LAY DOMINICANS Central Province USA

     At the October 2008 Provincial Council, our president, Ruth Kummer, suggested that it would be good for us to look at ways to develop a more acute awareness of the relational aspects of our communities. 

     This might be a good place to discuss what we are doing to help each other in working on the dynamics of our meetings.  What are the patterns of organization and interaction?  How do we communicate?  Are we always clear about what we're trying to say or do?  How much preparation from each of us is expected for a meeting or formation session?  Do we live up to these expectations? 

Yes! We need an affective component to our training and formation. Perhaps an interactive retreat format prior to our business meetings would help. Ruth Kummer has been pushing for this affective dimension. It could be modeled at our next PCM meeting in October 2009. What do you all think?

--Marlene

I peprsonally think that there needs to be more clerical supervision in our formation. I know that is easier said than done but there should be something in place to ensure that individual or group formation is progressing in line with formation guidelines. The Discalces Carmelites seculars do that with great effect. Sometimes they have to appoint a spiritual assistant from outside the chapter but it is the competant authority of the Provincial Superior that does the appointing. Formation should not be a time of spiritual drifting.

Our chapter, Blessed Sacrament Chapter, has a spiritual director and he serves us well. There is spiritual development at each meeting as well as praying the Office.

What is meant by "affective" formation?

Paul Sanderson at 05:36PM on Dec 27, 2008

What is meant by "affective" formation?

     Affective formation is formation of the emotional aspects of our development as lay Dominicans.  Some of the pradtical aspects of this are in the questions posed in the original post. 

     We spend a great deal of common time and conscious energy on our intellectual growth, and the suggestion is that we do the same for our emotional development and interactions.

Paul Sanderson at 05:35PM on Dec 12, 2008

I peprsonally think that there needs to be more clerical supervision in our formation. I know that is easier said than done but there should be something in place to ensure that individual or group formation is progressing in line with formation guidelines. The Discalces Carmelites seculars do that with great effect. Sometimes they have to appoint a spiritual assistant from outside the chapter but it is the competant authority of the Provincial Superior that does the appointing. Formation should not be a time of spiritual drifting.

Paul,

     I think you have a problematic assumption in your statement.  I don't think "churchly" status is always a predictor of effectiveness in formation.  The formation of chapter members is ultimately the responsibility of the chapter council.  If there is a question or problem it should be taken up there.

      Our own formation is ultimately our own responsibility and we are faced with the classic dilemma of meeting individual needs in a group situation.  M;y own observation is that people are seldom "adrift" since they should be grounded in a solid Christian life to begin with.  It seems the more common situation is that we are given perfectly good rudders and sails and then want to set our own course without regard for the rest of the fleet.

Joe Komadina at 12:04PM on Dec 29, 2008

Paul Sanderson at 05:35PM on Dec 12, 2008

I peprsonally think that there needs to be more clerical supervision in our formation. I know that is easier said than done but there should be something in place to ensure that individual or group formation is progressing in line with formation guidelines. The Discalces Carmelites seculars do that with great effect. Sometimes they have to appoint a spiritual assistant from outside the chapter but it is the competant authority of the Provincial Superior that does the appointing. Formation should not be a time of spiritual drifting.

Paul,

     I think you have a problematic assumption in your statement.  I don't think "churchly" status is always a predictor of effectiveness in formation.  The formation of chapter members is ultimately the responsibility of the chapter council.  If there is a question or problem it should be taken up there.

      Our own formation is ultimately our own responsibility and we are faced with the classic dilemma of meeting individual needs in a group situation.  M;y own observation is that people are seldom "adrift" since they should be grounded in a solid Christian life to begin with.  It seems the more common situation is that we are given perfectly good rudders and sails and then want to set our own course without regard for the rest of the fleet.

Thanks Joe for your response. The last paragraph was particularly helpful to me in clearing up some of my misconceptions connected to the Dominican Laity. Thanks again and Happy new year!

marlene at 10:02AM on Dec 03, 2008

Yes! We need an affective component to our training and formation. Perhaps an interactive retreat format prior to our business meetings would help. Ruth Kummer has been pushing for this affective dimension. It could be modeled at our next PCM meeting in October 2009. What do you all think?

--Marlene

I ran across this little gem.  Something to consider: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122211987961064719.html    How much could our geography affect our personalities?  This is great source material for those who like to have fun with statistics, personality theory or  nature vs. nurture.:cool: