Rationale:
In the past, we have been explicitly told that attending community chapters cannot be expected, as it is not stated in the Founding Document (FD). “If it’s not in the FD, it’s not a valid expectation.” When the FD was originally written, the technology we now use for chapter gatherings did not exist, and such gatherings were still in their infancy at the time of the latest revision of the FD. Community life is always evolving in response to the Spirit’s promptings, and thus, the FD must also evolve to reflect this. It is a living document.
There is a predictable trend that can be noted: People start to drift away, leading to less motivation to attend chapters. Not participating in community life creates an emotional distance, resulting in even lower attendance and participation. Consequently, the community loses meaning for individuals, prompting them to leave, saying, “I’m not getting anything out of the community,” similar to saying “I’m not getting anything from a class” they never attended.
Numerous Companions have voiced their frustration about Companions regularly missing chapter gatherings. Currently, our efforts to counter this are limited to sending emails saying we miss them, but these often go unanswered. In summary, we seem to be reacting with terminal tolerance rather than taking a sufficiently proactive approach. The proposed language focuses on setting expectations without being regulatory or prescriptive – it does not enforce rules. We do not need more regulations, but we do need each other.
Proposed New Language to Be Added to Principles II. Our Life in Common, p. 3 (at the end of that section):
Attendance at Monthly Chapter Gatherings
Consistent attendance at our monthly community chapter is expected and vital. Regular engagement in these gatherings is crucial for building community, addressing shared concerns, and building a sense of connection and unity. We rely on the presence of all Companions to help achieve these objectives. Barring exceptional circumstances, these chapter gatherings should be a top priority in Companion schedules. Consistent attendance is not just important – it is essential.
A consistent pattern of non-participation in community chapter can be perceived as an indication that the community is not a priority to a Companion. When Companions consistently choose not to engage, it signals a disregard for the collective well-being and the shared responsibilities that bind us. This pattern of non-participation undermines our efforts to build a thriving, united community and suggests a lack of commitment to our common goals. To ensure the health and vitality of our community, it is important that all members recognize the significance of their presence and actively participate in these gatherings.
Questions:
- Do we want to articulate this expectation in the FD? It follows the sentence about the expectation of attending GA.
- Does it go too far?
- Does it go far enough?
Deadline:
Please provide any feedback you may have on this proposed language, even if your only feedback is that it is acceptable as written. You may suggest language changes. Blogging on this topic will conclude on Friday, March 7, at 10 pm EST, unless an extension is clearly necessary.
I like the interwoven language and thank all involved in the discussion. Hopefully, having clear expectations in the FD will have the desired effect.
This is so mportant. At first glance I like the language. The emphasis is on the necessity of our being “together” as that ‘being’ cements our bonds us as companions.
We might want to discuss the process for addressing “non-attendance”. I think it would be better to have that discussion as we proceed and not aftee the fact. I suggest this with as much care as I am not comfortable with using inflexible language. Just suggesting we hold this in gentle awareness.
With that I whole heartedly concur with moving forward with this. I appreciate what has been proposed and the thougtful comments.
I approve of the language. I think it makes it very clear how important attending meetings is. I think with time we will see if the language is strong enough.
I’m sorry, I pressed the submit before rereading to edit. I think you’ll get my jist.
I feel that much of what has been proposed are good, but are they necessary in the Founding Document. I would use those writings as arguments for attending while teaching new Postulants the importance of attending Community gatherings/meetings.
Perhaps consider a shorter, direct and positive wording.
We rely on the presence of all companions for building community, addressing shared concerns, raising a sense of connection and unity.
The participation of a companion ensures the health and vitality of our community which is essential to it’s well being.
In the last paragraph add after, “General Assembly”
“all other scheduled and non scheduled meetings.”
I approve of this updated language.
I think that the flow of commentary and adjustment has resulted in as good a statement as we can create. Words are limited in their communication. We do the best we can and then pray and hope that the heart will hear the message in depth.
This draft seems to me to ready for our final consideration.
Many thanks to all who have written.
I thoroughly approve the proposed language. It reflects the truth that one’s absence creates a tear in the fabric of community,ever widening and weakening the threads surrounding it as their continued absence makes the tear ever wider.
Thanks to Sr. Kristine Nahara’s insightful feedback as well as others who responded. Based on all your comments, here is a revised draft of the proposed language:
“Consistent attendance at our monthly community chapter is expected and vital. Participation in these gatherings – along with general assemblies and special events, both online and in person, is essential to the life of our community. These moments of shared presence are not merely obligations; they are opportunities to build relationships, address shared concerns, and strengthen our sense of unity. When all Companions actively engage, we walk together in the light, supporting one another in faith and purpose.
Belonging to a religious community is a special kind of relationship, one that calls us to walk alongside one another, bearing each other’s burdens and ensuring that no one journeys alone. Our presence signals our commitment to this shared life, while nonparticipation can unintentionally diminish the collective strength of our community. When Companions are absent, they are sincerely missed, and their absence is felt by all.
A consistent pattern of nonparticipation may indicate that the community is not a priority, undermining the unity and vitality we strive to cultivate. Our shared responsibility is to nurture a thriving, connected fellowship, recognizing that we accomplish this through both active participation and prayer, corporate and individual. Barring exceptional circumstances, our gatherings should remain a top priority, as they are the foundation upon which our community is built.
Together, we create a space where no one walks alone, where faith is deepened, and where companionship is more than just an idea – it is a lived reality.”
REACTIONS TO THIS REVISED LANGUAGE?
I like this because it allows the Founding Document to do a little instruction on the matter and press upon inquirers how important our weekly, monthly, and yearly common life together is to the well-being and function not only of the order itself, but to each of us.
I think a both/and “interweaving” of the proposed wording with Sr. Kristine Nahara’s suggestion. One of the powerful witnesses of the Order is the Founding Document which centers our personal and communal lives in the positive affirmations of Faith and tradition, a tone that spoke/still speaks deeply to a number of Companions. I think the key descriptor is “consistent” absence as something for all to be concerned for as quite simply and honestly “life happens”. Even in residential community life we rarely had 100% attendance
and provincial or local chapters due to pastoral or personal concerns, travel, etc.
Do we want to articulate this expectation in the FD? Yes.
Does it go too far? No.
Does it go far enough? Perhaps yes. I think we see over time.
I do like some of the wording Sister Kristine Nahara suggests. Perhaps it can be artfully woven into what is proposed here. I wouldn’t excise what is proposed, but maybe add the “Belonging to a religious community is a special type of relationship. A part of belonging to the community is to help companions carry the heavy burdens of life, to let companions know that they do not walk alone.” part somewhere.
I say it is a go.
Dearest Companions,
I would like to suggest a slightly different type of nudge for participation:
“It is our sincerest desire that companions participate in the life of the community to its fullest extent including participation in chapter meetings, general assembly, and special events both online and in person. Participation by all enhances our community while nonparticipation detracts from our community. Participation allows companions to walk alongside one another in the light while nonparticipation causes companions to walk alone in darkness. Companions are sincerely missed by all when not in attendance. Belonging to a religious community is a special type of relationship. A part of belonging to the community is to help companions carry the heavy burdens of life, to let companions know that they do not walk alone. We accomplish these goals by participating in community life and with prayer both corporate and individual.”
Rationale for this language is to show companions how their participation matters to our community.
I understand the desire for more participation.
We are dealing with a very diverse group of dispersed people living in a troubled world. Some are plagued by illness, family issues, work issues and aging.
If made to feel like participation is not adequate are you at risk of people leaving or going inactive.
A side bar thought….
It may be prudent to consider this entire topic as one that should be stressed and be explained in depth from the beginning of the Postulant level of training and reinforced during the Novitiate. When a candidate transitions to the next level, attendence becomes a part of his/her commitment to the OC. By giving this serious attention in those first two years my help.
Entire topic meaning attendence in general, not limited to the monthly meetings.
Good point!
This language signals intention; I am glad it is not voiced in the language of requirement or regulation, but speaks of priority and community. There is no punitive directive but only an invitation to commitment.
What of our Companions in Brazil? Does this apply to them as well?
They have their own community chapter gatherings. As two of the three Brazilian Companions do not speak English, attending US chapter gatherings is somewhat of a trial. The same intention of the language applies to the entire community, regardless of country. It is deliberately written to apply to the community in both countries.