COMMUNICANDA 4
Roma, 8 September 1995
Prot. N. 0000 0257/95
COLLABORATION BETWEEN
THE
REDEMPTORIST COMMUNITY
AND THE LAITY
DIRECTIVES
AND NORMS
[1]
INTRODUCTION
01. In recent years, stimulated by the ecclesiology
of the Second Vatican Council, the Church
has become more clearly conscious of the complimentarity
of the religious and lay vocations. Hence
collaboration between Religious Institutes
and the laity is being promoted as one of
the means best calculated to develop the apostolic
dynamism of both religious and laity as well
as giving clear witness to the evangelizing
mission of the ecclesial community (cf. VFiC,
‘Fraternal Life in Community,’ no. 70).
02. The Synod of 1994 on Consecrated Life recommended
that the Institutes create new structures
and define programs of formation to foster
and promote the participation of the laity,
while turning to better account the role which
belongs to women in the Church and in society.
At the same time it called to mind that while
united with the laity in closer collaboration
the religious must keep their proper identity
and their own special dynamic way of life
(cf. ILSVC, no. 80; Propositions,
no. 33). This marks a significant and complex
development in today's Church.
03. Our Congregation from the beginning has always
been close to the people, particularly the
poor and abandoned, and has always sought
collaboration with the laity in its apostolic
work. It will be sufficient to recall, for
example, what Alphonsus accomplished with
the 'evening chapels' in Naples to realize how much he had
at heart this nearness to and sharing with
the abandoned and with what constancy he endeavored
to adapt to simple people in all his missionary
activity and writing. St. Clement, especially
during his period in Vienna, always sought
to associate with the laity and to involve
them in his multiple apostolic works so as
to have a more profound and lasting effect
on the European society of his time.
04. In recent years the Congregation has taken concrete
steps to increase evaluate and direct collaboration
with the laity. The XXI General Chapter was
especially concerned in this project devoting
an entire section of the Final Document
to "Collaboration with the laity
on a basis of partnership" in which:
- it acknowledges the progress already made in
the field of collaboration and encourages
its promotion where it has not yet begun (cf.
no. 57);
-
it recommends that "the different Units
of the Congregation share their experiences
in the area of lay collaboration, so that
we can learn from each other and begin to
evaluate the results of our experiences thus
far"(no. 59b);
-
it decides to establish the category of Lay
Missionary of the Most Holy Redeemer as an
active co-worker and participant in the apostolic
life of the Redemptorist congregation "(no.
60a);
-
it urges our communities to open themselves
up to the laity, so that they may have a greater
share in our experiences of life, work and
spirituality "(no. 60b);
05. In order that the project of the Congregation
with regard to collaboration with the laity
might have common points of reference and
thus more profitable results, the same General
Chapter requested the General Government to
propose:
-
"guidelines for such collaboration which
the units could adapt to their particular
circumstances"(no. 59a).
-
"general norms " for the Lay Missionaries
of the Most Holy Redeemer "which would
apply to all units of the Congregation"(no.
60a).
06. After the General Secretariat for the Laity
had already presented to the Congregation
a general synthesis of the initiatives already
in operation in the different units, the General
Council on 8 September 1995, approved the
following Guidelines and Norms, the
fruit of a complex period of study and consultation
in which it sought to involve the whole Congregation
together with qualified representatives of
the laity who are already working with us.
These Guidelines and Norms are addressed in
the first place to the different units of
the Congregation as an instrument to stimulate
and unify our research for the most suitable
forms of collaboration with the laity. Naturally
they concern as well the lay people themselves
who are collaborating with us.
07. The decision to present them in one sole document
arose from the necessity of showing more clearly:
-
the plurality of forms of
collaboration existing between the laity and
Redemptorist Communities: for this reason
the Guidelines are traced in general terms
which should be made concrete according to
the circumstances of the different units;
-
the more committed form of
active collaboration and participation in
the apostolic life of the C.Ss.R which is
found in the category of the Lay Missionary
of the Most Holy Redeemer: thus some General
Norms are defined which are to be observed
in all the units of the Congregation (no.
60a).
08. The contents of the following pages do not certainly
express the full commitment which Redemptorists
are called to make in promoting a more mature
and generously apostolic laity. Such a commitment
is of a much wider dimension and should be
present in all our apostolic initiatives.
The Guidelines and Norms are
concerned solely with "collaboration
with the laity on a basis of partnership",
that is such collaboration as visualizes the
laity actively participating in the apostolic
life of the Redemptorist community. This we
have made clear from the beginning and it
is in this sense that "collaboration
with the laity on the basis of partnership"
is to be understood all through this document.
09. Both the Guidelines and the Norms
aim at stimulating the units of the Congregation
and each confrere to be more positive and
creative in their activity, while at the same
time drawing attention to some requirements
and conditions aimed at fostering a more unified
approach which respects the special circumstances
of the various contexts.
PART I
GUIDELINES
FOR COLLABORATION
WITH THE LAITY
1.1 Collaboration
10. The fact that the Holy Spirit today is urging
lay people to a greater collaboration in the
evangelizing of the poor constitutes a precious
sign of the times for the ecclesial and Redemptorist
community. It is imperative therefore for
us, Redemptorists, to be prompt and positive
in our response:
- by encouraging the laity to a more mature awareness
of their specific vocation, which is rooted
in their baptism, and to a greater promptitude
and generosity in their response;
- by inviting them candidly to participate in
the Redemptorist mission and spirituality;
-
by opening up our communities to them and intensifying
the formation of Redemptorists so that we
may be better disposed to and more capable
of collaborating with them;
-
by leaving ourselves always open to be enriched
by what the Spirit works in them.
11. The Collaboration is to be so planned that the
Redemptorists and laity are effectively co-workers
in the evangelization of the poor. Its realization
should always be marked by real co-responsibility
and sincere mutual respect. The objective
to be attained is "the Redemptorist family"
demonstrated at different concentric levels
of belonging.
12. Complimentarity and reciprocity between the
charisms in that communion proper to the Church,
should constitute the basis of all collaboration.
It is imperative, however, to ensure that
the Redemptorist community does not become
laicized and that the lay people do not become
clericalized or sacralized, but that a real
reciprocal enrichment is attained. This balance
must be constantly preserved in the actual
concrete situations.
13. The basis of collaboration is the sharing of
the laity in the mission which is proper to
the Redemptorist community. The secular dimension,
the specific charisms and the skills of the
laity will contribute to make incarnate and
more significant the evangelization of the
Redemptorist community. The Redemptorist community
in its turn will make available to the laity
the richness and fruit of its spiritual and
material patrimony. In this way a greater
thrust and incisiveness will be given to apostolic
dynamism.
14. Fidelity to the abandoned, especially the poorest
and marginalized will enable the Redemptorist
community and the laity to select the concrete
forms of collaboration best suited to the
various situations. When all of us are animated
by the Alphonsian charism we shall operate
in such a way that the evangelization of the
poor will make the poor themselves co-evangelizers.
This will bring us all together in the school,
of the gospel in order to understand and live
better its richness.
15. The forms of collaboration can only be correctly
selected in dialogue with the laity themselves.
It is necessary therefore that the Redemptorist
community be already committed to listening
to their aspirations and needs (cf. FD, no.
58e).
16. There are many criteria for bringing about this
discernment. The following, however, must
never be omitted:
-
respect for the way forward of the laity in
the universal and local Church;
-
the promotion of a clearer awareness of their
responsibility for the evangelical transformation
of the world;
-
a sincere commitment to inculturation and to
being adaptable to the various social sensitivities;
-
listening attentively to the desires and needs
of the laity and respecting their requirements
taking into consideration their secular and
family situations;
-
being in harmony with the pastoral priorities
of the community of the (V)Province;
-
the degree of maturity for collaboration existing
in the Redemptorist community and the legitimate
needs of its community life.
17. It is imperative to avoid all forms of collaboration
which do not make the laity more responsive
to their vocation as members of a family living
in the world. On the other hand those which
allow them to be evangelizers beginning in
their own home or place of work must be encouraged.
18. In all forms of collaboration, the Redemptorist
community must be concerned that the requirements
of justice be respected with regard to remuneration
and social security. As regards reciprocal
relations and obligations these should be
set out precisely in a written agreement.
1.2 Participation in the apostolic life of the Redemptorist
community
19. Collaboration with the laity shall always be
in line with the unified sense of our apostolic
life" which comprises at one and the
same time a life specially dedicated to God
and a life of missionary work" (Const.
1) and has as its essential law "to live
in community and to carry out their apostolic
work through community" (Const. 21).
Collaboration therefore always includes some
participation of the laity in the spiritual
and fraternal dynamic of the community.
20. The forms and degrees of such collaboration
and participation (that is partnership) should
always be realistic in their inspiration and
should be based on a sincere desire to grow
and develop, taking into consideration the
way forward planned by the community and the
desires and grade of formation of the laity.
21. Our lay collaborators have an active role with
the Redemptorist community in planning and
evaluating common apostolic commitments and
moments of participation in the life of the
community itself. (V)Provincial statutes
[2]
must give more precise
indications in this respect considering the
degree of collaboration and participation
of the laity themselves.
1.3 Forms of Collaboration
1.3.1 Criteria
22. Taking into consideration the desires of the
laity themselves and the actual possibilities
in the Redemptorist community, collaboration
and participation (partnership) can be realized:
- at the level of individuals or groups;
-
for a limited period of time or in a more stable
manner (e.g. one year, five years, lifetime...);
-
according to greater or lesser availability
of time and according to possibilities (e.g.
part time or full time dedication...);
-
on a voluntary basis or for remuneration.
23. The Redemptorist community should see to it
that the lay people who collaborate with it
can meet among themselves also in order to
set up these structures which will prove more
useful for their life and ministry.
24. The forms of collaboration with the laity which
are actually in place in the different units
of the C.Ss.R. must be increased and constantly
renewed so that they may the better respond
to the evangelization of the abandoned. It
is necessary however to be ever attentive
to new requirements and new possibilities
opening ourselves promptly and creatively
to the Spirit who never ceases to inspire
the Church. Such animation and discernment
belong particularly to the competence of the
(V)Provincial government.
25. The spirit of voluntary service inspired by
Christian motives must be encouraged and evaluated
in so far as "it is an indication of
a deeper understanding of the solidarity which
unites all mankind". We must work out
an accurate discernment of the "vocations
to voluntary service", those who are
ready to be partners in our specific mission
and charism (Propositions, no. 33b).
26. The special attention which it is necessary
to give to young people should lead us to
plan "forms of community or of 'temporary'
consecration, in such a way that the young
people are formed in prayer and the apostolate",
while respecting at the same time the ways
and means characteristic of the different
cultures (Propositions, no. 33c).
1.3.2 The different forms
27. In many of our houses there are lay people who
have placed their ability and their technical
professionalism at the service of the Redemptorist
community in different ways. While paying
careful attention to the requirements of justice
and the desires of the laity themselves we
shall take steps to see that such collaboration
becomes a conscious participation in the Redemptorist
mission.
28. In the various forms
of our mission we are often accompanied by
lay people who belong to local groups or movements
who have already their own spiritual and apostolic
outlook. We must respect their specialty,
stimulating them and strengthening them in
loyal coherence with their own charism. At
the same time we must not be lacking in giving
faithful witness to our own Redemptorist charism.
In this way mutual enrichment will become
possible.
If
any of these desires a closer collaboration
with us in our specific mission, we shall
suggest forms which will allow them to participate
more deeply in our charism. On the other hand
we are frequently invited to give our collaboration
to different lay movements. Our community
must always be open to such an encounter "showing
an attitude of mutual recognition, dialogue
and exchange of gifts" (VFiC, no. 62),
29. At times, on the other hand, we may be requested
by the laity to set up groups attached in
an explicit manner to the Redemptorist community
for the purpose of:
-
a stronger spiritual growth;
-
a more explicit commitment to the evangelization
of the poor.
We
should welcome and encourage all such with
joy and promptitude as an expression of the
fertility of our Redemptorist charism. Fidelity
to the Spirit who continually enriches our
religious family with ever new fruit should
suggest ways of discernment and creativity
so that appropriate steps are taken in a constructive
way for the laity and for the community.
It
is good that such groups:
-
should provide themselves with those indispensable
structures of organization which will promote
their vitality and just autonomy;
-
in dialogue with the Redemptorist community
should determine the methods of collaboration
and mutual commitments;
-
after the necessary discernment be recognized
by the (V)Provincial government.
30. Finally there are lay people who seek a closer
collaboration and participation in the apostolic
life of the Redemptorist community. The title
of Lay Missionaries of the Most Holy Redeemer
is reserved for them and the Norms concerning
them make up the second part of this document.
1.4 Formation
31. All forms of collaboration and participation
must be prepared and supplemented by an adequate
formation of both the Redemptorists and the
laity in which the following must not be neglected:
-
a more profound reflection on the theological
spirituality of the vocation and mission of
the laity;
-
a specific apostolic preparation for the areas
in which this collaboration is planned;
-
a more profound reflection on the apostolic
and communitarian spirituality of the C.Ss.R.
32. The (V)Provincial government shall define a
global plan of formation of the laity and
shall animate the different initiatives. They
shall make an attentive evaluation of inter-provincial
initiatives and those of the local Church.
33. The formation of the Redemptorist community
for collaboration with the laity is equally
necessary (cf. FD, no. 59c). It is a dimension
which must be given particular emphasis both
in initial and ongoing formation.
34. It is a good idea to have our lay collaborators
participate actively in formation sessions
of the Redemptorist community, especially
at those times when such participation is
profitable for them and for the community
itself. Their active presence is recommended
in the formation of young Redemptorists.
1.5 Coordination
35. Given its importance for the future of the Congregation
the (V)Provincial government should display
a particular interest in collaboration with
the laity regarding as its special task its
animation, discernment and coordination. In
this it shall be assisted especially by the
Secretariat for apostolic life.
36. The (V)Provincial government should particularly
take care that:
- a proper formation of the lay collaborators
is assured;
- that they never lack constant spiritual animation;
- the lay collaborators
be evaluated according to their specific lay
vocation;
- the demands of justice with regard to remuneration
and social security be respected and with
regard to the future as well;
- good relations develop between the lay collaborators
and the Redemptorist communities;
- that the lay
collaborators are made aware of the obligations
assumed by them towards the Redemptorist community.
37. The official recognition of lay Redemptorist
groups and the approval of their respective
statutes, once the requirements of the canonical
norm have been respected, pertain to the (V)Provincial
government based on criteria decided by the
(V)Provincial Chapter. Such recognition should
be expressed in a liturgical celebration by
the whole community.
38. It is a good thing that there be in every (V)Province
a group (commission or secretariat) appointed
by the (V)Provincial government more particularly
charged with the duty of promoting collaboration
with the laity. It is appropriate that it
be composed of Redemptorists and lay people.
It
should be particularly concerned to:
- stimulate the community to a greater opening
with regard to the laity (FD, no. 60b);
- encourage a more intense preparation of the
confreres for collaboration with the laity
(FD, no. S9c);
- select, in the light of the expectations of
the laity, the projects of the local Church
and the priorities chosen by the (V)Province,
the perspectives and aims most likely to be
profitable for collaboration (FD, no. 58f);
- promote an adequate vocational ministry with
regard to lay collaboration;
- provide realistic programs of formation in
line with the various forms of collaboration;
- promote exchanges of information and inter-provincial
collaboration especially at regional level
(FD, no. 58c).
PART 2
GENERAL NORMS
FOR
THE LAY MISSIONARIES
OF THE MOST HOLY REDEEMER
39. Established by the XXI General Chapter, the
Lay Missionaries of the Most Holy Redeemer
constitute the fullest expression of collaboration
and participation (i.e. partnership) of the
laity in the apostolic life of the Congregation.
40. The Lay Missionaries of the Most Holy Redeemer
must be seen in the context of a more ample
and more positive lay promotion and collaboration
which already exists in a multiplicity of
forms in the Congregation. They wish to be
the strongest expression of it.
41. The Lay missionaries of the Most Holy Redeemer
are not duplicating as Redemptorist Brothers
who are an integral part of our community;
nor do they wish to substitute for them. On
the contrary they signify a further development
of the organization and opening up of the
Redemptorist community.
42. The Missionaries of the Most Holy Redeemer,
though not juridically part of the Redemptorist
community in the strict sense, participate
actively in its life. Together we try to realize
the "Redemptorist family" which
in different degrees of belonging and commitment,
"follow" to day "the example"
of the Redeemer in the evangelization of the
poor.
2.1 Identity
43. The Lay Missionaries of the Most Holy Redeemer
are members of the faithful (men or women,
married or single) of mature faith to which
they give consistent witness and who called
by the Spirit to follow Christ the Redeemer
more closely,
- decide to share the spirituality and the mission
of the Redemptorist community;
- choose a stable form of partnership that is
of collaboration and of participation in its
apostolic life;
- commit themselves to carry out the Redemptorist
mission as lay people "whatever be the
conditions, duties and circumstances of their
lives and through these very situations"
(LG, no. 41).
44. The partnership of the Missionaries of the Most
Holy Redeemer may be temporary or permanent
according to the forms provided for in the
(V)Provincial Statutes.
45. The admission of Lay Missionaries of the Most
Holy Redeemer pertains to the (V)Provincial
Superior with the consent of his Ordinary
Council, having heard the opinion of the local
community in which the Lay Missionaries of
the Most Holy Redeemer are to be enrolled.
It is necessary that the admission be preceded
by adequate formation and appropriate time
for experience according to the directions
of the (V)Provincial Statutes. The General
Council must be duly informed.
2.2 Mission
46. The Lay Missionaries of the Most Holy Redeemer
commit themselves to sharing the mission of
the C.Ss.R. ("to follow the example of
our Savior, Jesus Christ, by preaching the
Word of God to the poor", Const. 1),
carried out in accordance with the pastoral
priorities of the different units of the Congregation.
However, the Lay Missionaries of the Most
Holy Redeemer live out this preferential choice
for urgent pastoral needs and the option for
the poor from their own lay situation (family,
work, social responsibilities...).
47. The Redemptorist community through its Superior
shall see to it that the authorities of the
local Church are informed of the forms of
collaboration realized by the Lay Missionaries
of the Most Holy Redeemer within their territory
and if necessary request the necessary permission
and authorization.
48. The Lay Missionaries of the Most Holy Redeemer
shall commit them selves to make clearer and
more effective the dimension of incarnation
and sharing with the people, especially the
most abandoned, which is characteristic of
the Redemptorist community for the explicit
proclamation of the Gospel.
49. The Lay Missionaries of the Most Holy Redeemer
supported by the Redemptorist community shall
inscribe "the divine law in the life
of the earthly city" (GS, no. 43) by
according a privileged place to the expectations
and needs of the poor and most abandoned.
In this way they are not only responding personally
to the baptismal call to sanctity but they
shall also act as a stimulus and support to
the other baptized.
50. The participation of the Lay Missionaries of
the Most Holy Redeemer shall help the Redemptorist
community to proclaim the Gospel in a way
which shall be effectively perceived and lived
as a liberation and salvation of the whole
person. The evangelical promotion of the fundamental
rights of the poor to justice and freedom
shall constitute therefore a continual preoccupation
of the Lay Missionaries of the Most Holy Redeemer.
2.3 Participation in the apostolic life of the Redemptorist
community
51. The concrete ways and means of collaboration
and participation of the Lay Missionaries
of the Most Holy Redeemer in the apostolic
life of the Redemptorist community shall be
determined by the (V)Provincial Statutes in
the light of the reality and possibilities
of each region and by the contribution of
the Lay Missionaries of the Most Holy Redeemer
themselves while respecting the norms of Canon
Law and our own legislation,
52. These should be planned in such a way that they
in fact respect and promote the religious
character of the Redemptorist community and
the lay condition of the Lay Missionaries
of the Most Holy Redeemer to their mutual
enrichment.
Moreover
it will be necessary that they permit a more
positive recognition and a further development
of the charism and role of the consecrated
Brother who forms an integral part of the
Redemptorist community.
53. Rooted in and nourished by the same spiritual
sources, it is necessary that the Lay Missionaries
of the Most Holy Redeemer:
- participate at least sometimes in the prayer
life and Gospel reflection of the Redemptorist
community;
- share likewise some significant occasions of
the 'family' life of the community itself;
- have a recognized role in the pastoral projects
of the community;
- collaborate positively in the realization of
the pastoral priorities of the (V)Province.
54. The Statutes of the (V)Province shall determine
the ways and means of the active participation
of the Lay Missionaries of the Most Holy Redeemer
in the process of discerning, decision-making
and evaluation of apostolic projects of the
Redemptorist community, both at (V)Provincial
and local level, at least in these areas which
concern their collaboration.
55. The commitment (temporary or definite) of the
Lay Missionaries of the Most Holy Redeemer
shall take place in an appropriate community
liturgy.
56. The relations of the Lay Missionaries of the
Most Holy Redeemer with the community as regards
the economic and social security aspects (salary,
insurance, pensions...) should be in line
with the local civil law and should be ratified
by a written agreement which also guarantees
their future. This should be the case whether
the service is voluntary or involves a real
work contract.
57. The Redemptorist community should guarantee
to the Lay Missionaries of the Most Holy Redeemer,
especially those committed for a longer period,
fraternal solidarity and assistance especially
in old age and in case of illness. The (V)Provincial
Statutes should give precise directions in
this matter.
2.4 Formation
58. One does not become a missionary without preparation.
This demands adequate previous cultural, spiritual
and pastoral formation. For the lay Missionaries
of the Most Holy Redeemer this formation must
continue right through their life. It is a
necessity which must be considered a priority
not only by the Lay Missionaries of the Most
Holy Redeemer but also by the Redemptorist
community.
59. The first person responsible for formation is
the Lay Missionary of the Most Holy Redeemer
himself or herself. They must above all be
concerned about developing unceasingly their
human and Christian formation according to
their specific vocational choices and professional
responsibility. This is the radical basis
of their spiritual and pastoral formation
according to the perspectives typical of Redemptorist
apostolic life.
60. The Redemptorist community for its part shall
see to it that means and possibilities for
this formation are provided:
- by outlining a systematic plan for initial
and ongoing formation which respects and harmonizes
its different dimensions;
- by inviting the formandi to participate
in important occasions of formation planned
for the community itself;
- by designing someone or some group at (V)Provincial
level who with the help of the Lay Missionaries
of the Most Holy Redeemer themselves will
take a more active part in their formation
process.
61. The Lay Missionaries of the Most Holy Redeemer
shall hold meetings periodically among themselves
– at (V)Provincial or Regional level – for
mutual help, a sharing of experiences and
exchange of information, etc.
62. The Redemptorist community should see in the
presence and collaboration of the Lay Missionaries
of the Most Holy Redeemer a precious contribution
to its work of formation (initial and ongoing)
so that it may the better respond to the needs
and expectations of those it is called today
to evangelize. It should particularly value
their contribution in the preparation of young
Redemptorists.
On behalf of the General Council,
Juan Manuel Lasso de la
Vega, C.Ss.R.
Superior
General
The Italian text is the official version of
this Communicanda.
NOTES
