“I wish that my brothers would show themselves to be children of the same mother.” – St. Francis of Assisi
Transitus FRATERNITIES are the basic cells (small groups) of Transitus members, friends, associates, and visitors: those inquiring into Transitus but who have not submitted an application for admission, those who simply come to fraternity gatherings but have no intention of joining Transitus, or those who do not live within the geographical area of the fraternity but who are joined to it through long-distance affiliation and friendship. All Transitus members are encouraged to establish a fraternity, but it is not required.
Fraternities serve as the foundational communities of Transitus, as well as a visible sign, with Christian families, of the domestic expression of the Church--a community (communitas) of love. They exist primarily for the purposes of common prayer and study, discussion and discernment, fellowship, mutual support, and a sharing our way and life with others. Transitus fraternities should be a privileged place for developing a sense of church and monastic life, and for enlivening the interior and apostolic life of its members and visitors.
Fraternities are to be established at the local level and are self-governed and self-sustaining, but subject to the over-sight and support from the General Council of Directors. Within themselves, fraternities may be organized in different ways according to the various needs of their members under the guidance of their respective superiors. Fraternities should choose a name for their community that best describes their personality as a group and their focus of meditation or apostolate (such as “Fraternity of the Good Portion” or “Fraternity of Our Lady of Solitude”). One must receive permission from the General Council of Directors before their official formation. A written (letter or e-mail) request and confirmation is all that is required. Fraternities are coordinated and united on various levels: local, regional, national, and international.
Fraternities must consist of at least one member of Transitus--so long as they intend to invite others and hold regular meetings--and there is no limit to the number of members. The splitting and formation of new fraternities will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Fraternities must meet on a regular basis: monthly, weekly, or as often as one is able and willing. Fraternities can meet in homes, in churches, or even public places (such as coffeehouses, restaurants, or bars) so long as it is a suitable atmosphere for prayer, study, discussion, and service to those in need. Only pre-approved Transitus-recommended resources for meetings are permitted. NO exceptions. Written (letter or e-mail) reports of activities, members, and attendees should be periodically sent to the General Council of Directors upon one’s own initiative or upon request.
Each fraternity is to be animated, guided, and served by a “Guardian”. Their service is marked by a ready and willing spirit with the duty of responsibility to each member of the fraternity and those the fraternity serves. The Guardian should show the qualities of humility, hospitality, maturity in the Faith, kindness, and gentleness that are at the heart of Christian and monastic life. At first, the Guardian is usually the member who establishes the fraternity, but another may be chosen according to need. A notification to the General Council of Directors is required. When necessary, assistants to the Guardian may be selected, such as a secretary, a treasurer, or any other role to perform necessary administrative duties.
To promote fidelity to the nature and purpose of Transitus, to its Rule and School of Perfection, and to receive greater support in the life of the fraternity--and as a concrete sign of communion with the Church and co-responsibility--fraternities should take care to ask for suitable Priests, Consecrated Religious, and qualified laymen for spiritual assistance; and when possible, a visit from a member of the Council of Directors.
