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THE CONSTITUTION OF THE ECUMENICAL MISSIONARIES
“To seek God at all times and in all things”

Preamble
This constitution is established to implement provisions of the Holy Rule of the Order. Ever mindful of our Sacred calling to live the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the manner of St. Augustine of Hippo, let each member of the order carefully adhere to that model in all they do.
Chapter 1
General Norms
1.The Ecumenical Missionaries (E.M.) was canonically erected as a Religious order within the Ecumenical Church on July 13,1998 by the Most Reverend Louis Eduardo Hargain D.D., Prelate of the Ecumenical Church as a recognized Religious order, is sanctioned and remains under the oversight of our Prelate. The (E.M.) is open to men and women, married, single ,or life partnered and to clergy and laity.
The purpose of the order is to respond to Ecumenical Vocations within the community and to serve God’s people. The (E.M.) community through this constitution will support and help structure the lives of its Friars and Sisters in order to bring them into fuller union with God. We recognized and Honor our patronage under our Holy Father Saint Augustine of Hippo and the Blessed Virgin Mary.
2.Any member of the Ecumenical Church who has validly received the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation, who has been suitably prepared by competent authority who has the qualities, characteristics and motivation required, and who is not prevented by impediment may be admitted to the Ecumenical Missionaries.
3.The (E.M.) enjoys a rightful autonomy of life, specially of internal governance by which they enjoy their own discipline in the Church and have the power to preserve their patrimony intact. Bishops may not intervene in the internal governance of the order. All persons having Ordinary jurisdiction, in a specific locale where (E.M.) members exercise public ministry, have absolute control and governance of the conduct of that public ministry.(E.M.) clergy serve in a Diocese with the specific permission of the Ordinary of the Diocese and continue their Clerical ministry under his pleasure and discretion.
4.Members of the (E.M.) inasmuch as they are dedicated in a special way to the service of God and the entire Church, are subject to the Supreme authority of the Church in matters of Canonical issues. I addition to the Supreme authority of the Church, individual members are bound to Canonical Obedience to the lawful superiors of the order and to the lawful superiors of the Diocese in which they minister.
Chapter 2
(Admission and Initial Formation)
5.The right of Admitting candidates to the (E.M.) pertains to the Father General for the men and for Mother General for the women or Father Provincial or Mother Provincial. In admitting candidates to the Order they shall exercise due vigilance in discerning the call of each candidate. Superiors with the right to admit candidates will ascertain that each prospective candidate for admission has attained at least the minimum age as specified herein , is of suitable character, possesses normally good health of body and mind, possesses right disposition, and possesses the character and maturity required for the (E.M.).If necessary, the testimony of experts as to these qualities may be obtained.
6.Only those persons who have obtained their 18th year, have validly received the Sacraments of Baptism, Holy Communion, and Confirmation, are of good character, and of proven fidelity to their particular faith and the Ecumenical Missionaries may be received as members of the (E.M.).It pertains solely to the Father -Mother Provincial with the consult of the professed Friars of the Providence to discern the acceptability of candidates.
7.Persons in Holy Orders shall present written evidence attesting to the consent of their Diocesan Bishop to their admission to the Order.
8.All who enter the (E.M.) shall first pass a minimum of three months as a postulant before admission to the novitiate. At any time during this period a candidate may voluntarily withdraw or be dismissed from the(E.M.) by competent superiors. At the conclusion of this period as a postulant, if the candidate is found worthy, The Father-Mother Provincial may clothe the postulant in the Habit of the (E.M.) without the Belt and then the candidate may enter the Novitiate.
9.The Novitiate period shall be one year plus a day, commencing on the day that the candidate is clothe with the habit of the (E.M.), At any time during this period a candidate may voluntarily withdraw or be dismissed from the (E.M.) by a competent superior.
10. During the Novitiate the training of the candidate shall be the special responsibility of the Master of Novices/ Mistress of Novices, or in the absence, the training of the candidate shall be the special responsibility of the Father Provincial or Father General (Mother Provincial or Mother General).
11.During the novitiate period the candidate shall learn all that is required of them as members of the (E.M.) and the manner of life in imitation of Saint Augustine of Hippo they shall specially study the Holy Gospels and the life writings and teachings of the Holy Rule of St. Augustine of Hippo and this constitution. Special emphasis on HUMILITY and POVERTY of the spirit of detachment shall be given.
12. Upon completion of the Novitiate, if both the Novice and the Father Provincial (Mother Provincial) concur that the novice is call to the (E.M.),the novice shall make profession for a period of one year. The period of the novitiate may be extended for a term of an additional year and a day upon request by the novice or upon the discretion of the Novice Master ( mistress of Novices) .At the conclusion of the additional period granted to the novice ,the novice must make profession or be dismissed from the (E.M. .At the conclusion of the period of second profession the member shall make profession for three years or be dismissed from the Ecumenical Missionaries.
13. Members of the (E.M.) shall profess the Vows of Holy Poverty(simplicity
Holy Chastity (Purity of Heart) Holy Obedience (fidelity and always listening to God’s will) and promised to live the Gospel life according to the example of Saint Augustine of Hippo. The vow of Holy Poverty frees us from excess material baggage and consumer oriented values that impede our full response to God and others. The vow entails living simply avoiding waste and always working towards good stewardship over ourselves and over God’s creation. Friars and sisters will support themselves from their labors and begging. A minimum tithing is required from each Friar or Sister. The Holy vow of Chastity (purity of heart) offers a life of celibacy(those living within the Monastery or Convent) we see God alive through the eyes of all God’s people. For married or single or partnered in a single monogamous relationship. Brothers and sisters of the (E.M.) may live with their spouse or life partnered outside the monastery or convent. The Holy Vow of Obedience (listening to God’s word) offers the structure of the Holy Rule, this constitution and the commitment that each Friar or Sister makes. When necessary, the constitution may be reviewed and open for interpretation and discussion. Final decisions will rest on creating a group consensus, among those in profession, to bring about changes and growth.
14. On his or her own initiative or on the request of competent ecclesiastical authority the Father General (Mother) may waive or modify these regulations to address individual needs.
Chapter 3
(Conduct of members)
15. In all things let members of the (E.M.) avoid extremes of cost and style seeking to be shining examples of Holy Poverty of spirit and detachment from material things which marked the life of Christ and St. Augustine.
16. Let members, with utmost caution refrain from participation in activities that would bring disrepute upon or on the Ecumenical Missionaries.
17. Members may be call upon to travel for Church Synods, preaching missions, to lead days of recollection, to lead quiet retreats and other services to the Church as requested by parishes, schools, or Bishops. A special gift of the (E.M.) is our servant ministry as secretaries to the Church, teachers, sacristans, acolytes, deacons, priest, Bishops, nuns, sisters, and any other worthy call in Christ Jesus. In addition each Friar -Sister will embrace a ministry of Service outside the Church, where God’s love requires our witness.
18. Let members undertake individual acts of penance and charity which may include fasting and abstinence from meat,. Let members be temperate in eating and drinking. Let all of the (E.M.) give thanks to God the Almighty for all the blessings bestowed on the community. In acts of penance, let the member seek moderation remembering that the goal of penance is not abnegation but a positive discipline of the body and the turning of the soul back to God in love. Daily examination of conscience and sacramental confession is recommended. More is encourage as need.
19. Members are encouraged to pay special devotion to all the Augustinian saints and Martyrs and Blessed on the days of their memorials along with all Ecumenical Holy Days.
20. Members shall received the Sacrament of the Most Holy Eucharist at least weekly and are encourage to receive the Holy Sacrament daily when possible. The Sunday liturgy shall be obligatory for all members of the (E.M.)(The Sunday Liturgy is to be celebrated or held in the given chapels, parishes, or community centers at noon when possible.) The Ecumenical service is to be held in our chapels, churches, parishes in the afternoon hours preferably after 3 p.m. and no later than 9 p.m.
21. Members shall recite the Holy Office Daily. All members may elect the Divine office, the little office of The Blessed Virgin Mary, or they may say 3 Our Fathers, 3 Hail Mary’s, and 3 Gloria Patri, scripture reading of the day, brief lecture if it’s a Holy Day of Obligation, meditation and petitions as an alternative. Members in ill health are excused from the Holy Office.
22. The Habit of the Ecumenical Missionaries is an outward sign of our commitment to Gospel life. Members shall wear the religious Habit at all Liturgies, official functions, visiting the sick, traveling to and from church meetings and functions when visiting religious Houses or at times of public witness. Members in the Holy Office of Deacon/Presbyter shall wear the habit of the order. This also includes Bishops of the order are to wear the habit in lieu of a cassock.
23. The Habit of the Ecumenical Missionaries shall consist of a tunic extending to the ankles, a scapula, the tunic being a symbol of our Holy Vow of Poverty, the scapula being the symbol of our devotion to the Blessed Mother, the capuche being the symbol of our Holy Vow of Obedience and the Black belt being the symbol of our Holy Vow of Chastity(Women will wear the same thing with the option of the tunic being three inches under their knees.) plus our religious sisters have the option of wearing the traditional wimple and veil or a modified veil to be worn with the shorter habit. The habit is to be made of modest but sturdy material and be black in color (white may be worn during summer months or in hot climates in the missions)Members who come from the Catholic traditions may wear the Holy Rosary on the waist attached to their belts on the left hand side. All our Friars and sisters are encourage to wear their habits all day and everywhere they go to be a light in the world and give witness to the consecrated life.
24. In their daily lives, let members strive to inspire others by good example promote practices of piety and good works. We are searching for God in each person we encounter. All of our community will strive to make GOD known to the world by our daily action and interaction will all people.” By example you will know them”.
25. Let members avoid taking oaths, except when required by civil law. Let them avoid the use of profanity or indecent speech (whenever possible).Let them nightly examine their conscience on these matters and resolve to correct the use of such speech.
26. Let them contribute according to their means, to a common fund from which (E.M.)may support its ministry and render aid to those in need.
27. Let the Father /Mother Provincial meet with each member within his or her individuality at least twice a year in person or by any other form of communication available to them when circumstances requires it. Let the Father /Mother General meet with the members of the community once a year. At such meetings let the superior offer counseling, encouragement and good advice let him/her share the beauty of the religious life with the members by giving testimony of their own life. Let each member listen to the word of God on their Journey to Heavenly perfection.
28. Let the Father /Mother Provincial visit every sick member of the community under his or her care whoever possible. When such is not possible let the Prior or Prioress see to it that some other member may visit the sick and care for them.
29. Let all members, who assemble at the funeral of a deceased member, there to parau for the departed. Let all the (EM) wear white surplices, chasubles, stoles and let the chapel be dressed in white to rejoice for our departed brother/sister who have entered their heavenly resting place.
Chapter 4
Officers and Discipline
30. The Ecumenical Missionaries shall be headed by a Father/Mother General, who shall be superior to the entire (E.M.) and who shall be a professed member. The Father/Mother General shall be elected by simple majority of the professed members of of (E.M.). The entire oversight of the (E.M.) will always be under the care of our Prelate elect The Most Rev. Louis Hargain E.M., under the protection/authority and spiritual guidance of Archbishop Sharon DiSunno, Bishop T. McNally, President of the Council of Bishops.
31. Each Province shall be headed by a Provincial, who shall be under obedience to the Father/Mother General. The Provincial shall be superior to his/her province. The Provincial shall be a professed member of the (EM), residing within the province or when necessary be appointed by the Father/Mother General.
32. Novice Master/Mistress shall be a professed member of the (E.M.) and
He/she will be elected by simple majority of the professed member of the (E.M.)
33. Master/Mistress of Postulants shall be professed member of the (E.M.) and he/she will be elected by simple majority of the professed members of the (E.M.)
34. Vocation Director shall be appointed by the Father/Mother General and appointed by the Father/Mother General and approved by the chapter. He/She will respond to all inquiries from prospective aspirants to the Ecumenical Missionaries.
35. The Superior of each house will be appointed by the Father/Mother General and Father/Mother Provincial.
36. The term of all offices shall be two years. All offices except Father/Mother General and Father/Mother Provincial is optional in the discretion of competent authority.
37. Let no one decline an office without good cause. Let officers never discharge their duties negligently, maliciously, or viciously. Let no one seek to obtain or retain an office as a matter of personal right, but let each surrender their office willingly when their time is completed.
38. All officers may succeed themselves in office for as often as they are elected or appointed to that office.
39. When necessary the (E.M.) shall admonish an erring member in formation and help to recall the member to his/her duties in the (E.M). If a member is admonished or reprimanded by a superior let the member submit in all humility. If the member persists and does not heed the admonishment or reprimand let the member be admonished or reprimanded a second and third time. If after the third time the member persists in inappropriate behavior, let the member be dismissed from the (E.M.). (Always giving the chance to meet all his accusers one on one with a superior).
40. If, for just and serious cause, a member is prevented from observing some part of the Holy Rule and this Constitution for a period of up to one month in duration, they may do so in their own judgment. They shall however, inform their superior at the earliest possible moment of their actions in this regard. Furthermore, the Father/Mother General or The Provincial or The Prior/Prioress may dispense any member from the observation of any portion of the Holy Rule and this Constitution for just and serious cause.
41. Professed members of the (E.M.) may be dismissed by the Father/Mother General if, after three admonitions to conform their conduct to that required by the Holy Rule and this Constitution. Professed members may also be dismissed if they are adjudicated or plead guilty to any civil criminal charge. Postulants and Novices may be dismissed from the (E.M.)
At any time in the sole judgment of their respective Provincial superior and local superiors.
42. If the Father/Mother Provincial of the (E.M.), unanimously determine that there is a probability that the Father/Mother General is guilty of conduct which would cause the dismissal of a professed member, as described in this Constitution, let the Father/Mother General submit in all humility. (Always giving the chance to meet all his accusers one on one with a superior present)(whenever applicable). If after three reprimands or admonitions, if he or she persists in inappropriate behavior, they shall so inform the Prelate whom has the entire oversight of the Ecumenical Missionaries. (See #30)
43. Any portion of the Holy Rule and this Constitution which is not in conformance with the rules of the church so as to be interpreted as if it were in conformance with those rules.
Chapter 5
Final Blessings
44. “To seek God at all times and in all things, this is how this Blessed Constitution began may its purpose be fulfilled in the spirit of St. Augustine of Hippo. LOVE AND DO WHAT YOU WILL-OUR HEARTS ARE RESTLESS UNTIL THEY REST IN THEE O’LORD.
45. As we are reminded by the Holy Scriptures by Matthew 28:19. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations. Our Blessing as members of the (E.M.) is our name itself ECUMENICAL which means the unification of all Religions in order to live a harmonical spiritual life, under the protection of one Almighty God. Let us therefore tell all that we are a body of Believers where we are all accepted without exclusion.
Elizabeth, New Jersey
July 22 Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene, disciple of our Lord
(Tisha B’Av Jewish Observance)

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Where do the Ecumenical Missionaries get their training and Higher Education?

All Ecumenical Missionaries are required to attend the Pope John Paul the 1st Theological Seminary.

Is a seminary the same as college?

A seminary, theological college, or divinity school is a specialized and often live-in higher education institution for the purpose of instructing students (seminarians) in philosophy, theology, spirituality and the religious life, usually in order to prepare them to become members of the clergy.

What courses are offered?

Pastoral Care, Theology, History, Catholic Philosophy and Theology, Biblical and Sacramental Instruction, Sacred Scripture, World Religion Ethics, Spirituality, Christology, Mariology, Metaphysics, Ontology, Ecclesiology, Music, Church History, World Religions, Homiletics, Social Justice, Cannon Law, , Catechetic, Psychology, Ecumenical Theology.

Is the Seminary accredited?

In the United States, accreditation is not required for seminarians to award religious degrees, a religious degree (AA, BA, MA, or PhD) is valid in the United States. Institutions offering purely religious degrees are exempt from licensing requirements in many states, subject to specific rules in each state. Our Seminary College has its own accreditation provided by The Ecumenical Federation of Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. This is directed and approved by the College of Bishops of the American Catholic Church International and Governing Board of Ecumenical Missionary Superiors, and The Board of Trustees of the Order. (See Grant Accreditation)