Over the last twenty-five years, most religious communities of men in the United States developed very significant protocols and formation in the safeguarding of minors. There continues to be more work to do. Today, though, there are additional areas of safeguarding ministry that require more significant policies, procedures, and formation.

What projects and plans are you making or implementing? Simply maintaining is never really maintaining. It looks like the status quo but often is really masked decline. Making and implementing plans does not mean envisioning things that are unrealistic. Religious life, while dwelling in ideals, is often realistic and practical.

“I trust that these days of reflection, dialogue and prayer will allow you to discern ways to deepen the fraternal communion both within and among your Institutes, and in this way enable you to continue offering a united, joyful and authentic witness to Christ in the various communities and apostolates