|
Augustinian Recollect Guild Students serve St. Patrick's Dinner to guests. A traditional fund-raiser sponsored by Guild for Tagaste Monastery What is the Augustinian Recollect Guild? The Augustinian Recollect Guild is a group of men and women who have gotten to know our friars and believe in the importance of what they do. They are friends who assist the Augustinian Recollects in their mission of preparing young men to become Augustinian Recollect priests, brothers, or deacons. As part of the "extended" Augustinian Family, they are associated with one of our local communities, most often with one of our houses of study. What are the objectives of the Guild? The objectives of the Guild are:
How is the Guild organized? Each local "chapter" of the Guild has its own bylaws, a spiritual director, who is a Recollect friar stationed in the community, and an elected executive board (the term usually lasts for three years). The board consists of a president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. Other offices may be added, such as a director of hospitality or communications. All active members of the Guild are invited to participate in the election of the executive board. A monthly newsletter informs members of upcoming Guild activities. Each Guild chooses a patron saint, normally one who has a special connection with the Augustinian Recollect Order. What are the obligations of membership in the Guild? Each Guild has a monthly meeting (in addition to executive board meetings), which all members are expected to attend. These meetings consist basically in discussion and planning of upcoming fund-raising events in support of the formation (educational) program for our students. Meetings last approximately 1-1 1/2 hours and are scheduled so as to be as convenient as possible for the members. There is an application form to be filled out (see below) and an annual membership fee, which is used to defray Guild expenses. What are some Guild activities? All Guild events are fund-raising activities for the benefit of our students. These events have included benefit breakfasts and dinners, craft and bake sales, flea markets, golf outings, and Christmas caroling. Each Guild has developed its own calendar and cycle of events that are publicized among our circle of friends and benefactors as well as the wider community. How do Guild activities help our students? The profits from all Guild activities are placed in a special account from which monies can then be drawn to meet expenses in educating and supporting our students. These expenses may be "direct" (purchase of text books and computers, tuition, and other academic expenses) or "indirect" (support for necessary equipment or repairs to the houses of studies.) The total cost to the community of preparing one student for full membership, which can take from 6 to 10 years (postulancy through ordination), is approximately $200,000. Who can join the Guild? Anyone who is interested in becoming more religiously active and supporting our vocational efforts - anyone concerned about the shortage of priests and religious in the Catholic Church today - is welcome to join our Guild. Although one can be a Guild member "from a distance", to be a full and active participant one must live in relatively close proximity to one of our communities where a chapter of our Guild has been established. Where are the Augustinian Recollect Guilds established? Currently, there are active Guilds functioning at our two houses of formation (studies) in the United States:
|
