We discover the heart of the Fraternity, its spirituality, lived out when a fraternity gathers together. What is shared in common on this day allows the brothers to reflect upon and to celebrate the workings of God in their lives of discipleship and service. Each brother is expected to be present and responsible to the brothers on this day. Practically, !his meeting would occur at least once-a-month. Less frequency leads to too little reflection on the part of individuals and the group. More frequency is usually pastorally impractical. In most cases at least two periods of the day would be set aside: a morning-afternoon, afternoon-evening, or evening~-overnight-morning. Many groups have found the overnight to offer the best opportunity for prayer, sharing and time together. Some groups choose to begin with time of solitude, others with social or a shared meal. What is most important is that the group shares a common understanding of how essential their presence is to each other. Groups will usually reserve these days for months in advance, giving them the highest priority. Each brother is responsible to come to this gathering having prepared himself in his desert day for this review of life. (Both of these will be explained separately.) This preparation will communicate to the brothers the seriousness with which this quality graced time is taken. The brothers focus their attention on Jesus present among them and for them, who desires to strengthen and encourage them through each other in their love of Him and their service of His Gospel. The fraternity seeks to encounter their brother Jesus in silence. in the Word, in the Eucharistic mystery, and in the life and ministry of one another. The structure of the day is intended to foster the climate within which this can happen.
The ordinary elements of a fraternity day include: —praying with and sharing the Word. —adoration of Jesus in the Eucharistic Mystery, —review of life, —time for friendly, relaxed fellowship.
Jesus Caritas Fraternity of Priests -- An Overview of Spirituality and Method, (Fifth Edition, April 1987), sometimes called the 'American Experience'
