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Congregationof

Holy Cross

July 4–24, 2010

Rome

Proceedings of the

General Chapter

2010

Congregation of Holy Cross

July 4–24, 2010

Rome

Contents

Introductory Letter from Rev. Richard V. Warner, C.S.C., Superior General .............................................................. iv

List of Delegates ..........................................................................vii

Governance .................................................................................... 1

Religious Life, Vocations and Formation ................................. 25

Mission .......................................................................................... 37

Finance .......................................................................................... 53

Index ............................................................................................. 63

iv

My Brothers in Holy Cross,

I am pleased to send you the Proceedings of the 2010 General Chapter, which took place in Rome from July 4 to July 24, 2010. The delay in getting this important document to you was due, at least in part, to a happy fault, since we have all been so fully engaged in the blessed and joyful events surrounding the canonization of our first Holy Cross religious, Saint André Bessette.

The Chapter was a very important one for all of us, because the capitulants, after reviewing the current demographics of our Congregation, decided to decree the development of processes which would lead to proposals for a new structure of Congregational authority and organization as well as the development of a Congregational financial plan which will provide ad-equate resources for the needs of all our jurisdictions. In order to carry out these significant responsibilities, two task forces will be appointed, and a structure for consultation will be developed to insure that the voices of all our religious are heard as we carry out this mandate. The Chapter autho-rized the use of consultants to carry out this work in the most effective way possible. The final decisions on these matters will be determined by the 2016 General Chapter.

Because of the importance of these issues, you will notice that the decrees and recommendations of the Governance Committee are first in the Pro-ceedings. This was done at the instruction of the capitulants. This does not mean that the work of the other committees is less important.

Via Framura, 85 Phone (39) 06-612-962-1000168 Rome – Italy Fax (39) 06-614-7547

Congregation of Holy CrossGeneral Administration

Richard V. Warner, C.S.C.Superior General

Rome, November 15, 2010

Introductory Letter v

As soon as possible, each of you will receive a Circular Letter on these is-sues as well as a study guide, which I hope you will use to understand what the General Chapter has decreed and which will lead to productive and important discussions in our local communities. These meetings will be the first moments of consultation and discernment with regard to the future direction our Congregation will take.

I want to thank you in advance for your full cooperation in this process, and for your prayers for the success of the work that lies ahead of us. May Saint André Bessette, who accomplished goals so often deemed impossible during his lifetime, pray with and for us. And may we learn from him how to be men of prayer above all, so that we might encourage one another as we carry out our public profession of the vows, and as we emulate his vir-tues of charity, zeal and love for all God’s people, especially those most in need.

Fraternally and devotedly in Holy Cross,

Rev. Richard V. Warner, C.S.C.Superior General

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vii

List of Delegates

Congregation of Holy CrossGeneral Chapter 2010

viii Proceedings of the General Chapter 2010

List of Delegates ix

1

Governance

Envisioning Structures That Enhance the Mission of Holy Cross

Blessed Basile Moreau believed that “Holy Cross is not a human work, but God’s very own.” He was convinced that his “patently im-prudent” vision of religious brothers and priests sharing a common life and mission in one indivisible brotherhood was principally the unfolding of God’s Providence for the revitalization of the Church and society. We claim his belief that Holy Cross is an instrument of God’s redeeming presence in the world as our own.

Gathered together in Chapter, we are compelled by Father Moreau’s faith to a profound openness to the stirrings of the Spirit among us. We believe that God is inviting us to envision new struc-tures of authority and responsibility so that the mission of Holy Cross might be engaged in a more effective and life-giving manner for the people among whom and with whom we are called to “form com-munities of the coming kingdom.”

In our first days together, a fundamental intuition emerged among us: in the light of demographic changes, we need a new vi-sion of congregational authority and responsibility. We have come to believe that our mission of revitalizing the Church and society through the ministries of teaching and preaching will be more

2 Proceedings of the General Chapter 2010

efficacious for the People of God if we place the perspective of the Congregation as a whole at the heart of our discernment process. We believe that we need to restructure authority and responsibil-ity within the Congregation so as to insure that we discern with integrity the best manner in which to place our Congregation at the service of the gospel.

Guided and Formed by Our Spiritual Heritage as Sons of Blessed Basile Moreau

As we consider the possibilities for restructuring authority and responsibility in Holy Cross, we wish to engage and to make our choices in light of the spiritual heritage bequeathed to us by Fa-ther Moreau. The “competence to see and the courage to act” in acknowledging our need for new structures to serve our common mission with greater effectiveness will, in fact, be an engagement of that same spiritual heritage:

a. Trust in Divine Providence: we believe that the Spirit is inviting us to trust that the Lord is leading us to a new way of structuring the gifts of authority and responsibility in the Congregation for the deepening of our common life and mission. We are called to fol-low the Spirit’s lead, trusting that God’s providential plan will be made known to us “if we yield to him.”

b. Conformity to Christ: we believe that the Spirit is in-viting us to conform ourselves individually and com-munally to the likeness of Christ who “was anointed by the Spirit to inaugurate a kingdom of justice, love and peace.” We are called to create structures of au-thority and responsibility that will model and assist in “our efforts to form communities of the coming kingdom.”

c. Confidence in the Cross, Our Only Hope: we believe that the Spirit is inviting us to empty ourselves in imitation of Jesus, who came not to be served but

Governance 3

to serve. We are called to empty ourselves of our at-tachments to familiar structures and to embrace new structures that will enable us to serve God’s people as “men with hope to bring.”

d. A Spirit of Union and Collaboration: we believe that the Spirit is inviting us to a deeper acceptance and appreciation of the uniqueness of our charism in the Church as an international congregation of religious brothers and priests bound together in one indivisible brotherhood. We are called to develop structures of authority and responsibility that model equality and mutuality in the sharing of our varied cultural heri-tages and vocations within the life of the Church.

e. Zeal for the Mission: we believe that the Spirit is in-viting us to stir into flame the desire to “make God known, loved, and served” by envisioning creative and dynamic structures of congregational leadership to coordinate the planning and discernment of that mission. We, who by our vows have pledged to “join with our brothers in community and with the whole Church in the search for God’s will,” are called to engage with zeal the process that will lead to a new way of thinking and acting among us.

Called by the Spirit to actively plan for the future of our Congre-gation and its mission, we pledge ourselves and invite each member of the Congregation to live the spiritual heritage of Father Moreau.

Fundamental Guiding Perspectives and Principles

As we engage the process of planning and discerning those struc-tures that will enable us to better serve God’s people as educators in the faith, we believe that key perspectives and principles must shape our process. Therefore, as we engage this process of envisioning new


structures of congregational authority and responsibility, we will seek to:

a. engage the discernment process by which we choose the Congregation’s fundamental ministerial commit-ments from the perspective of the Congregation as a whole;

b. entrust congregation-level leadership with the ap-propriate authority to oversee and coordinate plan-ning for the international mission of Holy Cross;

c. ensure that our unique charism of priests and broth-ers living and working together in an indivisible brotherhood is reflected in each level of authority and responsibility in the Congregation, and is pres-ent in every sector of the Congregation;

d. foster an awareness among all Holy Cross religious that our identity as Holy Cross, while lived locally, is principally congregational;

e. ensure that the apostolic and common-life needs of every sector of the Congregation for mission, forma-tion of new religious, and care of elderly and infirm religious will be given appropriate consideration in decisions concerning the allocation of congregational funds.

Intended Blessings and Benefits of Restructuring

The benefits that we hope and trust will come to us through an intentional process of restructuring authority and responsibility in the Congregation include the following:

a. a truly international vision of the life and mission of Holy Cross;

b. a renewal of our founding missionary spirit;

Governance 5

c. an opportunity for an authentic renewal of our reli-gious life as apostolic religious;

d. a greater fidelity to Moreau’s vision concerning our indivisible brotherhood as religious brothers and priests living and working together;

e. a greater awareness and appreciation of the various cultures that shape the lives of our brothers in Holy Cross;

f. a deeper sharing of the communion of life that is ours as religious of Holy Cross so that our communion of life will be a sign in an alienated world of the possi-bility of authentic relationships rooted in a vision of God’s preferential love for the poor and afflicted.

In keeping with the aforementioned vision, perspectives, prin-ciples, and desired benefits of future structures of the Congregation, this Chapter makes the following decree and recommendations.

Decree 1: Congregational Planning Task Force

Concerning the general governance structures, authority, and or-ganization of the Congregation, the Chapter decrees that:

a. The Superior General and his Council will direct the development of a proposal for a new vision and a new structure of congregational authority and organiza-tion to be presented at the 2016 General Chapter.

b. The Superior General will establish a Congregational Planning Task Force. The Superior General will serve as chair and, with the consent of his Council, appoint an adequate number of religious to complete its charge. The Task Force will undertake an intensive study of congregational structures and present ini-tial findings and recommendations to the 2012 pro-vincial, vicariate, and district chapters or assemblies. Taking into account the feedback from the chapters,


the Task Force will engage further extensive study in order for the Superior General to present to the 2014 district chapters and 2015 provincial and vicari-ate chapters a plan for a new vision and structure of congregational authority and organization.

c. The Superior General will establish a Finance Plan-ning Task Force. The Task Force, in consultation with the Congregational Finance Commission, is charged with developing a congregational financial plan by 2012 and revising it if necessary by 2015. It will con-duct a study of potential options that will provide adequate resources for the needs of all jurisdictions in light of the work of the Congregational Planning Task Force.

Recommendation 1: Work of the Congregational Planning Task Forces

The Superior General and his Council may engage Plante and Moran and/or other professional consultants as needed to assist the Congregational Planning Task Force and the Financial Plan-ning Task Force with their charge.

In collegial union with the Superior General and his Council, the provincial, vicariate, and district superiors should speak and act from a congregational perspective in all their deliberations and decisions.

A significant portion of the annual meetings of the Council of the Congregation should be devoted to the task of reviewing the work of the Congregational Planning Task Force and the Finan-cial Planning Task Force. With their help the superiors should develop a pedagogy applicable throughout the Congregation for disseminating the proposed visions and plans.

Governance 7

The Superior General should communicate to the membership at large on a regular basis the developments pertaining to restruc-turing initiatives.

Recommendation 2: District of West Africa and the Holy Cross Mission Center

Concerning governance structures, authority, and organization of the Congregation’s essential patrimony, the Chapter recom-mends that:

The Superior General continue and bring to conclusion conversa-tions regarding the inclusion of the District of West Africa among the entities which the Holy Cross Mission Center of the Indiana Province supports and serves. The assets currently held for the District of West Africa by the Midwest Province would be trans-ferred to the Holy Cross Mission Center as funds restricted for West Africa. West Africa would share in all future fundraising efforts of the Holy Cross Mission Center upon successful resolu-tion of the conversations.

Recommendation 3: Congregational Staffing of Saint Joseph Oratory and the Conventual Church of Notre-Dame-de-Sainte-Croix

In light of (1) the 2006 Extraordinary Chapter’s designation of Saint Joseph Oratory and the conventual church of Notre-Dame-de-Sainte-Croix as essential elements of the historical patrimony of the Congregation, (2) their unique status as the repositories of the earthly remains of Blessed André Bessette and Blessed Basile Moreau, (3) the present movement toward establishing a new vision of congregational authority and organization, and (4) the congregational demographics, the Chapter recommends that these ministries be administered by the Canadian Province and the Vicariate of France from a congregational perspective. The


Superior General and his Council will assist these responsible ju-risdictions in maintaining an adequate presence of religious and in assuring the Congregation’s historical interest in the gover-nance and vitality of these ministries.

Recommendation 4: Holy Cross Family Ministries

In light of (1) the international scope of the mission of Holy Cross Family Ministries, (2) its foundation by the Servant of God, Father Patrick Payton, C.S.C., and (3) its essential ministry of education in the faith through promoting family prayer, especially the ro-sary, the Chapter recommends that the Superior General, in con-sultation with the United States Province of Priests and Brothers and with the governing boards of Holy Cross Family Ministries, explore the potential designation of the Holy Cross Family Min-istries as an element of the essential historical patrimony of the Congregation at the 2016 General Chapter.

Provisions for the General Chapter of 2016

Decree 2: Provisions for the General Chapter of 2016

The Chapter decrees the following provisions for the General Chapter of 2016:

Suspension of a portion of Statute 93 (a), (b), and (c) as well as a portion of Statute 94

For the purpose of constituting the General Chapter of 2016, Stat-ute 93, (a), (b), and (c) and a portion of Statute 94 are suspended so that:

The General Chapter of 2016 will be composed of between fifty-four and sixty-two members exclusive of the Superior General.

Governance 9

There will be an equal number of members of each society exclu-sive of the Superior General.

The ex officio members of the Chapter will be the Superior Gen-eral, the general assistants, the provincials, and the vicariate su-periors. The remaining capitulants shall be elected by the pro-vincial/vicariate Chapters without regard to society. The number of capitulants and alternates to be elected by each Chapter will be determined by the Superior General with the consent of his Council.

To determine the number of capitulants to be elected, provinces and vicariates will be divided into two groups:

a. Group One shall represent the membership of the Vicariate of France, the Vicariate of English Canada, the Provinces of South India, North-East India, Sa-cred Heart, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, the United States Province of Priests and Brothers, and mem-bers of the Society of Priests from the Canadian and Moreau Provinces.

b. Group Two shall consist of the Vicariate of India, the Provinces of Saint Joseph and Midwest, and mem-bers of the Society of Brothers from the Canadian and Moreau Provinces.

Each voting group will be equally represented.

First, ex officio capitulants assigned to the group are taken into account. The provincials and vicariate superiors as ex officio ca-pitulants should be counted as the first of the delegates allotted to a province/vicariate. Then, as far as possible, the number of capitulants to be elected by a province/vicariate Chapter should equal the number of members to be elected by the voting group multiplied by the ratio of the total number of professed prov-ince/vicariate members to the total of the professed members in the group.


The Provincial Chapters shall provide for the following from among their elected General Chapter delegates:

a. District of East Africa: The United States Province of Priests and Brothers will elect at least one delegate from the District of East Africa and the Moreau Province will elect at least one delegate from the District of East Africa.

b. District of West Africa: The Midwest Province will elect at least two delegates from the District of West Africa.

c. District of Brazil: The Moreau Province will elect at least one delegate from the District of Brazil.

d. Districts of Chile and Peru: The United States Prov-ince of Priests and Brothers will elect at least one del-egate from the District of Chile and/or the District of Peru.

e. Districts without elected representation to the Chap-ter will be invited to send a representative to be a participant observer.

Each province and vicariate will also elect two members to a pool. Maintaining parity, the Superior General with the consent of his Council will draw up to eight members from this pool, up to a maximum of sixty-two delegates:

a. to establish parity in the event that the elections do not do so;

b. to provide for representation for both societies in mixed provinces;

c. to include representation of the growing sectors of the Congregation.

The election of the members of the pool will be done according to the method of election of capitulants. A Provincial/Vicariate Chapter may decide that members elected to the pool will be the alternate delegates. A Provincial Chapter may direct a district to

Governance 11

propose names of district members suitable for election as del-egates or as members of the pool.

Decree 3: The Composition of the Council of the Congregation

The Chapter decrees that the membership of the Council of the Congregation is comprised of the Superior General and his Coun-cil, the provincial, vicariate and district superiors. The Council of the Congregation ordinarily meets annually.

Decree 4: Amending Constitution 7:99

The Chapter decrees the amendment to Constitution 7:99 and re-quests the approval of the Holy See to read as follows:

Constitution 7:99: The highest authority in the Congrega-tion is vested in the General Chapter, which must discern and decide the largest issues of the common good and reg-ulate relations between the societies and among the prov-inces. It includes as capitulants ex officio: the Superior General who presides, the general assistants, and the pro-vincials. The number of elected capitulants exceeds that of the capitulants ex officio. Capitulants are elected accord-ing to parity such that the societies are represented by equal numbers of capitulants exclusive of the Superior General. The Superior General meets and votes with both societies when they act separately.



The Chapter decrees the amendment to Constitution 7:95 and re-quests the approval of the Holy See to read as follows:

The highest authority in a province is vested in the Pro-vincial Chapter, which must discern and decide the largest issues of the common good. Unless in particular circum-stances the Superior General has permitted an alternate method of constituting the Chapter membership, it is com-posed of capitulants ex officio: the provincial who presides, the assistant provincial, district superiors, elected provin-cial Councilors and, unless the preceding provincial Chap-ter decided otherwise, appointed provincial Councilors; and of capitulants elected by members of the province. Elected capitulants must be more numerous than those ex officio. In a mixed province the delegates are elected in proportion to the number of province members with active voice in the respective societies.

Decree 6: A Decree Authorizing the Superior General to Change the Status of Provinces

In extraordinary circumstances, if a province requests a change of status before the General Chapter of 2016, the Chapter decrees that the Superior General with consent of his Council, in accor-dance with Statute 60, is authorized to suppress the province and erect a new vicariate or to merge the suppressed entity into an-other province.

The General Council

In 2004, Constitution 7:103 was amended to read:

The Superior General is assisted by a general Council of four or six members. The first two assistants are elected by the General Chapter, the others being appointed by the Superior

Governance 13

General according to Statute 103 (a) as amended. All serve for terms co-extensive with that of the Superior General. The assistants hold rank alternately by society, the first assistant always belonging to the society other than that of the Supe-rior General. The first assistant is the vicar of the Superior General. The general secretary and the general steward are appointed by the Superior General and are under his author-ity. (No action needed by the General Chapter of 2010)

Decree 7: The General Council

The Chapter amends Statute 103 to read:

a. The first and second general assistants are elected by the General Chapter from lists prepared at the General Chapter by and from the two societies in concert with the Superior General. The religious on the list of each society must be acceptable to the Superior General and the Chapter delegates from the society.

Additionally, the Superior General must appoint two general assistants and may appoint two additional general assistants, alternating societies to maintain parity. Ordinarily, the appointments should be made within one month of the end of the Chapter and after consultation with the elected assistants.

The elected general assistants are full-time Councilors to the Superior General and usually reside at the Gen-eralate. The appointed assistants are also Councilors, but need not be full time nor reside at the Generalate.

b. The Superior General appoints the general secretary, the general steward, and the procurator general with the consent of the general assistants unless he ap-points one of them. The general secretary is respon-sible for the correspondence, documents, and minutes of the general administration. The general steward is responsible for financial planning and ordinary ad-ministration of funds and properties at the general


level under the direction of the Superior General. The procurator general serves as liaison between the Con-gregation and the Holy See.

Decree 8: The Election and Appointment of the General Assistants

The Chapter decrees that the following process be used for the election of two members of the General Council:

a. A list of candidates for the first general assistant and a list of candidates for the second general assistant are prepared by the appropriate society in a societal meeting involving significant participation by the Superior General. The Superior General may remove any names from the proposed list. With the approval of the society the Superior General may add addi-tional names. The religious on the final list of poten-tial candidates from each society must be acceptable to the Superior General and to the society.

b. Prior to presentation of the lists to the Chapter for election, the Superior General will consult with each religious on the list to determine his willingness to stand for election as a general assistant and coun-cilor. He may, at the same time, consult with them to determine if they would accept appointment as a general councilor.

c. If, following the consultation, the Superior General determines that the number of religious standing for election is inadequate, he will meet with the society in question to discern additional potential religious for election.

d. The final lists are presented to the Chapter for the elec-tion of one brother and one priest as the first and sec-ond general assistants and councilors respectively.

e. Ordinarily the Superior General will appoint an ad-ditional two or four general assistants and council-ors within one month of the end of the Chapter after consulting with the elected assistants.

Governance 15

Restructuring

Recommendation 5: The Place of Districts in Restructuring

The Chapter recommends that when a process of merger is to take place between or among Provinces, an assessment of the Districts within those Provinces should be conducted. Further, the status of the Districts in the new entity should be determined as part of the process of due diligence.


Constitution 7:93 currently states:

A province is a sector of the Congregation which has a high degree of autonomy. It is erected by the General Chapter and is under a provincial superior. It comprises a number of local houses and members and sources of finance sufficient to support and develop its ministries, vocation promotion, formation and common Life. In exercising autonomy over its own common life and its participation in the mission of the Congregation, a province nevertheless acts in depen-dence upon the Superior General and in collaboration with the other provinces.

The Chapter decrees that Constitution 7:93 read:

A province is a sector of the Congregation which has a high degree of autonomy. It is erected by the General Chapter and is under a provincial superior. It acts in a relationship of subsidiarity with the Superior General who coordinates collaboration among the provinces. It exercises autono-my over its own common life and mission in accord with the values and principles of our life as articulated in the Constitutions. It comprises a number of local houses and members and sources of finance sufficient to support and develop its ministries, vocation promotion, formation and common life.


Decree 10: Enabling Legislation for Province Status for the District of East Africa

The Chapter, acting upon the recommendation of the 2009 Pro-vincial Chapter of the Indiana Province (Decree 5), decrees that the Superior General with the consent of his Council, and after consultation with the District Superior and the Provincial of the United States Province of Priests and Brothers, and the Provincial of the Moreau Province, is authorized to erect the District of East Africa as a Province (C 100; S 60) prior to the General Chapter of 2016, contingent upon the following:

a. The District Superior of East Africa, with the consent of his Council, will present to the Superior General and his Council (through the Provincial of the United States Province of Priests and Brothers) a five-year plan for the development of the ministries and fi-nances of the District and future Province. This plan will be reviewed and updated annually and will be shared with the Moreau Province (cf. Decree 13, Gen-eral Chapter of 2004).

b. The District of East Africa will finalize written agree-ments with the United States Province of Priests and Brothers, the Moreau Province, and the Holy Cross Mission Center of the United States Province, in which is outlined the annual sum of financial as-sistance which will be placed at the disposal of the newly erected Province for a period of ten years from the date of the establishment of the new Province. This assistance, along with other sources of revenue, will provide for the operating expenses of the new Province. These agreements shall be executed by the Provincials and the District Superior with the con-sent of the appropriate Councils (cf. Decree 13, Gen-eral Chapter of 2004).

Governance 17

Decree 11: The Merger of the Eastern Province of Priests and Brothers into the Indiana Province

The 2009 Provincial Chapters of the Indiana Province (cf. Decree 1) and the Eastern Province of Priests and Brothers (cf. Decree 8) issued the following common decree:

The Chapter decrees that the provincial administration will present for inclusion on the agenda of the Chapter a request that it authorize the general administration to effect the merger of the Eastern Province into the Indi-ana Province. It is recommended that this be accomplished in time for the combined membership to prepare for and participate in the first Provincial Chapter of the merged province in 2012. . . .

The Chapter decrees that the Superior General is authorized to suppress the Eastern Province of Priests and Brothers upon its merger into the Indiana Province. The Chapter decrees that upon the completion of the merger, the Indiana Province be renamed the United States Province of Priests and Brothers. The Chapter authorizes the Superior General, with the consent of his Coun-cil, to perform all acts necessary to accomplish this merger. This merger is to be completed no later than September 15, 2011.

Decree 12: Restructuring of the Province of South India

The Chapter recognizes the important presence and ministry of Holy Cross in South India. It was due to a historic decision taken by the then Superior General, the Very Reverend Christopher J. O’Toole, that Fr. Alfred McClure from the French Canadian Prov-ince came to Yercaud (State of Tamil Nadu) on April 6, 1959, to promote the development of Holy Cross in India.

The Chapter further recognizes that twenty-five years later, the two Indian Districts spread over nine states of India, five in South India and four in the Northeast. The Province of India


was established in 1984 and with the erection of the North-East Province in 2003, the name of the Province of India was changed to the Province of South India.

The states of India are characterized by ethnic, cultural, and lin-guistic differentiations, among other characteristics. For this rea-son, most of the congregations in India with sufficient member-ship have established provinces based on these factors.

Currently, the Province of South India consists of eighty-four members, thirty-seven of whom have opted to become members of the Tamil Nadu jurisdiction if and when it is established.

At the 2009 Provincial Chapter of South India, a decree stated that “the Provincial with his Council take effective measures to constitute a new jurisdiction in Tamil Nadu” at the time of the ordinary Provincial Chapter of 2012 or, if needed, through the convocation of an extraordinary Provincial Chapter.

Therefore, the Chapter decrees that the Province of South India Restructuring Committee, which was entrusted to develop plans to determine clarity with regard to the following factors, shall assure that:

a. the membership of the two jurisdictions be determined;

b. the ministries that will be under the responsibility of each jurisdiction be clarified;

c. an agreement with regard to a joint formation pro-gram be adopted, and

d. clarity with regard to the finances of each jurisdiction be determined in a way which will guarantee the fi-nancial viability of both jurisdictions.

The legislation of the 2012 Provincial Chapter of South India, or an extraordinary Provincial Chapter, which addresses the above-mentioned concerns will be submitted to the Superior General requesting that he:

Governance 19

a. Establish a vicariate, and after consultation with the membership of the vicariate, determine the particu-lar norms for its functioning.

b. Assure that the Province of South India continues to meet the provisions of Statute 60.

Statement 1: Regarding the Proposed Union of the District of Brazil (SW) and the District du Brésil (CP)

The Chapter received information concerning the proposed union of the District of Brazil under the jurisdiction of the South-West Province and the District du Brésil under the jurisdiction of la Province Canadienne de Sainte-Croix. We encourage the work of the joint committee representing both districts which has been established to continue working to determine the details of the union of the two districts.

Decree 13: Amending Statute 60

The Chapter decrees that Statute 60 be amended to read:

In order that a group of local communities or religious be erected as a province by the General Chapter, sufficient sta-bility to assure effective service of the mission must be as-certained. This stability must include the following:

a. an adequate number of members, including a substan-tial proportion of local religious;

b. realistic probability of the attraction and retention of vocations;

c. ability to provide religious formation;d. potential leadership;e. capacity to assume financial responsibility for the life

and mission either through local efforts and resourc-es or through a realistic endowment approved by the


Superior General with the consent of his Council, after consultation with, and review by the Congrega-tional Finance Commission.

Should any existing province believe that it may no lon-ger meet the above criteria, or should the Superior General and his Council believe a province may no longer meet the above criteria, or if a province wishes to change it status, the Superior General will assist the province in a process of assessment.

Statement 2: Regarding the Creation of a New Province through the Suppression of the South-West Province and the Eastern Province of Brothers

“We live and work as priests and brothers together.” This brief statement from Constitution 2:11 reflects not only a theme that is central to Blessed Basile Moreau’s understanding of Holy Cross, but also one of his most profound hopes for our Congregation. His plan was to bring together brothers and priests who would continue the mission of Jesus by committing themselves “to make God known, loved and served, and thus bring salvation to all people.” He believed that every dimension of our religious life must be mission-driven: ministry, prayer, community, and vows. Through these realities we will have formed in us “by God’s en-ablement the living likeness of Jesus Christ” (Constitution 6:58).

Our structures, too, must be shaped by mission. The Constitu-tions mandate that “we must evaluate the quality, forms and pri-orities of our commitments as to how effectively they serve the needs of the Church and the world” (Constitution 2:19).

Today, we once again take up the challenge of forging a new path through fidelity to our religious life, our love for Holy Cross, and our conviction that a future filled with blessings is before us (2009 Provincial Chapters of the South-West Province and the Eastern Province of Brothers).

Governance 21

Decree 14: Enabling Legislation for the Suppression of the South-West Province and the Eastern Province of Brothers and the Erection of a New Mixed Province

The Chapter decrees the suppression of the South-West Province and the Eastern Province of Brothers in order to effect the merger of these two jurisdictions and erect a new mixed province which will be called the Moreau Province. The Superior General, with the consent of his Council, will erect this new province no later than September 15, 2011. The suppression of the two aforemen-tioned provinces will take effect concurrently with the erection of the new province.

Decree 15: Appointment of a Provincial Superior and Two Provincial Councilors for the New Province

The Chapter decrees that after consultation with the members of the former South-West Province and the Eastern Province of Brothers, the Superior General, with the consent of his Council, appoint a Provincial Superior and two provincial Councilors to hold office until the regularly scheduled Provincial Chapter of 2012.

The Provincial shall appoint at least two additional Councilors according to the provisions of Constitution 7:98, and Statutes 79 and 110, 8.

Decree 16: To Maintain the Structure of Vicariate in the Congregation until 2016 (cf. Decree 4, Extraordinary General Chapter of 2006)

The Chapter decrees that, because of demographic changes in the Congregation, and until the General Chapter of 2016, the structure called a vicariate is to be maintained as a sector of the Congregation that is not yet ready or no longer able to function


as a province but is unable to become part of another entity for cultural, linguistic, political, historical and/or geographical rea-sons.

The vicariate, established by the Superior General and with the consent of his Council and after consultation with the member-ship, is similar to a province in terms of its ability to promote vocations and acquire, possess, administer and alienate material goods as a juridic person. The Superior General with the consent of his Council will determine the unique norms for the gover-nance of each vicariate.

If there is a necessity for a vicariate to be suppressed before the General Chapter of 2016, the Superior General, with the consent of his Council, may do so.

Decree 17: Review of Reversionary Clauses in Documents

The Chapter decrees that the reversionary clauses in all current documents of provinces, vicariates, and districts be reviewed with legal counsel to insure that the Congregation of Holy Cross is named as sole beneficiary in every instance. In those docu-ments where the reversionary clause does not state this clearly, and where it is possible to make this change, such changes should be enacted as soon as possible.

Decree 18: Review of Documents Governing the Relationship between Jurisdictions and Institutions

The Chapter decrees that documents governing the relationship between the provinces, vicariates and districts and institutions owned by the Congregation of Holy Cross or sponsored by it, shall be reviewed with legal counsel to insure that, where pos-sible and needed, the reversionary clauses in such documents benefit the Congregation of Holy Cross.

Governance 23

Decree 19: Approval of Minutes of the General Chapter of 2010

The Chapter decrees that minutes that are not approved in the Chapter will be approved by the Superior General and his Council.

Recommendation 6: Adherence to Legal Requirements for Legal Entities

The Chapter recommends that provincial, vicariate and district superiors and their Councils insure that all legal requirements under their purview be reviewed to insure that all requirements to which the Congregation of Holy Cross is obligated be complet-ed in a timely fashion. This includes careful record-keeping, elec-tion of officers, minutes of meetings, and other matters required by law be attended to in a timely and careful fashion.

Recommendation 7: Retention of Legal Counsel

The Chapter recommends that each province, vicariate, and dis-trict retain legal counsel on a contingency basis.

Recommendation 8: Canonical Relationship with Sponsored Institutions

The Chapter recommends that the general administration, with the assistance of a canon lawyer, work with the provinces, vicari-ates, and districts to clarify and compile the canonical relation-ships with sponsored institutions.

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Religious Life, Vocations and Formation

Religious Life

“Generations Walking Side by Side” was the theme of the General Chapter of 2010. The capitulants were conscious that the Congrega-tion is at an important turning point in its history and that we must be open to new possibilities and to new ways of doing things. Our religious life is essentially oriented towards mission. This mission is developing in many countries, among many peoples and cultures. Blessed Basile Moreau encouraged this reality by sending men to dif-ferent countries, and insisted that, for success, there be union among the religious, even though there was great diversity in where they were, who they were, and what they did.

The Congregation continues to develop in different cultures. This reality, plus a new awareness of Father Moreau’s vision, invites us to explore new paths and to think congregationally rather than pro-vincially. This new vision insists that we discover new ways of being Holy Cross. Our identity as consecrated religious unites us in Holy Cross and consecrates us for mission. The community places every-thing in common: fraternity, prayer, work, and spiritual and material


resources. Among us there is equality of status, rights, and obliga-tions. Our life as consecrated religious is at the heart of who we are and what we offer to the Church and the world. The goal of every religious is to conform his life to that of Jesus in order to live as he did, a life of love in today’s world.

The Chapter encourages everyone to reread the Declaration on Religious Life from the 2004 General Chapter. The Chapter believes that we are in the process of fulfilling the intent of that declaration.

Our Holy Cross mission, common to all of us, is our commit-ment to the urgent needs of the People of God and the world we live in. There is a need for continuing evangelization—drawing people into an ever closer relationship with Christ. Among us, brothers and priests, the roles are diverse but complementary in our exercise of the common mission. Brothers work in a multitude of conferred min-istries, hold professional roles or trades that contribute to the Reign of God. Priests exercise more particularly ordained ministry, work-ing to edify and build up the Church and to celebrate the sacraments. Our ministries, services, and roles are varied, but what is absolutely essential is our common religious life from which these works flow. A careful study of the theology of the religious life, what it means to be a religious priest, and what it means to be a religious brother, will help us focus on what unites us.

We live in a time in which the credibility of the Church has been severely tried. The lives of joyful religious striving to incarnate Gos-pel values can help not only to restore credibility but also attract new members to our community.

The union of the societies of brothers and priests in Holy Cross is unchangeable; it is integral to the charism of our foundation. Steps should be taken to make this union a more vibrant reality. Regional meetings will bring together various units of the Congregation for planning, communication, and activities. New structures, commis-sions, offices, and committees will facilitate communication and sharing of resources. Interdependence will foster the development of relations between the two societies among regions, provinces, vicari-ates, and districts, as well as among individuals.

Religious Life, Vocations and Formation 27

As consecrated religious we belong to an international commu-nity. Our mission sends us across borders of every sort. Interdepen-dence and internationality must become a reality in all our mission endeavors. Formation for cross-cultural sensitivity and awareness is essential for all in formation. Cultural diversity is a growing reality everywhere we minister. In-depth theological reflection on mission and the missionary task of the church in today’s world should be integrated into all stages of formation. Every effort should be made to help all in formation to identify primarily with Holy Cross and not just with a given province or work.

Holy Cross is an organic whole made up of communities through-out the world. Restructuring needs to give focused attention to what will encourage, plan, and implement a collaborative response to fu-ture calls to an international and cross-cultural mission. This is our internationality; it is a reality that demands interdependence—an interdependence that enables us to approach the world as we find it with a deep sense of love and commitment. We must strive to become more aware of the gifts that Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas contribute to enrich the patrimony of Holy Cross. This will provide a greater awareness of who we are as Holy Cross and what our special gift to the world is.

Recommendation 9: Congregational Vision

The Chapter recommends that the Superior General use the mate-rials and conversations from this Chapter to write a circular letter encouraging the members of Holy Cross to go beyond borders of provinces and particular areas and to think more in terms of the Congregation. Critical to this reflection is our primary identity as religious, our vocations as religious priests and religious broth-ers, our mission, our interdependence, and our internationality. Included should be an outline for education and discussion to as-sist all our members throughout the Congregation to understand and appreciate this vision.


Recommendation 10: Our Life and Mission as Religious

The Chapter recommends that at all levels of authority in the Congregation, the superiors facilitate meetings within local com-munities, provinces, vicariates, districts, and regions of the Con-gregation to reflect on the materials supplied by this Chapter and the Superior General regarding our life and mission as religious.

Recommendation 11: Commission on Religious Life

The Chapter recommends that a Commission on Religious Life be maintained. New tasks for this commission include:

a. An in-depth reflection on the vocation of the brother and the vocation of the priest in Holy Cross, espe-cially with regard to our essential interrelationship; that we may better understand who we are as Holy Cross religious and our gift as a Congregation in the Church.

b. A plan for a year celebrating the brothers’ vocation beginning with the first anniversary of Blessed An-dré Bessette’s canonization, October 17, 2011, and lasting until October 17, 2012. Each jurisdiction of the Congregation, gathered regionally where feasible, is invited to create materials for parishes, schools, and other ministries of Holy Cross.

Decree 20: Change in Constitution 1

The Chapter decrees that the line in Constitution 1, paragraph 6 that reads:

We are a religious Congregation composed of two distinct societies of clerics and of laymen bound together in one in-divisible brotherhood.


Be amended to read:

We are a religious Congregation composed of two distinct societies of religious, one of priests and one of brothers, bound together in one indivisible brotherhood.

Recommendation 12: Official Insignia and Religious Habit in the Congregation

By identifying ourselves as consecrated religious through what we wear, we are able to provide an outward sign of the interior consecration of our life. These exterior signs then make known our intention to serve and invite others to answer Christ’s call to come and follow.

The Chapter reaffirms that the Cross and Anchors is the official insignia of Holy Cross and encourages the use of the Cross and Anchors pendant and pin approved by the Congregation.

The Chapter recommends that at appropriate times and places, or as it corresponds to local custom, a religious may wear the traditional Holy Cross habit as a way to stand forth in service and witness.

For priests, the habit consists of a black cassock with rounded cuffs and an open collar; the Roman collar; a cord of black wool that descends to the bottom of the cassock and ends in a tassel; a cape that comes down to the elbow; and a crucifix worn on a thin black cord around the neck and tucked into the buttons on the cassock. Seminarians in temporary vows may wear the habit but not wear a crucifix until after it is given at their final profession.

For brothers, the habit consists of a black cassock with rounded cuffs, an open collar, and the buttons concealed below the waist; the Roman collar; a cord of black wool that descends to the bot-tom of the cassock and ends in a tassel; and a medal of St. Joseph worn on a thin black cord around the neck and tucked into the buttons on the cassock. Scholastics in temporary vows may wear


the habit but do not wear the medal of St. Joseph until after it is given at final profession.

Where the climate makes it necessary, the religious habit of broth-ers consists of a white cassock, a black cord, and the medal of St. Joseph. For the priests the religious habit consists of a white cas-sock, a black cord and a crucifix.

(Cf. 1950 Constitutions of the Congregation of Holy Cross)

Recommendation 13: Causes for Canonization

The Chapter recommends that before the General Administra-tion agrees to finance a new cause, the Superior General seek the advice of the Council of the Congregation to plan for its process-ing and funding.

Recommendation 14: Collaboration with Our Sisters in Holy Cross

The Chapter recommends that all sectors of the Congregation continue collaborative efforts with our Sisters in Holy Cross wherever possible.

Recommendation 15: Book of Devotional Prayer for the Congregation of Holy Cross

The Chapter commends the work done in preparing a Book of De-votional Prayer for the Congregation of Holy Cross. The Chapter rec-ommends its promulgation and distribution. It can and should be updated as necessary with the approval of the Superior General and his Council, in consultation with the Council of the Congre-gation. The Chapter also recommends that its use be evaluated for the 2016 General Chapter.


Recommendation 16: Holy Cross Ritual

The Chapter commends the work done in preparing the Holy Cross Ritual. The Chapter recommends the promulgation, distribution, and implementation of the Ritual. It can and should be updated as necessary with the approval of the Superior General and his Coun-cil, in consultation with the Council of the Congregation.

Recommendation 17: Community Life

Critical to our religious consecration is our life in common. The Constitutions of the Congregation as well as different General and Provincial Chapters over the years stressed the importance of the local Chapter for reflecting on what means most in our life as religious. The 2010 Chapter affirms again the need for an on-going reflection on the main aspects of our commitment to com-munity life: charity, common prayer, common table, common purse, etc. The quality and testimony of our lives are at stake here. Critical to our life are transparency and accountability.

Consequently, the Chapter recommends that each province, vicariate, and district remain attentive to how each house re-flects on and renews these fundamental aspects of our com-munity life.

Vocations and Formation

Decree 21: Vocation Promotion

The Chapter decrees that vocation promotion continue to be a congregational priority. All members shall consider it to be their responsibility to increase awareness of the importance of new vo-cations for Holy Cross, to pray for vocations, and to invite young people to commit themselves as religious in our Congregation.


Decree 22: Formation Personnel

The Chapter decrees that formation continue to be a congrega-tional priority. Given the importance of this ministry in our Con-gregation, the nature of this priority summons every province, vicariate, and district to ensure that formation personnel be well trained for service in the Congregation.

Decree 23: Vocation and Formation Guide with Supplemental Documents

The Chapter commends the work of all who have helped draft the Vocation and Formation Guide with Supplemental Documents and ratifies it as the guide for vocation promotion and formation min-istry in all provinces, vicariates, and districts. The Superior Gen-eral shall assure that it is distributed to all provinces, vicariates, and districts, either in print or in an electronic file. The Vocation and Formation Guide should be updated as needed with the ap-proval of the Superior General and his Council in consultation with the Council of the Congregation.

Recommendation 18: Vocation and Formation Review

The Chapter recommends that the General Administration for-mally review each vocation and formation program in light of the Vocation and Formation Guide and Supplement. Particular atten-tion should be given to:

a. The four aspects of the vocation plan

b. Proper assessment of applicants

c. Proper record keeping

d. The evaluation process used

e. The structure of the program

f. The curriculum


g. Formation of formation personnel

h. Each of the six elements of formation

Direct constructive feedback should be given to the provincial, vicariate superior, or district superior, as well as to the directors of the respective programs after the review to assist in building up these important programs.

Recommendation 19: Need for Vocation and Formation Personnel

The Chapter recommends that the General Administration remain attentive to needs in vocation and formation staffing throughout the Congregation and facilitate collaboration between provinces and vicariates.

Recommendation 20: Vocation and Formation Commission

The Chapter recommends that the congregational Vocation and Formation Commission be reorganized to become the “Vocation and Formation Advisory Commission.” This commission would be composed of five members, including one member from the General Administration. Criteria for assignment to this commis-sion should be based on expertise in this area. This commission would support the General Administration through periodic meetings and effective use of communication media. Issues this commission should attend to include:

a. Coordinate training and resources for vocation and formation personnel.

b. Assist the General Administration in maintaining a database on vocation and formation personnel, for-mation houses, men in formation, and other related matters.


c. Continue revising and updating the Vocation and For-mation Guide as deemed necessary.

d. Continue to gather resources on Holy Cross tradi-tions as well as other vocation and formation topics.

e. Explore ways that cross cultural collaboration can be enhanced in vocation and formation work in Holy Cross and propose new initiatives to the General Ad-ministration for the 2016 General Chapter.

f. Explore ways of making available more primary re-sources for study of the Holy Cross heritage, tradi-tion and spirituality.

Recommendation 21: Gatherings of Vocation Directors

The Chapter recommends that the General Administration sup-port and encourage regional gatherings of vocation directors. The Chapter recommends that the General Administration spon-sor one international gathering of vocation directors within the term of the next administration with particular attention to using current media for vocational promotion and that the Formation and Vocation Advisory Commission assist the administration in developing the agenda and the budget.

Recommendation 22: Study and Experience of Our International and Intercultural Mission

The world and the Congregation of Holy Cross are composed of diverse cultures. This reality forms our life as a Congregation and our mission in the world. In light of this reality, the Chap-ter recommends that before their final profession, all men should ideally be provided with a course in missiology and a significant experience of our international and intercultural mission.


Recommendation 23: Missionary Heritage and Mission

The Chapter recommends that formation personnel across the Congregation continue to keep in mind our missionary heritage and mission, and prepare those in initial formation for our growing interdependence and international mission. This would entail:

a. That all those in initial formation develop a facility in an international language of Holy Cross other than their native tongue before their final profession.

b. That before their final profession, all those in initial formation be asked if they are willing at some time in their religious life to serve in another province or region.

c. That anyone, including formation personnel, to be sent to another province or region should be ade-quately prepared to function within the customs and language of that area.

Recommendation 24: Collaboration between Societies

Our Constitutions state that “We live and work as priests and brothers together” (C 2:11). The Chapter recommends that the Su-perior General work with provincials, vicariate superiors, and dis-trict superiors to find ways to draw priests and brothers of Holy Cross into even closer collaboration in ministry, brotherhood, and vocation and formation work throughout the Congregation.

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Mission

God has sent the Son and the Spirit to renew the face of the earth. We are sent to participate in this mission of God, revealed most fully in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Mission in the image of Jesus is the proclamation of Truth and the outreach of Love. We come as religious of Holy Cross, generations walking side by side, creating a hope-filled future for our Church and our world.

We go to our world, witnessing to the Good News of Jesus, not as independent individuals, but together as Church and blessed by the internationality of our communion in Holy Cross. Coming from diverse cultures and contexts, we are aware of the complex realities of the world we are called to serve, and open our eyes to the many faces of Jesus and works of the Spirit around the globe. We do not exist in isolation. As a result of this understanding and at this time in history, we must change our perspective from solely that of our individual provinces, vicariates, and districts to one that embraces the Congregation as a whole.

This Chapter recognizes as especially significant the efforts of previous General Chapters to situate our mission in a world char-acterized by numerous challenges. Though many advances in tech-nology and communication serve the efforts of development and solidarity around the world, today it has become even clearer that


the negative effects of globalization, modernization, consumerism, and secularization increase injustice, inequality, and individualism. Our world is further challenged by an increase in religious and po-litical fundamentalism.

Yet, we are men with “hope to bring” and are not overwhelmed by these challenges. We are called to boldly proclaim the Gospel in the midst of them. “The mission is not simple, for the impoverish-ments we would relieve are not simple” (C 2:14). Not the least of these impoverishments is a profound spiritual hunger in our cul-tures. Whatever the context, the words of our founder in his Rule on Zeal describe what is most basic: “If we have faith and the zeal that faith inspires, we will . . . be ready to undertake anything . . . to suffer anything and to go anywhere . . . to extend the reign of Jesus Christ on earth.” For Blessed Basile Moreau and for all in the Congregation, the zeal that faith inspires is the primary apostolic quality.

We affirm our congregational commitment to the “globalization of solidarity” in the teaching, healing, and sanctifying mission of Je-sus. Our communion with each other in Holy Cross and our structural interdependence among societies, provinces, vicariates and districts are the basis for a renewed solidarity and a greater effectiveness in mission. [Our] “union is based on each individual’s personal rela-tionship with Jesus. Just as the members are organically connected to form a single body and as the branches are united with the vine and share the same life-giving sap, so also must [we] be united with Jesus and one another” (Charism Statement, 2006).

Our Constitutions give us two priorities for our congregational mission: the preferential option for the poor and the proclamation of the truth of the Gospel as educators in the faith. This General Chap-ter states that these two interrelated priorities are at the heart of our charism as Holy Cross and are to give direction to each of our minis-tries. Our reflection has further convinced us that this mission effort will be strengthened by a clear congregational understanding of Holy Cross life and mission. “The footsteps of those men who called us to walk in their company left deep prints, as of men carrying heavy

Mission 39

burdens. But they did not trudge; they strode. For they had the hope. It is the Lord Jesus calling us. ‘Come. Follow me’” (C 8:122, 123).

Mission Coordination

The Congregation of Holy Cross in General Chapter wishes to re-affirm its growing international identity which has been an essential part of our mission and ministry since our foundation.

We wish to dedicate and recommit ourselves to the cross-cultural and international ministerial commitments of the Congregation as an important part of our overall mission and to promote greater soli-darity among all our members and works.

Recommendation 25: Coordination of International and Cross-Cultural Ministerial Commitments

The Chapter recommends that the Superior General devise a method to coordinate the international and cross-cultural min-isterial commitments of the Congregation, taking into consider-ation the following:

a. Discernment with the leadership of the provinces, vi-cariates, and districts of opportunities for new minis-terial commitments.

b. Coordination of the exchange of personnel for joint cross-cultural mission experiences.

c. Communication with the Congregation regularly and the Council of the Congregation annually, re-garding developments and opportunities.

d. Strengthening relationships among ministries of the various sectors of the Congregation for a cross- cultural exchange of programs and ministry.


Recommendation 26: Coordination of Mission Center Activities

The Chapter recommends that the Superior General appoint a religious to coordinate communication, enable networking, and assist in capacity-building among the mission centers and mis-sion promoters of the Congregation.

Option for the Poor

In Vita Consecrata, Pope John Paul II called religious to the con-version required to live the option for the poor in fidelity to the Gos-pel: “All of Christ’s disciples are held to this option, but those who wish to follow the Lord more closely, imitating His attitudes, cannot but feel involved in a special way” (VC 82). In Christ we see that the option for the poor is a privileged and essential way of proclaiming the Good News of God’s reign, and it is a test of our fidelity to his mission.

In Christian Pedagogy, Blessed Basile Moreau exhorts us: “With the eyes of faith consider the greatness of your mission and the won-derful amount of good which you can accomplish. And also consider the great reward promised to those who have taught the truth to oth-ers and have helped form them into justice: ‘they will shine eternally in the skies like the stars of the heavens.’ With the hope of this glory, we must generously complete the Lord’s work.”

As religious of Holy Cross and with our lay collaborators, we re-spond to this biblical imperative through our ministry. For some, the response is in direct commitment and ministry to the poor. For others it is found in advocacy for those who have no voice or whose voice is weak. We work with migrants, indigenous peoples, and abandoned and abused children. We feed the hungry and provide shelter for those in need. We provide financial aid and alternative programs in our educational institutions. We provide education in social justice issues and opportunities for service to our students. Our response is through example and empowerment. Our ministries in Holy Cross

Mission 41

are touched by the plight of those in need—whether physical or spir-itual—which informs and shapes our every effort in the faith. Yet much remains to be done. “For the kingdom to come in this world, disciples must have the competence to see and the courage to act” (C 2:14).

We continue to be concerned about the welfare of our home, the earth. These concerns for the integrity of creation have become part of our perspective on the world and society.

The Chapter urges every province, vicariate, district, and indi-vidual religious to become more aware of these issues and to con-tinue exploring creative ways by which we might announce good news to the poor and freedom to those held captive by:

a. encouraging a still more dynamic animation of our fellow religious and collaborators;

b. increasing the awareness in our local communities of the especially challenging context in which many of our confreres live, e.g. where Christians are a small minority, where religious fundamentalism is a threat, and where violence and terrorism are frequent;

c. developing a more effective pedagogy of justice and the care for all creation for all levels of the socio-eco-nomic spectrum we serve in our ministries; and,

d. identifying and addressing new forms of poverty in our world.

Justice and Peace and Integrity of Creation Coordination

Recommendation 27: Congregational Coordinator for Justice and Peace and the Integrity of Creation

The Chapter recommends that the Superior General foster the commitment of the Congregation to the preferential option for


the poor and the integrity of creation by continuing to appoint a congregational coordinator for Justice and Peace and the Integ-rity of Creation, who will serve as the liaison with the Holy Cross International Justice and Peace Office. The coordinator should prepare an annual written report to be presented at the Council of the Congregation.

Recommendation 28: Local Coordinators of Justice and Peace and the Integrity of Creation

The Chapter recommends that each provincial, vicariate, and district superior appoint a Coordinator of Justice and Peace and the Integrity of Creation. A coordinator may serve more than one province, vicariate, or district.

Recommendation 29: Annual Day of Fasting, Prayer, and Almsgiving

The Chapter recommends that the Superior General continue the tradition of declaring an annual day of fasting, prayer, alms-giving, and education for justice and peace and integrity of cre-ation in the Congregation and urge participation from those with whom we serve. To insure a commonality throughout the Con-gregation, themes for this day, educational resources, and prayer services are to be developed and distributed by the Coordinator of Justice and Peace and Integrity of Creation. Alms offered on this day will be forwarded to the General Administration for use by the designated recipient.

Education in the Faith

As educators in the faith, we are called to respond to the urgen-cy of Blessed Basile Moreau’s imperative, “Hurry then to this work

Mission 43

of resurrection . . . it is in this way that you will prepare the world for better times than ours” (Christian Pedagogy). In whatever we do, wherever we go, ours is the mission of Jesus: “to make God known, loved, and served” (Christian Pedagogy). As men of faith, we accom-pany those we serve, attending to their deep hunger for spiritual meaning. We challenge them and ourselves to continued growth. We work for justice and offer nourishment, security, and comfort to those in need, all in the name of Jesus.

In parishes, educational institutions, and all our other ministries, we educate in the faith, “supporting men and women of grace and goodwill everywhere in their efforts to form communities of the coming kingdom” (C 2:12). We draw our inspiration from the gifts of our history and heritage to serve all whom we meet. Blessed Basile Moreau founded the Congregation based on a principle of equality. We are challenged to value inclusiveness and collaboration in our life and ministry. He rooted the Congregation deeply in the local church and context, and we are challenged to value adaptability. He stressed community and union, and we are continually challenged to shape our life and ministry by these values. He instructed us to show pref-erence to the poor, “those who have no one else to show them prefer-ence, those who have the least knowledge, those who lack skills and talent, and those who are not Catholic or Christian” (Christian Peda-gogy, “Zeal”). In the poor and in all people, Blessed Basile Moreau said that we must see “the image of God imprinted within them like a sacred seal that must be preserved at all costs” (Christian Pedagogy, “Zeal”).

Education

The vision of education of Blessed Basile Moreau is as impor-tant today as it was in his own time. From a reflection on the tradi-tions of a Holy Cross school, members of the Education Commission (1998), representing seven different countries and Holy Cross educa-tional contexts, listed the following elements found in a Holy Cross school:


a. an education focusing on the whole person, begin-ning where an individual finds himself/herself;

b. an intentional effort to awaken within our students and colleagues the fundamental Christian sense of vocation or call to live and practice gospel values;

c. campus ministry and religious education programs that are central to our curricula and institutions;

d. a vibrant family spirit that creates a spirit of collegi-ality and inclusiveness;

e. collaboration with and empowerment of our faculty and parents;

f. a strong emphasis on education for justice and a commitment to the option for the poor that includes making our students aware of the demands of the common good through service projects;

g. the inclusion of students of different social strata and of different religious and ethnic backgrounds in our schools;

h. a strong sense of commitment or zeal which is the foundation of a pursuit of excellence in all school programs;

i. the fostering of collaborative relationships with the local Church and the neighborhood or civic commu-nity in which they are located;

j. an adaptable spirit that allows the schools to meet needs and challenges as they occur.

As a Congregation serving in various countries, we realize that there can be many enriching opportunities for networking to foster the heritage and traditions of Holy Cross.

Mission 45

Recommendation 30: Coordinator of Educational Ministries

The Chapter recommends that the Superior General entrust to a religious the responsibility for the coordination and enhance-ment of educational ministries in the Congregation. His respon-sibilities would include the following:

a. promote knowledge about the educational legacy of Blessed Basile Moreau;

b. facilitate communication among all Holy Cross edu-cational institutions;

c. explore ways to expand participation of all Holy Cross elementary and secondary schools worldwide with the programs at the Holy Cross Institute at St. Edward’s University;

d. identify opportunities for scholarships for the mem-bers of the Congregation who wish to pursue higher studies.

Recommendation 31: Institutions of Higher Education

The Chapter recommends that the Superior General in collabo-ration with provincials having an institution of higher education within their jurisdiction explore with the presidents of Holy Cross colleges and universities ways to enhance and deepen the Holy Cross charism within the ministry of Catholic higher education.

Transmitting Holy Cross Core Values

As we examine the realities of our various educational ministries, it is imperative for us as a Congregation to assure that the core values of Moreau’s mission are made more intentional in the educational institutions and programs for which we have stewardship.


Recommendation 32: Statement of Intention for Educational Institutions

The Chapter recommends that a written statement of intention that is morally binding be developed between the appropriate congregational authority and each educational institution for which Holy Cross has stewardship. The written statements of in-tention should be inclusive of but not limited to the following:

a. a brief recounting of the history of the school includ-ing the role of the Congregation of Holy Cross;

b. a statement of the school’s mission;

c. a recognition of the pre-eminence of the incorporat-ing and governance documents and an explanation of how they are consistent with the values and tradi-tions of the Congregation of Holy Cross;

d. an articulation of the Holy Cross values emanating from the writings of Blessed Basile Moreau and the Constitutions of the Congregation of Holy Cross that are identified as core or foundational to the life of the institution;

e. a statement that the governing body and/or those responsible for the mission of the institution commit themselves to maintaining the school as an educa-tional institution in the Holy Cross tradition that sus-tains the identified core values;

f. an institutionally defined process of assessment for mission effectiveness.

Associates of Holy Cross

Associate programs have been found to enhance the quality of the mission of many congregations. Associates are baptized Chris-tians (married, single, ordained, vowed) who have been called to and invited by a religious congregation to enter into association with

Mission 47

others who have been similarly called and invited. These people en-ter into association (relationship) for purposes of nourishing their spiritual growth through the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the charism of a religious congregation. They are people who commit to forming community and to collaborating in the mission of the Congregation.

Several models of associates of this type have been developed in various sectors of the Congregation. Associates feel called to a clos-er relationship with the family of Holy Cross. As a result, they and vowed members have created enriching, supportive, and resource-ful relationships in their mutual response to the Gospel. Associates participate in these relationships while maintaining their indepen-dent lifestyles. They may meet monthly for prayer and to share re-flections on the scriptures, the Constitutions, the writings of Blessed Basile Moreau, and other resources that shed light on the charism, spirituality, heritage, and mission of Holy Cross. In doing this they support one another’s faith-journey and collaborate in the apostolic mission of the Congregation. When these Associates are collabora-tors in a specific Holy Cross ministry, they find enriching, spiritually-connected opportunities for expanding their collaboration in ways that give life to our charism and mission in that ministry. Associ-ates believe that, over time, they and their Chapters are informed, formed, and transformed by their commitment to grow spiritually, to form community, and to serve God’s people through the charism and mission of the Congregation. For many, assisting the Congregation in vocation promotion and service projects has also been a priority.

Recommendation 33: Associate Programs

As a means of responding to the desire among our collaborators and those whom we serve in ministry for a greater connection to Holy Cross charism and spirituality, the Chapter recommends that the Superior General work with the Council of the Congre-gation to review and to expand associate programs in all inter-ested sectors of the Congregation. The Superior General should


also insure that the legal ramifications for the Congregation are examined.

Pastoral Ministry

The Chapter recognizes and affirms the pastoral ministry of the Congregation in enhancing its mission priorities. The pastoral care of the people whom we serve is of utmost importance for the trans-formation of the Church and society. The Church in its missionary nature invites us to be evangelizers in multi-cultural settings and to form communities of the Kingdom. “As disciples of Jesus we stand side by side with all people. Like them we are burdened by the same struggles and beset by the same weaknesses; like them we are made new by the same Lord’s love; like them we hope for a world where justice and love will prevail” (C 2:12).

Since 1998, Chapters have articulated the characteristics of Holy Cross pastoral ministries. This Chapter further affirms the following as our ideals in Holy Cross pastoral ministry:

a. a closeness to people’s lives, their difficulties, joys and struggles; an openness to their culture and way of living;

b. the witness of living, praying, and sharing meals together in community; a spirit of hospitality and availability;

c. a recognition of the equality of all persons; mutual respect and support for the roles of each;

d. a spirit of collaboration with the laity in order to em-power them, through spiritual and theological for-mation, to become effective catechists and other ac-tive ministers of evangelization;

e. a special sensitivity to the role of women in the Church and a disposition to collaboration with them, especially, when possible, with our sisters in Holy Cross;

Mission 49

f. a preferential attention to the poor through direct service to immigrants and minorities, to the vulner-able and the abandoned;

g. the education of parishioners to an active ecologi-cal and social justice ministry, working for structural change;

h. the recognition, integration, and celebration of di-verse cultures within our parish communities and the broader Church; the fostering of an awareness of the international mission of Holy Cross;

i. liturgical celebrations sensitive to the demands of in-culturation, prepared with an awareness of the trans-forming power of liturgy in the life and faith of the People of God;

j. a preference for work in dioceses where Holy Cross, with a spirit of initiative, innovation and col-laboration, can uniquely impact the life of the local Church;

k. a spirit of collaboration with dioceses and with other faiths, civic organizations and all persons of good will in responding to the needs of the local Church;

l. a participative and collaborative management style and a transparency in financial matters;

m. a special preoccupation with the strengthening of family life and the education of the young; a commit-ment to Catholic schools, to the education of heart and mind;

n. a culture of fostering vocations, inviting young peo-ple to answer the call to priesthood and religious life in Holy Cross; an openness to the formation and training of our young religious in our Holy Cross pastoral ministries.

While some of these characteristics have specific application to parish ministry, we see most of them as relevant to our members


serving in other pastoral contexts, such as in hospitals, prison min-istry, counseling services, and centers for street children. Inspiring and challenging us, these Holy Cross characteristics are worthy of continued reflection and can effectively be used as an aid to mission assessment.

Recommendation 34: Periodic Gatherings of Pastoral Ministers

The Chapter recommends periodic gatherings of Holy Cross re-ligious who minister in a pastoral context. These gatherings may take place regionally, or on a province, vicariate, or district level. The characteristics of our pastoral ministry as mentioned above could be the basis for the deliberations of these gatherings.

Blessed André Bessette and Saint Joseph Oratory

The canonization of Blessed André Bessette is a source of joy for our Congregation. This historical moment reminds us as well of our call to be men of prayer and of service, ready to place our lives at the service of others as he did with particular attention to those who are suffering.

The Congregation of Holy Cross considers that it is a privilege and a sacred duty to pursue the work initiated by Blessed André Bes-sette at Saint Joseph Oratory. This sanctuary is an integral part of the heritage and of the mission of the Congregation.

Recommendation 35: Devotion to Brother André and the Importance of the Brothers’ Vocation

We recommend that efforts be made in all our places of ministry to make better known and loved the first religious of the Congrega-tion to be declared a saint. Since Blessed André Bessette expressed well by his life and work the beauty of the vocation of a brother,

Mission 51

efforts should also be made to underline the importance of this vocation in Holy Cross.

Decree 24: Saint Joseph Oratory

The Chapter decrees that Saint Joseph Oratory shall remain an es-sential and continuing part of the patrimony and an integral part of the heritage and mission of Holy Cross. It is critical that Holy Cross personnel be available to provide direction for this minis-try and support for the pastoral care of visitors and pilgrims.

The Chapter decrees that the Superior General shall continue to work in close collaboration with the Canadian Province of Holy Cross to make available the personnel required for this work. The superior of the Canadian Province will provide regular reports to the Superior General and to the Council of the Congregation on the work of the Oratory.

53

Finance

The Finance Committee reviewed the report of the general stew-ard, the financial reports of the Generalate for the past five years, and financial reviews of Congregazione di Santa Croce, Holy Cross Inter-national, Inc. (US), and Congregation de Sainte-Croix (Canada). All reports were found to be in good order and approvals were given.

The committee reviewed the budget for the period 2010–2013 presented by the Superior General and made adjustments based on input from Chapter committees (all amounts in $US).

Budget for 2010–2013

Expenses AmountPersonal $60,540Community $67,310General Administration Activities $450,940Congregational Finance Commission $18,000Congregational Religious Life / Vocation / Formation Commission

$20,000

Financial/Demographic Study Update $26,000Coordinator of Justice and Peace $32,000Congregational Planning $113,000


General Secretariat $60,490Administrative Services $6,860 Personnel $294,950House Operation and Maintenance $96,205Capital Expenditures $94,300Beatification and Canonization $100,000Contingency $50,000Total Expenses $1,490,595

Income AmountAssessments $1,250,595Taken from Investments Earnings $200,000Other Operating Income $40,000Total Income $1,490,595

Decree 25: Spending Rate for Generalate Endowment

The Chapter decrees that the spending rate of funds from the Generalate endowment will be a maximum of 4% or $200,000 whichever is less. These funds are to be used for the operating expenses of the General Administration.

Decree 26: Annual Assessments for Provinces and Vicariates for 2010–2013

The Chapter decrees that the total amount of province and vi-cariate assessments for each of the years 2010/2011 through 2012/2013 is $1,250,595. The apportionment among provinces and vicariates is calculated on a pro-rata basis (with a divisor of 10 for those in Asia and Haiti) according to the number of pro-fessed religious in the provinces and vicariates as of May 2009.

Finance 55

Provinces / Vicariates

Number Percentage Assessment

Vicariate of France

23 2.15 $26,888

Indiana Province

338 31.63 $395,564

Midwest Province

180 16.83 $210,475

Province Canadienne

160 14.97 $187,214

Eastern Priest Province

114 10.66 $133,314

Eastern Brothers Province

108 10.10 $126,310

English Canadian Vicariate

24 2.25 $28,140

South-West Province

92 8.60 $107,551

Province of South India

80 0.55 $6,924

Sacred Heart Province

70 0.48 $6,058

Saint Joseph Province

70 0.48 $6,058

Province of Haiti

68 0.47 $5,885

Vicariate of India

46 0.32 $3,982

Province of North-East India

72 0.50 $6,232

Total 1445 100.00 $1,250,595


Decree 27: Annual Assessments for Provinces and Vicariates for 2013–2016

The Chapter decrees that the budget and province and vicariate assessments for 2013/14 through 2015/16 shall be prepared by the General Administration by February 1, 2012, reviewed by the Congregational Finance Commission, and approved by the Su-perior General with the consent of his Council after presentation to the Council of the Congregation.

The Chapter decrees that the divisor for Asia and Haiti be de-creased to five beginning in 2013.

Decree 28: Congregational Finance Commission

The Chapter decrees that the Superior General shall appoint a Congregational Finance Commission, which will:

a. review the investment policy, performance and management of all congregational investments—including the Solidarity Fund—on a regular basis and advise the Superior General and his Council accordingly;

b. review the annual financial reports of the General Administration;

c. assist with the implementation of common financial reporting format, on-going five year projections, and financial planning;

d. review financial aspects of requests from districts to move to province status;

e. review the congregational assessment formula and report its recommendations to the Council of the Congregation of 2014;

f. consider other matters that may be referred by the Superior General.

Finance 57

The Congregational Finance Commission is advisory to the Gen-eral Administration. The General Steward shall serve as chair-man of the Commission.

Decree 29: Solidarity Fund and Solidarity Commission

The Chapter decrees that the Solidarity Fund and a Solidarity Commission be continued for the next six years.

The Chapter decrees that there be no new assessment to the prov-inces, vicariates, and districts for this fund over the next six years. The 3% tax on sales of real estate shall be retained during this six-year period. The Solidarity Commission will continue to make its annual report to the Congregation.

Recommendation 36: Task Force on Haiti

The Chapter recommends that the Task Force on Haiti that was recently created by the General Administration be continued un-til the Province of Haiti has completed the repair and reconstruc-tion of its buildings.

Recommendation 37: Financial and Demographic Data

The Chapter recommends that the General Administration con-tinue to utilize the services of Plante and Moran, or another such firm, to collect and analyze the financial and demographic data provided by the provinces, districts, and vicariates.

Decree 30: Annual Audits or Reviews

The Chapter decrees that the General Administration and prov-inces, vicariates, and districts shall have an annual audit or review of their financial statements conducted by outside auditors.


Recommendation 38: Reserve for Notre-Dame-de-Sainte-Croix

The Chapter recommends that the reserve for the renovation of Notre-Dame-de-Sainte-Croix currently held by the General Ad-ministration be maintained until such time as the project is com-pleted. If at that time funds remain in the reserve, the Superior General and his Council may allocate these funds according to the needs determined at that time.

Decree 31: Transfer of Title to Notre-Dame-de-Sainte-Croix to Abri Sainte-Croix

The Chapter acknowledges the historical importance and the im-pact Notre-Dame-de-Sainte-Croix Church had on the foundation of the Congregation. Therefore, the Chapter decrees that the General Administration and the administration of the Vicariate of France, after consultation with local counsel (civil and canonical) in Le Mans, work with the Diocese of Le Mans to try to secure the title to Notre-Dame-de-Sainte-Croix and the rectory for the Abri Sainte-Croix, and to clarify the responsibility for operational and capi-tal expenditures for the church and rectory. In preparation for this meeting, the Superior General in collaboration with the Vicariate of France will define the mission of Notre-Dame-de-Sainte-Croix Church, explore new ways of strengthening the pastoral presence and the internationality of the Congregation at Notre-Dame-de-Sainte-Croix and will share this information with the Diocese of Le Mans and with the leadership of the Congregation.

Decree 32: Alienation of Temporal Goods, Contracting of Debts, and Capital Expenditures

The Chapter decrees that a provincial, with the consent of his Council, may permit the alienation of temporal goods, the con-tracting of debts, and capital expenditures for the amounts not

Finance 59

to exceed the following: US $500,000 for North America and France; US $300,000 for Haiti and Peru; US $165,000 for Brazil; US $120,000 for Chile; US $100,000 for Ghana, India, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda; US $50,000 for Bangladesh in accordance with the limits set by the Holy See.

For amounts exceeding those established above, the competent authority is the Superior General with the consent of his Council. For amounts over those established by the Holy See for each re-gion, the Superior General must forward the request to the Holy See (S139) in the case of alienation of temporal goods and the contracting of debts.

The General Steward shall make available to the provinces and vicariates on a regular basis the limits regarding debt and alien-ation set by the Holy See for the regions in which the Congrega-tion is present.

Provincials, vicariate superiors, and district superiors shall send to the General Administration annually the schedule of debt for every institution whose debt has a direct or indirect linkage to the province, vicariate, or district, and which constitutes a liabil-ity or potential liability to the province, vicariate, or district.

Decree 33: Endowment for Haiti

The Province Canadienne has supported the Province de Notre-Dame-du-Perpétuel Secours in Haiti in the amount of $425,000 (Can.) per year since 2003. The agreement to do so comes to an end in 2012. The Province of Haiti continues to need annual oper-ating support, a need aggravated by the earthquake in 2010.

The Province Canadienne has generously offered to establish an endowment for Haiti in the amount of $5,000,000 (Can.) before the end of the current agreement in 2012. This should provide $200,000 to $250,000 per year.


In addition to the income from the endowment for Haiti, $200,000–$250,000 may be required annually to meet the operating needs of the Province of Haiti.

The Chapter decrees that the endowment for Haiti be under the control of the General Administration. The Chapter further decrees that the Congregational Finance Commission develop investment policies and that it oversee the investments of this endowment for the Province of Haiti.

Decree 34: Intra-congregational Assistance Fund

The Chapter decrees that beginning in 2011–2012 and continu-ing through 2015–2016, annual contributions will be made by the provinces and vicariates for use by the General Administra-tion to create an Intra-congregational Assistance Fund to meet the needs in units of the Congregation for which there are no funds available.

The Intra-congregational Assistance Fund will be held and ad-ministered by the General Administration.

The money contributed to the fund each year will be available to provide assistance to provinces, vicariates, and districts with needs that cannot be met through the normal approved budget-ing process. The purposes of the Intra-congregational Assistance Fund include, but are not limited to the following:

a. to supplement income from the endowment to assist the Province of Haiti;

b. formation expenses;

c. health care expenses;

d. unforeseen needs.

In order to create an Intra-congregational Assistance Fund of $750,000 that will be available each year for five years, the fol-lowing annual contributions are to be assessed:

Finance 61

Designation AmountVicariate of France $16,125U.S. Province (Indiana & Eastern) $317,180Moreau Province (East and Southwest)

$140,250

Midwest Province $126,225Province Canadienne $112,275English Canadian Vicariate $16,875Sacred Heart Province $3,635Saint Joseph Province $3,635Province of South India $4,150Province of North-East India $3,735Vicariate of India $2,385Province of Haiti $3,530Total $750,000

Note: The money not expended in a given year will be carried over.

The current Emergency Fund will be added to this Intra-congregational Assistance Fund.

The General Administration shall make an annual report to the Council of the Congregation on the uses of the Intra-congregational Fund, and on all other intra-congregational support (financial and personnel) and will present a final report to the General Chapter of 2016.

63

Index

Decrees

Governance

Decree 1: Congregational Planning Task Force ......................................5

Decree 2: Provisions for the General Chapter of 2016 ...........................8

Decree 3: The Composition of the Council of the Congregation ....... 11

Decree 4: Amending Constitution 7:99 .................................................. 11

Decree 5: Amending Constitution 7:95 ..................................................12

Decree 6: A Decree Authorizing the Superior General to Change the Status of Provinces ...................................................................12

Decree 7: The General Council ................................................................13

Decree 8: The Election and Appointment of the General Assistants ......14

Decree 9: Amending Constitution 7:93 ..................................................15

Decree 10: Enabling Legislation for Province Status for the District of East Africa .................................................................................16

Decree 11: The Merger of the Eastern Province of Priests and Brothers into the Indiana Province .......................................17

Decree 12: Restructuring of the Province of South India ......................17

Decree 13: Amending Statute 60 ...............................................................19


Decree 14: Enabling Legislation for the Suppression of the South-West Province and the Eastern Province of Brothers and the Erection of a New Mixed Province .......................................21

Decree 15: Appointment of a Provincial Superior and Two Provincial Councilors for the New Province ..........................................21

Decree 16: To Maintain the Structure of Vicariate in the Congregation until 2016 (cf. Decree 4, Extraordinary General Chapter of 2006) ...........................................................................................21

Decree 17: Review of Reversionary Clauses in Documents .................22

Decree 18: Review of Documents Governing the Relationship between Jurisdictions and Institutions .................................................22

Decree 19: Approval of Minutes of the General Chapter of 2010 ........23


Decree 20: Change in Constitution 1 ........................................................28

Decree 21: Vocation Promotion .................................................................31

Decree 22: Formation Personnel ...............................................................32

Decree 23: Vocation and Formation Guide with Supplemental Documents ..............................................................32

Mission

Decree 24: Saint Joseph Oratory ...............................................................51

Finance

Decree 25: Spending Rate for Generalate Endowment .........................54

Decree 26: Annual Assessments for Provinces and Vicariates for 2010–2013 ..........................................................54

Index 65

Decree 27: Annual Assessments for Provinces and Vicariates for 2013–2016 ..........................................................56

Decree 28: Congregational Finance Commission ...................................56

Decree 29: Solidarity Fund and Solidarity Commission .......................57

Decree 30: Annual Audits or Reviews .....................................................57

Decree 31: Transfer of Title to Notre-Dame-de-Sainte-Croix to Abri Sainte-Croix ..............................................................................58

Decree 32: Alienation of Temporal Goods, Contracting of Debts, and Capital Expenditures ...............................................................58

Decree 33: Endowment for Haiti ..............................................................59

Decree 34: Intra-congregational Assistance Fund ..................................60

Recommendations

Governance

Recommendation 1: Work of the Congregational Planning Task Forces ..6

Recommendation 2: District of West Africa and the Holy Cross Mission Center ..............................................................7

Recommendation 3: Congregational Staffing of Saint Joseph Oratory and the Conventual Church of Notre-Dame-de- Sainte-Croix ...................................................................7

Recommendation 4: Holy Cross Family Ministries .....................................8

Recommendation 5: The Place of Districts in Restructuring ....................15

Recommendation 6: Adherence to Legal Requirements for Legal Entities ....23

Recommendation 7: Retention of Legal Counsel .......................................23

Recommendation 8: Canonical Relationship with Sponsored Institutions ...................................................................23



Recommendation 9: Congregational Vision ................................................27

Recommendation 10: Our Life and Mission as Religious ...........................28

Recommendation 11: Commission on Religious Life ..................................28

Recommendation 12: Official Insignia and Religious Habit in the Congregation ...............................................................29

Recommendation 13: Causes for Canonization ............................................30

Recommendation 14: Collaboration with Our Sisters in Holy Cross ........30

Recommendation 15: Book of Devotional Prayer for the Congregation of Holy Cross ...................................................................30

Recommendation 16: Holy Cross Ritual ........................................................31

Recommendation 17: Community Life ..........................................................31

Recommendation 18: Vocation and Formation Review ..............................32

Recommendation 19: Need for Vocation and Formation Personnel .........33

Recommendation 20: Vocation and Formation Commission .....................33

Recommendation 21: Gatherings of Vocation Directors .............................34

Recommendation 22: Study and Experience of Our International and Intercultural Mission ..................................................34

Recommendation 23: Missionary Heritage and Mission ............................35

Recommendation 24: Collaboration between Societies ...............................35

Mission

Recommendation 25: Coordination of International and Cross-Cultural Ministerial Commitments ..........................................39

Recommendation 26: Coordination of Mission Center Activities .............40

Recommendation 27: Congregational Coordinator of Justice and Peace and the Integrity of Creation .....................................41

Recommendation 28: Local Coordinators of Justice and Peace and the Integrity of Creation ...................................................42

Recommendation 29: Annual Day of Fasting, Prayer, and Almsgiving ...42

Index 67

Recommendation 30: Coordinator of Educational Ministries ....................45

Recommendation 31: Institutions of Higher Education ..............................45

Recommendation 32: Statement of Intention for Educational Institutions ...46

Recommendation 33: Associate Programs ....................................................47

Recommendation 34: Periodic Gatherings of Pastoral Ministers ..............50

Recommendation 35: Devotion to Brother André and the Importance of the Brothers’ Vocation ............................................50

Finance

Recommendation 36: Task Force on Haiti .....................................................57

Recommendation 37: Financial and Demographic Data .............................57

Recommendation 38: Reserve for Notre-Dame-de-Sainte-Croix ...............58

Statements

Statement 1: Regarding the Proposed Union of the District of Brazil (SW) and the District du Brésil (CP) ...............................................19

Statement 2: Regarding the Creation of a New Province through the Suppression of the South-West Province and the Eastern Province of Brothers ................................................................20

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