PLAN FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CENTRES
With the continuing expansion of the Association, it is becoming more and more necessary to strengthen Centres already in existence, and to form Centres where, as yet, a centre either does not exist or function fully.
It is necessary that before a centre is formed, the Leader of the Association obtains the approval of the Bishop of the diocese in which the Centre is to be formed.
What is a Centre?
It is a small group of four or five people who meet on a regular basis, monthly preferably for the purpose of forming Rosary Circles in that area/diocese, and of arranging Holy Hours and Eucharistic Vigils two or three times a year.
What sort of Meeting?
An informal one which opens with the prayer of the Rosary for the intention of the Centre concerned. It is helpful to have a Chairman who can guide the meeting, keeping it to the matters for discussion. A secretary who will note the relevant details of the meeting for future reference. A Treasurer who will take up at each meeting a ‘secret bag’, the contents of which can be used to enable those who travel, by whatever means, to defray any expenses which may be incurred. Also a steady income for the Centre will enable it to pay postage and items necessary for the furtherance of the Apostolate.
The Spirit of the Centre?
Centres should strive to adopt the spirituality of the Apostolate – e.g. To deepen our awareness of Our Eucharistic Jesus, and to love deeply this Divine Person in our churches. When our love for Jesus is truly awakened, our efforts to encourage others to a greater awareness and love of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, will be wholly genuine and our zeal greater. We cannot give to other what we do not have ourselves, hence this quality is essential. The prayer of the Rosary when prayed with due meditation will enable us to live and relive with Mary, the life of Jesus and which will eventually bring us to relish prayer and solitude – to become more and more mindful of the greatness of God, and how “meek and humble of heart” Jesus truly is.
Scapular of Carmel is our personal consecration to the Mother of God and should be encouraged solely for this purpose.
Humility is the virtue all Christians must cultivate and more so in Centres, no-one is greater than another and each person has a ‘calling’ from God to do something ‘extra’ for him.
Charity is the virtue which must shine forth, for unless we love one another any work is useless. Centres should become living communities in which each helps and loves the other.
What to plan.
Each meeting can plan and discuss which parishes to visit and it is advisable that two people visit first the parish priest for his permission to form a Rosary Circle and then either approach parishioners of the parish or arrange for a short talk on the work of the Association to be given. It is helpful to always keep in mind, that it the ‘few’ in parishes throughout the world who are the cornerstone of this Apostolate, so we must never be discouraged when a ‘few’ only volunteer to form a Rosary Circle.
‘Make haste slowly’ is a good motto to remember. When a Centre has established itself, further work can be undertaken. Eucharistic Vigils of three hours duration can then become part of each year’s plan. A church centrally situated is most suitable for Vigils, so that people from other Rosary Circles/Parishes notified by the centre, can attend and bring other with them. Again permission and help of the parish priest is essential. He will be required to expose the Blessed Sacrament at the commencement of the Vigil and conclude the Vigil with Benediction, followed by Mass. The theme and plan for each Vigil should be worked out during the Centre’s meeting and when prepared, presented to the priest for his perusal and acceptance.
When Rosary Circles have existed for some length of time, say one year, the Centre can then ask them if they, in conjunction with their parish priest, would hold a ‘Holy Hour’ every one or two months. Some churches already have such ‘Hours’ in which case there is no need to ask them to hold further ‘Hours’.
The connection between Centres.
Each Centre should be conscious that they are a vital part of the whole Apostolate and should pray for other Centres. Each Centre too, should support the half-yearly and annual meetings, for it is here that the responsibility lies for further development. Two or three representatives from each Centre should endeavour to take part in these general meetings, for their reports and views are necessary to the ‘whole’. Support from Centres for major events are absolutely necessary. It is by this means that we all witness to what we are working for.
We can see from this ‘Plan for the development of Centres’ how interlinked we are with one another and how each of us needs support both spiritually and physically. Let us strive to put into action Centres that will function and become beacons of love for Jesus in the great Sacrament of his Love.