Association of Benedictine Retreat Centers
Organizational Structure and Guidelines
Article I: Purpose
The Association of Benedictine Retreat Centers fosters the Benedictine charism in the ministry of retreat work and sponsors a biennial conference. This association is organized exclusively for the purpose of furthering the mission of Benedictine retreat centers. This organization provides resource networking, support, ongoing formation, education and other appropriate means to support this ministry.
Article II: Membership
Section 1. Membership Qualifications
A monastic retreat center shall become a member of the association by paying the yearly membership dues.
Section 2. Classes and Voting
There shall be one class of membership in this association. Each individual representing a member center in attendance at the biennial conference shall be entitled to vote on all matters presented at the business meeting.
Section 3. Meetings
Meetings shall be conducted in the following manner:
- A biennial conference of the full membership
- A business meeting during the biennial conference to consider the following agenda items:
- Approval of Leadership Team members
- Financial report
- Site for the next biennial conference
- Other business
- A meeting of the Leadership Team is convened during the year following the conference to plan the next biennial conference.
Section 4. Leadership Team.
The Leadership Team shall be composed of:
- An Executive Director is appointed by the Leadership Team. The Team will review the appointment biennially.
- A staff member of the host center for the next biennial conference who will serve for two years
- Three to five members selected by the LeadershipTeam and approved by the membership who will serve four-year terms for not more than eight consecutive years.
- The process for selection and qualifications of Leadership Team members is as follows:
- Member centers shall have an opportunity to suggest names prior to the biennial conference.
- Qualifications include being on staff at an ABRC member center, active involvement in ABRC, and willingness to serve according to norms of the organization.
- The Leadership Team will prepare a list of names of those who have consented to serve if approved.
- A majority vote of members attending the biennial conference shall be required for approval
