"Here begins the Rule of the Continent Brothers
and Sisters. In the Name of the Father and of
the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Thus begins the Rule for the Confraternity of
Penitents.
GUIDE
TO THE FORM OF LIFE
OF THE PRIVATE,
CATHOLIC ASSOCIATION OF
THE
CONFRATERNITY OF PENITENTS
Note: There currently exist a few groups whose
members are seeking to do penance (be converted)
by living the Rule of 1221. One way to determine
which group would best fit the way the Holy
Spirit seems to be calling you is to study each
group's Constitutions or Statutes which tell how
the members of that group live the Rule today. If you join
a group, or enter its formation program, you are
doing so with the intention of seeing if you
will live your life by that group's
Constitutions or Statutes. Do
those seem to fit the desires which the
Holy Spirit has placed within your soul?
On this site, the Original (Primitive)
Rule
is in italics and appears first while the
Constitutions (how
penitents in the Confraternity live the Rule)
follow and are printed in regular font. We have
added blue links from each section of the Rule
to the corresponding section in the
Constitutions to assist in your study of our way
of life.
If the Confraternity's Rule and Constitutions appeal to you, please feel free to
contact us with any questions, and we will
assist you and pray for you. Please pray for us
as well. Thanks and may the Holy Spirit guide
you as you discern a possible call to live this
holy way of life.
RULE
OF LIFE FOR THE CONFRATERNITY OF PENITENTS
This is the Rule of
Life
for the Confraternity of Penitents. Penitents live
this Rule according to the Constitutions of the
Confraternity of Penitents.
THE PRIMITIVE RULE OF 1221
Here begins the Rule of the Continent
Brothers and Sisters: In the Name of the Father and
of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The memorial of what
is proposed for the Brothers and Sisters of Penance,
living in their own homes, begun in the year of our
Lord 1221, is as follows.
CHAPTER
I: DAILY LIFE
1. The men belonging
to this brotherhood shall dress in humble, undyed
cloth, the price of which is not to exceed six
Ravenna soldi
an ell,
unless for evident and necessary cause a temporary
dispensation be given. And breadth and thinness of
the cloth are to be considered in said price.
2. They shall wear their outer
garments and furred coats without open throat, sewed
shut or uncut but certainly laced up, not open as
secular people wear them; and they shall wear their
sleeves closed.
3. The sisters in
turn shall wear an outer garment and tunic made of
cloth of the same price and humble quality; or at
least they are to have with the outer garment a
white or black underwrap or petticoat, or an ample
linen gown without gathers,
the price of an ell of which is not to exceed twelve
Pisa denars.
As to this price, however, and the fur cloaks they
wear a dispensation may be given according to the
estate of the woman and the custom of the place.
They are not to wear silken or dyed veils and
ribbons.
4. And both the brothers and the
sisters shall have their fur garments of lamb's wool
only. They are permitted to have leather purses and
belts sewed in simple fashion without silken thread,
and no other kind. Also other vain adornments they
shall lay aside at the bidding of the Visitor.
5.
They are not to go to unseemly parties or to shows
or dances. They shall not donate to actors,
and shall forbid their household to donate.
CHAPTER
II: ABSTINENCE
6. All are to abstain
from meat save on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays,
except on account of illness or weakness, for three
days at blood-letting, in traveling, or on account
of a specially high feast intervening, namely, the
Nativity for three days, New Year's, Epiphany, the
Pasch of the Resurrection for three days, Assumption
of the glorious Virgin Mary, the solemnity of All
Saints and of St. Martin.
On the other days, when there is no fasting, they
may eat cheese and eggs. But when they are with
religious in their convent homes, they have leave to
eat what is served to them. And except for the
feeble, the ailing, and those traveling, let them be
content with dinner and supper. Let the healthy be
temperate in eating and drinking.
7. Before their dinner and supper let
them say the Lord's prayer once, likewise after
their meal, and let them give thanks to God.
Otherwise let them say three Our Fathers.
CHAPTER
III: FASTING
8. From the Pasch of the Resurrection
to the feast of All Saints they are to fast on
Fridays. From the feast of All Saints until Easter
they are to fast on Wednesdays and Fridays, but
still observing the other fasts enjoined in general
by the Church.
9. They are to fast
daily, except on account of infirmity or any other
need, throughout the fast of St. Martin from after
said day until Christmas, and throughout the greater
fast from Carnival Sunday
until Easter.
10. Sisters who are pregnant are free
to refrain until their purification from the
corporal observances except those regarding their
dress and prayers.
11. Those engaged in
fatiguing work shall be allowed to take food three
times a day from the Pasch of the Resurrection until
the Dedication feast of St. Michael.
And when they work for others it will be allowed
them to eat everything served to them, except on
Fridays and on the fasts enjoined in general by the
Church.
CHAPTER
IV: PRAYER
12. All are daily to
say the seven canonical Hours, that is: Matins,
Prime,
Terce,
Sext,
None,
Vespers,
and Compline.
The clerics are to say them after the manner of the
clergy. Those who know the Psalter are to say the
Deus in nomine tuo (Psalm 54) and the Beati
Immaculati (Psalm 119) up to the Legem pone (Verse
33) for Prime, and the other psalms of the Hours,
with the Glory Be to the Father; but when they do
not attend church, they are to say for Matins the
psalms the Church says or any eighteen psalms; or at
least to say the Our Father as do the unlettered at
any of the Hours. The others say twelve Our Fathers
for Matins and for every one of the other Hours
seven Our Fathers with the Glory Be to the Father
after each one. And those who know the Creed and the
Miserere mei Deus (Ps. 51) should say it at Prime
and Compline. If they do not say that at the Hours
indicated, they shall say three Our Fathers.
13. The sick are not to say the Hours
unless they wish.
14. All are to go to Matins in the
fast of St. Martin and in the great fast, unless
inconvenience for persons or affairs should
threaten.
CHAPTER
V: THE SACRAMENTS, OTHER MATTERS
15. They are to make a confession of
their sins three times a year and to receive
Communion at Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost. They
are to be reconciled with their neighbors and to
restore what belongs to others. They are to make up
for past tithes and pay future tithes.
16. They are not to take up lethal
weapons, or bear them about, against anybody.
17. All are to refrain from formal
oaths unless where necessity compels, in the cases
excepted by the Sovereign Pontiff in his indult,
that is, for peace, for the Faith, under calumny,
and in bearing witness.
18. Also in their ordinary
conversations they will do their best to avoid
oaths. And should anyone have sworn thoughtlessly
through a slip of the tongue, as happens where there
is much talking, he should the evening of the same
day, when he is obliged to think over what he has
done, say three Our Fathers in amends of such oaths.
Let each member fortify his household to serve God.
CHAPTER
VI: SPECIAL MASS AND MEETING EACH MONTH
19. All the brothers and sisters of
every city and place are to foregather every month
at the time the ministers see fit, in a church which
the ministers will make known, and there assist at
Divine Services.
20. And every member
is to give the treasurer one ordinary denar.
The treasurer is to collect this money and
distribute it on the advice of the ministers among
the poor brothers and sisters, especially the sick
and those who may have nothing for their funeral
services, and thereupon among the poor; and they are
to offer something of the money to the aforesaid
church.
21. And, if it be convenient at the
time, they are to have some religious who is
informed in the words of God to exhort them and
strengthen them to persevere in their penance and in
performing the works of mercy. And except for the
officers, they are to remain quiet during the Mass
and sermon, intent on the Office, on prayer, and on
the sermon.
CHAPTER
VII: VISITING THE SICK, BURYING THE DEAD
22. Whenever any brother or sister
happens to fall ill, the ministers, if the patient
let them know of it, shall in person or through
others visit the patient once a week, and remind him
of penance; and if they find it expedient, they are
to supply him from the common fund with what he may
need for the body.
23. And if the ailing
person depart from this life, it is to be published
to the brothers and sisters who may be present in
the city or place, so that they may gather for the
funeral; and they are not to leave until the Mass
has been celebrated and the body consigned to
burial. Thereupon each member within eight days of
the demise shall say for the soul of the deceased: a
Mass, if he is a priest; fifty psalms, if he
understands the Psalter, or if not, then fifty Our
Fathers with the Requiem aeternam
at the end of each.
24. In addition, every year, for the
welfare of the brothers and sisters living and dead,
each priest is to say three Masses, each member
knowing the Psalter is to recite it, and the rest
shall say one hundred Our Fathers with the Requiem
aeternam at the end of each.
25. All who have the right are to
make their last will and make disposition of their
goods within three months after their profession,
lest anyone of them die intestate.
26. As regards making peace among the
brothers and sisters or non-members at odds, let
what the ministers find proper be done; even, if it
be expedient, upon consultation with the Lord
Bishop.
27. If contrary to their right and
privileges trouble is made for the brothers and
sisters by the mayors and governors of the places
where they live, the ministers of the place shall do
what they shall find expedient on the advice of the
Lord Bishop.
28. Let each member accept and
faithfully exercise the ministry of other offices
imposed on him, although anyone may retire from
office after a year.
29. When anybody wishes to enter this
brotherhood, the ministers shall carefully inquire
into his standing and occupation, and they shall
explain to him the obligations of the brotherhood,
especially that of restoring what belongs to others.
And it he is content with it, let him be vested
according to the prescribed way, and he must make
satisfaction for his debts, paying money according
to what pledged provision is given. They are to
reconcile themselves with their neighbors and to pay
up their tithes.
30. After these particulars are
complied with, when the year is up and he seems
suitable to them, let him on the advice of some
discreet brothers be received on this condition:
that he promise he will all the time of his life
observe everything here written, or to be written or
abated on the advice of the brothers, unless on
occasion there be a valid dispensation by the
ministers; and that he will, when called upon by the
ministers, render satisfaction as the Visitor shall
ordain if he have done anything contrary to this
condition. And this promise is to be put in writing
then and there by a public notary. Even so nobody is
to be received otherwise, unless in consideration of
the estate and rank of the person it shall seem
advisable to the ministers.
31. No one is to depart from this
brotherhood and from what is contained herein,
except to enter a religious Order.
32. No heretic or person in bad
repute for heresy is to be received. If he is under
suspicion of it, he may be admitted if otherwise
fit, upon being cleared before the bishop.
33. Married women are not to be
received except with the consent and leave of their
husbands.
34. Brothers and sisters ejected form
the brotherhood as incorrigible are not to be
received in it again except it please the saner
portion of the brothers.
CHAPTER
VIII: CORRECTION, DISPENSATION, OFFICERS
35. The ministers of any city or
place shall report public faults of the brothers and
sisters to the Visitor for punishment. And if anyone
proves incorrigible, after consultation with some of
the discreet brothers he should be denounced to the
Visitor, to be expelled by him from the brotherhood,
and thereupon it should be published in the meeting.
Moreover, if it is a brother, he should be denounced
to the mayor or the governor.
36. If anyone learns that a scandal
is occurring relative to brothers and sisters, he
shall report it to the ministers and shall have
opportunity to report it to the Visitor. He need not
be held to report it in the case of husband against
wife.
37. The Visitor has the power to
dispense all the brothers and sisters in any of
these points if he finds it advisable.
38. When the year has passed, the
ministers with the counsel of the brothers are to
elect two other ministers; and a faithful treasurer,
who is to provide for the need of the brothers and
sisters and other poor; and messengers who at the
command of the ministers are to publish what is said
and done by the fraternity.
39. In all the above mentioned points
no one is to be obligated under guilt, but under
penalty; yet so that if after being admonished twice
by the ministers he should fail to discharge the
penalty imposed or to be imposed on him by the
Visitor, he shall be obligated under guilt as
contumacious.
HERE
ENDS THE RULE OF THE CONTINENT.
Author: Cardinal Hugolino dei Conti
dei Segni who wrote this Rule at the request of St.
Francis of Assisi, 1221
Source: Franciscan Omnibus of Sources
CONSTITUTIONS
OF THE
CONFRATERNITY OF PENITENTS
I.
FAMILY IN THE CHURCH
Members of the
Confraternity of Penitents (CFP) strive to surrender
to God through the living of a Rule of Life given to
penitents in the year 1221, at the request of St.
Francis of Assisi and written by Cardinal Hugolino
de Conti de Segni, later Pope Gregory IX. The
Constitutions of the Confraternity of Penitents
delineate how Members are to live the Rule today.
II. JURIDICAL
SITUATION
The Confraternity
of Penitents is an international, private, Catholic,
lay association of the faithful, existing with the
permission of the
Bishop
of the Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island, USA, and
headquartered in his Diocese. Because the Bishop has
deemed the Rule and Constitutions acceptable to
live, he has indicated that the CFP Way of Life
is a safe guide to
holiness. If penitents live this life in humility
and love, they will move deeper into their own
personal conversion.
III. SUBJECTION TO
THE CHURCH
The Pope, by virtue of being head of the Roman
Catholic Church, is also head of the Confraternity
of Penitents. The Bishop of the Diocese of
Providence, Rhode Island, USA, is the primary
representative of the Church regarding the
Confraternity of Penitents. If and when he desires,
he shall grant canonical approval to the CFP. The
Confraternity acknowledges the authority of the
Bishop over its affairs and will follow his
directives.
All Members of the Confraternity, as well as its
spiritual advisors, Spiritual Directors, and
Visitor, are in complete conformity to all the
directives of the Magisterium of the Roman Catholic
Church and of the Holy See to whom belongs the
authentic interpretation of the Rule and
Constitutions. The practical interpretation of the
Rule and Constitutions belongs to the Bishop of the
Diocese of Providence, in consultation with the
Visitor and Minister General of the Confraternity
who may also consult the Confraternity Council.
IV. THE OBJECT OF THE COMMITMENT
The Object of the
Commitment is for the individual pledged member to
lead a penitential life in union with Christ and
with all the faithful. Penance is on-going, putting
on the mind of Jesus Christ to "Turn away from sin
and be faithful to the Gospel" (Mark 1:15). Penance
is conversion from doing things in worldly, selfish
ways to doing them God's way. This cannot be done
without some self-denial, for the Lord Himself said
that we must "deny ourselves, take up our crosses,
and follow Him" if we are to be His disciples. (Luke
9:23)
Members of the Confraternity of
Penitents are to live converted to God and in a
loving, Christ-like relationship with each other and
with all. They are to participate in some form of
the
Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy. They are
to maintain chastity according to their state in
life and are to follow the dictates of the Church
regarding sexual activity and family planning.
Unless communities of penitents are formed according
to Church law and following the CFP Rule and their
own Constitutions, penitents are to live in their
own homes as they, by the grace of the Holy Spirit,
simplify and sanctify their lives.
Without the permission of their spiritual director,
or religious superior, penitents should not
undertake physical acts of self denial or
mortification beyond those delineated in the Rule
and Constitutions.
V.
FRUITS OF THE COMMITMENT
Some
graces given to those who live a penitential life
under their freely chosen promise to God are:
a. To
enable penitents to understand the transitoriness of
this life and the superficiality of a worldly
existence (poverty/moderation).
b. To
direct penitents in the surrender of their own will
to the Rule and to the spiritual director so that
they may accept more joyfully the discipline and
direction that God gives (obedience).
c. To
draw penitents into a deep union with God Who wishes
all people to surrender everything to Him
(contemplative prayer).
d. To
enable penitents to experience in a small way the
self-emptying willingly embraced by Our Lord Jesus
Christ (abandonment to the will of God).
e. To
foster an increase of love for God the Father, Son,
and Holy Spirit, and for human beings, since they
are made in God's image. True love is to seek the
others' good before one's own (loving, selfless
service of God and of others).
VI. PURPOSE (CHARISM)
The Confraternity recognizes that God is Lord,
Creator, and Father. It endeavors to assist the
penitent in surrendering his or her life totally to
God's Divine Will as manifest through the teachings
of Christ, the authority of the Church, and the
motion of the Holy Spirit in the penitent's life, as
confirmed by the counsel of the penitent's spiritual
director.
Thus, the Purpose (Charism) of the Confraternity of
Penitents is to promote penance (conversion), that
is, doing things God's way instead of human ways.
The Purpose (Charism) is developed in its Vision,
Prayer, Mission, Motto, Action, Song, and Symbol.
VISION
To give
glory to God and surrender to His Will through the
living of a medieval, penitential Rule of Life, the
Rule of 1221. This Rule is lived as closely as
possible to its original intent, and in one's own
home or CFP community house, in peace with all
others, and in obedience to the Roman Catholic
Church, its Pope, and its Magisterium.
PRAYER
"Most
High, Glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my
mind, give me right faith, a firm hope and perfect
charity, so that I may always and in all things act
according to Your Holy Will. Amen." (Saint Francis's
prayer before the San Damiano Crucifix)
MOTTO
"You
shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart,
with your whole soul, and with all your mind, (and)
you shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Jesus's
words as recorded in Matthew 22:37-38)
MISSION
"Go and
repair My House which, as you can see, is falling
into ruin." (The message given to St. Francis in a
voice from the San Damiano Crucifix.)
ACTION
To pray
for God's specific direction in one's life so that,
through humbly living our Rule of Life, each
penitent may help to rebuild the house of God by
bringing love of God and neighbor to his or her own
corner of the world.
SONG
"No
Longer I" is the theme song of the Confraternity of
Penitents.
SYMBOL
The San
Damiano Crucifix is the Symbol of the Confraternity
of Penitents.
VII.
HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
In July 1994, our
"founder" Madeline Pecora Nugent, inspired by the
Holy Spirit, began, with the approval of her
spiritual director Dom Julian Stead, OSB, to "live
the Rule of 1221." In 1995, a few others living in
Rhode Island, USA, also began to live the Rule and
named the group
"The Brothers and Sisters of
Penance." In March, 1996, the Visitor Brother
Francis Kelly, FPO, asked that the group disband for
a year to discern God's direction. When the group
reorganized in March 1997, Dom Julian Stead, OSB,
became Visitor. That December, Rev. Robert Mulvee,
the Bishop of the Diocese of Providence, was
presented a copy of the Rule and Statutes (now
called Constitutions).
The initial letter of permission to live the Rule
and Statutes, signed by Rev. Msgr. William I.
Varsanyi of the Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island,
is dated January 30, 1998, and contains these words,
"Bishop Mulvee concurred with my opinion that this
Rule does not contain anything contrary to our
faith; therefore it may be safely practiced
privately by you or by anyone inclined to do so."
Under the name of
the
Brothers and Sisters of Penance, the
Confraternity went on the world wide web in the fall
of 1998, formally beginning a formation program with
six postulants. During Lent of 1999, a group from
Minnesota, organized as the Franciscan Brothers and
Sisters of Penance, found the Rhode Island group and
a merger was effected. Stephanie Natalie Carlson
Sullivan and Madeline Pecora Nugent, the first two
penitents to complete the four year formation
program and pledge to live the Rule for life, made
their pledges at Jesus Savior Church Prayer Chapel,
Middletown, Rhode Island, before Father Valerius
Messerich, OFM, on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 7,
2002.
After four and a
half years, the history, to that point, of the
merged Association, was brought to the attention of
the Diocese of Providence. Upon the recommendation
of the Vicar General for the Diocese of Providence
Rev. Msgr. William Varsanyi, and with the agreement
of Bishop Robert Mulvee, the decision was made to
severe the merger and to
refound the Association.
This was done on the
Queenship of Mary, August 22,
2003, with the name "Confraternity of Penitents"
given to the refounded group. In 2004, Bishop Mulvee
concurred with the advice of
CFP Spiritual Advisor
Father John of the Trinity, Erem TOCarm, and with
the agreement of CFP Visitor Father Jay Finelli, to
grant permission for CFP Members to celebrate the
Queenship of Mary yearly as a Solemnity, by
following the guidelines in sections 6 and 9 of the
CFP Rule and Constitutions.
The first death of
a pledged Member occurred on May 27, 2005, with the
death of Stephanie Sullivan.
In September 2005,
the Council of the Confraternity of Penitents met
with CFP Spiritual Advisor Father Martin Mary Fonte,
FI, and Sister Jacqueline Dickey, Vicar for
Religious of the Diocese of Providence. The
governing structure of the Confraternity was revised
to allow the Minister General greater freedom in
governance and a set of ordinances adopted. In July,
2006, in order to conform more closely to Church
terminology, what had been previously termed
"statutes" were re-named "Constitutions" and
"ordinances" renamed the "Directory."
VIII. ELIGIBILITY
FOR MEMBERSHIP
Members are those persons considered to be part of
the Confraternity of Penitents. All baptized
Catholics who are fourteen years of age
or older, who are in complete harmony with all the
teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and the
Magisterium, are eligible to enter formation as
Members.
Members include those who have pledged to live the
CFP Rule and Constitutions as well as those who are
pursuing formation in the CFP at the Postulancy
level or above and who have no impediments to
pledging if their formation were complete.
ASSOCIATES
Those who wish to
live the CFP Rule, but who have impediments to full
Membership, may become Associates of the
Confraternity. Associates are non-members who are in
formation, or have completed formation, with the
CFP.
AFFILIATES
Affiliates are
non-members who support and pray for the CFP but who
do not participate in formation.
IX. GOVERNANCE
The Confraternity of Penitents is a private Catholic
lay association of the faithful with a hierarchical
structure of governance. It is primarily governed by
its Rule, Constitutions, and Directory as well as by
the Code of Canon Law. Supplementary governance is
provided by its Articles of Incorporation and
bylaws, filed with the State of Rhode Island on
August 19, 2003, and amended thereafter, and by the
regulations in the State of Rhode Island Non Profit
Corporations Act.
X. STRUCTURE
Penitents are first and foremost members of the
Church which is the body of Christ. Within the CFP,
they are Members of the international Confraternity
first, secondly of their Regions, and thirdly of any
local Chapter or Circle of the Confraternity.
The simplified governing structure
is:
Minister
General (International)
|
Regional
Minister (Regional)
|
Chapter
or Circle Minister (Local)
This simplified structure reflects
the Order of Governance and the Order of Appeal ,
proceeding from the local level up to the
International level. If the lower level, in
conjunction with the religious advisor(s) on that
level, cannot address the question or matter of
concern, it is referred to the next level. The
answer is, in turn, relayed down through the levels
to the petitioner.
The highest levels of appeal rest in
the Magisterium, that is in the Bishop of the
Diocese of Providence and in the Pope through the
Apostolic Nuncio.
WORLD
The Confraternity of
Penitents is a worldwide organization. All CFP
Members, Associates, and Affiliates are ultimately
under the governance of the Minister General in
consultation with the CFP Council. All Members,
Associates, and Affiliates are also subject to the
Visitor and Bishop.
The Confraternity of
Penitents is self-governing and self-supportive,
receiving its funding through donations from its
Members and from others worldwide.
REGION
Regions are
geographical subdivisions of the world which
simplify governance. Subject to the Minister General
and CFP Council, Regional Ministers shall govern
their Regions following the guidelines within the
Rule, Constitutions, and Directory.
LOCALITY
Local
gatherings form when two or more CFP Postulants,
Novices, and/or Pledged Members, from at least two
different families, meet together in person at least
monthly. A CFP Circle consists of at least two
Members while a CFP Chapter must consist of at least
five.
Chapters
and Circles are governed by their own Officers
subject to their Spiritual Assistant. They are then
subject to their Regional Minister and ultimately to
the Minister General and Visitor in consultation
with the CFP Council.
XI. RIGHTS, DUTIES, AND OBLIGATIONS
Several individuals exercise
leadership in the Confraternity of Penitents. The
principal ones of these are:
VISITOR
The
Confraternity of Penitents' Visitor is a spiritual
guide and immediate representative of the Roman
Catholic Church. He shall be a priest appointed by
or approved by the Bishop of the Diocese of
Providence, Rhode Island.
If he is also a
Religious, the Visitor must have the permission of
his superior to serve. The CFP shall have only one
Visitor unless the Bishop, in consultation with the
Minister General, deems that more are needed.
MINISTER
GENERAL
The office of
Minister General is the highest non-clerical office
in the Confraternity of Penitents. The Minister
General is responsible for the efficient operation
of the CFP and oversees it in every regard. The
Minister General is the primary contact with all
Bishops regarding the Confraternity, protects and
promotes the Purpose (Charism), and endeavors, with
prayer to the Holy Spirit for guidance, to develop
and expand the CFP and the message of penance
(conversion) worldwide.
With prayer and the
advice of the CFP Officers and Lay and Spiritual
Advisors, the Minister General shall make the final
decisions, subject to approval by the Visitor, on
all matters involving the Confraternity of
Penitents. The only exceptions to this are decisions
in the following five areas in which the elected
Minister General must have the unanimous consent of
those legally named as Council members, plus the
consent of the Visitor, to implement a decision:
--the
dissolution of major assets or the spending of 20%
or more of CFP funds
--change
to the CFP Name, Legal Status as a 501c3
Organization, and Purpose (Charism) as detailed in
the Vision, Action, Prayer, Motto, Mission, Song,
and Symbol
--change to the CFP
Rule
or Constitutions
--change
to the CFP Governance and Structure
--change
to the CFP Formation Program
CFP OFFICERS
Confraternity Officers ensure that the CFP is
running smoothly on an international level.
Confraternity Officers are the CFP Ministerial
Assistant, CFP Messenger, and CFP Treasurer. They
assist and advise the Minister General in the
operation of the Confraternity.
ADDITIONAL COUNCIL MEMBERS
Additional Council Members serve as advisors to the
Minister General.
REGIONAL
MINISTERS
Regional
Ministers insure that formation is being properly
conducted in their Regions, both with isolated
Members and Associates and with those in Chapters
and Circles.
XII. TERM OF OFFICE
Elections and confirmation of
appointments are conducted annually. The term of
office for all Officers and leaders, other than the
Minister General and Formators, begins on January 1
following their election or appointment and ends on
December 31. If a term of office becomes vacant
before December 31, a replacement will be appointed
to fill the office until January 1.
Unless factors of
incapacity or inability are present, all Pledged
Members are eligible to vote and hold office.
XIII. FORMATION
Formation assures that those entering the
Confraternity of Penitents will be adequately formed
in the way of life required by the Rule and
Constitutions, will develop and advance in the
spiritual life, and will grow in knowledge of the
teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. Each person
in formation is assigned a Formator to review their
lessons and to assist them with formation.
Formation is open to Members and Associates of the
Confraternity of Penitents. It consists of 51
lessons, which include 12 Postulant lessons, 12
lessons for each of the three years of Novice
formation, and 3 lessons prior to pledging. One
lesson is completed monthly, with the exception of
those in the August Postulancy who complete two
lessons per month. Each year of formation must be
completed successfully before applications can be
accepted for the next year of formation or for
pledging.
Applications are made to the CFP Chapter or Circle
Minister (if applicable), the Regional Minister, and
the CFP Office, for Inquiry, for each year of
formation, for pledging, and for vowing.
The stages of formation are:
PRE-INQUIRY
A Pre-Inquirer is an
individual who contacts the Confraternity, or any
Member of it, for information, advice, and/or prayer
about discerning a possible vocation to the
Confraternity, but who has not completed an Inquirer
application.
INQUIRY
Inquiry is the first
level of formal contact with the Confraternity.
Inquirers are exploring the CFP way of life and
discerning a possible vocation to it.
POSTULANCY
The
Postulancy is an introduction into the formation
process. Postulants reflect on certain teachings of
the Roman Catholic Church, on penance, and on the
spiritual journey. They study the CFP Rule and
Constitutions and begin to follow them in certain
ways. The
Postulancy is a time
of further discernment of a vocation to the CFP.
NOVITIATE
The principal years
of formation are the three years of the Novitiate,
each consisting of twelve full months during which
the Novice regularly participates in at least one
Spiritual or Corporal Work of Mercy. The Novice also
undertakes a study of Scripture and of the Catechism
of the Catholic Church. Each year of formation
integrates different prescriptions of the Rule and
the Constitutions into the Novice's life. Those
prescriptions are: for Novice 1, prayer; for Novice
2, fasting and abstinence; for Novice 3, simplicity
of life. At the end of three years of Novice
formation, the penitent shall be praying certain
prayers for a certain amount of time daily, shall
fast and abstain weekly, and shall have greatly
simplified his or her wardrobe and possessions.
XIV. FORM OF COMMITMENT
PLEDGE
A Pledge is a
voluntary commitment, before God, to live the CFP
Rule and Constitutions either for a year or for
life. Making a Pledge is an important and grace
filled step in the life of a penitent because a
Pledge is a binding promise to live according to the
CFP Rule and Constitutions, although not under pain
of sin. Prior to pledging, the Member must be at
least eighteen years old, must be confirmed in the
Roman Catholic Church, and must have successfully
completed all four years of formation plus three
additional lessons which discuss the seriousness of
the pledge. The pledge is made to a Roman Catholic
priest, deacon, religious, or to the penitent's
spiritual director.
VOW
A
vow is the deepest
commitment one can make to live the CFP Rule because
it is binding under pain of sin, as long as it can
be kept. With the permission of the spiritual
director, a CFP Life-Pledged Member may take private
vows to observe the Rule and Constitutions for life
as well as additional vows approved by the Church,
such as Consecration to Our Lady.
XV. PROPERTY
Any equipment, property, or other assets purchased
by the CFP, either internationally, regionally, or
locally, for use by and in the Confraternity, remain
the property of the CFP entity (International
Council, Regional Council, Chapter or Circle
Council) which purchased them.
XVI. THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
A yearly
conference and retreat, open to all Members
of the Confraternity, will be held annually if at
all possible. The Visitor or another priest, deacon,
male or female religious, will preside at this
gathering which shall promote Catholic spirituality
particularly through penance (conversion) and which
shall unite the total Confraternity. Other groups
within the Church may be invited to send delegates
to this event.
XVII. MEETINGS
Chapters and Circles shall meet monthly in their
local communities. Electronic gatherings shall be
held monthly, if possible, for those unable to
participate in local meetings.
XVIII. FINANCIAL POLICIES
The Confraternity of Penitents is a non-profit
association. It has no mandatory dues, fees, or
assessments. If money is needed, the Treasurer may
solicit donations.
XIX. ADDITIONAL PROCEDURES
Additional procedures are delineated in the CFP Rule
and Directory.
XX. APPLICATIONS OF THE RULE OF 1221
PREAMBLE
In
keeping with the Preamble of the Rule, here begin
the Constitutions of the Continent (those who give
up things) Confraternity of Penitents. In the Name
of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen. 
CHAPTER
I: DAILY LIFE
1. In
keeping with section 1 of the Rule:
1a.
Those belonging to this Confraternity shall dress in
humble and inexpensive cloth. Subdued, solid colors,
as opposed to patterns and designs, should be
chosen. Colors shall be neutral shades (black,
white, cream, ivory, beige, tan, camel, brown, gray,
charcoal, etc.) in conformity with the colors worn
by the first penitents and blue in honor of the
Blessed Mother who is the patron of the
Confraternity of Penitents. The penitent should
strive to have only the least expensive and minimum
amount of clothing needed for comfort, employment,
and utility.
1b. The
penitent should mix and match styles and colors so
as appear indistinguishable from other seculars and
to avoid the appearance of a wearing a habit. Thus
penitents will do penance privately and
inconspicuously.
1c. For
evident and necessary cause, a temporary
dispensation on clothing colors and quality may be
given.
2. In
keeping with section 2 of the Rule:
2a.
Visible undergarments such as socks or stockings may
be of solid neutral colors or blue. Clothing that is
not visible may be of any color or pattern.
2b.
Men's ties should be simple, conservative, and
tasteful and may be patterned and of any color or
color combination provided that the ties are subdued
in appearance and not "flashy."
2c.
Colorful ornamentation and fancy jewelry are not to
be worn unless a dispensation is given. Engagement
rings, wedding bands, watches, and any other similar
adornments, and tasteful and unostentatious
religious jewelry such as medals are permitted.
Small pierced earring studs, in a simple and
inexpensive style, may be allowed if needed to keep
earring holes from closing.
2d. For
special events, a dispensation is given for the
wearing of earrings, other jewelry, and clothing
that falls outside the regular garb of the followers
of this Rule.
2e. The
use of perfumes, after shave lotions, and so on
should be avoided unless necessary. Wherever
possible, unscented hair sprays, soaps, lotions, and
so on should be chosen.
2f.
Female penitents may use cosmetics if necessary but
should keep their makeup as conservative as possible
so as not to draw attention to its use. The use of
extensive makeup is discouraged.
2g. At
all times in public, a simple cross or crucifix must
be visibly worn either around the neck or in the
form of a brooch or lapel pin. The style chosen
should be in keeping with poverty, humility, and
simplicity according to the penitent's state in
life. If a penitent is already wearing a religious
habit of a First, Second, or Third Order community,
the habit of the Order will suffice. A penitent can
be excused from the wearing of a cross, crucifix, or
habit if to do so may endanger the penitent's life
or impede the penitent's manner of earning a living.
3. In
keeping with section 3 of the Rule:
3a. All
clothing and accessories must be modest and chaste.
They must also be simple and inexpensive unless a
dispensation is given according to the estate or
employment of the person and custom of the place.
3b.
Penitents should attempt to live as simply and
inexpensively as possible according to their state
in life. With the consent of their spouses and
families, they are to have the minimum number of and
least sophisticated appliances, furniture,
furnishings, electronic aids, and vehicles as
necessary. However, the following of this section of
the Rule must not create more work or inconvenience
for penitents or other family members.
4. In
keeping with section 4 of the Rule:
4a.
Outer winter garments shall be either of lamb's
wool, or a comparable imitation, only, or of any
non-fur material. They shall be of either a solid
neutral or blue color, simple and modest, and shall
conform to the Constitutions under section 1.
4b.
Purses should be of either a solid neutral or blue
color. Suitcases and carry bags such as back packs
should be of these colors if possible.
5. In
keeping with section 5 of the Rule:
5a.
Attendance at immodest functions or events at which
immodest or immoral behavior is exhibited or
fostered, except to condemn such behavior, is
forbidden. This would include movies, parties,
plays, and so on.
5b.
The penitent should avoid the near occasions of sin
in all circumstances and should strive always to
give good example to others.
CHAPTER
II: ABSTINENCE
6. In
keeping with section 6 of the Rule:
6a. For
penitents, all Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and
Saturdays are days of abstinence (that is, meatless
days) unless directed otherwise by a physician. Meat
is allowed on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
6b.
Abstinence will follow current Church regulations
which are listed in Appendix A of these
Constitutions.
6c.
Except for Sundays and Solemnities, penitents are to
eat but two meals daily throughout the year unless
advised otherwise by a physician. However, a third,
small "bite to eat" of beverage and solid food may
be taken if needed at one other time during the day.
Beverages such as fruit juice, milk, coffee, and so
on may be taken at any time between meals.
6d.
Except for Sundays and Solemnities, between meal
snacks of solid food should be avoided.
6e. At
all times, penitents should be temperate in eating
and drinking.
6f. In
their own homes, penitents should attempt to prepare
foods that other household members enjoy even if
this means that penitents must sometimes prepare an
individual dish for themselves in order to follow
this Rule.
6g. In
order to be hospitable, penitents may eat small,
between meal snacks if they are entertaining guests
or if they are guests in the homes of others.
6h. When
eating with others in a group setting, the penitent
should endeavor to allow others to choose their
foods first as long as this penitential practice can
be kept hidden and not call attention to the
penitent.
6i.
Travelers while in transit to their destinations and
those who are ill, weak, pregnant, or breastfeeding
are exempt from following the abstinence provisions
of this Rule.
7.
In keeping with section 7 of the Rule:
