New Question and Answer Series
Dear Directors and Regionals!We are still basking on our awesome Convocation held last month. I was happy to meet so many of you! I'm currently reading all of the evaluations that were received and the Interprovincial Commission (our planning team for the convocation) will review them all this fall. Thank you for taking the time to submit them! At our Leadership Day on Friday morning there were many questions written down for answering by our panel of Commission members and the Provincial Coordinators. Too many to answer during the time available that day. I took all of the questions with me and have decided to start a Question and Answer Series in the attempt to clarify your questions and /or concerns. I'll try to send an e-mail out on Friday afternoon which will address one or two questions at a time. Eventually, all will be covered. You will note that usually, I will throw in a little personal philosophy in regard to the question as well.
So here goes with Question and Answer #1:
- QUESTION: In regard to elections: I know a candidate must attend 75% of community meetings but what about “other functions” such as retreats and days of recollection? Does this mean we need to keep records about who is attending the retreats and days of recollection?
ANSWER: 75% attendance at meetings and events is required for active and passive voice (to be placed on a ballot and/or to vote in an election). Local community policy would determine whether or not a community or regional sponsored retreat or DOR is a required event. Some communities include one or the other. Our Statutes (CC, Part II, Chapter 12, No. 7) state that all Lay Carmelites should attend all meetings and events of the community. If a special event is required as local community policy then, yes, it must be included in the attendance record.Although I believe attending an annual retreat is essential to growth in our Carmelite vocation, I would not make a community or regional retreat a required event (for attendance) due to the cost involved for most weekend retreats. DORs, however, are an ideal way to assure most members can attend a special event annually. (CAP August 2, 2019)Wishing you all a peaceful and contemplative August!
Sincerely in Carmel,Cindy Perazzo
Provincial Coordinator
