This Question-and-Answer Series was begun in the attempt to clarify questions and/or concerns that came up during the 2019 Lay Carmelite Convocation in Chicago, IL.
Cindy A. Perazzo, T.O.Carm., Coordinator of Lay Carmelites
for the Province of the Most Pure Heart of Mary
Do you share an annual income and expenses summary for the Lay Carmelite Office (LCO) with communities?
I re-instituted that process last year by releasing an Income and Expense Report for FY 17-18. I will be doing the same for FY 18-19 during the first part of 2020. Our fiscal year ends on June 30 of each year.
If dues are sent late can we send them in the same month each year?
Our Statutes state that “Dues should be sent into the Lay Carmelite Provincial Office before May of each year.” This request coincides with the close of our fiscal year on June 30. It is important that dues are paid in a timely manner for the fiscal health of the LCO.
If a leader (i.e., Director, Formation Director, Regional Coordinator, Regional Formation Coordinator) is not fulfilling their responsibilities or is inactive for whatever reason should he/she give up the position?
I would say yes. Our Council members and Regionals should model in a positive way what we expect of all Lay Carmelites. Not fulfilling the basic requirements of attendance we expect of everyone is a very damaging model for all. Not being able to fulfill the duties of an office may just mean that things have changed personally and stepping aside would perhaps be in the best interest of the community or region.
