Recently (Feb.
9-13) I spent the better part of a week in New York City at a Paulist General
Council meeting. So let me explain to you a little about how the Paulist
Fathers community works internally. You have all known several Paulists, and
some of you have had the pleasure (I hope) of knowing many Paulists. In
any case you may have noticed some distinction, slight or otherwise, between
Paulists and other priests you have known.
The
Paulists are a Roman Catholic religious community, but we are not technically
an “Order.” For that we would have to take vows. Paulists don’t take vows but
rather make a promise to live according to the Paulist Constitution. Our founders thought that “the word of a
gentleman should be sufficient.” Instead of a Religious Order, in Canon Law the
Paulists are a “Society of Common Life.” That and $3 will get you a ride on the
new express bus!
The
everyday administration of the Paulists is run by a troika called the
Presidential Board, or PB for short. It consists of the president (currently
Fr. Michael McGarry but in May will switch to Fr. Eric Andrews), a
vice-president, and the first consultor. They reside in a house in Jamaica
Estates, in the borough of Queens, New York City. Come next Spring they will
move into the rectory at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Manhattan, and the
house in Jamaica Estates will be sold.
These
three are joined by six other consultors who are elected by the Paulists by
popular ballot. These 9 (6+3) form the General Council. The General Council
(GC) meets at least four times a year, and this council approves Paulist
community budgets, sets community priorities, appoints pastors and superiors,
conducts a visitation to each Paulist foundation every four years, and
generally operates as a board of directors for the Paulist community. I have
just been elected to a four year term as a General Consultor.
This
means I will have to be away for the better part of a week at least four times
a year, may also have to attend to several visitations over the next four
years, and perhaps be involved in some GC committees, etc. I have served on the
GC for a couple of terms in the past and so understand what is involved.
In
addition every four years the Paulists hold a General Assembly to make policy
decisions, update our constitutions and decrees, and set our direction for the
next four years. It is where the Paulists try to read the signs of the times
and chart our direction for the future. It consists of about 35 elected
delegates (all Paulists) and usually lasts about ten days. The next one begins
this May, on Memorial Day, right after we celebrate the ordination of one of
our seminarians (Jimmy Hsu) the weekend prior. I will be going to that General
Assembly.
To
assist the General Assembly, which is more legislative, there is usually a set
of regional meetings to solicit concerns, ideas, and directions for the General
Assembly to deal with. This time we are having only one national meeting, which
will be held March 10-13 (during UT’s
Spring Break fortunately) in Las Vegas, NV. I am not happy about us
meeting in Las Vegas during Lent, but that is where the best deal on hotel
rooms and meeting space was found. All Paulists are expected to attend, as well
as representatives from our collaborators (employees) in each parish or
university center, as well as representatives of each of the Paulist Associate
groups. Deacon Billy Atkins will be joining us as the collaborator from St.
Austin Parish.
So
there will be some coming and going this spring of Paulists here at St. Austin,
and indeed all over the country, maybe even more than usual. I ask for and
appreciate your understanding as the Paulists undertake these tasks, and
especially ask for your prayers as the Paulists deal with some difficult and
important topics. Please ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom to know how to move
forward in our mission and for the courage to do it. Thanks.
God
Bless,
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