A shared responsibility

47. We all share a common concern for the success of our work and feel ourselves co-responsible with those in leadership positions for planning, animating and evaluating our ministry. Our school leaders foster this sharing of responsibilities through distributing the work to be done, and through setting up structures to both co-ordinate our efforts and ensure wide participation in the taking of decisions. ²²

48. Our sense of shared concern and responsibility is promoted and expressed at the Provincial level as well, through special gatherings, assemblies and appropriate commissions. Together we celebrate our communion as Marists, and, in faith and hope, identify aspects of our Province mission where we are being called to grow.

49. Our Provincial authorities initiate practical plans and structures for including Laypeople in the financial management and direction of Marist works, those we own or those entrusted to us by parishes or dioceses. ²³ In these matters, both the Institute and Church authorities are guided by Church and civil law.

50. We include, where possible, within our network of Marist ministries those institutions where the Brothers are no longer present. We foster collaboration, and offer activities which give the young people we serve the experience of being part of the Marist family.

51. Together with our Marist leaders at Provincial, inter-Provincial, and regional levels, we seek:

to foster our growth in Marist identity through such means as programs of Marist formation which bring together Brothers and Laypeople, retreats, and publications. We focus especially on Marcellin Champagnat, his educational heritage, his spirituality and charism.

to prepare Marist leaders through their ongoing formation in pedagogy, educational leadership and management, as well as in spirituality, the evangelisation of youth, justice and solidarity.

to promote structures such as the Champagnat Movement of the Marist Family and other Champagnat groups, which provide an effective setting to support people in their efforts to live out Marist spirituality and mission. ²⁴