All of the questions that were raised at the 2019 Lay Carmelite Convocation in Chicago, IL Leadership Day were so insightful. Looking ahead at the remainder of the cards that I have, there are still many that you will find interesting. I'm about two-thirds through all of the cards. I plan to continue on as long as there are questions.
As an update, we received from one of our leaders, Janetze Hart, a set of 2015 Community Manual Appendix forms. I'm currently inquiring if we can set them up on our Lay Carmelite website. More to follow.
Cindy A. Perazzo, T.O.Carm., Coordinator of Lay Carmelites
for the Province of the Most Pure Heart of Mary
Should minutes of the Council meeting and discussions be available to the community at large?
Absolutely not. All business of the Council should be considered confidential. Council members should be reminded frequently that anything said within council stays within council unless the Council agrees to bring something forward to the community at large, such as decisions on the next ongoing formation book, special events, etc.
Regarding Isolate status — what distance is considered a reasonable distance from a community?
Generally travel to the closest community that exceeds one hour would qualify a member to request Isolate status. Isolate status is granted by the Lay Crmelite Office (LCO) after a letter of request is sent by the member.
We have two people who made their temporary profession in April. They would like to have continuing formation on a monthly basis outside of our regular community meetings. They enjoyed their formation time and would like to continue studies and meetings. What would you suggest?
Going through initial formation with others can really create a close bond. Many people want to maintain that bond by getting together in a small group setting. I see no reason not to continue on as long as it is understood that this type of “extra meeting” would not substitute or qualify toward regular community meeting attendance.
As far as suggestions, let the group decide whether they’d like to choose another book to read and discuss, view a Carmelite Institute webinar together, or even just get together for lunch and friendship in the spirit of Carmel. It doesn’t need to be structured like our community meetings are structured.
