STRUCTURE OF THE CONFRATERNITY OF PENITENTS

As an international family within the Catholic Church, the Confraternity of Penitents acknowledges that God, through the Pope and the Magisterium, is the ultimate Authority regarding the Confraternity of Penitents. Subject to the Bishop of the Diocese of Providence, the Visitor has final approval over the internal operation of the Confraternity.

In addition, various Officers and advisors as well as Members and others, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, complete the structure of the CFP within the Church.

DETAILED STRUCTURE OF THE CONFRATERNITY OF PENITENTS

Visitor (Priest appointed or approved by Bishop of the Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island USA. No term of office)
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Minister General (The Founder whom the Holy Spirit used to bring about the Confraternity, will occupy this position for life or until unable to serve. Thereafter, the Minister General will be elected by Life Pledged Members from their number. Elected term of office: 6 consecutive one year term., Chair of CFP Board of Directors)
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CFP Officers: CFP Ministerial Assistant, CFP Treasurer, CFP Messenger (Pledged Members elected by Pledged Members unless there is an insufficient number of capable Pledged Members willing to serve. Act as consultants to the Minister General. Term of office: 1 year. Members of CFP Board of Directors)
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Three to Seven Additional Board Members (CFP Members and/or others appointed by Minister General Act as consultants to Minister General. Term of office: 1 year)
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Lay and Spiritual Advisors (Appointed by Visitor, and/or Minister General to act as consultants to the Confraternity. No term of office.)

Regional Spiritual Advisors (Roman Catholic Priests, Deacons, or Religious chosen by Regional Ministers to act as consultant in Church matters. No term of office)
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Regional Ministers (Appointed by Minister General: Term of office: 1 year)
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Assistant Regional Ministers, Regional Treasurers, Regional Messengers (Appointed by Regional Minister: Term of office: 1 year)
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Chapter and Circle Spiritual Assistants (Roman Catholic Priests, Deacons, Religious. No term of office)
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Chapter and Circle Officers: Minister, Assistant Minister, Messenger, Treasurer  (Elected within Chapter and Circle: Term of office: 1 year)
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Formators (Appointed by Minister General, Regional Minister, and/or Chapter/Circle Minister: Work with Members and Associates in formation. Maximum number of Members and Associates per Formator: five. Term: Until Member pledges.)
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Members (Minimum of 4 years in formation, then pledge for life or a year. May vow for life with permission of Spiritual Director.)
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Associates (Do formation but cannot pledge, vote, hold office, or become Formators)
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Affiliates (Clergy, Religious, Laity who pray for and support the CFP)
 

With the advice of the Officers and Advisors, the Minister General shall make the final decisions on all matters involving the Confraternity of Penitents.  These are subject to the Visitor for approval.

The Minister General must have the consent of the Officers and Advisors of the CFP to implement a decision in the following areas only: 

the dissolution of major assets

change to the CFP Vision and/or Charism

change to the CFP Rule* and Constitutions

change to the CFP Governance and Structure

change to the CFP Formation Program

* The Rule of the Confraternity of Penitents is the Rule of 1221. As such, it is a historical document and cannot be changed.  However, the Rule and Constitutions complement each other.  Since the Constitutions detail how the Rule is to be lived today, they are subject to modification.

Please pray for each individual in the above chart. We all need your prayers.

May God bless you!

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