10. Members

Becoming a member of Christian Life Community® presupposes a personal vocation. During a period of time determined in the General Norms, the candidate is introduced into the way of life proper to CLC. This time is allotted for the candidate and the wider Community to discern the candidate's vocation. Once the decision has been taken, and approved by the wider Community, the member assumes a temporary commitment and, with the help of the Community, tests his/her aptitude for living according to the end and spirit of CLC. After a suitable period of time, determined by the General Norms, permanent commitment follows.

As a primary means of formation and continuing growth, members come together on a regular basis in a stable local community, to assure a deep sharing of their faith and human life, a true community atmosphere and a strong commitment to mission and service.

1. The way of life of Christian Life Community® commits its members, with the help of the community, to strive for a continuing personal and social growth which is spiritual, human and apostolic. In practice this involves participation in the Eucharist whenever possible; an active sacramental life; daily practice of personal prayer, especially that based on Sacred Scripture; discernment by means of daily review of one's life and, if possible, regular spiritual direction; an annual interior renewal in accordance with the sources of our spirituality; and a love for the Mother of God.
2. Since the Christian Life Community® aims to work with Christ for the advancement of God's reign, all individual members are called to an active participation in the vast field of apostolic service. Apostolic discernment, both individual and communal, is the ordinary way of discovering how best to bring Christ's presence, concretely, to our world. Our broad and demanding mission requires of each member a willingness to participate in social and political life and to develop human qualities and professional skills in order to become more competent workers and convincing witnesses. Further, in order to follow Christ more closely in His poverty and to preserve inner apostolic freedom, our mission also demands simplicity in all aspects of life.
3. Finally, each one assumes responsibility for participating in the meetings and other activities of the Community, and for helping and encouraging other members to pursue their personal vocation, always ready to give and receive advice and aid as friends in the Lord.

1. The World Christian Life Community® is governed by the General Assembly, which determines norms and policies, and by the Executive Council, which is responsible for their ordinary implementation. The composition and functions of these bodies are specified in the General Norms.
2. The National Community, constituted according to the General Norms, comprises all those members who are striving to live out the CLC way of life and mission within a given country. The National Community is governed by a National Assembly and an Executive Council. Their aims are to ensure the structures and the formation programs necessary for responding effectively to what is needed for the harmonious development of the whole Community, and for an effective participation of Christian Life Community® in the mission of the Church.
3. If they find it helpful, National Communities may establish or approve regional or diocesan communities or centers linking the local communities of a given region, diocese, city or institution. These are constituted according to the General Norms and the National Statutes.

Christian Life Community® on each level has an ecclesial assistant, designated in accordance with Church law and the General Norms. The assistant takes part in the life of the community in its various levels according to the General Norms. Working in collaboration with other leaders of the community, he is principally responsible for the Christian development of the whole community, and helps its members grow in the ways of God, especially through the Spiritual Exercises. In virtue of the mission given him by the hierarchy, whose authority he represents, he also has special responsibility for doctrinal and pastoral concerns and for the harmony proper to a Christian community.

If it is useful, Christian Life Community® on each level may own and administer property as a public ecclesial person, in accordance with Church law and the civil laws of the country in question. Ownership and administration of such property belongs to the specific community.

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