Msg Base:  AREA 5  - ASK FATHER            CIN ECHO   AMDG
  Msg No: 265.  Tue  3-17-92 23:59  (NO KILL)  (MAILED)
    From: Father Mateo
      To: Ron Decker
 Subject: Secular Institutes

+-
| Dear Father,
| Could you please explain what the new forms of consecrated life are and
| what it is all about?
| Additionally, do you have any reference sources I could investigate?
| My family has been approached about joining a Catholic Community (which
| is something we would like to do) but we are unsure about the Church's
| perspective and what is entailed.  Thank you in advance for your time.
+-[RD=>AOTPO]
 
Dear Ron,
 
Vatican II on "Renewal of Religious Life", no. 11, teaches: "While it
is true that secular institutes are not religious institutes . . . they
involve a true and full profession of the evangelical counsels in the
world, recognized by the Chruch.  This profession confers a consecration
on people living in the world, men and women, lay people and clerics.
Therefore they should make it their chief aim to give themselves to God
totally in perfect charity."
 
The members of secular institutes live "in the world" and pursue
careers in science, arts, the professions, and the trades just as other
lay people do.  They do not live in community nor wear distinctive
religious garb.  They take private vows or promises of poverty,
chastity, and obedience.
 
You may find out about any or all of the secular institutes in the U.S.
by writing to:
 
   Miss Benita Huerta
   Secretary, U.S. Conference of Secular Institutes
   800 Babcock, Apt. B6
   San Antonio, TX 78201
 
                        Sincerely in Christ,
 
                        Father Mateo