$50 dues should have already been paid. Check with your members, and point out that much of that fee is spent in promoting Fraternity in 3rd-World Countries.
During Lent we often need a helping hand with extra devotions or confessions. Suggest that the members be willing to help each other in some fashion.
Include a priest’s stewardship of time and talent in a Review of Life. We are not exempt from the dictates of generosity, and need to imitate Brother Charles in this regard.
Birthdays are our special personal day. How do you celebrate the birthdays of your members?
SUMMER CHECKLIST FOR RESPONSIBLES
Summer is the time for moving and when reassignments take place. Have you sent these address changes to the National Responsible?
Vacation time! Urge fraternity members to stop on their trips to visit priests in remote areas or classmates in small rural parishes. Invite them into fraternity.
Suggest that members in the Review of Life mention how they managed the Hour of Adoration, Liturgy of the Hours, and other commitments during the leisurely time of summer.
The weather is good; why not organize a joint Day in the Desert together, and conclude it with a picnic, a swim, or an overnight camping trip?
FALL CHECKLIST FOR RESPONSIBLES
This the scheduling season. Get your Fraternity Day scheduled months ahead of time, and set it as a priority.
Urge your members to set up a definite time and place for their Days in the Desert.
Has your membership changed through the summer? If a a priest has dropped out, or even resigned from the priesthood, choose a day of prayer (or fasting!) for him. Maintain your contact.
The “engagement” or Commitment was made during the Month of Nazareth. Take a turn to have each of your members review and comment on what they had developed for themselves.
WINTER CHECKLISTS FOR RESPONSIBLES
When you come across some worthwhile reading or a magazine article that pertains to priestly spirituality or ministry, point it out to your members. Some fraternities have a “show and tell” time when members share their reading.
The web site (www.jesuscaritasusa.org) has an abundance of resources including the Directory, the Statutes, spiritual articles, etc. Make sure that your members know the address.
Has a member been missing meetings? or coming late? Maybe a kindly call beforehand is all that is needed.
Most fraternities share a meal sometime during their Day. Check to see that both the quantity and quality of the food is kept within bounds and suitable to the life of simplicity we are committed to.
