Fullerton Society for Founders

Canon Law & Lay Associations

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Procedural Handbook for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life from the Canon Law Society of America

The founder's way of life may or may not attract others. Canonically, this is known as the Inspiration Stage.

If one says that they plan to found a new community, laity who do not qualify will more than likely outnumber the vocational inquiries. These laity should be encouraged to join the founder in their charism as the "third order" or lay associates.

We highly recommend that potential vocations participate in the "third order" scenario before the aspiring community begins to work together.

Single people who would pass muster as potential vocational candidates will often participate in an informal "come and see" through the lay association. We recommend a very hands-off approach. These potential vocations must come to the founder of their own volition after being made aware of the possibility of a new community.

There will be a nebulousity to the initial stages of the lay association. The group simply follows the founder's idea until more "concrete" information comes forth as a result of the group's actions. When they see what works for them--and what doesn't--then statutes are formed.

From these statutes may evolve the new community's constitutions.

Non-Catholics will often be attracted to working with our Catholic groups. This is not a problem, as long as they come to work with us and not against us. Non-Catholics will be expected to follow the Catholic Church's regulations for lay associations. If the non-Catholics have a problem with this requirement, they are welcome to start their own non-Catholic version of the charism.