Passionist Terminology

ALS
The Association of Local Superiors. A Province organization for local community leaders/superiors who provide mutual support and direction in the ministry of local community leadership.
Administrator
A person in leadership at a retreat center, parish, or local community who is primarily responsible for the day-to-day operations of the facility and its people.
Alumni
A man who is/was involved in any level of initial formation in Passionist vowed life; e.g. high school, college, novitiate, graduate/theology, professed brotherhood / priesthood.
Archives
The official, organized “collection” of documents and items of historical significance to Passionist life; Holy Cross Province archives are located at its Park Ridge IL Office, located in a professionally designed and maintained archive room.
Apostolate
The labors, the “work” done for the mission of the Church, by lay, religious and priests.  Often also referred to as the ministry of the person or religious congregation.
Assembly
The annual gathering of vowed members and selected laity to celebrate and promote growth and stewardship of Passionist life, ministry, and resources.
Assessments
Includes:  Local/Provincial/Generalate.  The defined financial support of the larger structure for the needs of Passionist common life and ministry, based on agreed upon parameters.  E.g. for education, formation, health care, recruitment, administration, etc.  In “ordinary” language:  assessments = taxes.
Board of Directors
Refers to the men and women who serve on the Governing Boards of the local Passionist retreat centers.
Breviary
Generic name for the book(s) containing the official daily prayer of the Church, also refers to the prayers themselves.  (See also Divine Office / Liturgy of the Hours).
Canon Law
The body of universal and fundamental laws that govern the Catholic Church; also referred to as The Code of Canon Law.
CMSM
The Conference of Major Superiors of Men.  A collaborative U.S. organization of men’s religious communities, involving those in major leadership positions, promoting good communication and stewardship of all resources among member religious Congregations / Provinces. 
CPP
The Community of Passionist Partners.  A group of vowed and lay men and women covenanted to growth in the Passionist Charism.  CPP groups are present in various cities, often close to vowed communities, and with varying levels of member participation.  The CPP groups are unique to Holy Cross Province.
Catholic Theological Union (CTU)
A distinguished graduate school of theology for laity and religious, based in Chicago – co-founded in 1968 by the Passionists, Franciscans and Servites.  Passionist seminarians receive their graduate level formation for priesthood at CTU, and Passionist collaborators have benefited by a variety of special summer spiritual formation programs.  Passionists continue to serve on the faculty (Scripture and Systematic Theology) and have served at various times and for many years as president of CTU.
Chapter:  General
A high-level meeting of Passionist leadership from around the world, held every six years.  The Chapter of October 2018 was the 47th General Chapter.  It is considered the highest level of authority in the Congregation.
Chapter:  Local
A formal meeting of a local vowed community to conduct official business and/or spiritual growth, held as convened by the local superior, minimally an annual event for budget considerations, including review and approval.
Chapter:  Provincial
An every-four-year gathering to celebrate the life of the community, to reflect on its history and discern the direction of the Province for the coming years; includes the election of a provincial superior/leader and his council as required by Canon Law and the Passionist Constitutions and Regulations.  The June 2019 Provincial Chapter will be the 35th in the life of Holy Cross Province and will continue its special tradition of involving both laity and vowed Passionists.
Charism
A special spirit and/or way of life, inspired by God through the life of the Founder…a special “gift” for the benefit and growth of the Church.  The Passionist Charism flows from the life of our Founder, St. Paul of the Cross, and focuses on the Passion of Jesus as the “greatest and most overwhelming experience of God’s love.”
Cleric
Those members of the Church who are ordained, part of the ecclesiastical hierarchy.  The Congregation is composed of clerics and brothers.
Cloister
The part of a monastery reserved only for the vowed monks/nuns who live there.  Generally, cloister applies to larger, more traditionally focused communities of monks and nuns residing in larger physical structures.
Configuration
A world-wide organizational grouping of various Provinces and regions, enabling enhanced collaboration regarding personnel, finances, and formation programs.  Holy Cross Province is part of the Configuration of Jesus Crucified.
Congregation, The
A generic name referring to the international Passionist Community of religious priests and brothers, with General headquarters in Rome, Italy.  Vowed members identify themselves as Passionists by the “C.P.” after their name…”Congregation of the Passion”.
Consecrated Life
A state of life recognized by the Catholic Church and characterized by the public profession of the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.  Since the 2nd Vatican Council consecrated life has grown to include religious life, secular institutes, hermits, and consecrated virgins.
Constitutions, The
The official “rule” of the Congregation, approved in 1984 by the Vatican Congregation for Religious, in light of the renewal directed by the 2nd Vatican Council.  It includes 178 “sections”, focusing on the Congregation and its history, inspiration, motivation, general structures.  Often referred to as The Rule.  (See also Passionist Constitutions)
Consultor
The individual member of the Council / Curia who serves the Provincial or General Superior in leadership; Holy Cross Province has four consultors to the Provincial.
Council; Curia
The elected leadership team for a Province or the entire Congregation, consisting of the Major Superior (General or Provincial) and a specified number of consultors.
Cleric
Those members of the Church who are ordained, part of the ecclesiastical hierarchy.  The Congregation is composed of clerics and brothers.
Cloister
The part of a monastery reserved only for the vowed monks/nuns who live there.  Generally, cloister applies to larger, more traditionally focused communities of monks and nuns residing in larger physical structures.
Configuration
A world-wide organizational grouping of various Provinces and regions, enabling enhanced collaboration regarding personnel, finances, and formation programs.  Holy Cross Province is part of the Configuration of Jesus Crucified.
Congregation, The
A generic name referring to the international Passionist Community of religious priests and brothers, with General headquarters in Rome, Italy.  Vowed members identify themselves as Passionists by the “C.P.” after their name…”Congregation of the Passion”.
Consecrated Life
A state of life recognized by the Catholic Church and characterized by the public profession of the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.  Since the 2nd Vatican Council consecrated life has grown to include religious life, secular institutes, hermits, and consecrated virgins.
Constitutions, The
The official “rule” of the Congregation, approved in 1984 by the Vatican Congregation for Religious, in light of the renewal directed by the 2nd Vatican Council.  It includes 178 “sections”, focusing on the Congregation and its history, inspiration, motivation, general structures.  Often referred to as The Rule.  (See also Passionist Constitutions)
Consultor
The individual member of the Council / Curia who serves the Provincial or General Superior in leadership; Holy Cross Province has four consultors to the Provincial.
Council; Curia
The elected leadership team for a Province or the entire Congregation, consisting of the Major Superior (General or Provincial) and a specified number of consultors.
Council Liaison
A member of the Provincial / General Council who interacts on behalf of the Provincial / General Council with various Province / Congregational organizations or groups (e.g. the liaison for formation, JPIC, vocations, retreat centers, local superiors, etc.).
Development Office
A group of professionals – vowed and lay – who seek to promote Passionist life and ministry by various programs for spiritual support, public relations, fundraising, and donor relations.  Based at the Provincial Offices in Park Ridge, IL.
Discerner; Discernment
A person considering a religious vocation, meeting regularly with a vocation director to mutually discern how to best respond to God’s call to holiness.  Discernment refers to the process of praying, listening, deciding, and freely responding to God’s call to holiness and sacred service…leading for some to marriage, others to the single life, consecrated life, or ordination.
Divine Office / Liturgy of the Hours
The daily official, public liturgical prayer of the Church, which those ordained and most religious are committed to pray daily; many communities pray some parts of the prayer together – generally Morning and Evening Prayer.  Each “office” is composed of a collection of psalms, hymns, scripture readings, intercessions, and prayer – based on the liturgical season of the Church year.  There are seven distinct “hours” / times for prayer.  The Liturgy of the Hours is available in a four-volume edition, and a shortened / compact edition called “Christian Prayer” – which is used in the community praying of the Divine Office in Holy Cross Province.
Econome
The vowed Passionist who oversees the finances of a local community.  Often, this person is also the local assistant superior.
Enactments:  Provincial Chapter
A formally approved collection of the decisions and directives of a specific Provincial Chapter which later are then collected and integrated with the enactments of prior Provincial Chapters.  Final approval rests with the Superior General and Council.
Evangelical Counsels
A classic term for the religious vows of poverty,
chastity, and obedience.   (See Vow.)
Faculties
Permission given by an Ordinary (the main [arch]Bishop of a diocese) to an ordained person (priest or deacon) to minister the Sacraments and/or preach in the particular diocese.
Finance Office  
A team of professionals who assist the Provincial and Council in stewardship of Province assets; includes the Province Treasurer, the Province Investment Officer, the Province Director of Finance, the Province Controller, and the Province Finance Manager – and includes outside resources for financial audits and investment management.
Formation: initial
The beginning stages of vocational commitment, growth and discernment; includes personal, intellectual and spiritual programs for those men in residence, novitiate, temporary profession of vows, and final profession up to priestly ordination; a qualified senior vowed Passionist is assigned as Novice Master, and another as Director of initial formation.
Formation:  ongoing
The lifelong process of vocational growth of every religious, involving the ongoing integration of education, spirituality and life experience.
Founder of the Passionists
St. Paul of the Cross.
Generalate, The
The worldwide headquarters of the Passionists, Sts. John and Paul in Rome, Italy.
Governance
Consists of written laws and procedures that embody the values of the religious community, the collective governance through chapters and councils, and individual leadership by provincials, local community leaders, ministry leaders.
Governing Boards
In each of the Province retreat centers:  a group of qualified individuals who serve the Board of Trustees in administering the retreat center in its operations / administration, finance, and fulfillment of its mission.
Habit
A simple, black, floor length garment distinctive to Passionists, a sign of their consecration; the Sign is worn on the left chest, and a leather belt is worn around the waist, oftentimes with a ten-decade rosary worn on the left side (representing the Sorrowful & Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary).  Currently generally worn for times of prayer and ministry, the habit’s use is regulated by norms decided by the Provincial Chapter, in accord with local circumstances and customs.  Some cultures / tropical climates have designed and use a white cloth habit.
Holy Cross Province
A specific “region” of the world-wide Passionist Congregation.  Established in 1906, Holy Cross Province includes the states of Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama and states west to the Pacific Ocean. 
Horarium
The daily schedule of a local religious community, including its times for prayer, meals, recreation, meetings, etc.
JPIC
Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation.  A group of vowed and lay members who help raise the level of awareness regarding social issues to the vowed and lay members of the Passionists of Holy Cross Province.  Now known as the Passionist Solidarity Network.
Jubilee
For vowed religious like Passionist priests and brothers, a jubilee is the celebration of a significant anniversary of their vowed life, generally, 25 / 50 / 60 / 75 years. It marks a milestone in their lifelong commitment to God through vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, along with the fourth vow of Passionists to keep alive the memory of the Passion of Jesus.
Laity
All members of the Church who are not ordained are considered laity.  Technically, even non-ordained members of religious congregations are considered laity.
Leadership Team
Includes the Provincial and Council; local superiors; retreat center directors and administrators, chairpersons of the retreat center governing boards; directors of Province organizations (e.g., Vocations, Finance, O.M.E.).  The group meets annually.
Liturgy
The public worship of the Church, including the Eucharist, the Liturgy of the Hours, the celebration of the Sacraments.  The word means “work of the people”.
Liturgy of the Hours
(See Divine Office.)
Local Community
A vowed residence:  Currently, Holy Cross Province has local communities in Detroit, Louisville, Birmingham, Chicago, Houston, Sierra Madre CA, Citrus Heights CA.  Each varies in # of members, led by local superior/leader; many are separately civilly incorporated; a place / experience of prayer, common life, ministry.
M.Div. Master of Divinity. 
A master’s level academic degree, with an emphasis on pastoral ministry.  Generally required for priestly ordination as a Passionist.
Major Superior
The elected / appointed leader who is entrusted with the ultimate authority in a religious institute, or one of its provinces.  Terms of office vary.  Passionists have major superiors who serve as General Superior or Provincial Superior.
Mantle
Originally part of the Passionist habit, consisting of a large. ¾ length heavy “cape” with the Passionist Sign pinned near the front neck of the garment.  It was worn over the habit itself, providing both warmth and a sign of the vowed member’s consecration.
Memoria Passionis
The memory of the Passion.
Mission
A) The purpose for which the community exists within the Church, inspired by an expressed in its founding charism. B) The popular name for a pastoral outreach.  See also Parish Mission.
Mission Appeals
A public relations / financial support program, usually conducted at weekend Masses at local parishes by invitation of diocesan authorities, providing information and encouragement to prayerfully and financially support the foreign and domestic missions of the Passionist Congregation.
Mission Statement
The formal, concise statement of purpose adopted by the Provincial Chapter of June 2007 after much input and discussion; the statement begins “We Passionists proclaim God’s love for the world revealed through the Passion of Jesus Christ.”
Monastery
Classic name for most local religious community locations.  Technically a residence for monks, and involving a cloister.  St. Paul of the Cross preferred the term ‘retreat’ rather than ‘monastery’ for Passionist community locations.
Novice; Novitiate
A man / woman in the 2nd formal stage of becoming a consecrated religious, usually in a formal program lasting one to two years; directed by a Novice Master/Mistress. The Novitiate refers to both the location where the novice lives, and the defined / focused formation program he/she is undertaking to be admitted to religious vows.
Orders
Communities of men or women who share life in common; often referred to as Congregations.
Ordinary, Local
Term generally used for the Primary (arch)Bishop of a (arch)diocese; can also apply to an abbot of a religious abbey.
Parish Mission
A planned spiritual program of preaching, prayer and pastoral activities, generally beginning at a parish’s weekend Masses and continuing usually for three or four days, seeking a renewal of life for the participants and growth for the parish as a whole; an enduring traditional ministry of Passionists worldwide.
Parishes
The Passionists of Holy Cross Province currently serve in corporate-sponsored parishes in Louisville (St. Agnes), Holy Family, St. Mary, St. Joseph (Birmingham); Holy Cross Province also currently provides regular pastoral service at parishes in Chicago IL and Nashville TN, and occasional pastoral service to a variety of parishes near the local communities.
Passionist Alumni Association
A group of men who have been involved in the initial formation program of the Passionists which focused on possible vowed / ordained ministry.  Included are both vowed religious and men who have left the community/formation and pursued other vocations.  They celebrate the comradery of that shared Passionist charism and community experience and are enriched by the diversity of their lives as they have unfolded since — through interactive opportunities, shared family experiences, and renewed relationships with the men and women of Holy Cross Province.  The group is served by a leadership “Circle of Service” / “Alumni Council”.  (See also “alumni”).
Passionist Constitutions
The officially recognized rule of life and expression of the Passionist Charism for vowed Passionist men, specifying the fundamental principles and guidelines for the life of the community, its spirituality, and its mission; its latest updating was approved in 1984; also popularly called “The Rule”.
Passionist Earth & Spirit Center
A timely and popular ministry in Louisville KY adjoining Sacred Heart Retreat, promoting spirituality, justice, wellness, respect for creation.  The PESC is separately incorporated, not sponsored by the Passionists, with its own Governing Board.  It presents a variety of popular growth / enrichment programs on site, off site, and on-line. 
Passionist Motto
“May the Passion of Jesus Christ be always in our hearts.”
Passionist Nuns
The world-wide group of cloistered, contemplative religious women founded by St. Paul of the Cross.  In the geographic region of Holy Cross Province, there are convents (also called monasteries) in Erlanger KY, Whitesville KY, and Ellisville MO.  Their new (2018) Official Title: “The Monastic Congregation of the Nuns of the Passion of Jesus Christ”.
Passionist Regulations
The officially recognized details, directives and procedures of life and ministry for vowed Passionist men; latest updating was approved in 1984.
Passionist Sisters
Religious women following the Passionist Charism in their community life and active ministries.  Passionist Sisters in the U.S. include the Passionist Sisters from Mexico (Lansing MI, Carpentersville IL, Lincoln NE), the Sisters of Jesus Crucified (Brockton MA), the Sisters of the Cross and Passion (North Kingstown RI).
Passionist Solidarity Network
Title recently adopted by the Passionist JPIC commission.  (See JPIC, above.)
Patrimony
The “inheritance” received by a vowed religious from his immediate family; it is held in trust for the religious and is distributed upon his death as per his religious will.
Patroness/Patrons
Congregation’s Patroness:  Mary, Lady of Sorrows; Co-Patrons:  St. Joseph and St. Michael the Archangel
Paul of the Cross
Founder of the Passionists (1694-1774); Italian; Preacher, Spiritual Director, Mystic, Saint.  Also known by his family name of Paul Daneo.
Postulant
A candidate formally seeking admission to a religious order.
Postulator General
The person who deals with appropriate religious offices / authorities for the involved process of possible beatification (being declared “blessed” by God) and canonization (being officially declared a saint by the universal Church) of vowed members of the Congregation whose holiness appears to have been exemplary.
Praesidium, Inc.
A professional company that works with the Passionists of Holy Cross Province and other religious orders to comply with the “Instruments of Hope and Healing” standards for the protection of children and vulnerable adults.  It monitors related Province programs and procedures as a professional resource, and upon Province completion of a successful audit does provide official accreditation of compliance with the Standards.  To date, Holy Cross Province is fully accredited by Praesidium.
Priest:  Religious
A vowed Passionist who has been ordained as a priest with the Sacrament of Holy Orders.  He is part of the Province, generally lives in a local community, and is subject to the Provincial Superior.  As opposed to “Diocesan Priest” who is ordained to serve a particular diocese and is subject to its Ordinary / Bishop; diocesan priests generally do not profess a religious vow of poverty.
Procurator General
A vowed Passionist who deals with the Vatican regarding the aspects of the structure, organization, administration, etc. of the Congregation that require Vatican approval (e.g., Constitutions, management of property, etc.).
Professed Student
A vowed Passionist in studies for priestly ordination or initial formation for religious brotherhood; he first professes temporary vows (minimum of 3 or more years), then after suitable discernment and formation makes a perpetual / lifetime profession.  He is then eligible for priestly ordination or full assignment as a religious brother.
Profession
A religious rite in which a person formally enters a religious community by making public vows — most commonly poverty, chastity, and obedience.  Profession follows a formation program of discernment, education, and spiritual development.  Typically, a person makes a temporary profession which totals three to nine years before a “final” / perpetual / lifetime profession.  (See also “vows”).
Profession Cross
The distinctive crucifix (about 15” tall) given to each newly professed Passionist, to be used for their personal meditation and as appropriate in their ministries.
Province
A regional group of local Passionist religious communities, recognized by the Passionist Generalate.  Provinces are led by a provincial and council.  Holy Cross Province generally includes the area including and west of the states of Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama – to the Pacific Ocean.  There are some 20 provinces worldwide in the Passionist Congregation.
Provincial
The major superior of the communities of a religious order within a Province.
Provincial Council
The elected leadership group of a Province, consisting of a Provincial and consultors, elected at a regular Provincial Chapter; Holy Cross Province has a Provincial and 4 consultors who serve a four year term of office, renewable consecutively one time.
Regulations, General
The specific norms and directives for the Congregation, as defined in 1984 and approved by the Vatican Congregation for Religious.  In its 123 “sections” it includes the more practical details of Passionist life, ministry, and governance.  (See also Passionist Regulations)
Religious Institute
One of two types of consecrated life recognized by the Catholic Church (the other is Secular Institute).  Members of religious institutes, both men’s and women’s institutes, publicly profess vows and live a life in common…in community under a common rule.  Each religious institute, formerly called an Order or Congregation, is founded for a specific mission and is involved in life and ministries based on its charism.
Resident; residency
A vocational candidate living in a local community as he continues the early discernment of his vocation.  A residency program is generally 12 months or longer.
Retirement
A common concept not included in formal documents for vowed Passionists; vowed Passionist men of Holy Cross Province do not “retire” but by policy become “senior religious” at age 70, with defined rights and responsibilities.
Retreat
* A name given to Passionist local communities by St. Paul of the Cross. * Also refers to our ministry sites commonly known as retreat centers. * Popularly refers to an extended period of spiritual growth, experienced alone or in a group, usually with the guidance of a spiritual director / team.
Retreat Center
A specially designed location for spiritual renewal programs.  Holy Cross Province currently has four retreat centers.
Rule:  Inspirational
The Rule as presented by St. Paul of the Cross to Pope Pius VI in 1775…helping fully understand the current Rule and Constitutions.  The title of the 1775 Rule:  “The Rule of the Discalced Clerics of the Most Holy Cross and Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Sacred Eloquence
In earlier years, a designation for that year of initial formation post-ordination in which a newly-ordained priest was given special training on sermon preparation and presentation.
Safety Plan
A formal document for those religious members who have been credibly accused of sexual misconduct, specifying the various dimensions of their life to help prevent further misconduct and promote personal growth.  The plan is regularly reviewed by the member, his supervisor, the Provincial, and the Province Review Board – to assure continued growth and compliance.
Saints / Blesseds, Passionist
The Passionist Congregation has been blessed over the years with many “saints” and “blesseds”.  They include:    *Saints Paul of the Cross, Gabriel Possenti, Vincent Strambi, Charles Houben, Gemma Galgani, Maria Goretti, Inocencio Canoura Arnau…and   *Blesseds Lorenzo Maria Salvi, Niceforo Tejerino, Dominic Barberi, Isidore DeLoor, Pius Campidelli, Eugene Bossilkov, Grimoaldo Santamaria, Bernard Mary Silvestrelli   There are a group of other members in various stages of formal recognition of their holiness. 
Second Vatican Council
Also known as “Vatican II”.  A special ecumenical council of the Catholic Church held in Rome from October 1962 to December 1965.  Its dialogues and documents have helped the Church to credibly witness to Catholic faith in the Modern World.  The Council promoted a variety of reforms and encouragement of ecumenism, based in the treasures of a renewed appreciation of the Scriptures and a revived appreciation of our Catholic Tradition.
Spirit Document
“The Spirit of Passionist Retreat Centers”.  Written in 2003 by members of the PRCB under the direction of Fr. Jim Thoman, CP, this 50+ page document seeks to share the vistas of spirituality and charism that help shape and inspire Passionist retreat center ministry.  Many see this document as a simple, engaging resource for an introduction to Passionist life and ministry.
Suffrages
Prayer and celebrations of the Eucharist offered for a deceased vowed Passionist, family member, or benefactor.
Superior:  General
The Leader of the worldwide Passionist Congregation elected at a General Chapter for a six year term of office.  The ultimate individual authority in the Congregation. 
Superior:  Local
Leader of a local Passionist Community, usually elected by the local community and always confirmed by the Provincial Superior and Council, serving for a term of 4 years, renewable one time in succession.
Superior:  Provincial
The Leader of a Passionist Province elected at a Provincial Chapter.  Holy Cross Province elects a Provincial Superior for a 4 year term of office, renewable one time in succession; he serves with the help of a Provincial Council; he is the legal representative for the members and ministries of the Province, and is the ultimate personal authority for matters relating to the life of the Province and its members.
The Sign
The “image” worn by Passionists on their habits over their hearts, used on other clothing and in formal public relations; presented to St. Paul of the Cross early in his life as he sought to found the Congregation; a heart with a cross above, with the words in Latin, Hebrew and Greek “The Passion of Jesus Christ”.  Popularly considered as the Passionists’ “corporate logo”.
USCCB
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.  A formal grouping of United States bishops to foster collaboration among themselves, and to build up the life of the Church.  The group meets twice each year, and occasionally publishes statements for the good of the members of the U.S. Church.
Vatican II
(See “Second Vatican Council”, above.)
Vicar
The assistant local superior of a Passionist community.
Visitation
An official visit to a local community and its members by the Provincial (annual) or General Superior or his delegate (before a Provincial Chapter) to leisurely meet with the members and discern the community’s strengths and areas of needed growth; reports of the visitations are shared with the appropriate leadership person or group.
Vocation
Flowing from a person’s Baptism, a “God-given” particular style of personal life, to be prayerfully discerned by the person…leading to growth and new life in both faith and love of God and neighbor, benefitting both the person themselves and the Church in general.   Classic “vocations”:  married, single, priestly/religious.
Vocation Ministry Plan
A formal statement of the 7 Steps Holy Cross Province espouses to “identify, invite and discern with those who are called to live and minister as vowed Passionists.” 
Vows:  Temporary; Final; 1st Vow
Public promises freely made to God.  A Passionist religious professes vows of    *poverty…commitment to detachment from and propose use of material goods;    *chastity…transforming human love into a free, full, and lifetime love of God    *obedience…putting one’s free will at the full service of God’s love    *a 4th vow (often referred to as the 1st Vow) to promote the memory of the Passion of Jesus in the hearts of the faithful. Temporary refers to the first 3+ years of initial formation; Final refers to a lifetime commitment