XII. THE SERVICE OF AUTHORITY IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
C 177
170. The manner of making the consultation for the appointment of the rector will be determined by the provincial with the consent of his council and in the light of any indications made by the provincial chapter. When a rector is confirmed for a second three-year term of office in the same community, the approval of the Rector Major referred to in article 177 of the Constitutions is not required.
171. The period of service of the rector shall not normally exceed six years without an interruption of at least one year.
C 177
Even during his three-year term he may be appointed to some other office if the provincial, with the consent of his council, deems it necessary.
172. The rector should keep himself free from commitments which could interfere with his fundamental duties of service to the confreres. He should not absent himself from the house for any notable length of time without necessity and without an understanding with the provincial.
173. He must see that the confreres practise co-responsibility and collaboration in the family spirit desired by Don Bosco. He should respect areas of responsibility, fostering in an atmosphere of healthy freedom the employment of natural gifts and personal talents for attaining the common end.
He must ensure that the assembly of the confreres and the council of the community function in the most effective way.
He should encourage meetings and events which contribute to brotherhood, updating and relaxation.
174. He should programme with the community the best way of carrying out and periodically reviewing the community expression of its prayer life, allowing scope for opportune initiative.
C 176
He should ensure that the confreres have opportunities for frequent confession and freedom as regards direction of conscience.
175. Basing himself on Salesian sources and by means of common spiritual direction, conferences, good-nights and informal meetings, he should take care that the community becomes deeply imbued with our spirit, and lives it in an intense way.
In addition he will see to it that official documents of the Church and the Congregation are brought to the knowledge of all the confreres.
176. He should show, especially in his personal relationships with the confreres, his concern for their health and particular needs. He should show special care for the confreres still in the period of initial formation, for the sick and the aged and for those who are in difficulty.
He should take an interest also in the parents of confreres, and consider them as united to the community in a special way.
C 176
177. On the death of a confrere the rector is to write his obituary letter without delay. He shall send copies to the general secretariate, to the provinces and communities particularly interested, and to formation communities.
C 176
178. He should keep the archives in order and up to date, and compile or see to the compiling of the house chronicle.
C 176
179. Conscious of the fact that he belongs to the provincial community, he should give to the provincial a clear and simple account of how the community is progressing.
180. The local council will meet as often as the council itself determines, but at least once a month. In addition it must be called together whenever the rector considers it necessary or whenever he is asked to do so by at least one third of its members.
The agenda to be dealt with should be made known in advance, and the minutes are to be signed by the rector and by the members of the council and kept in the archives.
The rector should keep the confreres duly informed about decisions of common interest.
The members of the council must remember their solidarity as regards decisions taken, and that in any case they are obliged in conscience to have respect for persons and to be discreet regarding matters discussed.
C 182
181. Where there is no local council, the rector must consult the provincial in those cases in which the Constitutions call for the opinion or consent of the said council.
182. It is customary for the vice-rector to be responsible for one of the principal sectors of the educative and pastoral activity of the community. Ordinarily however the office of vice-rector should not be combined with that of economer.
C 183
The community should be informed of the special duties of the vice-rector referred to in article 183 of the Constitutions.
183. The appointment of the vice-rector, the economer and those responsible for the principal sectors of the activity of the community is made by the provincial. In the case of the appointment of the vice-rector and the economer he shall first hear the opinion of the rector.
184.
With regard to the community the principal tasks and duties of the assembly of the confreres are:1. to seek appropriate means of fostering religious and apostolic life;
2. to identify and examine the more important problems;
3. to draw up a programme each year covering the life, activities and updating of the community, and to review this programme;
4. to participate in the elaboration of the educative and pastoral plan;
5. to be informed and reflect on the financial situation, in view also of community poverty.
C 186
The frequency of meetings is decided by the assembly itself, but they shall take place at least three times a year.