Diocese
of Raleigh
Council of Women Religious Constitution
The Council of Religious is a collegial body of women religious serving in the Diocese of Raleigh, NC who commit themselves to work with and for the women religious of the diocese.
The Council is committed to:
Provide counsel to the Bishop.
Represent the body of religious to the Bishop.
Communicate with the women religious in the diocese regarding information that is relevant and appropriate to them.
Promote religious vocations to Women’s Congregations.
Serve on diocesan committees as requested.
By-Laws
Article I: Membership
Representation
The twelve members of the Council of Women Religious will be elected by the entire body of sisters in the Diocese of Raleigh The election process will take place between January and March. The two year term of office will begin in July and will be renewable up to six years.
Ex-Officio Members – Chancellor of the Diocese
Two Delegates for Religious
Article II: Organization
Meeting of the Council will be held quarterly.
A quorum is needed for any major decisions.
Communication among and with the women religious in the diocese shall be by e-mail.
Article III: Officers of the Council of Women Religious
A. Members
1. Chairperson – Elected by the Council members for a term of two years
with the possibility of one renewable term.
2. Vice Chairperson - Elected by the Council for a term of two years
with the possibility of one renewable term.
3. Secretary – Appointed by the Chairperson. No term limits.
4. Treasurer- Appointed by the Chairperson. No term limits
5. Website Maintenance Liaison– Volunteer membership.
Article IV Duties of the Officers
A. Chairperson
1. Be the Council liaison to the Bishop and the Chancellor.
2. Represent the women religious of the Diocese and their concerns.
3. Represent the Council of Women Religious at designated meetings.
and events.
4. Convene meetings and prepare agenda.
5. Maintain communication with women religious in the diocese.
6. Provide leadership in visioning and goal setting for the Council
B. Vice Chairperson
1. Conduct meetings in the absence of the Chairperson.
2. Assume those duties designated by the Chairperson.
3. Collaborate with the Chair in promoting the vision of the Council.
C. Secretary
1. Take minutes at meetings.
2. Distribute minutes to the religious and other appropriate persons.
3. Maintain accurate data regarding the directory of sisters.
4. Send appropriate correspondence to members and other designated
persons and organizations.
D. Treasurer
Maintain a list of all monetary transactions made by the Council.
Report on expenses and budget balance to the Council.
Maintain an on-going relationship with the diocesan finance office.
Submit vouchers for reimbursement
Website Liaison
Maintain a relationship with our webmaster Chuck Hilliard at Fawn Vendors
Maintain a relationship with our Diocesan webmaster
Update our webmaster on any changes, deletions, or additions needed on the website
Submit billing for payment each quarter
Maintain an accurate email list for Council use and at the Diocese
At end of year, update any changes of Sisters coming to or leaving the diocese on the website and at the Diocese
Keep events page updated and accurate
Collect materials for use on website from Appreciation Day, Jubilee, etc.
Article V Standing Committees of the Council
A. Events Committee
1. Coordinate the annual Jubilee celebration.
2. Assist with the Bishop’s annual Appreciation Day for Women
Religious.
3. Coordinate all other public and private events/celebrations.
Community Relations
1. Promote vocations to the Consecrated Life of Women Religious.
2. Coordinate all publicity regarding Women Religious in the Diocese.
3. Maintain a regular communication with the "NC Catholic".
C. Continuing Education and Formation
1. Provide current spiritual and educational information to the sisters.
2. Circulate information on behalf of charity and justice and initiate
appropriate actions as need.
Election Committee
1. Design an election process.
2. Conduct the election process.
3. Oversee the election of the Council Chair and Vice-Chair.
Article VI Functions of the Council of Women Religious
Communications: The Council will:
1. Listen to the ideas, hopes, and concerns of the Sisters, which if warranted, would be directed to the appropriate diocesan entity.
2. Communicate the activities of the Council to the Sisters of the Diocese.
3. Develop and maintain lines of communication with the Bishop, and with the Priests’ Council.
4. Coordinate and publicize opportunities for spiritual and professional development of interest to the Sisters.
Meetings: The Council will:
5. Be responsible for the organization of meetings and activities of the Council.
6. Assist with regional/deanery gatherings of the Sisters.
7. Organize the annual meeting of the Sisters.
Diocesan Issues and Policies: The Council will:
8. Surface and channel issues to the Bishop and appropriate diocesan entities.
9. Receive and address issues initiated by the Bishop or other collegial bodies of the Diocese.
Article VII Financial Support
The Diocese of Raleigh provides financial support to the Council
of Women Religious.
The Council will endeavor to augment this support as the need arises.
Article VIII. Amendments
To amend the Constitution requires a 2/3 majority vote of all the Sisters in the Diocese.
To amend the By-laws requires a simple majority of the Council.
Revised January 15, 2009