Announcement of the 38th General Chapter

As decided by the Enlarged General Council and following the tradition in place for some years, the General Chapters of the brothers and the sisters will be held in the same place and at the same time beginning in Rome on August 30th to September 27th 2012. Superior General Fr Javier Álvarez-Ossorio sscc says “This is a strong sign of the unity of the Congregation and it offers an excellent opportunity to know one another better and to work together. We will do a reflection together on the topic of mission, which can then serve as a common source of inspiration for both branches. To that end, we will take three days at the beginning of the Chapters to look together at the topic in depth in the form of a seminar. We will also put aside two more days during the Chapters for joint sessions on other topics that we collaborate on, for example, the animation of the Secular Branch."

Invitation to prayer

From now until the end of the General Chapter, Fr Javier says, "let us take as a special intention for prayer that the Lord assist us with his Spirit so that we can bear good fruit for the animation of the Congregation’s life in the next six years. We have not composed any special prayer, but we would invite you daily, or at the rhythm you consider best, at some time of common prayer, to recite this simple prayer for the General Chapter. It is made up of the Gospel text from which we have taken the chapter motto:

"Everyone will be salted with fire.

Salt is good,

but if salt becomes insipid, with what will you restore its flavor?

Keep salt in yourselves and you will have peace with one another."

                                                            (Mk. 9:49-50)

 “The General Chapter is the highest authority within the Congregation. Its purpose is to support and encourage the Congregation in the realization of its mission, with renewed fidelity to its proper vocation. It belongs to the Chapter to determine general orientations and to establish norms that it considers opportune for the common good of the Congregation, in accordance with common law and our proper legislation.” (Const. 121) To follow, contribute and obtain information on the chapter we encourage you to log into the special blog which will be updated each day of the Chapter. August 30th to Sept 27th 2012 http://gcsscc2012eng.wordpress.com/