Arco Norte taking steps together as a global family
The Regional committee meeting was held at Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Canada, from October 30 to November 3.
Regional Committee
Over two days, 30 and 31 October, the members of the Regional committee of Arco Norte met with Brs. Jésus Sanchez and Alberto Aparicio, and Mr Luca Olivari to continue the process of regionalization in the Marist Region of Arco Norte.
The Regional committee is made up by Brs Gregorio Linacero (coordinator – Central America), Félix Roldán (Canada), Albert Rivera (United States), Alejandro González (Mexico Occidental), Justino Gómez (Mexico Central), Diego Antón (Norandina) and Mrs. Irma Zamarripa (Mexico Occidental), Mrs. María Socorro Álvarez (Mexico Central and Mr. Eric Pino (United States).
The task for this meeting was to identify the most significant programs in four areas of our Strategic Plan: Marist life, Marist mission, organizational model and finances.
We took advantage of the presence of Br Alberto Aparicio, secretary general of the Region of South America, to open a dialogue on the process of regionalization and initiatives happening in South America and on the connections possible at a continental level, basically those that are related to the Spirituality Network and the ‘Heart for Solidarity’ of America.
On November 1 the Regional Committee met with the Provincials: Brs. Gerard Bachand (Provincial of Canada), Patrick McNamara (Provincial of the United States), José Sánchez (Provincial of Mexico Central), Miguel Santos (Provincial of Mexico Occidental), Hipólito Pérez (Provincial of Central America) and César Rojas (Provincial of Norandina), along with Br. João Carlos do Prado, General Councilor and link Councilor for the Region.
The purpose of the meeting was to present various initiatives for approval by the Provincials. These included:
- Marist Life: Spirituality, Marist formation of Brothers and Laypeople, Vocations promotion for Brothers and Laypeople, and formal bonding between Laypeople and the Brothers.
- Marist Mission: Good practices in mission; professional and leadership training; learning languages; management of volunteering; research and innovation; the model of collaborating in a network; child protection and their defense.
- Organizational model: Good practices in management; organizational model and the use of available experts, Indicators; models of financing operations.
- Finances: Block purchasing, Fundraising, Management of financial and property assets, good business practices, Planning and control systems and training in economics and finances.
Appreciation was expressed and sincere thanks for the work done, the sense of responsibility and generosity of the Regional Committee/
Meeting of Provincials
On November 2 and 3 the meeting of Provincials proceeded with a fraternal and honest sharing on the situation of each Province and with the approval of the proposed initiatives. Br João do Prado presented the greetings of Br Ernesto, Superior General, and of Br Ken McDonald, also a link Councilor for the Region. He passed on some news and directions being taken at the Institute level.
They discussed and took decisions on other topics of common current and future interest to the six Provinces: processes for the Lavalla200> communities of the Region; the program for Final Vows preparation in Guatemala from January 30 to June 8, in which 16 young Brothers from America and Europe, will take part; a study of the Statutes of the Interprovincial Novitiate of Lavalla (Medellin); and the calendar of other regional activities.
We showed our appreciation for the warm welcome and signs of brotherhood of the Brothers and Laypeople of Canada where Marist life continues to flourish in new situations and contexts. We renewed our commitment to continue our journey of creating together a framework for the Marist Global Family of Arco Norte.
