XIII Provincial Chapter

The province of América Central held its XIII Provincial Chapter in Guatemala from 16 to 21 December 2010. The first stage consisted of a review and study of the provincial reports on the activities of the Province. The first to present his report was Br. Hipólito Pérez, Provincial. In it he referred to the life situation of the brothers, the different elements composing it (community, spirituality, consecration, mission), the animation of the Provincial Council, the Provincial Pastoral Team and other Commissions, provincial priorities (vocations ministry, spirituality and shared mission), the process of provincial reorganization, solidarity and Fundamar. For each of these points, he emphasized the achievements as well as the challenges still to be faced, and he concluded with an invitation to live the future with audacity, creativity and hope. For his part, Br. Fernando Rodríguez, Provincial Administrator, presented the work of the administration associated with the strategic planning for the three years. He offered the capitulants financial information on the different accounting scenarios: Province, Associations, Corporations, Centres? The brothers were able to express their reactions to the financial report of the province through the working groups. Br. Balbino Juárez, in charge of Catechetical Ministry, presented his report on the departmentalisation of the religion class, the hiring and formation of suitable personnel, as well as the development of the provincial religion currículum and the opening of new processes of initiation to Christian life, among other challenges. Br. José Antonio Alonso, animator of Solidarity and Fundamar, explained the situation of this provincial area, and emphasised the co-ordination achieved with the other sectors of ministry; the management, initiating and evaluation of the projects carried out during the term (around 140 projects or microprojects); the provincial volunteers plan; the performance of the Social Funds Committees, and the inter-institutional relationships which allowed the visualizing of broader horizons of solidarity for the future. Br. Roberto Linares presented the report on Vocations Ministry. He referred to the reflection of the committee on youth and vocations ministry with respect to the viability of the project Contágiate de Vida, formation for accompaniment, the endeavour of maintaining the aspirants in Guatemala and El Salvador, and the introduction in some centres of the pedagogical programme proposed in the provincial Vocations Ministry project.In his report on Youth Ministry, Br. Nicéforo Garrán placed emphasis on the formation of the pastoral agents, the work performed to set in place a new model of integral ministry and the effort to consolidate the structures of pastoral animation, particularly at the local level. Br. Luis Carlos Gutiérrez, who expertly co-ordinates the Educational Ministry, outlined in his report the development of the areas of strategic planning, the projects being carried out (Meetings of Marist Educators, FORMAR, diploma and licentiate courses in educational innovation, etc.), the accompaniment and evaluation of educational personnel, and the implanting and renewal of the PEC. The reports of the Provincial Committees of Spirituality, Life of the Brothers, Laity and Initial Formation, were presented to the capitulants by means of interest groups. A member of each committee presented a report to the capitulants interested in the subject. At the conclusión of the Chapter, the election of the Provincial Councillors was held. The Council accompanying Brother Hipólito for the next three years is composed of Brothers Luis Carlos Gutiérrez, Balbino Juárez, Gregorio Linacero, Fernando Rodríguez, Juan Antonio Sandoval and Carlos Vélez. A thanksgiving Eucharist for the action of God during these days and to celebrate shared life and process brought this meeting to an end.