The establishment, modification or suppression of a unit belongs to the

superior general with the consent of her council, after consultation with the sisters concerned.

The Unit Chapter (GS 59-67)

114. The unit chapter represents the whole unit. It strengthens collaboration and unity by the active participation of all the sisters in its preparation.

115. The unit chapter is composed of members by right of office and members

elected according to the norms of the unit statutes.

The number of elected members must exceed the number of members by right.

Members by right of office are: the unit leader and the unit councillors.

The unit bursar and the directress of novices may be members by the right of office according to the norms of the unit statutes.

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116. The chapter is an opportunity for reflection and the exchange of ideas, for the spiritual and apostolic good of the unit, as a unit, and also in its relationships with the Congregation and with the Church.

117. It is convoked every seven years in order to prepare for the general chapter and to elect delegates.

It formulates policy, issues decrees and may propose new unit statutes or modifications to existing ones.

118. Unit decrees and statutes must be approved by the superior general with the consent of her council.

The Unit Leader (GS 76-78)

119. The unit leader has authority over her unit, its communities and sisters. She gives each sister her mission and appoints her to a particular community.

120. The unit leader has the responsibility for developing the apostolic religious life of her unit. She does this in a spirit of fidelity to the Church, the constitutions and Statutes, the directives of the chapters and of the superior general.

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121. She visits the communities regularly and maintains frequent contact with the sisters of the unit, in order to encourage them and involve them in its life and works.

She is the ordinary link between the sisters in her unit, the superior general and the other units.

122. a. Before the election of the unit leader, the superior general will carry out

a consultation among all the sisters of the unit. Each sister will be invited to submit up to three names.

b. The superior general, with the advice of her council, will send back at least three names, and from this short list the unit leader will be elected, by:

1. A chapter of election composed of members by right of office and elected members, as for a unit chapter, or

2. By an assembly of the whole unit, or 3. By mail, if an assembly is not possible.

The general statutes will give the norms for this election. Unit statutes will indicate the method to be used.

123. The unit leader is elected for three years and may be re-elected for a

second consecutive term of office. She must be at least ten years perpetually professed. Her election must be confirmed by the superior general.

The Unit Administration (GS 79-83) 124. There are at least two unit councillors who must be

perpetually professed.

The councillors collaborate with the unit leader, help her to discern the needs of the unit and the directives to be given.

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According to the norms of the unit statutes, they are to be elected for a period of three years and may be re-elected.

125. The assistant is chosen by the unit leader from among the councillors.

She replaces the unit leader if the latter, for any reason, ceases to hold office, through sickness, absence or for any other cause.

126. The unit bursar administers the goods of the unit under the direction of

the unit leader and gives regular reports to her and her council.

The bursar is appointed according to the norms of the general and unit statutes. She must be perpetually professed.

The Unit Council

127. The unit leader seeks the consent or advice of her council, in all cases prescribed by Canon Law, the Constitutions and Statutes.

Whenever financial matters are discussed, the unit bursar is present in a consultative capacity.

Units (GS 84)

128. The establishment, modification or suppression of a unit belongs to the superior general with the consent of her council, after consultation with the Sisters concerned.

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LOCAL LEVEL

129. The written permission of the bishop of the diocese, and of the superior

general, with the consent of her council, are required to establish a house canonically.

For the closing of a house, it is necessary, after consultation with the bishop, to have the permission of the superior general, with the consent of her council.

Community Leader

130. Each community has a community leader. She has authority over her community and encourages the sisters to reflect regularly, in the light of the Gospel, the Constitutions and Statutes, on their manner of living their consecrated apostolic life.

131. She will try to create an atmosphere where the sisters may freely express themselves in the common search for the will of God.

This atmosphere will also help each one to accept whatever decisions are reached and for which the community leader is finally responsible.

132. The community leader also has a role with regard to each sister.

Carefully considering the aspirations of individual sisters, she will do her best to facilitate the growth of the whole person while respecting the common good.

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133. The community leader is appointed by the unit leader with the consent

of her council, after consulting the sisters. She is appointed for three years and may be re-appointed according to the norms of the general and unit statutes. She must be at least one year perpetually professed. Where the unit leader does not have a council, the above appointment rests with the superior general with the consent of her council after consulting the unit leader.

Local Administration

134. Each community has a local council, according to the norms of the general

and unit statutes. Each community has a local bursar. As far as possible, she will not be the community leader.

135. The local bursar administers the goods of the community under the

direction of the community leader.

She is appointed by the unit leader with the consent of her council, according to the norms of the unit statutes. Where the unit leader does not have a council, the appointment is made by the superior general with the consent of her council after consulting the unit leader.

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CHAPTER VII

ADMINISTRATION OF TEMPORAL GOODS

136. The Congregation, and units have the right to acquire, possess, administer and alienate goods.

The norms of Canon Law, of the general and unit statutes must be followed in administration.

137. The administration of goods is confided to bursars, who are responsible to leaders and their councils.

Bursars will regard their task as a service to the Congregation and its apostolic activities.

138. The assets of the units do not belong to them exclusively.

The general and unit statutes give norms for the sharing of goods within the Congregation.

139. The spirit of sharing will go further than this. It will encompass the needs of the poor and of the Church and must be effective at all levels.

According to our means, and as permitted in our legislation, we will try to imitate the generosity of our Foundress, who, in spite of the poverty of her community, found ways of helping others.

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Binding force of the Constitutions and Statutes

140. The Constitutions and Statutes do not in themselves bind under pain of

sin. By their profession, the sisters commit themselves to live out their religious consecration in accordance with the Constitutions and Statutes and recognise the right of superiors to require their obedience in all that pertains to life in the Congregation.