from our N. America Responsible - Frank O'Sullivan - 12/12/10

Dear Lay Fraternity Community Representatives, Responsibles, Contacts:

Many thanks to all the participants who came to last month's meeting at Tabor House.   A special word of thanks to Mary and Sr Peggy for the warmth of their welcome and hospitality, their attentiveness and good humor, and also to Fr Howard for leading us in a very beautiful  liturgy.

My brief summary subject to correction by Michele W's notes or your own recall:
1.  We will have the 2011 one day assembly at Sacred Heart in Mt Vernon, NY on a Saturday in May or early June to be determined.  We're looking for 2 or 3 speakers and hope to focus the day on the theme of "Daring to meet the Other" as suggested by the International Team  as the theme  the Lay Fraternity will pray and reflect on in preparation for the 2012 international gathering. We're looking for a 1- 2 page statement or reading on this mystery of  the encounter with God,  our neighbor, ourselves and our world by a spiritual writer who speaks from the experience of North America which we in turn can offer in  dialogue to the fraternities from the different continents.

2. Our North American assembly for Spring, 2012 will take place in Buffalo, sponsored by the Buffalo fraternity with assistance from the Boston fraternity.
 
3. Finances:  we reviewed the treasury report prepared by Lorraine, and acknowledged that in the context of the recession, folks on limited incomes, or dealing with the scourge of under- or unemployment,   it takes a certain fortitude to ask members to contribute to the Fraternity on the  National and International levels.   The suggestion was made to invite every member to make a donation of $10 dollars twice a year.   I leave it to the responsibles of the local fraternities to encourage each  member to be as generous as possible.   Stella D mentioned that in Brazil members give one day's salary a year to the fraternity, let each one decide for themselves. What is the money used for? The needs of  International include putting out the International Bulletin, accessible on our website,www.brothercharles.org  as well as providing communication between the different national and continental groups as well as with the other member groups of the spiritual family of Brother Charles. At the national level funds are used to help defray the cost of our assemblies as well as helping defray some of the expense travel to international gatherings entails.

I hope to  have a  specific date for the spring gathering  early in January. If I'm missing anything or have forgotten anything please let me know. A happy and holy Christmas to you all and to all the brothers and sisters.  Let us remain united in prayer accompanying Mary and Joseph on their way up to Bethlehem, the House of Bread.

Frank