Subtitle
Art. II
The Conventual Chapter
The conventual chapter is a gathering of the brothers, with the prior presiding, to discuss or come to a decision about matters concerning the common and apostolic life of the convent and with its good administration.
- The chapter is composed of brothers who have active voice in the convent.
- When there is a question of acceptance for profession, all solemnly professed brothers have a vote and must be convoked in accordance with n. 208.
ordination
Revision History
- Definitive ACG 2016 Bologna n. 278
- Secunda ACG 2004 Kraków n. 365
- Acceptata ACG 2001 Providence 2001 n. 488
- The chapter shall have a secretary, whom it elects in a single ballot. He shall enter an account of discussions and resolutions in a book set aside for that purpose.
- If the prior wishes, he may from time to time and with the consent of the chapter invite professed brothers to attend and be heard without however their having a vote.
It is for the chapter:
- to elect the prior and a socius or socii of the prior to attend the provincial chapter, without prejudice to n. 490;
- to consent to the appointment or removal of a subprior as proposed by the prior;
- to elect the members of the conventual council in accordance with n. 315, 2:
- to vote, in accordance with nn. 192, 197, 202, 206, and 207, on the admission of brothers to profession;
- to send to provincial and general chapters petitions or questions to be dealt with;
- to elect a conventual lector.
- It is also for the chapter:
- to organise community life in so far as our laws permit in matters which in the judgement of the provincial chapter are to be determined by the convent;
- to deal with matters to do with the apostolate and the temporal administration of the convent which the chair regards as particularly important, without prejudice to the rights of the prior provincial.
- 3. In order that the common life may be at the service of the apostolate and be enriched by the work of the brothers, every convent should develop its own program or project of apostolic life. The program, having been prepared and reviewed by all, must be approved by the prior provincial. In this way individual activity which is not permitted by the community nor by the prior provincial will be eliminated.
- II. The provincial chapter shall decide what matters are to be determined by a decisive vote in the conventual chapter.
ordination
Revision History
- Definitive ACG 1998 Bologna n. 258
- Secunda ACG 1983 Rome n. 350
- Acceptata ACG 1980 Walberberg n. 242
- The chapter shall be held several times a year, and only the president has the right to convene it.
- The convening of the chapter must always be done publicly and in writing.
- Before the chapter, capitulars may propose to the president matters to be discussed; if one-third of the chapter proposes some matter, the president is obliged to present it for discussion. During the chapter, no business may be proposed unless the president permits or invites it.
- To avoid having to make an unexpected decision at a chapter, the voters should be informed about all matters for discussion, together and individually, at least one or two days before the chapter meets, provided there is no danger in delay.
- When there is a question of admission to profession, at least half of those who have voting rights and reside habitually in the convent must always be present.
- The president has power to determine what must be kept secret.
- In reaching decisions a simple majority of votes is sufficient, not counting abstentions.
- If the votes are tied, the chairman can postpone the decision for a short time before he settles the matter without prejudice to CCL 127, § I.
- Ordinarily matters shall be decided by secret vote.