National Council Meeting in Chicago, Feb. 8-9, 2007
The national council met in Chicago February 8-9 at the office of the National Federation of Priests Councils where Jesus Caritas Fraternity of Priests now benefits from their office resource and secretarial help in the person of Yahaira Noriega. Victor Doucette on behalf of the NFPC and its president, Richard Vega, who was in California at the time, welcomed us. Jim Alphen of the National Office of Continuing Education for Roman Catholic Clergy (NOCERCC) who share the same office area, also welcomed us.
The role of the Chicago office was reviewed and discussed. We met Yahaira Noriega and asked her to keep our database current, to continue doing the layout and printing of Becoming Brothers, to continue collecting the dues, to assist with other mailings, and to maintain the materials of the Fraternity. We met with a representative of Harris Bank and opened our national account in Chicago since that will be easier for Yahaira to make deposits. The account in Omaha will be closed.
The new website was reviewed. It was designed by Chris Baima who works on the NFPC website. Richard will see how to retrieve the Ian Latham book and get it back on the site. Pamphlets may be added to the site. Richard will be getting information on how to keep material on it current.
There was discussion about the 2008 National Assembly. Cleveland was suggested as a first choice. Los Angeles was a second choice. More specifics for the assembly will be discussed on a future conference call. A new national responsible will be selected at this assembly.
Reports from the various regions were made. South: Hap Ragen called in his report since he had just completed their Conyers retreat. Twelve priests were present and Sr. Anne, a Little Sister of Jesus, was their director. He said he would be willing to represent Jesus Caritas at the NFPC convention which is being held in April in Tampa. East: Jerry Devore has put together sixty email addresses in his area for communications. He has been in contact with Lenny Tighe and will possibly make a presentation in Boston for priests there about the Fraternity. Howard Caulkins will also be helping with this. Jerry is working with Dan Cipar on the details of the Month of Nazareth which will be held in Youngstown, Ohio in July. Tony Philpot will be the retreat director. Talk is also continuing with Dan Danielson and Tom McCormick. Central: Mark Mertes is planning on making some regional contacts and will plan an event for the area next year. West: Joe said there will be a retreat in 2008. He also reported that a diocesan responsible is being appointed for Los Angeles. There has been interest in Fresno and Dan Danileson will be making a contact there. Northwest: Dick Rossman has sent emails to diocesan responsibles for ongoing formation in Jesus Caritas. Contacts have been made with Mt. Angel Seminary. Southwest: Phil Henning asked about getting the Ian Latham booklet on the new website.
A report on the 2006 International Assembly was given by Jerry and Richard. The letter from Brazil has been printed in our newsletter. Fraternities are asked to discuss it. A review of the Directory will be a project these next years. Richard is on the international team.
The 2007 Month of Nazareth was discussed. A special mailing is to be sent to all members with information about the time (July 2-27), the cost ($700), the retreat (July 9-13) and retreat cost ($425).
The proposed budget for 2007 was reviewed and approved. There will be an annual donation given to the international fraternity.
The English International Newsletter, Be Brothers, will no longer be published but the website will now be the way that articles of interest about the Fraternity and priesthood can be shared.
When you come across some worthwhile reading or a magazine article that pertains to priestly spirituality or ministry, point it out to your members. Some fraternities have a “show and tell” time when members share their reading.
