I. RESTRUCTURING

1. Definition

Restructuring is a juridical / constitutional process. It is the process by which administrative units of the Institute are modified, suppressed, merged, ... so that one or several new administrative units of the Institute are created.

2. Principle

Restructuring is based on the "present-day relevance of Marcellin Champagnat’s charism", and the principle of solidarity, as outlined in Article 165 of our Constitutions - "... the vitality of each Province and District is a matter of concern for the whole Institute" - and by the XIX General Chapter.

3. The Situation

The number of Brothers in some administrative units is decreasing (cf C 125.2) while in others the number is increasing. In some areas there is a significant number of senior Brothers. Some sectors of administrative units are too small to be viable.

4. Objectives

a)         The renewal of purpose, mission, vitality, and viability in the restructured administrative units.

b)         Greater collaboration in formation at the postulancy, novitiate and post-novitiate stages.

c)         More co-operation with regard to the optimal use of resources, personnel, and specific skills, in vocations ministry, leadership, administration, finance, and mission.

d)         The creation of administrative units with a larger number of Brothers and a better age distribution.

e)         Interdependence within the context of solidarity at the local and international levels.

f)          Inculturation of the Marist charism in the Institute.

5. Criteria for Restructuring

a)        Common vision and understanding of mission.

b)         Possibilities for sharing of resources.

c)         Acceptance and commitment by all administrative units involved.

d)         Financial viability

e)          Geographical aspects - flexibility and adaptability.

f)          Physical size of the administrative units.

g)         Political implications if the new administrative unit includes different countries.

h)         Number and age of Brothers involved.

i)          Language.

6. Recommendation

The XIX General Chapter recommends that Brother Superior General and his Council evaluate the viability of the administrative units of the Institute.

If, after considering the situation and the objectives and criteria for restructuring, they decide that this is desirable and necessary for certain administrative units, the following procedure may be helpful:

—        Consultation and discernment on restructuring as defined by the XIXth General Chapter should take place with the Brothers in the relevant administrative units.

—        A meeting of the Superiors of the administrative units should be held and facilitated by the General Council to identify urgent needs and to study the process of restructuring.

—        To initiate the process, assemblies of Brothers in the respective administrative units should take place followed by a joint assembly / congress leading up to a new Province (based on a federal or a fusion model) by the Superior General and his Council.