PROPOSAL AMENDMENTS OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL AND BY-LAWS FOR ORGANIZATION OF LOCAL CHAPTERS

 ORGANIZATION OF LOCAL CHAPTERS

 

 

SECTION 1. The local chapters of the Catholic Church in the Philippines are organized based on the ecclesiastical jurisdiction territories. There are three types of chapters: (1) Diocesan Chapters, (2) Territorial Prelature Chapters, and (3) Apostolic Vicarial Chapters. In the missionary territories of the territorial prelates and apostolic vicariates, the structure may differ from the Diocesan Chapter based on cultural, traditional, and other purposes related to their territorial status.

 

SECTION 2. No missionary territories should become a Diocesan Chapter unless they are elevated to a Diocese by the Holy See.

 

SECTION 3. Local chapters have the right to create their constitution and by-laws. However, these must align with the mission and objectives of the organization as outlined in the new amendment of the National Office's Constitution and By-Laws. Local chapters are free to structure themselves based on their specific needs and preferences while ensuring efficient and effective governance.

 

SECTION 4. Local chapters are responsible for overseeing all parochial chapters within their ecclesiastical jurisdiction, including in their dioceses, apostolic vicariates, and territorial prelatures. Missionary stations must establish a satellite office within the local chapters. A missionary station cannot become a parochial chapter within local jurisdiction unless it has been authorized by the episcopal authority to be converted into a parish.

 

SECTION 5. In missionary territories under the jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, a parliamentary system, either a Prelate or Apostolic Vicarial Parliamentary Council or Assembly, will be established. The Executive Minister will serve as the head of the organization's governing body, with the Prelate and Apostolic Vicariate President being elected directly by the members of their local prelates and apostolic vicariates. In other missionary territories and diocesan chapters, the organizational structure will include a Board of Stewards elected by the members of local chapters.

 

Section 6: The Board of Governors, in collaboration with individuals providing recommendations or suggestions, is responsible for revising or creating new policies tailored to specific territories within their respective ecclesiastical jurisdictions. These policies will apply to the establishment of ecclesiastical jurisdiction chapters, including dioceses, apostolic vicariates, prefectures, abbeys, or prelatures, and will uphold principles of just governance within their jurisdictional boundaries and other purposes, ensuring alignment with ecclesiastical standards and organizational objectives.