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CHARTER OF THE VIATORIAN COMMUNITY

2012

Note: As the Charter of the Viatorian Community is included in the 29th General Chapter Capitular Actsbooklet, in this digital version will retain the same pages in the booklet.

Dear Viatorians, The Second General Assembly of the Viatorian Community, held in Bogot in 2011, profited from a re-reading of the principle stages that marked its development over the past decades. Since the adoption of the Constitution of the Clerics of St. Viator (1983) until today, the way leading to a real sharing in the common charism, which serves as the basis for the Viatorian community, has become clearer. It is our charism that brings together religious and lay people or those with ordained ministries in an experimental network of association that is the Viatorian Community. Our community development, always faithful to this idea dear to Fr. Querbes to associate us with other persons, represents a real creativity in being church. It is based on a fundamental equality of the children of God and on the complimentary relationships among us; thus we are confirmed in the mission that the Church has given us. More than ever we must be determined to build communities where the faith is lived, deepened, and celebrated among ourselves and with those with whom we live and work and where all are called to be co-responsible. Conscious of this development, the General Assembly of Bogot of February 2011 presented a revised text of the Charter of the Viatorian Community to the 29th General Chapter. The Chapter received the revised Charter and adopted it without modifications, wishing to respect the consensus that was arrived at by the General Assembly of 2011. It wished, however, that a clarifying text be added regarding the ways of belonging to the Viatorian Community. You will find this text appended to the Charter. Although not officially part of the Charter, this document offers an important clarification as to what we believe about belonging to the Viatorian Community. It will belong to a future General Assembly to make a decision as to its possible inclusion in the text of the Charter itself.
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It is important to remember the experimental character of the Viatorian Community. It has existed since 1994 and has borne fruit in the in the Church wherever it has existed. However, it has been clearly understood that we must continue our experimentation while carrying out the necessary consultations in view of its official recognition at an opportune moment. Despite this juridical clarification, the normative consensus that is expressed by the Charter has the force of conviction and ought to inspire the commitment of all Viatorians to be an active part in the life and mission of the Viatorian Community. In following our path we will continue to evolve; the Charter itself will be clarified along the way. We continue to live a dynamic relationship with this reference text. Let it have the space necessary so that it is able to constantly inspire what we want to become together in faithfulness to the charism given to us by Fr. Querbes. By this document, in conformity to Chapter Decision 4 of the General Chapter of 2012, I recognize this text as henceforth the Charter of the Viatorian Community. May Jesus by adored and loved! Alain Ambeault, c.s.v. Superior General Rome, September 11, 2012

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CHARTER OF THE VIATORIAN COMMUNITY Rediscovering an idea cherished by Father Louis Querbes, the 1978 General Chapter gave new life to the Lay Catechists that our Founder had imagined, but that historical circumstances had prevented him from carrying out. Henceforth, the Congregation could accept as associates those persons who, without having made vows, would commit themselves to participate in its mission, spirituality and community life. The 1994 General Chapter, going one step further, recognized the existence of the Viatorian Community1 and, in the spirit of the promotion of the laity stipulated by Vatican II as well as the adapted renewal of the religious life, proclaimed that religious and associates are henceforth become in the community co-heirs of the founders charism and co-responsible for its development (cf. 1994 CD 5). And, in fact, the Viatorian Community2 has, little by little, become an entity that includes both Viatorian religious and Viatorian associates that has undertaken its own organization according to the recommendations of the 2000 General Chapter (cf. CD 11 to 15: 2000). As a result of the wide consensus about the essential elements of the International Viatorian Community that was reached at the first General Assembly held in Ariccia from July 1-7, 2006 the General Chapter of 2006 gave official status to a Charter that permitted an ongoing experimentation with and development of the Viatorian Community.
1 A name derived from Saint Viator who Fr. Querbes chose as model and patron for his

disciples. Saint Viator was a lector and catechist of the church of Lyons during the fourth century and a faithful companion of his Bishop, Saint Just.
2 For a clarification of the term Viatorian see the appendix.

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The Viatorian Community held its Second General Assembly in Bogot, February 2-9, 2011. Reviewing the text of the Charter, the delegates proposed corrections in order to help make this document the most accurate reflection possible of the Viatorian Community and the challenges it faces to be faithful to its charism. The General Chapter, held in 2012, approved this revised Charter and authorized its publication for the whole of the Community. 1. Identity of the Viatorian Community The Viatorian Community is part of todays movement toward association taking place throughout the Church; a movement urging religious life to become more open to the world and inviting lay people to participate in the charism of religious institutes. Common contact among the members of the community establishes a relationship of complementarity among its various vocations and invites each vocation to an ongoing renewal inspired by the Spirit. In this way, each member is responsible for the development of the whole Viatorian Community. 1.1 Definition The Viatorian Community is a gift of the Spirit to the Church; it is called to be a prophetic sign in the world. It is the result of an invitation addressed to persons who have made commitments in different states of life (religious life, secular life, even ordained ministries), who all follow in the footsteps of Jesus and who are living out the Gospel according to Father Querbes charism as translated today into the Viatorian charism. 1.2 Ways of Belonging3 Viatorians have received the same fundamental vocation to the Christian life expressed and enabled through baptism, as well as a particular vocation to live a special charism inspired by that of Father Querbes. But they have also received a specific vocation that is proper to their state of life that entails unique rights and duties.
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The General Chapter asked that the Charter be accompanied by a text, taken from the deliberations of the Chapter, that would clarify the forms of belonging to the Viatorian Community. See appendix 2.
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Thus it is that Viatorian religious welcome the consecrated life as a gift from God and, through their religious profession, order their lives according to the fundamental evangelical counsels: celibacy for the Kingdom, poverty in the sharing of possessions and not individually owning any material resources, and obedience in searching for the will of God and remaining open to serving the common mission within the Community. They become members of the Viatorian Community by their religious profession in the Congregation of the Clerics of St. Viator. The road to God for Viatorian associates (men and women, single and married) is found through their commitment in regard to the Viatorian charism. This road is normally marked with realities such as: the family, ownership of possessions, and freedom in organizing their lives. To all of those is added their commitment with respect to the Viatorian charism. Viatorian associates become members of the Viatorian Community by their public commitment to live out the Gospel according to the Viatorian charism. These two vocations flourish within one and the same community to which they bring their complementary gifts for the implementation of the same charism.

2. The Charism of the Viatorian Community Every religious family emphasizes a particular image of Jesus Christ and his Gospel that is every religious family has its own charism that always includes three essential elements: mission, spiritual life, and community life. These are precisely the three elements defined in our Constitution (C 5). They are applicable to the Viatorian

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Community ever since the associates were declared to be co-heirs of the founders charism and co-responsible for its development. 2.1 Mission The mission of the Viatorian Community is to announce Jesus Christ and his Gospel and to raise up communities where faith is lived, deepened, and celebrated (C 8). All Viatorians are co-responsible for that mission and strive to carry it out through their work as educators and through their other pastoral, professional, and domestic activities. Viatorians devote themselves to deepening their learning of the Word of God in order to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ, especially among the young and the abandoned in todays world (cf. C 9) and to working in favor of peace and social justice. They are especially devoted to catechesis and liturgical ministry. By virtue both of their founders initial design that wanted them to be parochial clerics and of their history, Viatorians, wherever they may be, are called to collaborate with local churches and, at the same time, to make known their charism through dialogue with their bishops and other pastoral agents. For this reason we collaborate with women and men with whom they live and work; we likewise welcome and provide special support for those persons who commit themselves to the mission in the name of Gospel values. 2.2 The Spiritual Life of the Viatorian Community The Viatorian Community embraces the spiritual heritage of Father Louis Querbes, who, through the practice of the ordinary virtues,4 was nourished by a lively and enlightened faith and a boundless confidence in Divine Providence integrating faith and life, faith and justice.
4 The expression ordinary virtues was Father Querbes way of indicating the daily tasks

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Spirituality pervades the mission exercised with an ardent and disinterested zeal in educational, liturgical, charitable, professional and everyday activities. Viatorians constantly renew that tradition by striving to promote an awareness of Gods presence, by meditating on the Word, celebrating the Eucharist, in their devotion to the Blessed Mother and through other devotions proper to their culture. In this way contemplation and action are joined for associates and religious alike according to Father Querbes well-known motto: that always and everywhere May Jesus be adored and loved. 2.3 Community Life The Viatorian Community is called upon to present a new image of Gospel-inspired fraternal life: By this shall they know that you are my disciples (John 13:35). The lifestyle of the Viatorian Community, as a group, must be a sign of Gods presence. Following the example of the first Christian community (cf. Acts 2:42), local Viatorian communities are invited to become small church communities that announce the Good News through witness to their neighbors. The Viatorian Community encourages its members to live out mutual relationships through interaction and creativity. It likewise urges them to be open, welcoming, respectful of diversity, and to work together harmoniously. The Viatorian Community also encourages all Viatorians to strive to discover and develop the obligations of their respective states of life and to more radically practice their following of Christ (sequela Christi). At the same time these complimentary forms of discipleship are meant to make the charism better known in order to more effectively serve the Church. We regard the Viatorian Community, in a certain sense, as a new community, because it constitutes an new way of being community in the Church, the People of God. The specific characteristics of
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our community affirm the diversity of vocations, equality, unity, communion, complementarity, a sense of belonging, and coresponsibility lived in the midst of the world. 2.4 Making the charism better known The Viatorian Community, wherever present, has a positive influence especially upon organizations and groups that are attracted by our charism. Such situations lead us to rejoice and to encourage making our charism better known as long as it contributes to bringing about the Kingdom. 3. Formation The needs of our lives as well as the demands of the mission point to the importance of an initial and continuing formation that is serious, in line with the Viatorian charism, and sensitive to the different cultural contexts where we live and work. The Viatorian Ratio Formationis published in 2010 is a basic reference for our formation. 3.1 Areas of Formation It is for these reasons that formation needs to deal with a wide range of issues: human, Christian, and Viatorian. Human formation nurtures the growth of each persons abilities and gifts, helping to also recognize personal limitations, and to promote working with others in the context of a multicultural and international world. Christian formation involves drawing upon the twin sources of the Word of God and the liturgy as well as in following Jesus Christ in order to proclaim the Good News. Viatorian formation, which is nourished by the thought of Father Querbes and by Viatorian traditions, strengthens ones sense of belonging and ones understanding of the charism. 3.2 Initial and On-Going Formation
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Initial formation prepares religious for their first profession and accompanies them to the moment of their perpetual profession, which is the fruit of an evolving vocational discernment. Initial formation of associates leads them to their temporary or definitive commitment, which is which is the fruit of an evolving vocational discernment. Viatorians are to continue their formation throughout their lives in order to meet the needs of the Church and the world. 3.3 Formation of Formation Personnel The formation of formation personnel and others who provide accompaniment, religious and associates alike, constitutes an important role in spiritual growth and discernment. Great care needs to be taken in forming Viatorians called to a particular ministry within the Viatorian Community, the Church, and in a particular apostolic work. The provinces and foundations will refer to the Viatorian Ratio Formationis in order to define the objectives, curriculum, methodology, personnel, and other resources to be used in the formation process, including drawing on the help of outside organizations when deemed necessary. Regular evaluations should be made to monitor the effectiveness of these programs. 4. Vocation Ministry A vocation is a gift from God that most often grows and develops through human intermediaries. 4.1 Mutual Responsibility As Viatorians we are equally responsible for vocation ministry in the Viatorian Community. We need to make it our heartfelt duty to awaken in those around us a spirit of generosity and self-giving, a sense of belonging to Jesus Christ, and a desire to serve his Church. Our personal witness will lead others to consider their particular vocation in the Viatorian Community. 4.2 Vocation Awareness Within our local communities we ought to strive to promote vocation awareness, which means that the members will be
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concerned about vocations, especially in prayer. They should also encourage those among us who are gifted in discovering, inviting and accompanying possible candidates during their process of discernment. 4.3 Ways and Means The Viatorian Community, concerned about its visibility, will make itself known in appropriate ways and will seize upon occasions for highlighting its charism. That visibility will become evident through work with young people and families and especially with those groups that are involved with the Community. The diffusion of the charism occasioned by the recent introduction of the cause of Fr. Querbes is a support and stimulus in developing an effective and dynamic vocation ministry. More than ever, inviting people to a vocation in the Viatorian Community should become a priority for all. 5. Structures of Animation and Government in the Viatorian Community. The Viatorian Community became a reality by decision of the Chapter of 1994 which awaits canonical approval. Article 5 of the Constitution of the Congregation was the inspiration for this decision. 5.1 Different levels of organization are being established The Viatorian Community has been primarily lived out and continues to be lived out in local communities, the ideal setting for all to draw more closely together and participate in the Community. The Viatorian Community has begun the process of organizing itself in the provinces and certain foundations. In some instances, Assemblies and Councils of the Viatorian Community have been established. On the level of the provinces, delegation and some of the foundations, different governmental structures of the Viatorian Community have been established.

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On the international level, the Viatorian Community has celebrated two General Assemblies whose members came to a consensus on the essential elements to be included in the present Charter. The growth in the number of associates in the provinces and delegation, and their presence in almost all the foundations show that the present moment is the right time to strengthen structures for the Viatorian Community. 5.2 Orientations of the General Assembly of the Viatorian Community The Second General Assembly of the Viatorian Community has articulated its convictions about these structures as well as several orientations: The structures ought to be flexible in order to respond to that which is common to both religious and associates and to reflect the new reality of the Viatorian Community; These structures should spring from local level and at the same time be inspired by developments within the whole Viatorian Community maintaining a reciprocal relationship. (Local and Provincial structures, e.g., The Assembly of the Viatorians Community, Congress, a Common Council, etc.) The General Assembly of the Viatorian Community has become an important place where co-responsibility is carried out. These structures should favor the development of the Viatorian Community through the active participation of all its members in a dynamic of solidarity. These structures are to be economically viable by means of the financial participation of all Viatorians. 5.3 Decisions of the Chapter of 2006 and 2012 The General Chapters of 2006 and 2012 that followed the Assembly,5 after having:

Using the term Assembly in the singular, this section makes reference to the two General Assemblies of the Viatorian Community of 2006 and 2011.
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recognized by CD 2006, 9.3.1, the existence and the appropriateness of the structures already set in placeand in certain countries, particular structures for associates in the framework of the Viatorian Community in the application of the chapter decisions of the 2000 Chapter (cf. CD 2000:11-15: 4, 5), asked that the experience of the General Assembly of the Viatorian Community be pursued (cf. CD 2006: 9.3.2; CD 2012, 7)), adopted the following principles to promote the relationship of the organizations of the Viatorian Community with those of the Congregation: The respective competence of each category of organization should be defined; the Chapters will deal with that which belongs to the religious, the Assembly with that which is common to both religious and associates (cf. CD 2006: 9.3.2). The canonical norms to which the Congregation is bound always need to be considered in the experimenting with structures (cf. CD 2006: 9.3.4). Moreover, the financial participation of all Viatorians proposed by the Assembly was approved as necessary for the functioning of the Viatorian Community, while reserving the task of adjusting this participation on the practical level to the organizations and those responsible on various levels (cf. CD 2006: 9.2; DC 2012: 9). At the same time the article 6.f of the General Regulations needs to be kept in mind: The Congregation and the associates retain their respective autonomy and independence in regard to all professional, financial and civil matters (cf.CD 2006: 9.2). The Community henceforth enjoys further points of reference that will facilitate its development with the effective participation of associates and religious under the leadership of the Major Superiors who are the guarantors of unity and of faithfulness to the charism. 6. A Community called to International Solidarity
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Over the course of its history one of the important characteristics of the international Viatorian Community has been to promote personnel exchanges and a sustained generosity of the various parts of the community, one to another. In addition, the call to develop a greater international solidarity has promoted a heightened consciousness for ongoing conversion in this area. We therefore need to take another step to promote a new sense of belonging among the Viatorian communities throughout the world. All Viatorians are invited to discover this international side to our identity that makes us even more responsible for our common reality and for the mission we carry out in our different countries. International Viatorian solidarity challenges us to be sensitive and responsive to the worlds needs. It calls upon us to be aware of what is going on and to respond with conviction. Looking to the Future The General Assembly of the Viatorian Community of 2006 proposed the basic elements of the Charter. The General Chapter which followed not only affirmed these elements, but authorized the promulgation of the first Charter of the Viatorian Community, making it the basic guide for building and developing the Viatorian Community. Recognizing that the Viatorian Community has its own existence and that its international character calls all Viatorians to develop a new form of solidarity among one another and with the world, the General Assembly of 2011 takes another step in discerning the path on which the Spirit is leading us. It resolutely invites all Viatorians to welcome the future as a gift of God, by becoming actively involved in taking up the challenges clarified by the re-reading of our history. The emerging future of the Viatorian Community makes us more and more convinced of the relevance of our mission in the Church
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and even more committed to answering the challenges of todays men and women. This promising future becomes possible only if we recommit ourselves once more to this mission, lived in light of the Viatorian charism, in order to help build Gods Kingdom. The promulgation of the revised Charter, authorized by the General Chapter of 2012, allows us to accept every more clearly the challenge announced by the first version of the Charter: progress and growth will depend on the degree that the religious live out their profession and the associates live out their commitments with conviction and constancy, responding faithfully to the call of the Gospel. Let usreligious and associatesmove ahead with determination, following in the steps of Fr. Querbes, proud to be his heirs. At the end of the Directory of 1836 he told us: Strive to do everything well so that through you Jesus may be adored and loved! Rome, September 11, 2012

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Appendix 1 Use of the name Viatorian The Viatorian Community is a real association of the baptized who have received and recognized the call of God to serve the Church and the world through the Viatorian charism. Religious, lay people and ordained ministers who make this community are all associated for this purpose. The name Viatorian that the General Chapter of 2000 decided should be applied to all of the members of the Viatorian community, underscores a common identity. It ought be used and promoted. Nevertheless, this does not exclude the possibility of using more specific names. Thus, the name Viatorian religious refers to those committed to the Congregation of the Clerics of St. Viator and the Viatorian Community through the three vows proper to the consecrated life. The name Viatorian associate refers to lay people, women and men, as well as to those in ordained ministries who are joined to the Community though their public commitments. This last name, although unsatisfactory for some since it appears incomplete, describes well, however, according to the very definition of the word associate, that all Viatorians are united in order to accomplish the ends of the Community. In this sense, the term associate does not refer fundamentally to a condition of subordination, but indicates, rather, a state of equality and coresponsibility described by the Chapter of 1994 when it affirmed that religious and associates are co-heirs of the founders charism and co-responsible for its development.

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Appendix 2 Ways of Belonging to the Viatorian Community Viatorian religious and associates are full members of the Viatorian Community. These two groups express in different but very real ways their belonging to the Viatorian charism. Viatorian religious, by their religious profession, receive the grace to follow Christ who was poor, chaste and obedient, and thus enter the religious life. This religious profession before the Superior General of the Clerics of St. Viator (or his delegate) according to the Constitution approved by the Holy See (C. 19) joins them to the Viatorian charism. This profession itself incorporates them into the Viatorian Community. Viatorian associates, by their public commitment to live Gospel values, responds personally to a call of the Lord. This commitment lived according to the Viatorian charism incorporates them into the Viatorian Community. The charism is the definitive reference and common heritage of all Viatorians. The Viatorian charism calls us to live the whole of Gospel life in a particular and original way emphasizing certain aspects of the Gospel. In local Viatorian communities, all are called to form real communities of faith together, or even small ecclesial communities able to witness the Gospel to the people around them. It is thus at the heart of the new evangelization promoted by the Church today.

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Charte 2012 En.docx

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