Eudist Associate

Conscious of helping our Eudist Associate Community to grow, we need to consider a path into the journey to Association and recommend the following considerations:

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

 

1-   RECRUITING of Prospects

 

1-   INVITATION to become a Candidate

 

1-    DISCERNMENT Time for the Candidate

 

2-    ORIENTATION

 

2-    ASSOCIATION 

 

2-     Eudist Calendar

 

1. -     RECRUITING  of  Prospects

 

In looking for a Prospect, keep an open mind and consider these characteristics which are part of our commitment:

 

Eudist spirituality
Eudist Community
Formation
Evangelization
Apostolate - Missionary  spirit

 

The first step is to establish a personal relationship between the Prospect and the Sponsor.

 

Approach to a Prospect:
·    Prayer
·    Wear Eudist Pin as silent witness that can invite interest.
·    Be aware of anyone interested as a result of Eudist activities.
·    Bulletin announcements.
·    Invite to Eudist Feasts or to a Community mass.
·    Invite to a breakfast/ reception, after a Eucharistic celebration.
·    Ask for help on a Eudist project.
·    Invite to a session on Introduction to Eudist Spirituality which is open to others.

 

Responding to the approach of a Prospect    
·    Be ready to answer questions about the Eudist Associates.
·    Share experiences you have had as a result of your Eudist association.
·    Give Prospects a Eudist Brochure.
·    Encourage viewing the Eudist Website :
        (Editor's note: insert URL)
·    Give pictorial biography of St John Eudes.
·    Introduce to other Associates.
·    Introduce to, or Interview with an Incorporated member.
·    Show Eudist Photo album.

 

The Sponsor introduces the Prospect to the Eudist community with the intent that the Community will accept the Prospect as a Candidate.

 

2. -  INVITATION of Prospect to become a CANDIDATE

 

When a Prospect is sufficiently acquainted with the Eudists and open to the call to Association, and provided the Prospect has been accepted by the community, he or she becomes a Candidate.

 

At this time the relationship between the Sponsor and the individual has been expanded to the Community.

 

The Sponsor will continue to be the link between the Candidate and the Eudist Community and is responsible for facilitating the Candidate's journey to Association.

 

3. -   TIME of  DISCERNMENT

 

The sponsor at this time introduces his Candidate to the Orientation Coordinator.

 

The Candidate now enters a 6-12-Months period of Discernment which is completed at the March 25th commitment ceremony. Excepted with approval of group's incorporated member.

 

Ideally , the initial Discernment could begin with a Prospect  being invited to celebrate our annual March 25th Associate Re-Commitment. 
 
During the period ahead the Candidate will be introduced and invited 
- To begin the formal orientation with the Orientation Committee
- To attend community celebrations (see dates 5 below)
- To attend Associate gatherings
    (a prior basic knowledge is recommended)

 

     4. -  ORIENTATION

 

To facilitate the introduction of the Candidate to the charism of Saint John Eudes and the Eudists, an Orientation Committee will provide regular sessions of Orientation. The Coordinator is responsible to implement the general recommen-dations of Fr. Vaillancourt and will cover these topics:
    -St. John Eudes: his live, work and spirituality
    -The Congregation of Jesus and Mary: locally and in the world
    -The Eudist Mission
 
“IN ALL THINGS THE WILL OF GOD” translated by Fr. Levesque will be the main text for Orientation.

 

5.  - ASSOCIATION 

 

Following an invitation to become an Associate and with a minimum
6 months formation, the Candidate will Sign a Contract of Association.  This Contract establishes a 1 year renewable commitment  with the North American Province of the Congregation of Jesus and Mary (CJM).

 

(While the word “contract” is used, this is not a legal document.  The sponsor should review it with the candidate well in advance of the commitment day.)

 

    6.  EUDIST ASSOCIATE CALENDAR:

 

*March 25: Feast of the Annunciation, Eudist Commitment day

 

*June 7th: Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Planning Day

 

*August 19: Feast of St John Eudes, Vocations Day

 

*September 30th: Eudist Associate Retreat

 

*December : Christmas Eudist Community gathering

 

*February 8th: Feast of the Heart of Mary, Vocations day.   

 

(Editors note: March 25, June 7, August 19 and February 8 are recurring dates.  September 30 may have been a one-time date.)