In October we will be participating in the Fraternity’s “Chapter of Elections”. It is a time of Joy and Grace for the sisters and brothers of the Troubadours of “St. Clare Fraternity” and for the entire Order as well.
During the Election process there are two specific types of office within the one Council that nominations are received and persons are elected too.
- The office of Minister
- The office of Councilor
The specific tasks that are filled such as Secretary, Treasurer and even in our Fraternity’s case Formation Master/Minister all are given their expression through the office of Councilor.
The “Office of Minister” is a unique position that is distinct in its character. Within the “Office of Minister” there are two positions that members are elected to.
- The Office of Minister
- The Office of Vice-Minister
For the purpose of this article I am going to focus on these two unique and distinct offices Minister and Vice - Ministerwithin the council at all levels.
There is no position that holds more misunderstanding within the OFS than the office of Minister.
It is seen by most (at all levels) to be a position of power and authority. The Office of Vice-Minister is used today (at all levels) as a somewhat ceremonial position where the person elected is viewed as less than the Minister and as someone behind the scenes waiting for delegation of responsibility’s from, or the absence of the (true) Minister. In other words to fill in when needed. Nothing could be further from the truth or the intention of our Rule and Constitutions.
To quote our Minister General, Tibor Kauser In a presentation to the assembled gathering in Assisi during the OFS General Chapter, November 2014.
“ 5. SOME CONCRETE PROBLEMS
- Lack of collegiality and misunderstanding of the role of ministers.
This is the most frequent problem in the order. The problem exists not only because there are ministers who think they are entitled to have absolute powers but also because there are counselors who are convinced that the minister is responsible and empowered to do everything, or who simply have no intention to get involved to serve.
The solution of this problem entirely resides on the full compliance with our Rule and General Constitutions.
Particular misunderstanding can be experienced regarding the role of the vice-ministers. They are very often considered to be ‘substitute ministers’, saying that they do not have anything to do until the minister is in charge. I strongly recommend to read the General Constitutions for this:
The vice minister has the following duties: (G.C. 52.1)
- To collaborate in a fraternal spirit and to support the minister in carrying out his or her specific duties;
- To exercise the functions entrusted by the council and/or by the assembly or chapter;
- To take the place of the minister in both duties and responsibilities in case of absence or temporary impediment;
- To assume the functions of the minister when the office remains vacant.
These duties - particularly the first two - are way fare more than to wait until the minister ‘disappears’. This needs a new understanding from both the ministers and the vice-ministers”. End quote.
Sisters and brothers, we are being asked by our Minister General, to rethink and recreate, our understanding and experience of the “Office of Minister”. To expect from those elected to this office, both Minister and Vice-Minister at all levels of Fraternal life, a true understanding of the collegiality and shared ministry expressed and expected as a result of our intentional desire to live out our Rule and General Constitutions.
Our brother Tibor’s comments are meant for the entire order. The task for our specific Fraternity and Region is to look at who we are. How we operate and respond in concrete ways to this moment of fraternal correction we are being offered.
Tibor’s entire presentation can be seen and downloaded from the NAFRA web site. It is well worth the time and effort.
Peace
Mike