EXISTING PARTICULAR DIRECTORY

PROPOSED UPDATED PARTICULAR DIRECTORY

The Particular Directory

of the Western Dominican Province

Last updated 07/02

The Particular Directory

Of the Dominican Province of

the Most Holy Name of Jesus

Last updated June, 2008

PROPOSED REVISION

PREFACE 3

I. Basics of Lay Dominican Life 4

A. Prayer

B. Study of Sacred Truth

C. Penance

D. Apostolate or Ministry

E. Community Life within a Chapter

II. Structure and Government of a Chapter 6

A. The Chapter

B. Duties of the Chapter Council

C. Members of the Chapter Council

D. Duties of Chapter Council Members

E. Nominations and Elections

F. Vacancies, Removals and Appeals

III. Membership and Process of Incorporation 12

A. Membership Categories

A. B. Process of Admission to a Chapter

IV. On-Going Community Life within a Chapter 15

V. Departure from a Chapter 15

A. Leaving a Chapter

B. Removal from a Chapter

C. Transfer

VI. Re-forming, Dissolving or Suppressing a Chapter 16

VII. The Provincial Council 17

A. Members of the Provincial Council

A. B. Duties of the Provincial Council

A. C. Duties of Officers and Other Members of the Provincial Council

A. D. Executive Committee

A. E. Elections and Terms of Office

A. F. Special Meetings

VIII. The Prior Provincial 21

IX. Conclusion 21

Preface....................................................................................................................................................3

I. The Pillars of Lay Dominican Life......................................................................... 4

A. Prayer....................................................................................................................... 4

B. Study........................................................................................................................ 5

C. Preaching................................................................................................................. 5

D. Community.............................................................................................................. 5

II. Membership................................................................................................................................6

III. Process of Admission to a Chapter..................................................................... 7

A. First phase of initial formation................................................................................ 7

B. Rite of Reception.....................................................................................................................8

C. Second Phase of Initial Formation......................................................................................8

D. First Profession........................................................................................................................8

E. Renewal of Temporary Profession.......................................................................................9

F. Profession for life....................................................................................................................9

IV. On-going Community Life Within A Chapter................................................................10

V. Chapter Structure and Government..................................................................... 11

A. Members of the Chapter Council........................................................................... 11

B. Duties of chapter council members....................................................................... 12

C. Duties of the chapter council:............................................................................... 14

VI. Nominations and Elections............................................................................... 16

VII. Chapter Council Vacancies, Removals, and Appeals..................................... 17

VIII. Departure from a chapter or the Order.............................................................. 18

A. Leaving a chapter or the Order.............................................................................. 18

B. Removal from a chapter......................................................................................... 18

C. Removal from the Order......................................................................................................19

D. Transfer...................................................................................................................................19

IX. Chapters in Difficulties......................................................................................... 20

A. Intervention........................................................................................................... 20

B. Reformation........................................................................................................... 20

C. Dissolution............................................................................................................. 20

D. Suppression............................................................................................................ 21

X. The Lay Provincial Council............................................................................... 23

A. Members of the Lay Provincial Council................................................................. 23

B. Duties of the Lay Provincial Council..................................................................... 23

C. Duties of Officers of the Lay Provincial Council and the Provincial Promoter.........24

D. Executive Committee............................................................................................................27

E. Elections and Terms of Office:............................................................................. 27

F. Special Meetings...................................................................................................... 28

XI. Prior provincial........................................................................................................ 29

A. Role........................................................................................................................ 29

B. Duties.................................................................................................................... 29

XII. Conclusion........................................................................................................... 30

PREFACE

Saint Dominic proclaimed the Good News to the men and women of his time. We, as his followers, have accepted The Rule of the Dominican Laity that we may mold our lives and strengthen our spirits to be engaged fully in spreading the Word of God. We endeavor to show to our contemporaries the richness of an authentic apostolic spirituality, and we are nourished by the Word shared in community.

To be effective, we must live lives centered on the Word: in prayer, in study, and in seeing the signs of the times and the people in them. We must, as Saint Dominic did, bring Christ's redemptive grace to our times by our own witness to the Word in life and action, keeping in mind that our apostolic activity flows from the fullness of contemplation.

As Dominican Laity responding to the movement of the Holy Spirit, we are called to be attentive to the Spirit, to study Sacred Truth, to know Church doctrine, and to collaborate with our brothers and sisters in the Dominican Family to proclaim the Reign of God open and vital to all.

The Rule provides the basic framework to help us respond to God's call. This Particular Directory is a specific implementation for members of this Province to define the community life of the Chapter and to explicate our following of The Rule.

PREFACE

In a powerful and compelling way, St. Dominic proclaimed the Gospel to the men and women of his time. His fervent charity and apostolic zeal drew many to imitate and aid him by embracing his new vision of religious life. He inspired many others, while remaining in the lay state, to strive through prayer and penance to aid his work. Though times and means have changed, we, too, are lay followers of St. Dominic and have embraced the Rule of the Lay Chapters of St. Dominic, so that, like him, we may conform our lives more perfectly to Christ, and be strengthened by the Holy Spirit for the work of preaching the Word of God and saving souls.

To be effective instruments of Our Lord, we must live lives centered on Him. We must, as Saint Dominic did, bring Christ’s redemptive grace to our times by our own witness to the Word in life and action, keeping in mind that our apostolic activity flows from the fullness of prayer and contemplation.

As Lay Dominicans responding to His grace, we are called to be attentive to the Spirit, to study Sacred Truth, to know Church doctrine, and to collaborate with our brothers and sisters in the Dominican Family in order to proclaim the Word of God. As our Rule states, in our times, our preaching “involves the defense of the dignity of human life, the family, and the person.” Moreover, “the promotion of Christian unity and dialogue with non-Christians and non-believers are part of the Dominican vocation.” (Rule, #12.)

The Rule provides the general framework to help us respond to God’s call and actively nourish our relationship with God within the Dominican way of life. This Particular Directory is a specific implementation of the Rule for the Lay Dominicans of the Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus.

I. The Basics of Lay Dominican Life

A. Prayer

1. Dominican life centers on

a. the daily celebration of the Eucharist, to the extent that daily Mass and Communion are possible;

b. the daily celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours, especially Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer and Night Prayer, and when possible, with other members of the Dominican Family.

2. Members celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation regularly, for example, once a month, preferably from a regular confessor.

3. Members recite the Rosary daily to help us know, love and serve Jesus Christ through the intercession of Mary, His Mother and ours.

4. Members foster special devotion to Saint Dominic, our Father and model in Christ, to Saint Catherine of Siena, the patroness of lay Dominicans and, in general, to all Dominican saints and blesseds.

5. Members participate in an annual retreat, days of reflection, or other similar prayer days, preferably in common.

6. Prayers for the deceased have been a hallowed tradition since Saint Dominic founded the Order. At specific times throughout the year, members are expected to pray for the deceased, grateful for what they have preserved and passed on to us in faith and in the spirit of the Order[1].

B. Study of Sacred Truth

1. Serious prayerful study of Sacred Scripture, theology, spirituality, Church doctrine and history, and reflection on contemporary issues in the light of such study, are essential to lay Dominican life.

2. Reflective reading of the lives of the saints, especially those of the Dominican Family, provides models for our own lives and for our work with others.

C. Penance

1. We strive for conversion of heart according to the spirit and practice of the Gospel.

2. We are encouraged to continue the custom of abstaining from meat on all Fridays of the year, and fasting on the vigils of Our Lady of the Rosary (October 7), Saint Dominic (August 8) and Saint Catherine of Siena (April 29).

3. Other forms of penance may include self-discipline as a positive means to imitate Our Lord and share in His work of redemption.

D. Apostolate or Ministry

1. The example of Christ and the vision of Saint Dominic call us to be engaged in spreading the Word of God. Attentive to the call of the Spirit, we are encouraged to discern, use and develop the gifts God has given us. The ways in which we use our gifts, whether individually or communally, are as varied as our talents.

. 2. Sensitive to the needs of others, especially the poor and troubled, we respond to the social teachings of the Church in the political and economic environments in which we live. We commit ourselves to the four priorities of the Order: catechesis, evangelization, justice and peace, and communication.[2]

E. Community Life within a Chapter

1. The Chapter flourishes on the talents of each member and by their loving service to each member. It provides ways to grow in &charity and perfection by

a. uniting us in our common love of God, and sharing that common love in the Eucharist, liturgical prayer, and suffrages;

b. learning together about God through study and reflection on Sacred Truth;

c. giving service to others in the Chapter, seeking their interest and well-being;

d. binding us together in a common goal which requires cooperation and integration of talents;

e. observing the customs and celebrations of the Order to enrich and to make joyous the lives we touch;

f. supporting one another; helping each to grow in holiness;

g. expressing compassion toward those in pain or sorrow, enabling us to be instruments of God's healing grace.

I. The Pillars of Lay Dominican Life

A. Prayer

1. prayerful reading of Sacred Scripture, especially the New Testament;

2. daily celebration of the Eucharist, to the extent possible;

3. daily celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours (Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer and Night Prayer) especially with other members of the Dominican Family, when possible;

4. frequent, regular (e.g., once a month) celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, preferably with a regular confessor;

5. daily recitation of the Rosary;

6. special devotion to our Holy Father Dominic and to the Patroness of Lay Dominicans, Saint Catherine of Siena;

7. participation in the chapter’s annual retreat, days of reflection, or other days of prayer;

8. individual member suffrages:

a. daily recitation of an Our Father, Hail Mary and Eternal Rest for the deceased members of the Order;

b. an offering of at least three Masses a year for all deceased Dominicans (this may be a private intention, or offered with a stipend);

c. upon the death of a chapter member, an offering of a Mass (private intention, or with a stipend) or recitation of the Rosary

d. commemoration of all the faithful departed:

i. February 7, for the deceased parents of all Dominicans;

ii. September 5, for the deceased benefactors of the Order;

iii. November 2, for All Souls;

iv. November 8, for all deceased Dominicans;

9. chapter suffrages, upon the death of a chapter member:

a. attendance at the funeral Mass as a chapter, if possible;

b. an offering of Mass, with stipend, as soon as possible for the deceased member;

c. recitation of the appropriate Hour of the Office of the Dead at the first meeting following the death of the member;

10. abstention from meat on all Fridays of the year, and fasting and abstention from meat on:

a. April 28^th (Vigil of the Feast of Saint Catherine of Siena);

b. August 7^th (Vigil of the feast of our holy father Dominic);

c. October 6^th (Vigil of Our Lady of the Rosary);

11. Other forms of penance offered for the success of the preaching of the Order.

B. Study

1. prayerful study of Sacred Scripture, theology, spirituality, Church doctrine and history, and reflective reading of the lives of the saints, especially those of the Dominican Order;

2. reflection on contemporary issues in the light of such study, both individually and communally.

C. Preaching

1. prayerful preaching in ways appropriate to the laity;

2. acts of charity, in light of the social teachings of the Church, with attention to the four priorities of the Order: catechesis, evangelization, justice and peace, and communication[1];

D. Community

1. common study and reflection on Sacred Truth;

2. concern for the good and well-being of the chapter and its members;

3. common observance of the customs and celebrations of the Order.

II. Structure and Government of a Chapter

A. The Chapter is governed by an elected Council.

B. The Duties of the Chapter Council are to:

1. promote the observance of the Statutes by the members and foster the community life of the Chapter;

2. promote and develop the Chapter's apostolate or ministry projects; encourage all members to recruit new members to the Order by word and example; collaborate with other Chapters and branches of the Order to fulfill the common goal of the Dominican Family: Preaching the Word;

3. propose the Chapter's annual program, schedule and on-going formation;

4. vote on the recommendations of the Formation Director (and assistants) for the reception and profession of members;

5. vote on the reception of those who wish to transfer from another Chapter in the Province or from another Province in which they have been professed:

a. the Council authorizes the Moderator / Prior / Prioress to inquire into the status of a member transferring from a previous Chapter;[3]

b. the Council may require a probation period of up to one year before final acceptance of the member;

6. determine and approve its own Chapter's budget; review and approve the Treasurer's report on a regular basis:

a. the Council may spend up to an amount approved by the Chapter without further consent from it;

b. the Council determines how the Chapter will pay the per capita assessment established by the Provincial Council;

7. prepares the job description of the Religious Assistant and determine the stipend to be given to the Religious Assistant.

8. authorize the Moderator / Prior / Prioress to apply to the Provincial Promoter for the assignment or replacement of a Religious Assistant;

9. authorize the Moderator / Prior / Prioress, in its name,

a. to warn those with chronic unexcused absences of possible consequences[4];

b. to declare an office vacant;

c. to expel a member for serious reasons, such as scandal or divisiveness within the Chapter.[5]

10. authorize the Secretary to prepare letters for those wishing to transfer to another Chapter or to join another Order as a lay or religious member.

C. Members of the Chapter Council

1. The Officers are: Moderator / Prior / Prioress, Assistant Moderator / Sub Prior / Sub &.Prioress (optional), Formation Director, Secretary and Treasurer.[6] The offices of Secretary and Treasurer may be combined, upon the affirmative vote of a majority of the professed members, if the size of the Chapter and the demands of the tasks make it advisable. No other of these offices may be combined. These three, four or five Officers are Council members.

2. The Religious Assistant and the Provincial Council Representative (if not already a Council member) are ex-officio members of the Council with full voting rights.

3. The total number of Council members who are not Officers varies with the size of the Chapter. There are to be no fewer than two nor more than six to make a total of five to eleven members.

D. Duties of Chapter Council Members

1. The Moderator / Prior / Prioress

a. conducts all Chapter and Council meetings;

b. in conjunction with the Religious Assistant and the Formation Director, prepares for and conducts the ceremonies .&&of reception and profession; receives Inquirers / Postulants into the Order, and receives the profession of Candidates / Novices.

c. prepares an annual report for the Chapter and the Provincial Council on the activities and programs, strengths and weaknesses of the Chapter and its members;

d. arranges for active members to be in contact with prayer and ill members and receives reports about them;

e. notifies all members of the death or danger of death of any Chapter member or of his/her immediate family; sees that, in case of death, Chapter suffrages are observed;[7]

f. ensures that Council members perform their duties in accordance with the Statutes;

g. acts as spokesperson for the Chapter and as liaison with other Chapters, the Provincial Council President, and the Provincial Promoter.

2. Assistant Moderator / Sub Prior / Sub Prioress (optional)

a. substitutes for the Moderator / Prior / Prioress in case of absence and takes that office when it is vacant until a new Moderator / Prior / Prioress is elected;

b. when the Chapter elects not to have an Assistant Moderator / Sub Prior / Sub Prioress, the Council determines the order of substitution.

3. Formation Director

a. organizes the initial study program within the guidelines set down by the Provincial Council to instruct Inquirers / Postulants and Candidates / Novices in the Order; provides assistance to those in formation, giving the guidance that will help all discern their vocation in following Christ;

b. meets individually with Inquirers / Postulants or Candidates / Novices to ascertain whether or not to recommend their reception or profession to the Council;

c. cooperates with the Moderator / Prior / Prioress and the Religious Assistant to arrange the ceremonies of reception and profession.

d. coordinates the on-going formation program for all members;

e. may be assisted by others but assumes the final responsibility for the initial study and on-going formation programs.

4. Secretary

a. records attendance and takes minutes at Chapter and Council meetings.

b. prepares and sends out communications on behalf of the Chapter, as requested;

c. ensures preparation and maintenance of an up-to-date register of members which includes the name, address, phone number, status (Inquirer / Postulant, Candidate / Novice, Temporary Professed, Life Professed, Prayer Member), dates of reception, first profession, renewals, and life profession, and office(s) held.

5. The Treasurer

a. establishes and maintains the Chapter account, collects and disburses funds as directed by vote of the Chapter and/or Council;

b. prepares a written budget and a balanced monthly report for approval of their Council and the Chapter;

c. prepares an annual Treasurer’s report for the Provincial Council.

6. The Provincial Council Representative(s)

a. represents the Chapter at the Provincial Council meeting and reports to the Chapter all Provincial Council actions;

b. is nominated and elected in the same way as the Officers, for a maximum of two consecutive three-year terms;

c. the Chapter may elect an Officer or Councilor as its Representative, who may serve in both positions simultaneously;

d. if the Chapter's Representative is elected the President of the Provincial Council, the Chapter shall elect another representative to fulfill the remainder of the unexpired term;

e. the Chapter will elect an alternate Representative to ensure Chapter representation at the Provincial Council meeting;

f. chapter representation is determined by the Provincial Council.

7. The Religious Assistant

a. "assists the members in doctrinal matters and the spiritual life,"[8] and fulfills the requirements of the job description prepared by the Chapter Council;

b. in cooperation with the Moderator / Prior / Prioress and the Formation Director, prepares for the reception and profession ceremonies and represents the Master of the Order at them;

c. is a member of the Dominican Order,[9] or one deputed to act on behalf of the Order, appointed by the Prior Provincial upon the recommendation of the Provincial Promoter in consultation with the Chapter. (Those who are not members of the Dominican Order are considered temporary appointments until a member of the Order is available to serve);

d. receives as generous a stipend as the Chapter can afford.

E. Nominations and Elections

1. Before an election, the Chapter will determine the method of electing Officers and Council members, except the Moderator / Prior / Prioress.[10] The Council should seek the advice of the entire Chapter before electing the Moderator / Prior / Prioress.

2. All Council members are nominated at a Chapter meeting. Any member[11] may nominate.

3. For a valid election, a quorum (that is, two-thirds of active professed members) must be present. By a secret ballot Council members are elected by a majority vote (one more than half). In the event that there is no majority after two ballots, only the two nominees receiving the highest number of votes on the second ballot will be eligible for the final vote.

4. The term for elected Officers is three years with a maximum of two consecutive terms in the same position.

5. All Officers and Council members must be professed for life.[12]

6. Terms of office commence no earlier than June 1^st and no later than October 1^st.

F. Vacancies, Removals, and Appeals

1. A vacancy occurs when a member dies, resigns, or is removed from office.

2. When a vacancy occurs in any office, the Chapter elects a replacement to fill out the unexpired term. If the unexpired term is less than half of the full term, the replacement may be re-elected for two full consecutive terms.

3. Causes for removal from office or Chapter membership include, but are not limited to, chronic unexcused absences, neglect of duty, actions against the common good of the Chapter. Two-thirds of the entire Council voting in favor constitutes removal. Within one week, the Moderator / Prior / Prioress informs the member, in writing, of the Council's decision.

4. The person whose office is declared vacated [ or whose membership is declared ended] may appeal in writing to the Chapter within thirty days of receipt of the Moderator / Prior / Prioress's letter.

5. In the event of appeal, the active professed members, voting by secret ballot, answer the question: "Is the office of (name of office) vacated?" [or] “Is the membership of (name of professed member) ended?” A two-thirds affirmative vote of a quorum of the Chapter vacates the office or ends the membership. In the case of a vacated office, a new election is then held.

V. Chapter Structure and Government

A. Members of the Chapter Council

1. The chapter council consists of:

a. elected officers

i. president[5];

ii. vice president;

iii. secretary;

iv. treasurer;

v. formation director;

b. ex-officio members (with full voting rights)

i. the Lay Provincial Council representative (if not combined with another council position);

ii. the religious assistant;

c. councilors, numbering between two and six, depending on the needs of the chapter.

2. If the size of the chapter and the demands of the tasks make it advisable, the offices of the secretary and treasurer may be combined, and the office of vice president may be eliminated.

3. The chapter council recommends the size of the council, as well as whether there will be the office of vice president, and if the office of secretary and treasurer will be combined, for the approval of the chapter before elections take place.

5. Any officer or councilor may also hold the office of Lay Provincial Council representative.

B. Duties of Chapter Council Members

1. The president

a. conducts all chapter and council meetings;

b. in conjunction with the religious assistant and the formation director, prepares for and conducts the ceremonies of reception and profession; receives inquirers into the Order and the profession of candidates;

c. ensures the preparation of an annual report for the chapter and the Lay Provincial Council;

d. arranges for active members to be in contact with prayer members and receives reports about them;

e. notifies all members of the death or danger of death of any chapter member or immediate family member, as well as of other Dominicans; sees that, in case of death, the appropriate suffrages are observed;

f. assists council members in the performance of their duties in accordance with the Statutes;

g. assigns or delegates duties to the other council members, as necessary;

h. acts as the spokesperson for the chapter and as liaison with other chapters and other members of the Dominican family.

2. The vice president substitutes for the president in case of absence, and assumes that office when it is vacant until a new president is elected.

3. The secretary

a. records attendance and takes minutes at chapter and council meetings;

b. prepares and sends out communications on behalf of the chapter, as needed;

c. ensures that a current register of members is maintained; the register should include the members’ names, addresses, phone numbers, etc., as well as dates of reception, first profession, renewals, life profession, office(s) held, and any other pertinent information;

d. ensures communication with the Lay Provincial Council newsletter editor and distribution of the newsletter to chapter members;

e. keeps archives of minutes, letters to and from the council, and other historical data.

4. The treasurer

a. establishes and maintains the chapter account, collects and disburses funds as directed by vote of the chapter and/or council;

b. prepares written budget and financial reports as required by the council.

5. The formation director

a. organizes the initial study program within the guidelines of the Provincial Council; provides assistance to those on the formation team as they help inquirers and candidates discern their Dominican vocation;

b. coordinates the on-going formation programs with the participation of the professed community;

c. becomes familiar with inquirers, candidates, and temporarily professed members in order to be able to make recommendations to the chapter council as to their continuation in the chapter;

d. with the participation of the chapter council or formation team, conducts the appropriate interviews for those seeking reception or profession;

e. cooperates with the president and the religious assistant to arrange the ceremonies for the Rites of Reception and Profession.

6. The Lay Provincial Council representative

a. represents the chapter at the Lay Provincial Council meeting and reports pertinent Lay Provincial Council actions to the chapter;

b. Serves as an ex-officio member of the chapter council with full voting rights;

7. The Religious Assistant[6]

a. “assists the members in doctrinal matters and the spiritual life” (The Rule, 21c);

b. determines with the chapter council the religious assistant’s role within the chapter, such as expected participation in monthly meetings, role on the formation team, role in annual retreat;

c. in cooperation with the president and the formation director, participates in the reception and profession ceremonies and represents the Master of the Order;

d. serves as an ex-officio member of the chapter council with full voting rights.

C. Duties of the Chapter Council:

1. promotes the observance of the Statutes by the members and foster the community life of the chapter;

2. helps develop and promote the chapter’s apostolate or ministry;

3. encourages all members to help new members discern their vocation to the Order by word, invitation, and example;

4. collaborates with other chapters and branches of the Dominican Order to fulfill its common goal: preaching the Word;

5. promotes celebrations with other chapters;

6. proposes an annual schedule to the chapter;

7. develops and approves the on-going formation program, in consultation with the chapter;

8. votes on the recommendations of the formation director for the reception and profession of members;

9. votes on the acceptance of those who wish to transfer from another chapter; this includes

a. inquiring into the transferring member’s status in the previous chapter;

b. determining whether a probation period is required, and how long it should be, before final acceptance of the member;

10. recommends a budget to the chapter and implements it as approved;

11. recommends to the chapter how the per capita assessment to the Provincial Council will be funded;

12. authorizes the president to apply to the provincial promoter for the assignment or replacement of a religious assistant;

13. provides as generous a stipend as the chapter can afford to the religious assistant;

14. authorizes the president to:

a. consult with those with chronic unexcused absences and determine the appropriate course of action;

b. declare an office vacant;

c. expel a member for serious reasons, such as scandal or divisiveness within the chapter (see also Section VIII);

d. dismiss a member who has many unexcused absences;

15. determines the order of succession when it is decided that the chapter council will not have an office of vice president;

16. ensures the chapter is represented at the Lay Provincial Council meeting in the event that the representative is not able to attend.

V. Nominations and Elections

A. Nominations

1. All council members are nominated at a chapter meeting.

2. Any member[7] may nominate.

B. Elections

1. All members of the chapter council, including officers, are directly elected by the chapter members, except the president and the religious assistant.

2. The president is elected by the council from among its members.[8]

3. A quorum (2/3 of active, professed members) is required for an election.

4. Elections are by secret ballot.

5. Council members are elected by majority vote, i.e., one more than half.

6. If there is no majority after two ballots, only the two nominees receiving the highest number of votes on the second ballot will be eligible for any further votes.

7. There are no absentee or proxy votes.

8. The term of office for all council members is three years; council members may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms in the same position.

9. Council members should be elected from life-professed members; in the event that there are not sufficient life-professed members to fill all positions, as in chapters in formation, those who have not yet made their life profession may be elected, though their term cannot exceed the term of their promises.

10. Terms of office should commence no earlier than June 1^st and no later than October 1^st.

III. Membership and Process of Incorporation

A. Membership categories

1. Inquirers / Postulants are those seeking to discern a lay Dominican vocation; they participate in the first phase of initial formation. They have participatory but not voting or nominating rights.

2. Candidates / Novices are members who have been received into the Dominican Order as members of the Chapter and who participate in the second phase of initial formation. They have participatory but not voting rights.

3. Professed members are either active members or prayer members.

a. Active members are those who have made profession, enjoy full voting rights, regularly attend meetings, and participate in Chapter activities. They make profession initially for one or three year periods[13] and then for life and are thereby eligible for all Chapter and Provincial offices.

b. Prayer members are life professed members who by reason of distance, age, illness, infirmity or other serious reason approved by the Council, can no longer attend meetings. Prayer members affirm their continuing interest and share, insofar as they are able, in the activities of the Chapter but do not have voting rights.

4. Former priests and vowed religious requesting membership in a Chapter must be approved by the Provincial Promoter in consultation with that Chapter.

B. Process of Admission to a Chapter

1. First Phase of Initial Formation

a. An Inquirer / Postulant is interviewed by the Formation Director to assess the person's readiness to participate in the formation program. The Inquirer / Postulant must be at least eighteen years of age and a fully initiated Catholic. Those newly baptized, returning or received into full Communion must be practicing Catholics for at least two years.[14]

b. During the first phase, Inquirers / Postulants

1. attend meetings devoted primarily to study of Dominican life and history, lay spirituality, liturgical and private prayer, reflection and discussion;

2. are assisted in discerning their place within the Dominican Laity;

3. are supported by members' prayers and concern in the decision-making process.

c. At the conclusion of the first phase, the Formation Director ascertains the readiness of the Inquirer / Postulant and makes a recommendation to the Council. The Council, by majority vote, accepts or rejects the recommendation. If the decision is unfavorable, the Inquirer / Postulant is given the reason(s).

2. Rite of Reception[15]

a. If the decision is favorable, the Council then makes arrangements for the reception of the Inquirer / Postulant into the Order according to the approved Rite.

b. The Inquirer / Postulant receives the scapular as a sign of membership in the Order.

3. Second Phase of Initial Formation

a. The Candidate / Novice, or new member of the Order, begins the second phase of initial formation and is expected to develop the habit of living according to The Rule and to participate in the regular activities of the Chapter.

b. At the conclusion of the second phase, the Formation Director ascertains the commitment of the Candidate / Novice to continue, and makes a recommendation to the Council. The Council, by majority vote, accepts or rejects the recommendation. If the decision is unfavorable, the Candidate / Novice is given the reason(s).

4. First Profession[16]

a. If the decision is favorable, the Council then makes arrangements for the profession of the Candidate / Novice according to the approved Rite.

b. First profession is made for one or three years only.

5. Renewal of Profession

a. Renewal of profession is made for one, two or three years; the total number of years in temporary profession may not exceed eight, at which time the Professed either makes profession for life or withdraws.

6. Profession for Life

a. A member must be professed for a minimum of three years before profession for life.

b. Before making profession for life, the member is expected to give evidence of a life lived according to The Rule, following the Lord and open to the call of the Spirit in pursuing his/her vocation.

c. The member meets with the Formation Director and affirms the intention to live according to The Rule until death. The Formation Director recommends the member for life profession to the Council.

d. The Council, by majority vote, accepts or rejects the recommendation. If the decision is unfavorable, the Professed may be allowed to renew, provided that the maximum of eight years of temporary profession has not elapsed; or the Professed may be denied renewal.

e. If the decision is favorable, the Council makes arrangements for the profession for life according to the approved Rite.

II. Membership

A. Inquirers[2]: those discerning a Lay Dominican vocation by participating in the first phase of initial formation; they do not have nominating or voting rights;

B. Candidates[3]: members who have been received into the Dominican Order as members of the chapter and who participate in the second phase of initial formation; they have nominating, but not voting, rights;

C. Active professed members: those active members who have made temporary or life profession and enjoy full voting rights in the chapter;

D. Prayer Members

1. Life professed members who, because of distance, age, illness, infirmity, or other serious reason, cannot attend meetings or functions of the chapter, are allowed to become prayer members, upon approval of the chapter council; they are to meet the requirements of the Rule and the Particular Directory to the extent that their particular circumstances permit;

2. The prayer member affirms commitment to the chapter through continued communication, interest, support, prayers, and participation in chapter activities to the extent possible.

3. Prayer members do not have voting rights.

4. Upon approval of the council, a prayer member may return to active status with reinstatement of voting rights.

III. Process of Admission to a Chapter

A. First Phase of Initial Formation

1. An inquirer is interviewed by the formation director, or team, to assess the person’s readiness to participate in the formation program.

2. The inquirer must be at least eighteen years of age and a fully initiated Catholic.

3. Those newly baptized, returning to, or received into full Communion, must be practicing Catholics for at least two years.

4. Commitment to lay Dominican life is not compatible with commitment to comparable organizations (e.g., secular Carmelites or Franciscans, Opus Dei, etc.); dispensation from such a commitment must be obtained before an inquirer is permitted to begin formation as a lay Dominican.

5. During the first phase, inquirers

a. attend meetings devoted primarily to study of the Dominican Order, including the pillars of its charism, life and history, and spirituality; prayer; reflection; and discussion;

b. receive guidance in discerning their vocations as Lay Dominicans;

c. enjoy the support of members’ prayers and interest in the discernment process;

d. at the end of the first phase, complete a letter of application requesting reception into the Order.

6. At the conclusion of the first phase, the formation director, in consultation with the formation team, makes a recommendation to the council as to whether the inquirer should be received into the Order.

7. A quorum of the council, by majority vote, accepts or rejects the recommendation; if the decision is unfavorable, the inquirer is given the reason(s).

B. Rite of Reception

1. Inquirers are received into the Order according to the approved rite.

2. The inquirer receives the scapular as a sign of membership in the Order.

3. After being received into the Order, the inquirer is then called a “candidate[4]” (for profession).

C. Second Phase of Initial Formation

1. The candidate is expected to

a. develop the habit of living according to The Rule and participating in the regular activities of the chapter;

b. To study the Beatitudes;

c. To learn to pray and to lead the Liturgy of the Hours.

2. At the end of the second phase, the candidate completes a letter of application requesting permission to make first profession.

3. The formation director, in consultation with the formation team, makes a recommendation to the council as to whether the candidate should make first profession.

4. The council, by majority vote, accepts or rejects the recommendation; if the decision is unfavorable, the candidate is given the reason(s).

D. First Profession

1. The candidate makes profession to the Order according to the approved rite.

2. First profession is made for one or three years only.

3. The newly professed receives a Dominican cross as a sign of commitment.

E. Renewal of Temporary Profession

1. If applicable, at the end of first temporary profession, the candidate submits a letter requesting renewal of temporary profession.

2. Renewal of temporary profession is made for one, two, or three years.

3. The total number of years in temporary profession may not exceed six, at which time the professed member either makes profession for life or withdraws.

F. Profession for Life

1. A member must be professed for a minimum of three years before submitting a letter requesting profession for life.

2. The member meets with the formation director and team and affirms the intention to live according to The Rule until death. The formation director recommends the member to the council.

3. The council, by majority vote, accepts or rejects the recommendation.

4. If the decision is unfavorable, the member is given the reason(s); the member may be allowed to make a temporary profession, provided that the maximum of six years of temporary profession has not elapsed.

5. If the decision is favorable, the council makes arrangements for the profession for life according to the approved rite.

IV. On-Going Community Life within a Chapter

A. The purpose of community life is to strengthen and enrich the individual, the Chapter and the Church.[17]

1. Members of the Chapter are expected to participate in on-going formation, since study is a basic part of the Dominican charism.

2. The monthly meeting consists of prayers and suffrages, special concerns of the members, the usual items of business, on-going formation/study and whenever possible, Eucharist and/or the Liturgy of the Hours. These meetings are to be held at a time convenient to the membership. Members should attend meetings regularly and notify the Formation Director or the Moderator / Prior / Prioress if they are unable to attend.

3. The Chapter should have its own apostolate or ministry to which members agree and for which they work. If this is not possible, the Chapter then serves as a source of strength for members to go out to their own apostolates. From time to time, there should be a sharing of these activities among the members.

IV. On-going Community Life within a Chapter

A. The purpose of community life is to strengthen and enrich the individual, the chapter and the Church.

B. Members of the chapter are expected to participate in on-going formation, because study and community are basic parts of the Dominican charism.

C. The monthly meeting embodies the pillars of the Dominican charism, and includes the Liturgy of the Hours, suffrages, special concerns of the members, the usual items of business, on-going formation/study and, whenever possible, celebration of the Mass.

D. Chapter meetings are to be held at a time convenient to the membership, and members must attend meetings regularly or notify the appropriate chapter council officer in the case of absence.

E. Whenever possible, chapters are encouraged to develop their own apostolates or ministries to which members agree and for which they work; otherwise, the chapters serve as a source of strength for members to go out to their own apostolates and, from time to time, a place to share these activities in community.

V. Departure from a Chapter

A. Leaving a Chapter

1. An Inquirer / Postulant or Candidate / Novice is free to withdraw at any time.

2. Temporary professed members may withdraw at the end of their time of profession.

B. Removal from a Chapter

A professed member may be removed from the membership register by vote of the Council in accordance with Section II. F. 3-5 of the Particular Directory.

C. Transfer

Members who wish to transfer to another Chapter within the Province or to another Province, or who wish to become vowed religious or lay members of another Order, should notify the Council. The Council should send a letter to the new Chapter, Province or Superior noting their status in the Chapter (e.g. date of profession, offices held) and their standing (in good standing, removed or withdrawn).

VIII. Departure from a Chapter or from the Order

A. Leaving a Chapter or the Order

1. An inquirer or candidate is free to withdraw at any time, but the courtesy of a letter informing the chapter council of the decision to withdraw is encouraged.

2. Temporarily professed members may withdraw at the end of their time of profession.

3. Any member who, while in promises, whether temporarily or life-professed, finds it necessary to withdraw from the Order must request dispensation from their promises:

a. before making such a request the member must ponder seriously before God the need to do so, and seek help in making this decision from other members of the chapter.

b. requests for dispensation must be submitted in writing to the president of the chapter, who, in consultation with the chapter council, sends a recommendation regarding the request to the prior provincial;

c. final determination is made by the prior provincial.

4. Those who have been dispensed from their promises must, if they desire to return to the Order, undergo initial formation and obtain permission to be received into the Order from the prior provincial. Concealment of previous dispensation will render promises invalid.

B. Removal from a Chapter

1. A professed member may be removed from the membership register by vote of the council only after earnest efforts to help the member overcome the causes for such action.

2. Causes for removal from chapter membership include, but are not limited to, chronic unexcused absences, neglect of duty, and actions against the common good of the chapter.

3. Two-thirds of the entire council voting in favor constitutes removal.

4. Within one week, the president is to inform the member in writing of the council’s decision.

5. The person who has been declared removed from chapter membership may appeal in writing to the chapter within thirty days of receipt of the moderator’s letter.

6 In the event of appeal, the active professed members, voting by secret ballot, answer the question: “Is the membership of (name of professed member) in this chapter ended?” A two-thirds affirmative vote of a quorum of the chapter affirms the decision of the council to end the chapter membership.

7. Life professed members removed from their chapters must seek at least prayer membership in another chapter or request a dispensation from their promises.

C. Removal from the Order

1. In unusual and extreme circumstances where a member no longer affiliated with a chapter clearly abandons the Dominican way of life, as evidenced by behavior, obstinate non-responsiveness, or defiance to lawful authority, that member may be removed from the Order by action of the Lay Provincial Executive Committee and the prior provincial.

2. In such cases the unusual and extreme circumstances will be clearly identified and documented by the Lay Provincial Council president to the member, who will have an opportunity to respond to the Executive Committee.

3. If the Executive Committee recommends removal to the prior provincial, the member shall be able to appeal to the prior provincial.

4. The decision of the prior provincial may be appealed to the Master of the Order.

D. Transfer

1. Life professed members who wish to transfer to another chapter, become vowed religious or lay members of another Order, must notify the council of their decision, and seek dispensation from their promises, if applicable.

2. The council should inform the receiving chapter or religious/lay organization of the status of the departing member (i.e., standing within the chapter, date of profession, offices held, etc.).

VII. Chapter Council Vacancies, Removals, and Appeals

A. Vacancy

1. A vacancy occurs when a chapter council member dies, resigns, or is removed from office.

2. With the exception of the president, when a vacancy occurs in any office, the chapter elects a replacement to fill out the unexpired term.

3. If the office of president is vacated, the chapter votes to fill the vacancy on the council, but the office itself must be filled by election of the council. (See III.B.2.)

4. If the unexpired term is less than half of the full term, the replacement may be re-elected for two full consecutive terms.

B. Removal from Office

1. Causes for removal from office include, but are not limited to, chronic unexcused absences, neglect of duty, actions against the common good of the chapter.

2. Two-thirds of the entire chapter council voting in favor constitutes removal.

3. Within one week, the president shall inform the council member, in writing, of the council’s decision. In the event that the president is removed from office, the secretary shall provide such written notice.

4. The person whose office is declared vacated may appeal in writing to the chapter within thirty days of receipt of notification.

5. In the event of appeal, the active professed members, voting by secret ballot, answer the question: “Is the office of (name of office) vacated?” A two-thirds affirmative vote of a quorum of the chapter (c.f. VI.B.3) affirms the decision of the chapter council to vacate the office; a new election is then held.

6. If there is not a two-thirds affirmative vote of the quorum, the member shall remain in to the office.

VI. Re-forming, Dissolving or Suppressing a Chapter

A. Rationale for Intervention

1. When the Chapter itself, the Provincial Council, the President of the Provincial Council, the Provincial Promoter, or the local community of friars, judges that a Chapter cannot fulfill the basic requirements of community life, every effort should be made to strengthen community life for the benefit of the Chapter and its members.

2. The process of intervention begins with dialogue between the Provincial Promoter and/or the Provincial Council President and the affected Council and/or Chapter. The ultimate decision regarding the future of the Chapter requires consultation with the Executive Committee of the Provincial Council and the approval of the Prior Provincial.

3. In the case of suppression only, the Chapter has the right of appeal to the Prior Provincial and the Master of the Order.

B. Process for Re-Forming Dissolving or Suppressing a Chapter

1. Re-formation of a Chapter is a process of temporarily suspending some elements of the Particular Directory in order to re-organize and/or re-train the members to promote the observance of the Statutes and to foster the community life of the Chapter.[18]

2. When persistent efforts at re-formation fail, a Chapter is either dissolved or suppressed.

3. A two-thirds affirmative vote of a quorum of active professed members is required to dissolve a Chapter; otherwise, the Provincial Promoter recommends suppression to the Prior Provincial.

4. When a Chapter is dissolved or suppressed:

a. those members interested in remaining lay Dominicans shall have the opportunity to transfer to an already existing Chapter or make other arrangements.[19]

b. provisions are to be made for the assets of the Chapter, if any, to be distributed according to the will of the majority of professed members present and voting. Accounts held in the name of the Chapter are to be terminated by an effective date set by the Prior Provincial.

IX. Chapters in Difficulties

A. Intervention

1. With the concurrence of the Lay Provincial Council Executive Committee, the Lay Provincial Council president, or other designated member of the Executive Committee, and the provincial promoter conduct an intervention when the chapter itself or the Executive Committee judges that a chapter cannot fulfill the basic requirements of community life as articulated in The Particular Directory.

2. Intervention begins with a dialogue between the officer of the Lay Provincial Council, the provincial promoter, and the affected council or chapter.

3. The result of the intervention may be that the chapter is to be reformed, dissolved, or suppressed; such a decision requires consultation with the Executive Committee of the Lay Provincial Council and the approval of the prior provincial.

B. Reformation

1. Reformation is a process of temporarily suspending some elements of The Particular Directory in order to re-organize the chapter and reform the members to promote the observance of the Statutes and to foster the community life of the chapter.

2. The chapter is designated a chapter in reformation, with no voting rights on the LPC; the period of reformation continues until the Executive Committee and the prior provincial are satisfied that the chapter members are able to live in accordance with the Statutes.

3. If persistent efforts at reformation fail, a chapter is either dissolved or suppressed.

C. Dissolution

1. Dissolution occurs when a chapter itself determines that it should cease to exist.

2. A two-thirds affirmative vote of a quorum of active professed members is required to dissolve a chapter.

3. The assets of the chapter will be disposed of as determined by a two-thirds vote of a quorum of active professed members.

4. In order to remain Lay Dominicans, the members of a dissolved chapter must seek active or prayer membership in another chapter.

D. Suppression

1. Suppression is a decision of the prior provincial to abolish a chapter, a decision not made until all attempts to reform have failed.

2. The decision to suppress a chapter shall be based on a recommendation of the Lay Provincial Council.

3. If the officers of the Lay Provincial Council, in consultation with the rest of the Executive Committee, determine that suppression of a chapter is necessary, the chapter’s council shall receive written notification, with all supporting documentation.

4. Unless there are circumstances that require immediate action, the officers will present to the Lay Provincial Council a report on their determination at its next meeting. The affected council has the right to send two delegates, at the expense of the Lay Provincial Council, to the meeting in order to respond to the report.

5. If, after hearing the officers and the response of the chapter (if any), the Lay Provincial Council shall vote on whether to send a recommendation of suppression to the prior provincial, along with all supporting documentation.

6. If the prior provincial decides to suppress the chapter, the chapter has the right of appeal to the prior provincial and/or the Master of the Order; the decision of the Master of the Order shall be final.

7. If the chapter appeals the decision to suppress to the Master of the Order, the decision shall not be implemented until the Master has rendered his decision.

8. When a chapter is suppressed:

a. the members of a suppressed chapter, in order to remain Lay Dominicans, must seek active or prayer membership in another chapter;

b. provisions are to be made for the assets of the chapter, if any, to be distributed according to the will of the majority of professed members of the chapter present and voting;

c. accounts held in the name of the chapter are to be terminated by an effective date set by the prior provincial or the final date determined by the Master of the Order if the decision to suppress is appealed to him.

.VII. The Provincial Council

A. Members of the Provincial Council

1. Members of the Provincial Council are the Provincial Council Representatives elected by their Chapters,[20] and the Provincial Promoter. Provincial Council Officers and the InterProvincial Council Representative are voting members of the Council even after their term as Chapter Representative has expired.

2. Only Provincial Council Representatives may be elected Officers of the Provincial Council and InterProvincial Council Representatives. Current Provincial Council officers may be re-elected even when their term as Chapter representative has expired.

3. Observers from in-formation and re-forming Chapters are participating non-voting members of the Provincial Council. Their expenses are paid by their Chapter.

4. Expenses to attend the Provincial Council meeting are paid from Provincial Council funds for one voting Representative from each Chapter, the Officers of the Provincial Council, and the Provincial Promoter.[21]

5. Provincial Council Representatives must be present to vote, since there is no voting by proxy.

B. Duties of the Provincial Council include

1. approving the basic guidelines for initial and on-going formation programs to be used throughout the Province to educate, form and develop Inquirers / Postulants and Candidates / Novices, and professed members;

2. receiving information from the Chapters and makes recommendations to them to strengthen the Dominican charism and further the apostolate of all lay Dominicans;

3. assuming responsibility for a Province-wide publication to promote communication among Chapters and to inform membership of significant events which affect their lives as lay Dominicans, especially actions taken by the Provincial Council at its annual meeting;

4. determining the Provincial Council budget and the assessment to be levied on Chapters. This per capita assessment is based on the number of active, professed members of the Chapter;

5. formulating a job description for the Provincial Promoter, and using it when requesting a new Promoter or a replacement from the Prior Provincial; preparing a list of names for the office of Provincial Promoter to aid the Prior Provincial in his selection;

6. establishes committees, commissions, or task forces to accomplish specific objectives. It may permit the President to determine the membership for these committees, or may reserve that right to itself. Committees exist from one annual meeting to the next, and may be renewed by the Provincial Council.

C. Duties of Officers and Other Members of the Provincial Council

1. President

a. convenes the annual Provincial Council meeting with at least two months’ notice to the Representatives;

b. conducts all meetings and elections of the Provincial Council;

c. appoints members to any committees or other bodies as directed by the Provincial Council and is an ex-officio member of them;

d. receives the annual reports from each Chapter, including the membership register which is filed with the Secretary;

e. visits as many Chapters each year as is possible, trying to visit all within each term of office;

f. works in coordination with the Provincial Promoter and/or the Prior Provincial to foster the life of each Chapter and for the common goals of the Dominican Family;

g. promotes special events in collaboration with other branches of the Dominican Family to strengthen our shared Dominican charism;

h. serves as the ex-officio representative to the InterProvincial Council meetings called during his/her term of office.

2. Vice President

a. acts in place of the President in his/her absence or as directed by him/her; serves as President pro tem in case of vacancy in the office until a new President is elected.

b. may be assigned such other duties as determined by the President or the Provincial Council.

3. Secretary

a. takes the minutes at all Provincial Council meetings and within one month of the meeting mails copies of them to the Prior Provincial, all Representatives, Chapter Moderators / Priors / Prioresses, Religious Assistants, and the Provincial Promoter;

b. ensures the maintenance and distribution of an annual update of the Provincial Council membership, including name, address, telephone number, status, dates of reception, first profession, life profession, current office(s), term expiration;

c. attends to all correspondence as directed by the President and/or Provincial Council.

4. Treasurer

a. prepares the Treasurer's reports for acceptance by the Provincial Council;

b. proposes a budget to be approved by the Provincial Council and distributes it with the minutes;

c. maintains an accurate record of all funds received and disbursed; maintains a financial account of all Provincial Council funds; disburses funds as directed within the budget to those who submit receipts;

d. helps in arranging travel and housing for Provincial Council meetings and other travel as needed and approved.

5. The Representatives to the Dominican Laity InterProvincial Council

a. The Provincial Council elects an InterProvincial Council Representative for a maximum of three consecutive two-year terms.

b. The InterProvincial Council Representative brings the concerns of the Province to the InterProvincial Council and reports to the Province the actions of the InterProvincial Council.

c. When the InterProvincial Council meeting is held in this Province, it is the responsibility of the President, Provincial Promoter and InterProvincial Council Representative to organize all meeting arrangements.

d. The cost of travel for the InterProvincial Council meeting is borne by the Provincial Council for the President, the Provincial Promoter and the InterProvincial Council Representative.

6. Provincial Promoter

a. The Provincial Promoter is a member of the Provincial Council with voting rights.

b. The Provincial Promoter learns of the special needs of each Chapter by attending the annual Provincial Council meeting and by regular visits to all Chapters.

c. The Provincial Promoter is to receive a copy of all actions taken by the Provincial Council and must be informed in writing of any actions taken by that Provincial Council in his absence.

d. The Provincial Promoter is given a stipend in return for his services.

e. The Provincial Promoter may, with the approval of the Council, appoint an Assistant, who is not a voting member of the Provincial Council. Expenses incurred by the Assistant are to be approved in the annual budget of the Provincial Council.

D. Executive Committee

1. The members of the Executive Committee include the Provincial Council President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, the InterProvincial Council Representative, and the Provincial Promoter. The editor of the Provincial Council newsletter may attend Executive Committee meetings but is not a voting member of the Executive Committee.

2. The duty of the Executive Committee is to execute the on-going responsibilities of the Provincial Council; namely, it

a. plans and prepares for the annual Provincial Council meeting;

b. implements the recommendations of the Provincial Council;

c. discusses and responds to the needs and concerns of Chapters;

d. facilitates communication with other branches of the Dominican Family;

e. reports to the next Provincial Council actions taken on its behalf.

E. Elections and Terms of Office:

1. The Provincial Council elects officers from among the Representatives professed for life for a maximum of two consecutive three year terms; these terms begin sixty days after the date of the election.

2. The election of officers takes place by open nomination and secret ballot of the Representatives, with a majority necessary for election. If there is only one candidate for any office, the office is declared filled by acclamation.

3. The offices of Secretary and Treasurer may be combined if the demands of the task and the vote of the Provincial Council so determines.

4. If an office is vacated, the Provincial Council elects a replacement to serve the unexpired term.

F. Special Meetings

1. The President and/or the Provincial Promoter may call a special meeting of the Provincial Council giving one month's notice in writing of the time, place and reason(s) for the meeting.

2. Expenses are borne by the Provincial Council.

X. The Lay Provincial Council

A. Members of the Lay Provincial Council

1. The Lay Provincial Council consists of representatives elected by their chapters, and the Lay Provincial Council officers, who attend official meetings at the Lay Provincial Council expense.

2. Only Lay Provincial Council representatives are eligible to be elected to offices of the Lay Provincial Council.

3. In-formation and re-forming chapters may send non-voting representatives to the Lay Provincial Council, at their chapters’ expense, unless assessments have been paid; they are not eligible to be elected to offices of the Lay Provincial Council;

4. The editor of the Lay Provincial Council newsletter may attend Lay Provincial Council meetings as a non-voting observer, at the council’s expense, if approved by the Lay Provincial Council Executive Committee.

5. Lay Provincial Council representatives must be present to vote. There is no proxy or absentee voting.

6. In the event that a chapter’s representative is elected an officer of the Lay Provincial Council, the chapter shall elect another representative to fulfill the remainder of the unexpired term.

B. Duties of the Lay Provincial Council

1. The Lay Provincial Council approves the basic guidelines for initial and on-going formation programs to be used throughout the province to educate, form and develop inquirers, candidates, and professed members;

2. receives information from the chapters about their formation programs, makes recommendations to strengthen the Dominican charism and to further the apostolate of Lay Dominicans;

3. assumes responsibility for a province-wide publication to promote communication among chapters and to inform membership of significant events which affect their lives as Lay Dominicans, especially actions taken by the Lay Provincial Council at its annual meeting;

4. approves the Lay Provincial Council budget and the assessment to be levied on chapters. The assessment is a per capita amount based on the number of active professed members of the chapter: inquirers, candidates, and prayer members are not included in the assessment;

5. consults with the prior provincial concerning the appointment of provincial promoters;

6. establishes committees, commissions, and task forces or appoints individuals to accomplish specific objectives:

a) it may permit the president to determine the appointments or reserve that right to itself;

b) these entities exist from one annual meeting to the next and may be renewed by the next Lay Provincial Council;

7. supports the involvement of the Lay Dominicans of this province in national and international events of the larger Dominican family:

a) the cost of travel for the Dominican Laity Inter-Provincial Council meeting is borne by the Lay Provincial Council for the president, the provincial promoter and the Dominican Laity Inter-Provincial Council Delegate;

b) provision is made for appointees to participate in the meetings appropriate to the appointees’ office.

C. Duties of Officers of the Lay Provincial Council and the Provincial Promoter

1. The president

a. convenes the annual Lay Provincial Council meeting with at least two months’ notice to the representatives;

b. conducts all meetings and elections of the Lay Provincial Council;

c. appoints members to any committees or other bodies as directed by the Lay Provincial Council and is an ex-officio member of them;

d. receives the annual reports from each chapter, including the membership register which is filed with the secretary or other designated person;

e. serves as the ex-officio representative to the Dominican Laity Interprovincial Council meetings called during the term of office.

2. The vice-president

a. acts in place of the president in his/her absence;

b. serves as president pro tempore in case of vacancy in the office until a new president is elected;

c. may be assigned such other duties as determined by the president or the Lay Provincial Council.

3. The secretary

a. takes the minutes at all Lay Provincial Council meetings and within three months of the meeting, mails copies of them to the Lay Provincial Council officers, all representatives, and the prior provincial;

b. takes minutes of the Executive Committee meetings and mails them to the members of the Executive Committee and to the prior provincial;

c. ensures the maintenance and distribution of an annual update of the provincial membership, including name, address, telephone number, status, dates of reception, first profession, life profession, current office(s), and term expiration;

d. attends to all correspondence as directed by the president and/or Lay Provincial Council.

4. The treasurer

a. prepares the treasurer’s reports for the Lay Provincial Council;

b. proposes a budget to be approved by the Lay Provincial Council and distributes it with the minutes;

c. maintains an accurate record of all funds received and disbursed, maintains a financial account of all Lay Provincial Council funds, disburses funds as directed within the budget to those who submit receipts;

d. helps in arranging travel and housing for Lay Provincial Council meetings and other travel as requested.

5. The Dominican Laity Inter-Provincial Council delegate

a. with the president and provincial promoter, brings the concerns of the province to the Dominican Laity Inter-Provincial Council meetings;

b. reports to the Lay Provincial Council the actions of the Dominican Laity Inter-Provincial Council;

c. with the president and provincial promoter, organizes all meeting arrangements when the Dominican Laity Inter-Provincial Council meeting is held in the Western Province.

6. The provincial promoter

a. represents the prior provincial and, is a non-voting member of the Lay Provincial Council and Executive Committee;

b. learns of the special needs of each chapter by attending the annual Lay Provincial Council meeting and by visiting the chapters;

c. receives and reviews written copies of all actions taken by the Lay Provincial Council in his absence;

d. accepts a stipend in return for services;

e. with the approval of Lay Provincial Council may appoint an assistant who is not a member of the Lay Provincial Council; expenses incurred by the assistant are to be approved in the annual budget of the Lay Provincial Council;

f. consults with chapter councils regarding appointment or removal of religious assistants;

g. with the Executive Committee, participates in an intervention when a chapter or the Executive Committee judges that an intervention is necessary;

h. with the president and Dominican Laity Inter-Provincial Council delegate brings provincial concerns to the Dominican Laity Inter-Provincial Council meeting;

i. with the Executive Committee, may call special meetings of the Lay Provincial Council;

j. consults with the Executive Committee and prior provincial regarding dismissal or dispensation of professed members.

C. Executive Committee

1. The members of the Executive Committee are the Lay Provincial Council president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, Dominican Laity Inter-Provincial Council delegate, and the provincial promoter.

2. The duty of the Executive Committee is to execute the on-going tasks of the Lay Provincial Council, namely:

a. implementation of the recommendations of the last Lay Provincial Council meeting;

b. discussion and response to the needs and concerns of chapters, and the bringing before the Lay Provincial Council all concerns of the chapters that have been brought to its attention;

c. planning and carrying out of chapter visits, preferably visiting each chapter once every three years;

d. facilitation of communication with other branches of the Dominican family;

e. planning and preparation for the next Lay Provincial Council meeting;

f. reporting to the next Lay Provincial Council meeting of actions taken on its behalf.

E. Elections and Terms of Office

1. Elections

a. The Lay Provincial Council elects officers from among the life-professed representatives.

b. The election of officers takes place by open nomination and secret ballot of a quorum of representatives, with a majority needed for election.

c. If there is no majority after two ballots, only the two nominees receiving the highest number of votes on the second ballot will be eligible for any further votes.

d. There are no absentee or proxy votes.

e. The offices of secretary and treasurer may be combined if the Lay Provincial Council so determines.

f. If an office is vacated, the Lay Provincial Council elects a replacement to serve the unexpired term.

2. Terms of office

a. The term of office for all officers, is three years, with a maximum of two consecutive terms for any one office.

b. Elections of officers is to be staggered to avoid the election of a wholly new council;

c. In all cases, terms of office begin sixty days after the election

F. Special Meetings

1. The president and/or the provincial promoter, with the concurrence of the Executive Committee, may call a special meeting of the Lay Provincial Council giving one month’s notice in writing of the time, place and reason(s) for the meeting.

2. Expenses are borne by the Lay Provincial Council.

VIII. The Prior Provincial

A. The Duties of the Prior Provincial

1. The Prior Provincial presides over the Chapters within the Province and, with the consent of the local Ordinary, establishes new Chapters.[22]

2. During a Provincial Chapter or with his Council, he appoints the Provincial Promoter as his representative within the Province.[23]

3. In consultation with the Provincial Promoter and the local Council of the Laity, he appoints a religious assistant for each chapter.[24]

4. When necessary, and after consultation with the Provincial Promoter and the Executive Committee, the Prior Provincial may suppress or dissolve a Chapter and determine the effective date for the termination of that Chapter’s financial accounts.[25]

XI. Prior Provincial

A. Role

1. The prior provincial represents the Master of the Order in the affairs of the Laity of the Dominican Order in his province;

2. provides counsel to the Laity of the Dominican Order.

B. Duties

1. The prior provincial presides over the chapters within the province and receives regular updates from the Executive Committee;

2. by the recommendation of the Lay Provincial Council and with the consent of the local ordinary, establishes new chapters;

3. after consultation with the Lay Provincial Council, appoints the provincial promoter as his representative within the province;

4. in consultation with the Executive Committee and the council of the local chapter, with the advise of the promoter, appoints and removes religious assistants;

5. after consultation with the provincial promoter and the Executive Committee, may suppress a chapter and determine the effective date for the termination of that chapter’s financial accounts;

6. after consultation with the provincial promoter and the Executive Committee, may dispense/dismiss a professed lay member from promises:

a. ensures that the member being dismissed shall have the opportunity to review all pertinent materials contributing to the recommendation to and decision of the prior provincial;

b. receives and processes any appeal submitted by the dismissed member.

IX. Conclusion

A. We embrace these obligations not as slaves under the law but as free persons under grace; no transgression of The Rule or of the Particular Directory constitutes a moral fault or sin.

B. Changes in any section of this Particular Directory must be approved by a majority of Chapters, the Provincial Council, and the Prior Provincial.

C. Petitions for changes in The Rule must have the approval of a majority of Chapters and of the Provincial Council, the Provincial Promoter and the Prior Provincial and then be submitted to the Promoter-General for his approval and that of the Master of the Order.

D. This edition of the Particular Directory replaces all that have gone before it, it abrogates any custom in any Chapter of the Province that does not conform to it.

XII. Conclusion

A. We embrace these obligations not as slaves under the law but as free persons under grace:

1. no transgression of The Rule or of The Particular Directory constitutes a moral fault or sin;

2. our observance springs from the gift of our vocation to the Dominican Order and our promise to live according to The Rule and The Particular Directory.

B. Changes to the Particular Directory

1. Proposed changes to the Particular Directory may be submitted by individual chapters or the Lay Provincial Council:

a. A chapter, by a majority vote of its members, may submit proposed changes to the Executive Committee, which shall present it to the Lay Provincial Council at its next meeting;

b. The Lay Provincial Council, by a majority vote of its members, refers proposed changes, whether from itself or from individual chapters, to the chapters for approval or disapproval.

2. Adoption of proposed changes requires:

a. approval of two thirds of the chapters; the chapters will have six months from the meeting of the Lay Provincial Council to vote on the proposed change, and the secretary shall provide written notice of the chapter’s vote to the Lay Provincial Council secretary;

b. upon approval of the chapters, the proposed change shall be submitted to the Lay Provincial Council at its next meeting; a two-thirds majority vote of the Lay Provincial Council representatives is required for approval;

c. upon approval of the Lay Provincial Council the proposed change shall be submitted to the prior provincial for final approval.

C. Petitions for Changes to the Rule

1. Proposed changes to The Rule may be submitted by individual chapters or the Lay Provincial Council:

a. a chapter, by a majority vote of its members, may submit proposed changes to the Executive Committee, which shall present it to the Lay Provincial Council at its next meeting;

b. the Lay Provincial Council, by a majority vote of its members, refers proposed changes, whether from itself or from individual chapters, to the chapters for approval or disapproval.

c. upon approval of two-thirds of the chapters, the proposed change shall be submitted to the Lay Provincial Council at its next meeting; a two-thirds majority vote of the Lay Provincial Council representatives is required for approval;

d. upon approval, the Lay Provincial Council shall submit the proposed change to the prior provincial for recommendation to the Master of the Order;

e. the Master of the Order must give final approval regarding changes to The Rule.

D. This edition of the Particular Directory replaces all that have gone before it.

[1]See Appendix A: Suffrages

[2]See General Chapter of Quezon City , 1977 for priorities of the Order; General Declarations, page 7.

[3]See Section V on Departure from a Chapter, C.

[4]See Section II. F. 3-5 and Section V. B. 1.

[5]See Section II. F. 3-5.

[6] See Section II. E. 5.

[7]See Appendix A: Suffrages.

[8]The Rule, #21c.

[9] Ibid.

[10] The Rule, #21b.

[11]A “member” refers to Candidates / Novices or active professed members according to Section III, A. 2-3.

[12]See Appendix C. 13 and 14 for exception.

[13] For renewals see Section III, B. 5.

[14] Please note that according to Code 307 of Canon Law paragraph 2: “a person can have membership in multiple religious associations in accord with their own law and with the consent of their superior (emphasis added).” The Dominican Laity’s tradition has been to disallow concurrent memberships in more than one Order’s lay branch. Canon Law expressly permits such a tradition.

[15]See Appendix D: The Rite of Reception.

[16]See Appendix E: The Rite of Profession.

[17]See Appendix B: Community Life Within a Chapter.

[18]See Section II. B. 1.

[19]According to the provisions of The Rule and the Particular Directory, Section V. C.

[20]The formula for determining the number of representatives from each Chapter is voted on by the Provincial Council one year before the expiration of the Provincial Council President’s term.

[21]Payment of expenses for additional Representatives will be voted on by the Provincial Council one year before the expiration of the Provincial Council President’s term.

[22] The Rule, #20a.

[23] The Rule, #20b.

[24] The Rule, #20c.

[25] Particular Directory, Section VI. A. 2 and B. 4a.

[1] General Chapter of Quezon City, 1977, number 15.

[2] Or, ‘Postulants’ (See footnote 5, p. 12).

[3] Or, ‘Novices’.

[4] Or ‘novice’.

[5] Although the terms president and vice president are not currently in use in our chapters, they are being used here to be closer to the language of the Rule, which uses the Latin word praeses. This is not intended to be normative; the chapters are free to continue using the titles that are customary, e.g., moderator, prior/prioress, etc.

[6] A religious of the Dominican Order or one deputed to act on behalf of the Order, appointed by the prior provincial upon the recommendation of the provincial promoter in consultation with the chapter. Those who are not members of the Dominican Order are considered temporary appointments until a member of the Order is available to serve.

[7] ‘Member’ refers to candidates and professed members.

[8] See the Rule, III.21.b.

A. Prayer

1. prayerful reading of Sacred Scripture, especially the New Testament;

2. daily celebration of the Eucharist, to the extent possible;

3. daily celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours (Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer and Night Prayer) especially with other members of the Dominican Family, when possible;

4. frequent, regular (e.g., once a month) celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, preferably with a regular confessor;

5. daily recitation of the Rosary;

6. special devotion to our Holy Father Dominic and to the Patroness of Lay Dominicans, Saint Catherine of Siena;

7. participation in the chapter’s annual retreat, days of reflection, or other days of prayer;

8. individual member suffrages:

a. daily recitation of an Our Father, Hail Mary and Eternal Rest for the deceased members of the Order;

b. an offering of at least three Masses a year for all deceased Dominicans (this may be a private intention, or offered with a stipend);

c. upon the death of a chapter member, an offering of a Mass (private intention, or with a stipend) or recitation of the Rosary

d. commemoration of all the faithful departed:

i. February 7, for the deceased parents of all Dominicans;

ii. September 5, for the deceased benefactors of the Order;

iii. November 2, for All Souls;

iv. November 8, for all deceased Dominicans;

9. chapter suffrages, upon the death of a chapter member:

a. attendance at the funeral Mass as a chapter, if possible;

b. an offering of Mass, with stipend, as soon as possible for the deceased member;

c. recitation of the appropriate Hour of the Office of the Dead at the first meeting following the death of the member;

10. abstention from meat on all Fridays of the year, and fasting and abstention from meat on:

a. April 28th (Vigil of the Feast of Saint Catherine of Siena);

b. August 7th (Vigil of the feast of our holy father Dominic);

c. October 6th (Vigil of Our Lady of the Rosary);

11. Other forms of penance offered for the success of the preaching of the Order.

B. Study

1. prayerful study of Sacred Scripture, theology, spirituality, Church doctrine and history, and reflective reading of the lives of the saints, especially those of the Dominican Order;

2. reflection on contemporary issues in the light of such study, both individually and communally.

C. Preaching

1. prayerful preaching in ways appropriate to the laity;

2. acts of charity, in light of the social teachings of the Church, with attention to the four priorities of the Order: catechesis, evangelization, justice and peace, and communication[1];

D. Community

1. common study and reflection on Sacred Truth;

2. concern for the good and well-being of the chapter and its members;

3. common observance of the customs and celebrations of the Order.

V. Chapter Structure and Government

A. Members of the Chapter Council

1. The chapter council consists of:

a. elected officers

i. president[5];

ii. vice president;

iii. secretary;

iv. treasurer;

v. formation director;

b. ex-officio members (with full voting rights)

i. the Lay Provincial Council representative (if not combined with another council position);

ii. the religious assistant;

c. councilors, numbering between two and six, depending on the needs of the chapter.

2. If the size of the chapter and the demands of the tasks make it advisable, the offices of the secretary and treasurer may be combined, and the office of vice president may be eliminated.

3. The chapter council recommends the size of the council, as well as whether there will be the office of vice president, and if the office of secretary and treasurer will be combined, for the approval of the chapter before elections take place.

5. Any officer or councilor may also hold the office of Lay Provincial Council representative.

B. Duties of Chapter Council Members

1. The president

a. conducts all chapter and council meetings;

b. in conjunction with the religious assistant and the formation director, prepares for and conducts the ceremonies of reception and profession; receives inquirers into the Order and the profession of candidates;

c. ensures the preparation of an annual report for the chapter and the Lay Provincial Council;

d. arranges for active members to be in contact with prayer members and receives reports about them;

e. notifies all members of the death or danger of death of any chapter member or immediate family member, as well as of other Dominicans; sees that, in case of death, the appropriate suffrages are observed;

f. assists council members in the performance of their duties in accordance with the Statutes;

g. assigns or delegates duties to the other council members, as necessary;

h. acts as the spokesperson for the chapter and as liaison with other chapters and other members of the Dominican family.

2. The vice president substitutes for the president in case of absence, and assumes that office when it is vacant until a new president is elected.

3. The secretary

a. records attendance and takes minutes at chapter and council meetings;

b. prepares and sends out communications on behalf of the chapter, as needed;

c. ensures that a current register of members is maintained; the register should include the members’ names, addresses, phone numbers, etc., as well as dates of reception, first profession, renewals, life profession, office(s) held, and any other pertinent information;

d. ensures communication with the Lay Provincial Council newsletter editor and distribution of the newsletter to chapter members;

e. keeps archives of minutes, letters to and from the council, and other historical data.

4. The treasurer

a. establishes and maintains the chapter account, collects and disburses funds as directed by vote of the chapter and/or council;

b. prepares written budget and financial reports as required by the council.

5. The formation director

a. organizes the initial study program within the guidelines of the Provincial Council; provides assistance to those on the formation team as they help inquirers and candidates discern their Dominican vocation;

b. coordinates the on-going formation programs with the participation of the professed community;

c. becomes familiar with inquirers, candidates, and temporarily professed members in order to be able to make recommendations to the chapter council as to their continuation in the chapter;

d. with the participation of the chapter council or formation team, conducts the appropriate interviews for those seeking reception or profession;

e. cooperates with the president and the religious assistant to arrange the ceremonies for the Rites of Reception and Profession.

6. The Lay Provincial Council representative

a. represents the chapter at the Lay Provincial Council meeting and reports pertinent Lay Provincial Council actions to the chapter;

a. April 28^th (Vigil of the Feast of Saint Catherine of Siena);

b. August 7^th (Vigil of the feast of our holy father Dominic);

c. October 6^th (Vigil of Our Lady of the Rosary);

10. Terms of office should commence no earlier than June 1^st and no later than October 1^st.