Constitutions and Statutes - The Mill Hill Missionaries

NATURE AND SCOPE OF THE SOCIETYPart I : Our Missionary ApostolateC1C2C3C4C5C6We are an international fellowship of missionaries,named St. Joseph's Missionary Society of Mill Hill.We are a Society of Apostolic Life and PontificalRight, consisting of ordained and lay Members,dedicated to the missionary apostolate.Alongside its Members, the Society values thecollaboration of Associates, ordained and lay peoplewho make a temporary commitment to share inour missionary apostolate. Associates are governed bytheir own Statutes.As a Society we are committed to acting on thesewords of Christ: "Go, therefore, make disciples of allnations...", and we are ready to leave our country andour own culture. (Cf. Prologue and C 8)In determining our fields of labour we look for theguidance of the Holy Spirit, which comes to us throughthe inspiration of Herbert Vaughan, through relevantinstructions of the Church, the discernment of ourGeneral Chapters and the General Council, andthrough reading the signs of the times.Jesus brought the Good News to the poor. Our Founderasked us to go where the need is greatest, to the people"most abandoned and poorest in the means of grace".Therefore we still go by preference to the poor, to theoppressed and to those in greatest need.1

C7In evangelisation, our preference is for pioneeringwork: to open up new fields, to respond boldly tofresh needs and face unfamiliar challenges.C8 We approach people of different races andreligions, seeking, in a spirit of dialogue, to listen tothe Spirit speaking in their cultures and traditions.We do this within the context of the Local Church,under the leadership of the Ordinary, striving tobuild up the Christian community as a signpost of theKingdom, and helping it to realise its missionarycalling.C9C10C11D12We are conscious of a special obligation to serve thepeople with whom we have worked in the past andwith whom we have established firm ties. However,as missionaries, we always remain ready to moveto where the need is greater.We strive to evaluate our work from time to time interms of the Gospel and our apostolic mission, and, indialogue with the local church and others, seek tomake it more effective. In a spirit of service we areready, according to local need, to accept positions ofresponsibility and to withdraw from them, so as tofacilitate the passing on of leadership to the localChurch.We are also present as missionaries in our churches oforigin, carrying out our missionary apostolate there invarious ways.It does not fall within the scope of the Society to havelong-term parish commitments except when this isthought to be essential to the furthering of the proper2

aim of the Society. However, when parishcommitments are arranged, preference is given toparishes with a missionary character or with apoorer population.C13 Members who are sick or retired continue toparticipate in the mission of the Society byfollowing its way of life, sharing its missionaryconcern, and offering their prayers and sacrifices forthe good of all.Part II: Our Way of LifeC14 Our apostolic mission determines our spirituality.Through our apostolic zeal, our prayer, our faithfuldedication to given tasks, our readiness for steady andhard work as missionaries, we strive to become likeChrist, growing in holiness and fervour of spirit.Through the Missionary Oath we dedicate ourselvesfor life, to be available for the work of the Societyand its mission. (Cf. Prologue – Our Identity)C15C16In view of our life-long dedication to missionaryservice, we commit ourselves to live in chastity andcelibacy, for the sake of God's kingdom. We alsocommit ourselves to observe the Society’s Code ofConduct.Our Founder was deeply convinced that the spirit andpractice of evangelical poverty is the foundation of theapostolic life. Our work for the Society and mission isgiven freely, and any money or recompense for ourwork belongs to the apostolate of the Society.C17 Our missionary vocation brings us together as one3

community of faith and love, especially in thecelebration of the Holy Eucharist, which is central toour lives and work. We are, accordingly, committed tofollowing Christ through a life of prayer bothpersonal and common, to living and working with eachother and with our co-workers, supporting andencouraging one another. (Cf. Prologue, OurFoundation)D18We call upon our patron saints to intercede for us andinspire us on our missionary journey:MARY IMMACULATE, Mother of the Church and Queenof the Apostles (DEC.8 TH )ST. JOSEPH, Protector of the Church and PrincipalPatron of our Society (MAR. 19 TH )ST. PETER, first of the Apostles and head of the Church(JUNE 29 TH )ST. PAUL, chosen instrument for the conversion of thenations (JUNE 29 TH )ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI, proclaimer of Christ in thesimplicity of his life (OCT.4 TH )ST. FRANCIS XAVIER, model of missionary zeal andministry (DEC.3 RD )ST. TERESA OF AVILA, missionary by desire in herspiritual journey (OCT 15 TH )STS. PAUL MIKI AND HIS COMPANIONS, missionarymartyrs of Japan (FEB. 6 TH )STS. LORENZO RUIS AND HIS COMPANIONS,missionary martyrs of Japan (SEPT. 28 TH )ST. PETER CLAVER, apostle of the enslaved in theAmericas (SEPT. 9 TH )ST. TERESA OF LISIEUX, patroness of missionaries andmissions (OCT. 1 ST )STS. CHARLES LWANGA AND HIS COMPANIONS, firstmartyrs of Uganda (JUNE 3 RD )4

C19C20C21C22In charity we pray for one another, both for those whoare living and for those who have died. We also prayin gratitude for all those who help and support us inour missionary apostolate. In our communities wepray for living Members, Associates and benefactorsduring the month of June, and in November we prayfor deceased Members, Associates and benefactors.We also pray during the Holy Eucharist, in accordancewith our status, for any Member or Associate who hasdied.We have a special concern for sick, elderly and retiredmissionaries. We express this concern through ourhouses of retirement, through ensuring timely andcompetent medical care, and through personalkindness, attention and visits.As a Society, we value self-reliance, personal initiativeand creativity, and respect for each other’sindividuality, always balanced with a concern forthe community.Together with the Eucharist, spiritual direction, regularrecourse to the Sacrament of Reconciliation,Recollection Days, and annual Retreats, are ourstrength and support in our active apostolate.5

MEMBERSHIPADMISSION INTO THE SOCIETY (23 – 25)FORMATION (26 – 28)TEMPORARY MEMBERSHIP (29 – 32)PERPETUAL MEMBERSHIP (33 – 37)PERPETUAL MEMBERS AND ASSOCIATES (38 – 43)SEPARATION FROM THE SOCIETY (44 – 50)Admission into the SocietyC23C24C25Members of the Society are those who, wishing todedicate themselves for life to the service of mission,pledge themselves by oath to the Society.We invite, and admit to membership in St. Joseph'sMissionary Society of Mill Hill, suitable candidateswho desire to work for the aims and scope of theSociety as ordained or lay Members. Admission topermanent membership is preceded by a period ofTemporary Membership, as a time of preparationand formation. Candidates become TemporaryMembers by taking the Temporary Oath.The Missionary Oath is taken in the presence of theGeneral Superior or his delegate. A copy of the Oathis signed by the Member, the General Superior or hisdelegate, and by two witnesses, and is kept in thearchives of the Society.FormationC26The Society takes on itself responsibility for theformation of all who wish to join it. The purpose6

,of the formation programme is to enable candidatesto develop a deep relationship with Christ, to discerntheir missionary vocation and to be suitably preparedfor the mission and way of life of the Society.Directly responsible for formation are those who havebeen entrusted with it by the General Council.C27C28Before an applicant is admitted to the Society'sformation programme, the following papers arerequired: certificates of Baptism and Confirmation; amedical report of good health; an adequate reportand good references from the Parish Priest and ParishCouncil, and, where applicable, from employers.The formation programme emphasises our commontradition and fellowship, our missionary spirit and theinternational character of the Society. Specialattention is given to policies and guidelines laid downby the Society. With regard to training for thepriesthood, the relevant documents of the Church andinstructions of the Holy See are adhered to.Temporary MembershipC29C30Before any candidate is admitted to TemporaryMembership, all concerned are consulted as to hissuitability, including the members of the community towhich he belongs. The Regional or SocietyRepresentative with the consent of his Council,and in consultation with the General Council,makes the decision concerning admission. Withregard to the suitability of candidates, Cans. 642 –645 of C.I.C. also apply.The duration of Temporary Membership will normally7

C32 A Temporary Member of the Society has thefollowing rights:a. to training and formation which will enablehim to realise his desire to become an ordained orlay Member in the Society;b. to board and lodging, and to temporal support,appropriate to his status;c. to spiritual support and prayers from fellowmissionaries.Perpetual membershipC33C34C35At the appropriate stage, a Temporary Member willpresent himself to the General Superior for acceptanceas a Perpetual Member. After the usual procedure ofconsultation governing admission (cf. C 29), theGeneral Superior, with the consent of his Council, willmake a decision about his acceptance. If the decisionis positive, the candidate will be invited to take thePerpetual Oath. This will be followed by ordinationto the Diaconate in the case of candidates forpriesthood.By the Perpetual Oath the candidate is grantedpermanent membership in the Society. If he isordained, he is incardinated into the Society. (Cf. C 24)Through the Perpetual Missionary Oath, a Membercommits himself:a. to a life-long dedication to the missionary9

apostolate of the Society, in obedience to theGeneral Superior;b. To living an apostolic life according to theConstitutions and Directives of the Society (cf. C 14 &C 15);c. to giving his work freely, without payment,throughout his life (cf. C 16);d. ‘to a generous loyalty to the Society, serving itand promoting its efficiency to the best of hispowers' (Cardinal Vaughan).C36A Perpetual Member of the Society has the followingrights:a. to board and lodging, and to a personalallowance;b. to companionship, to hospitality, and the supportof an apostolic community in fulfilling his missionarytask (cf. C 17);c. to periodic holidays (cf. D 40); to care insickness and in old age; and to provision of such needsas have been recognised by the Society;d. to spiritual support from fellow missionariesduring his life as well as prayers for him after death;e. to an active and passive vote in the election ofdelegates to the General Chapter, and to participationin other appropriate electoral procedures (cf. C 59).10

C37The welfare of Perpetual Members is primarily theobligation of the Society, which fulfils it either directlythrough its own resources and structures, through Stateassistance or, indirectly, through agreements with thelocal Church where the Members serve.Perpetual Members and AssociatesC38C39D40C41D42Members and Associates all share responsibility forthe Society's overall task. As a consequence, everymissionary is prepared to do Society work anywherefor a determined period of time.Members and Associates have a right to holidayswhich are arranged in consultation with the appropriatesuperiors. While at home or on sabbatical, theyreceive a personal allowance from their Region oforigin. If they reside with relatives or friends, they mayclaim a living allowance.The General Council, in consultation with localsuperiors, may issue guidelines on holidays andcompassionate leave, and long-distance travel forreasons other than assignment, in accordance withguidelines laid down by General Chapters and localAssemblies. (Cf. Chapter 2005 Documents)Members and Associates have a right to retirement. Itis the special concern of the Society authorities thatthey do not continue in active service longer than theirage or health allows. The General Council releases aperson for retirement, as a rule, in their Region oforigin.At the age of 65, in dialogue with the local11

epresentative, Members and Associates begin theprocess of handing over their responsibilities. At theage of 70, they submit in writing, to the localRepresentative, their willingness to retire from theirpositions. Thereafter the situation is reviewedannually, in consultation with the General Council. Bythe age of 75, they are normally resident in theirRegions of origin.C43 The General Council encourages Members andAssociates to avail themselves of opportunities foreducation, renewal, professional supervision, andpersonal and spiritual development. Regional andArea authorities endeavour to provide and organisespecific programmes for on-going formation. This canbe done in collaboration with other Societies and theLocal Church.Separation from the SocietyC44C45C46The General Superior, with the consent of his Council,can dispense a Temporary Member from hisMissionary Oath. The rights and obligations derivingfrom his Temporary Membership thereby cease. (Cf.C. 30)A Temporary Member is free to leave the Society aftercompleting the term of his Temporary Oath.Similarly, for a just reason, a Temporary Member canbe refused the Perpetual Oath by the General Superiorwith the consent of his Council (cf. Can.689,§1 ofC.I.C).If a Perpetual Member, after due discernment, desiresto leave the Society, he can obtain an indult to do so12

from the General Superior with the consent of hisCouncil (cf. Can.743 of C.I.C.). This indult entails thatthe rights and obligations deriving from his PerpetualMembership cease, without prejudice to Can. 693.C47C48A Member requires the permission of the GeneralSuperior, with the consent of his Council, in order tojoin another Society of the Apostolic Life. In suchcases of transfer, the obligations of the Society Oathare suspended, but the Member has the right to returnuntil definitely incorporated into the other Society (cf.Can.744,§1 of C.I.C.). To transfer to an Institute ofConsecrated Life the permission of the Holy See isrequired (cf. Can.744,§2).Members are liable to be dismissed for serious reasons,as laid down in Cans.649 – 703 of C.I.C.1. In cases mentioned in Can. 694 of C.I.C.,dismissal is automatic, and the General Superior shallmake a declaration of fact, as laid down in the canonmentioned.2. Members are to be dismissed for certainoffences mentioned in Can.695 of C.I.C..3. Members can be dismissed for other causes also,such as those mentioned in Can.696,§1 of C.I.C.,provided they are grave, imputable and juridicallyestablished.4. In the case of Perpetual Members, the procedureto be followed in cases 2 and 3 above is that laid downin Cans.695, 697-700 of C.I.C.. The decision is madeby the General Superior and his Council in a collegial13

manner, as laid down in Can.699.5. If a Member is bound only by a Temporary Oath,dismissal can be decreed by the General Superiorwith the consent of his Council6. In all cases of dismissal the Member has theright to know the reasons and every facility must begranted to him to present his case to the GeneralSuperior, by word of mouth or in writing, in person orby proxy.C49The obligation of the Oath ceases for any Member wholawfully leaves, or is lawfully dismissed from, theSociety. Such a Member cannot claim anything fromthe Society for any work done while a Member. (Cf.Cans.701,702§1 of C.I.C.)D50 A Member who leaves may be offered someassistance by the Society, in accordance with thepractise in the Region or Area, to enable him to settlein his new life.14

ORGANISATION OF THE SOCIETYINTRODUCTORY (51-53)THE GENERAL CHAPTER (54-75)THE GENERAL SUPERIOR &THE GENERAL COUNCIL (76-88)THE SOCIETY ASSEMBLY (89-91)C51C52The Society is governed by the various Superiors andRepresentatives, assisted by their Councils andoperating at their respective levels. The Superior has areal personal authority for the task entrusted to him,and responsibility for decision making. He shares thetask with the members of his Council, delegating tothem specific functions and responsibilities, andendeavouring to reach a consensus with them whenmaking decisions. Together they adopt and exercise acollaborative model of leadership and ministry. Incertain cases the law lays down that the Superior, inorder to act validly, can act only with the consent ofhis Council. In a few instances the Superior (as primusinter pares) and his Council, act collegially (cf. Can.746 of C.I.C.).Where certain offices and functions are determined byelectoral procedures, all those concerned seek to fulfilGod's purpose, both those who vote and those who areelected. If there is an initial consultation,the views of Associates are elicited separately.Voting for candidates is by secret ballot. The electionofficers are bound to secrecy about the way individualshave cast their votes. As a general principle the resultsare made known to the electorate, and to theAssociates.15

D53When the terms 'General Council', 'Regional Council'or 'Society Council' are used, they mean in each casethe Superior in question, (General Superior, RegionalRepresentative, Society Representative) assisted byhis Council. The Superior’s personal authority goeshand in hand with consultation.The General ChapterC54C55The General Chapter is the representative body of theSociety’s Members. When in session, it assumessupreme authority in the Society, whilst the GeneralSuperior and his Council carry out the ordinaryadministration of the Society It is competent to changethe Directives and the Constitutions, but, in the case ofthe latter, only with permission of the Holy See, asprovided in Can.202 of C.I.C.. (Cf. C144)The General Chapter seeks to lead the Society torenewed dedication to its missionary calling:1. It receives a report on the state of the Societyfrom the General Superior and Councillors on theSociety's activities within their area or sphere of work.2. It reviews the life and activities of the Societyand establishes policy guidelines.3. It elects the General Superior and the membersof his Council.4. It decides on the composition of the nextGeneral Chapter and of the Society Assembly.C56The Chapter is composed of ex officio, elected and16

co-opted members.The General Superior and the members of his Councilare ex officio members.Elected members are the Members chosen as delegatesby the electoral body, according to the guidelines ofthe preceding General Chapter.D57D58C59D60D61There shall be a General Chapter every five years,without prejudice to C 86.At least one year before the Chapter is to take place,the General Superior convokes the General Chapter,sending formal notice to all the Members of theSociety. In this notice he indicates the exact place anddate of the Chapter, notifies the Members of the detailsof the procedure to elect delegates, and calls forreflection and discussion on topics and issues to beplaced before it. The election of delegates will alsobe initiated one year before the Chapter is due to open.For the election of a delegate to the General Chapter,each Perpetual Member has an active and passive vote.The election shall consist of three ballots. After thefirst ballot, the number of nominees is reduced, on thebasis of the highest number of votes obtained, to threetimes the number of delegates to be elected, and afterthe second ballot to twice the number of delegates tobe elected. The representation of student members willbe arranged in accordance with the guidelines issuedby the previous General Chapter.A Member exercises his active vote by sending it in asealed envelope or by email to the election officersappointed in each Region and Area. On the ballot17

paper or email, he writes the name of the Mission,or the Region or Area to which he belongs and thename(s) of the delegate(s) he chooses. The runner(s)-up shall be the substitute(s) of elected delegate(s).The ballot paper is dated and signed by the voter,except where an email is sent from a personal address.The election officers examine these votes anddetermine the delegates and their substitutes inaccordance with the prescribed procedure. Theythen communicate the election results to the GeneralCouncil and to the electorate without delay.D62D63C64C65C66Observers shall also be invited to the General Chapter,at the discretion of the General Council.The General Council appoints a committee to collatesuggestions and proposals made by the Members andAssociates, individually or in groups, for submission tothe Chapter.The members of the General Chapter will elect 1) theGeneral Superior and 2) the Councillors, one by one.After this they will elect one of the Councillors to beVicar General. Canon Law provides that only priest-Members may be elected to the offices of GeneralSuperior and Vicar General (cf. Can.588). To beeligible, a priest must have been a Perpetual Memberfor at least ten years (cf. Can. 623).The General Superior whose term of office expirespresides at the election of the General Superior.Before the election of the General Superior, themembers of the Chapter choose two scrutineerswho, together with the President, pledge themselves to18

fulfil their office faithfully. A secretary is chosenwho shall write a report of the election, which mustbe signed by himself, the President, and the twoscrutineers, and kept in the archives of the Society.C67C68C69C70The election of the General Superior takes place bysecret ballot, and in order to be elected during the firstthree ballots, a priest-Member must have two-thirds ofthe votes of the electors present. If, after the thirdballot, no one has obtained the required number ofvotes, there shall be a fourth ballot in which those twoalone shall be eligible who in the third ballot obtainedthe largest number of votes. In the fourth ballot, arelative majority will suffice. Should the number ofvotes be equal for both, the one who is senior bymembership, or, should they be equal in this respect,the one who is senior by age, shall be declared electedby the President. If the President himself is electedhe shall be proclaimed General Superior by the firstscrutineer.If a candidate for General Superior who is apostulandus fails to obtain a two-thirds majority by thesecond ballot, his name is removed from the list ofcandidates and the election is resumed from thebeginning.A General Superior who has served for two termscannot be elected for a third consecutive term.The General Superior at once informs the CardinalPrefect of the Congregation for the Evangelisation ofPeoples of his election. He also sends notice of hiselection to all the Members and Associates of theSociety.19

C71D72D73C74D75The newly elected General Superior or, in his absence,the Vicar General whose term of office expires,presides at the election of the Councillors and the newVicar General.While the newly elected General Superior may presentthree nominations for each of the offices of Councillor,Chapter delegates retain the right to vote forwhomsoever they wish. (Cf. Principles of Leadershipin C 77)To be elected a Councillor or Vicar General, a membermust have an absolute majority of the votes of theelectors present but, after two ballots, a relativemajority is sufficient for an election. Should twoMembers have an equal number of votes in the thirdballot, seniority by membership or, if they are equal inthis respect, by age, will decide the election.After the Chapter the General Superior and his Councilwill draw up a general account of the transactions ofthe Chapter and send it to all the Members andAssociates.The newly elected General Superior and his Councilmay request members of the outgoing General Councilto assist them in the transition for a period notexceeding three months. This will also allow newlyelected members to withdraw from their commitments.The General Superior and the General CouncilC76The ordinary government of the Society is conductedby the General Superior and his Council, who togetherform the 'General Council'. One of the Councillors will20

e the Vicar General. Their number is determined bythe General Chapter, but there shall be at least threecouncillors. When Canon Law requires at least fourcouncillors (cf. Can.699,§1), another Member who iseasily available will be appointed as the fourthcouncillor In extraordinary situations, not foreseen inthe Constitutions and Chapter decisions, the GeneralSuperior has recourse to the Holy See.C77The members of the General Council will endeavour tocarry out their task in a spirit of co-responsibility andwith effective teamwork. In general their task is:a. to lead the Society in accordance with theConstitutions and Directives, and the decisions of theGeneral Chapters, and to inspire its Members andAssociates in their mission;b. to represent the Society officially.C78C79The General Superior has direct and personal authorityover the Society as a whole, over Regions, Areas,Houses, Members and Associates. He has a personalresponsibility for the welfare of all the Members andAssociates, who have the right of direct access to him,just as he has to them. He convokes and presides atthe General Chapter, the Society Assembly and theGeneral Council meetings.The Vicar General takes the place of the GeneralSuperior when the latter is absent or prevented fromdischarging his office. The General Superior mayentrust him, as well as the other Councillors, withspecial tasks.21

D80C81The General Chapter allocates to the Councillorsspecific areas of responsibility. The General Superior,with the consent of his Council, can make adjustmentsto these allocations, either in particular situations or ona more permanent basis.The General Superior is to seek the advice of hisCouncillors in all important matters. For certaindecisions and acts to be valid the General Superiorrequires the consent of his Council. In this case theconsent must be obtained from a majority of theCouncillors present, provided a majority of the GeneralCouncil are present and have taken part in thedeliberations. Such acts are:a. decisions to end or decrease existing Societycommitments or to accept new commitments;b. decisions to establish or redefine regions of Areas,to found new houses or to close existing houses;c. the appointment of Regional Representatives,Society Representatives and Group Leaders, after dueconsultation with the Members (cf. D 99-102 andC 109);d. the appointment of personnel who serve the GeneralCouncil, Regional Bursars, Rectors andAdministrators, Formation and Recruitment Staff andHeads of Department;e. the acceptance of the resignation, or the removalfrom office, of a Councillor and any of the officersmentioned above;22

f. the admission of candidates to PerpetualMembership or Association, and therecommendation of students for ordination (cf. C30);g. the approval of annual budgets and financialstatements of the Central, Regional and AreaAccounts, of the First and Second Cycle FormationHouses, and of all major financial transactions;h. the appointment of Members and Associates toRegions or Areas, in consultation with the localRepresentative;i. the choice of place for the General Chapter (cf..C56);j. all grave matters, financial and otherwise, andextraordinary affairs of the Society, and those whichrequire the consent of The Holy See, as well as thoseacts for which Canon Law, or Society law, explicitlyrequires the consent of the Council.D82D83The General Council shall appoint administrative staffas circumstances require. Their duties are determinedby the General Council. The General Council makesany other provisions necessary for the efficientorganisation and administration of the office of theGeneral Council.The Society has its own Procurator General in Rome.He transacts all the business of the Society with theHoly See in accordance with the directions of theGeneral Superior. He maintains contact with thevarious missionary Societies and Institutions in Romeand takes part in activities concerning Mission23

organised there. He keeps the General Councilinformed of all pertinent developments.D84D85C86C87C88The General Council takes care that the GeneralSuperior, or his Councillors, visit all the Members andAssociates of the Society on a regular basis. On theoccasion of a visitation the Members and Associatesare met individually and as a group. Visitations arenormally arranged in consultation with the Regional orSociety Representative, or the Group Leader.The General Council may appoint CentralCoordinators for a particular task and for a specifiedperiod, to assist them in their work.Upon the death, resignation or removal from office ofthe General Superior, the Vicar General governs theSociety until the election of the new General Superior.He at once informs the Cardinal Prefect of theCongregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples andawaits his instructions concerning the election. Whenthese have arrived, he informs all the Members andAssociates.If the Vicar General ceases to hold office, the GeneralSuperior and the remainder of his Council, actingcollegially, elect a new Councillor and then proceed toelect a Vicar General from among the Councillors, inaccordance with C 76.If a Councillor dies or ceases to hold office, theGeneral Superior and the remainder of the Council,acting collegially, elect a new Councillor inaccordance with C 76.24

The Society AssemblyD89D90There shall be one Society Assembly between GeneralChapters. The General Superior may, with theconsent of his Council, convoke another Assembly ifhe deems it necessary.The functions of the Society Assembly are:a. to assess the life and work of the Members andAssociates in the light of the vision and the decisionsof the previous General Chapter;b. to deal with topics or issues placed before it bythe General Council, the Members and Associates, orthe Assembly itself.D91 The preceding Chapter shall decide thecomposition, venue, and duration of the SocietyAssembly.25

REGIONAL/AREA ORGANISATIONAND GOVERNMENTINTRODUCTORY (92-94)REGIONS (95-106)SOCIETY AREAS (107-110)COMMUNITIES AND HOUSES (111-115)IntroductoryC92 The Society is divided into Regions and Areas. It isfor the General Council to establish, redefine, ordissolve Regions or Areas, in accordance withguidelines laid down by the previous Chapter. (Cf. C81 b.)C93 Members and Associates of a Region or Area are thosewho have been appointed to the particular Regionor Area.C94Each Region or Area has its Representative or GroupLeader, who is assisted by his Council and worksunder the authority of the General Council.RegionsC95A Region is defined as a section of the Society which,under the authority of the General Council, governs itsown affairs in accordance with the principle ofsubsidiarity.C96 The Regional Representative is assisted by a vice-Regional and at least two Councillors, who togethermake up the Regional Council26

D97The establishment of Regions is governed by thefollowing criteria:a. that significant Society activities are carried outin the Region;b. that the number of those who originate from theRegion together with those who work in the Region isnot less than thirty in total;c. that there is a possibility of moving towardsself-reliance.C98The Regional Representative acts on behalf of and incollaboration with the General Council in the Region.He likewise represents the Members and Associates inthe Region in dealings with the General Council andwith the local Ordinaries. He keeps the GeneralCouncil informed of all important matters and likewisepasses on communications by the General Council tothe Members and Associates.The Regional Representative and his Council lead andinspire the Members and Associates in theirmissionary task, and coordinate the activities ofthe Society in the Region. The RegionalRepresentative or vice-Regional visit the Membersand Associates regularly, and arrange an annualmeeting in the various areas of the Region. He holdsmeetings with councils and contact persons in thevarious areas on a regular basis. The RegionalRepresentative has personal care for the welfare ofthe Members and Associates, particularly the sick andretired, and those on leave.In Regions where new Members and Associates are27

appointed, the Regional Representative ensures thatthey receive ample time for learning the local languageand culture. In dialogue with the Local Ordinary, andafter consultation with his Council, he makes theirappointments.The Regional Representative seeks to establish andmaintain good relations with the local church, and withother Societies and Religious Institutes.Together with his Council, the RegionalRepresentative makes the appointments of vice-Rectors and Bursars of houses within the Region,approves the annual budgets of the Society houses inthe Region and extraordinary financial transactions inaccordance with D130 .The Regional Representative consults the members ofhis Council in all important matters and holds Councilmeetings on a regular basis.C99The General Superior, with the consent of his Council,appoints the Regional Representative, after aconsultative vote of the Members of the Region, andafter having obtained the opinion of theAssociates operating in the Region.D100 The consultation process for the appointment ofRegional Representatives is initiated every three yearsby the General Council. The General Superior, withthe consent of his Council, gives guidelines about theprocedure to be followed. (Cf. Chapter 2005documents)D101 A Regional Representative is ineligible for a thirdconsecutive term but may be appointed again for a28

later term.D102 The General Council appoints the Consultors after thenew Regional Representative has been appointed.This is done after consultation with the new RegionalRepresentative and taking into account the result of theconsultative vote of the Members and the opinion ofthe Associates of the Region.C103 The composition of the Regional Council should, asfar as possible reflect the important areas of theSociety's work in the Region.C104 In all Regions a Bursar is appointed by the GeneralCouncil in consultation with the new RegionalRepresentative, and his Council. The Bursar is not anex officio member of the Regional Council. (Cf. C81 d)C105 In case of the death, resignation or removal from officeof the Regional Representative, the vice RegionalRepresentative acts in his place until a new RegionalRepresentative takes up office.D106 Regional authority extends to:a. Members and Associates residing in theRegion, excepting members of the General Counciland the central administration;b. the major formation programme and itspersonnel in accordance with guidelines laid down bythe previous Chapter.29

Society AreasC107 Whenever a particular Society unit clearly does nothave the elements required for a Region, it is regardedas an Area in accordance with C 92. In an Area thestructure and organisation may be more flexible andsimple, depending on its size and extension.C108 The Society Representative of an Area is assisted by aCouncil of at least two and assumes responsibility forthe Members and Associates in the Area and itstasks — responsibilities which are analogous tothose of a Regional Representative (cf. C. 98).C109 The General Superior, with the consent of his Council,appoints the Society Representative, after consultationwith the Members, and having obtained the opinion ofthe Associates of the Area, and with due regard to theirwishes. The General Council also appoints theConsultors, in consultation with the Representative,and in view of the consultative vote of the Membersand the opinion of the Associates.C110 In an Area where the number of Members andAssociates is less than ten, the General Council, afterconsultation with the group, appoints a Group Leader,who is directly accountable to the General Council.Communities and HousesC111 Every local community of the Society has its ownSuperior, entitled 'Rector'. The Rector has ordinaryadministrative authority within the purpose andfunction of the house.30

C112 He has a vice Rector, a Bursar, and is assisted also by aHouse Committee, chosen by the members of thehouse. Where the community is small, all constitutethe House Committee.C113 The General Superior, with the consent of his Council,appoints Rectors, after consultation with the Regionalor Society Council, the community, and the personconcerned. The Regional/Society Representative,with the consent of his Council, appoints vice Rectorsand Bursars.C114 The normal term of a Rector is three years. Afterconsultation, his appointment may be renewed for afurther period of three years. For the good of theSociety, a Rector may be changed before his term iscompleted.C115 Rectors will arrange for regular house meetings tofurther community life and to give support toindividual Members and Associates of the community.31

MATERIAL RESOURCESADMINISTRATION AND USE (116 – 142)C116 Apostolic poverty characterises the lives and activitiesof individual Mill Hill Missionaries and communities.Individuals give their service freely and surrender tothe Society all income received through their ministryand personal work, in return for maintenance and basicwelfare. Both as individuals and in communities, theyare committed to a simple lifestyle, good stewardship,a wise use of resources for the objectives and needs ofthe Society and its mission, and to identification withthe poor in a world of stark contrast between wealthand poverty.C117 The Society needs financial resources for every phaseof its activities (promotion, formation, mission work),as well as to provide for the personal needs of itsMembers and Associates (board and lodging, travel,medical expenses, and retirement). Apart fromincome received through the ministry and personalwork of its Members, the Society depends ondonations from benefactors, pensions, and investments.C118 To the common fund of the Society belong:a. all goods received through the regular sacredministry and work of Members and Associates;b. all money, gifts, offerings, legacies, etc.,acquired by Members and Associates in considerationof their belonging to the Society.C119 On behalf of the Society, the General Council32

supervises the administration of all Society propertyand funds throughout the world, in accordance with theprescriptions of Canon Law, the Society’sConstitutions and Directives, and in accordancewith the intention of the donor(s).C120 Goods and property belonging to the Society areecclesiastical property. They are invested in anadvantageous, secure, and ethical way, and are notused for loans, standing security, or speculation. TheGeneral Council ensures that in particular countriescivil law in this matter is adhered to.C121 The General Superior, with the consent of his Council,defines which financial transactions require hisapproval, and regulates the conditions for the validityof such transactions in accordance with Canon Law.The General Council sets financial ceilings at eachlevel, and seeks permission from the Holy Seewhenever a transaction exceeds the ceiling laid downfor a particular country. (Cf. Can. 638 of C.I.C.)D122 All Mass offerings belong to the common fund of theSociety, to be used for the maintenance of Membersand Associates - either directly by the Society orthrough contracts with the local Church. EverySociety house must keep an exact account of all MassOfferings to be exonerated by the house.C123 As a member of the General Council, the Councillorfor Finance is chiefly concerned with financial policyand planning. He also supervises the Finance Office.D124 The Financial Secretary carries out the policies of theGeneral Council.33

D125 The General Council establishes a Financial Councilunder the chairmanship of the Councillor forFinance which meets regularly to share informationabout Society finances, and learn about practicesin the different Regions. It examines andanalyses the Society’s accounts in order to developa global view of the Society’s financial affairs, andit makes recommendations on financial matters to theGeneral Council.D126 The principle of consultation with regard to budgetsand financial statements holds good at every level ofthe Society.D127 The Central Society Account is maintained for thespecific tasks of the General Council and the centraladministration of the Society. Its income derivespartly from investments and partly from allocationsmade to it by the Regions. It is administered, onbehalf of the General Council, by the FinancialSecretary.D128 Each Regional Council administers its accountsthrough the Regional Bursar who advises and assiststhem. When the Regional Bursar is not a member ofthe Regional Council, one member is chosen to liaisewith him. The accounts are normally audited eachyear.D129 In Society Areas, the Representative or Group Leader,together with his council, presents a budget to theGeneral Council for the expenses of his office, and foran emergency fund for the assistance of Members andAssociates in special need. A financial report issubmitted annually to the General Council.34

D130 The houses and departments under the Regions andAreas make their annual budgets, which are submitted,via the Regional or Area Bursar, for approval bythe Regional or Area Council, who then forward themto the General Council for final approval.D131 Any transactions which go substantially beyond thelimit of the current budget are consideredextraordinary financial transactions and require theprior approval of the higher authority.D132 Decisions on the sale of properties, acquisition of newbuildings, disposal of funds from the sale of properties,and the amount to be retained by the Region or Areaare taken by the General Council in consultation withthe Regional or Area Council concerned.D133 The welfare of Members and Associates who work inthe service of the Local Church is regulated bycontract.D134 In matters of financial support, local communities areencouraged to provide the necessities of life for thosewho serve them, and to contribute towards parish andcommunity services and institutions.D135 Since revenue from chaplaincies and other salariedposts and functions belong, in principle, to the Society.Members and Associates make an arrangement withthe competent Society authorities about all financialarrangements, before taking up such posts. Wherethere is a contract between the Local Church and theSociety, such revenues are regulated within this.C136 Members retain the ownership, administration and use35

of goods they possessed before taking the PerpetualOath of the Society; and also of those goods whichcome to them afterwards, by way of inheritance, fromparents, relations, and guardians, or by any othersimilar title of a strictly personal and secular character.(Cf. D 138)D137 Members and Associates who receive financialassistance from government sources, such as a pensionor a disability allowance, pay these monies to theSociety house in which they reside. Should they livein a house not belonging to the Society, then suchmonies are paid to the household responsible for theirupkeep. When on mission, the same principle holdsgood, and Members and Associates in receipt ofpensions discuss their usage with the local Societyleadership.D138 It is recognised that many members generously usetheir personal funds for missionary purposes.Whenever there is a considerable outlay, it is normalpractice to seek the advice and agreement of fellowmissionaries and the Local Ordinary. Wherepersonal funds are used for a Member’s own needs, therequirements of fraternal charity and apostolicsimplicity are observed.D139 In principle, all Members and Associates have a rightto a personal allowance in accordance with thestandard of living in their country of residence. Wherenecessary, the General Council finances theseallowances. In self-supporting Regions the personalallowance payable to the Members and Associatesis periodically reviewed by the Regional Councilwhich submits its recommendations to the General36

Council for endorsement. In order to ensure a spiritof equality in the Society, financial arrangements inthe different Regions and Areas, are reviewedregularly by the Financial Council (cf. D 125) and bythe Councillor for Finance and the Regional or SocietyRepresentatives, the conclusions being presented tothe General Council.C140 Before a Member or Associate makes a largeexpenditure, or incurs a heavy debt, on behalf of theSociety, he or she first obtains written permissionfrom the competent Superior, and abides by theregulations laid down by the General Council. If thisprocedure is not adhered to, the individual ispersonally responsible and liable for any debtsincurred.D141 Superiors who allow Members and Associates to enterinto contracts with Dioceses or other bodies, make surethat there is a clause which allows the persons inquestion to be released in the interests of the Society.D142 Every Member and Associate has a Last Will andTestament in every country where he or she haspossessions. Sealed copies of such wills are left withthe Regional or Area Representative, or notice is givenas to where they are deposited.37

ARCHIVESC143 The General Council, as well as Regional and AreaCouncils, maintain archives where importantdocuments can be kept safely. These includeimportant legal and financial documents,documents referring to the Society and itsMembers and Associates, and all importantcorrespondence. Copies of important documents inthe Regions and Areas are sent to the GeneralCouncil.CHANGES AND MODIFICATIONSTO THE CONSTITUTIONS AND DIRECTIVESC144 Changes or modifications to the Constitutions can beeffected by a two-thirds majority of a General Chapter,with the approval of the Holy See. Changes toDirectives can be effected by a simple majority of aGeneral Chapter, without recourse to the Holy See.INTERPRETATION OFTHE CONSTITUTIONS AND DIRECTIVESC145 The General Superior, acting with the consent ofhis Council, is the ordinary interpreter of theConstitutions and Directives. However, theirauthentic interpretation belongs to the Congregationfor the Evangelisation of Peoples.38

STATUTES FOR MILL HILL LAY ASSOCIATES1. St. Joseph’s Missionary Society wishes to promote thegrowing involvement of lay people in the missionarywork of the Church, by offering them the opportunityto fulfil their missionary vocation through itsprogramme of Association.2. The Society invites the Associates to share itsmissionary way of life according to theappropriate Constitutions and Directives.3. The Associate programme is under the authority of theGeneral Council.4. The Society provides for Association a standardAgreement approved by the General Council, andadjustable to their respective Region.5. Associates make a commitment to share, as lay people,in the missionary apostolate of the Society.6. Associates put their charisms, experiences and skills atthe disposal of the Society, the local Church and thepeople they serve.7. Associates belong to the Mill Hill family, and offerand receive support and companionship in whatevercommunity they live in.8. The conditions for acceptance of Associates are:a. being a committed Christian in theirprofessional and personal life;39

. having a professional or technicalqualification and some years of relevant workingexperience;c. being over twenty-five years of age and in goodhealth;d. being able to adapt themselves to differentcultures, and to work in isolated conditions;e. being ready, potentially, to work in aninternational team;f. being ready to serve anywhere, inconsultation with the General Council;g. having a working knowledge of the Englishlanguage , and the willingness to learn another;h. being ready to fulfil the obligations of theContract of Association;i. having successfully completed the respectiveformation programme.9. Candidates become Associates of the Society whenthey enter into an Agreement of Association with theSociety.10. A change in the Associate’s state of life willnecessitate a review of the Agreement of Association,which may be terminated by mutual agreement.11. In extraordinary circumstances, the Associate or theSociety may decide upon premature termination of theAgreement.12. On completion of the Agreement, the Associate mayrequest a renewal of the Agreement for anotherspecified period of time. The Society also allows forthe possibility of continuing Association.40

13. When the Association with the Society comes to anend, it is hoped that the special ties of friendship andmutual concern will continue to exist between theSociety and the former Associate.14. After six years of Association, single men, who areready to make a life-long commitment to the Societyand its missionary work, can be accepted as permanentlay Members.15. The authority of these Statutes derives from decisionsmade by the General Chapters and the GeneralCouncil.41

RENEWAL OF MISSIONARY COMMITMENTThe Presider prays for God’s grace, sayingL ord,in your providence you have called these servantsof yours to follow your Son more closely asmissionaries. Mercifully grant that they may persevereto the end along the way of your love on which theyhave set out with such joy. We ask this through Christour Lord. Amen.The Presider invites all Members present to recite with himthe renewal of their Missionary Oath.n the presence of the Most Blessed Trinity,I of Mary, the Virgin Mother of God,of Saint Joseph our Patron,and all the saints,I publicly declare before this community,that it is my sincere desireto follow Christ as a missionary.I solemnly consecrate myselfunder oath for lifeto this Apostolic workas a Member of St. Joseph’s Missionary Society.I also promise obedience to the Superior Generalin accordance with the Constitutions of the Society.42

The presider invites all Associates present to renew theirmissionary commitmentIdesire to share in the missionary taskof St. Joseph’s Missionary Society,and wish to dedicate myself,in the spirit of the Gospel,to the missionary apostolate.I understand the meaning of Association,and I am ready to accept the duties and privilegesof an Associate of the Society.I entrust my work as a lay missionaryto the Lord of the harvest,through the intercession of Our Lady,Mother of the Church,and St. Joseph, Patron of our Society.The General Council recommends, where possible, thepublic renewal of missionary commitment at special MillHill gatherings, ceremonies of commitment, and on theFeast of the Sacred Heart each year.43