3. The following are the decisions made by the XXV General Chapter on formation
Decisions in unique file pdf
The following are the decisions made by the XXV General Chapter
on formation. The decisions are introduced as:
IV. FORMATION OF THE APOSTOLIC COMMUNITY,
“The Congregation is continually in process of formation and development”
(Cons. 82).
In a world that is evolving and changing dramatically, the General Chapter was
well aware of the need to promote formation in the Redemptorist Charism
that is serious, interdisciplinary and continuous. Each Redemptorist Missionary
is called to give witness to his own vocation through a life-long process of
being formator and being formed. (Cf. Cons. 77). An integral formation that
synthesizes life and knowledge will better enable us to be more authentic in
our mission in the world and in the Church.
DECISIONS 29 TO 37
- Vocation Ministry as an authentic priority
Vocation Ministry must be a priority in the pastoral planning of all Units
and local communities, ensuring that the necessary personnel and
material resources are made available in order to realize the objectives
of this ministry.
Every Unit, by itself or in collaboration with other Units, will appoint fulltime Vocation
Promoters who will work together as a team to promote
the Redemptorist missionary vocation.
In the promotion of the Redemptorist missionary vocation, special
attention is to be given to the promotion of the vocation of the
Redemptorist Brother. - An Evaluation of Every Formation Program in the Congregation
The General Government will task the Secretariat for Formation to work
with the Executive Secretary for Formation and each Conference
Coordinator to ensure that during this sexennium, every Unit and
Conference will engage in a complete and detailed analysis of its initial
formation program at all levels, ensuring coherence and compliance
with the Ratio Formationis of the Congregation and to determine
whether its current program is truly preparing future Redemptorists for
the mission of the Congregation as embodied in the missionary
priorities of the Conference. - Formation for Mission and Evangelization in a Secularized World
In order that future Redemptorist missionaries will be better equipped
to evangelize in a secularized society, each Conference Secretariat of
Formation will engage the assistance of qualified professionals and
confreres whose study, research and expertise in this area can be put at
the service of Redemptorist formation. - In solidarity with the poor
All Units will ensure that initial and ongoing formation programs include
components of “formation by insertion” which allow for experiences of
real closeness to the poor. They will develop programs that will make
provision for a period of a more stable sharing in the life and lifestyle of
the poor whom we serve. - Preserving the vitality of the Redemptorist tradition in Moral
Theology
Since knowledge of Moral Theology is part of our tradition from the
time of Alphonsus, the Congregation will pursue a variety of ways to
preserve and develop the teaching of, and research in, this science.
Familiarity with the science of Moral Theology is to be considered a
requirement of the ordinary formation of every Redemptorist. As such,
it is to be given priority in the initial and continuing formation of all
confreres. Those confreres with a particular aptitude for study and
research will be encouraged to pursue higher studies in this science to
ensure the continuation of our tradition. - Continuing Formation
The General Government will expand the membership of the General
Secretariat for Formation. This expansion will allow the Secretariat to
take responsibility for both initial and continuing formation more
effectively. The work of the Secretariat will endeavour to develop
programs that aim at conversion of hearts, at more effective ways of
achieving the vision we have in common, and at deepening our specific
Redemptorist identity. - Regular Courses for Formators
The General Secretariat for Formation will continue to offer regular
courses for the preparation and ongoing training of Directors of
Formation, either in Rome, in the Conferences, or on-line. The same
Secretariat shall continue to produce resources to aid Formation
Directors in carrying out formation for Mission in the Congregation.
Particular attention must be given to the “importance of missionary
availability” as a determining factor in a vocation to Redemptorist life. - Training of Laity in Moral Theology
Each Conference will arrange for the regular formation of lay partners
on the moral teaching of the Church, and investigate the possibility of
sponsoring a capable Lay Partner in the pursuit of an advanced degree
in the area of Moral Theology. - Communications and the New Media
Each of the five Conferences of the Congregation will appoint a confrere
who will undergo study and training in the area of Communication. He
will then assume responsibility for the Communication needs of the
