ARTICLE 1: NAME

The name of this organization shall be Missionary Congregation of the Infant Jesus (hereafter referred to as MCIJ).

 

ARTICLE 2: MISSION STATEMENT

We are a congregation of married clergy and our families with a loving desire and availability to individuals, domestic church and faith communities; we commit ourselves as witness of the 3-fold mission of Christ as Priest, Prophet and King received at our Christian Baptism:

1. To worship the Triune God and to celebrate the loving ministry of Christ in the sacraments, sacramentals and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Saints.

2. To proclaim in word and deeds the Gospel to everyone; and

3. To serve God's people and to be at the service of all with the commitment for the poor, the elderly, the deprived and the unchurched, in our mission areas.

 

ARTICLE 3: MISSIONS/ ACTIVITIES

MCIJ provides opportunities in our mission areas for people (poor, the elderly, the deprived and the unchurched) to come together in prayer, worship, witness, fellowship and service. In particular, MCIJ offers the Sacraments (Holy Eucharist/mass, Baptism, Matrimony, Reconciliation, -Anointing of the Sick, Confirmations Sacramentals and other Works of Mercy (such as but not limited to: outreach program, care for the sick the needy & the dying, feeding the hungry and care for their spiritual, psycho-emotional and social needs, and other requests from our mission area). MCIJ being available to individual, domestic church and faith communities offers sincere commitment to our community. Everyone is welcome to participate in all MCIJ missions.

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ARTICLE 4: STATEMENT OF FAITH

1. We believe that Jesus is the Christ and our personal savior.

2. We believe in The Holy Trinity.

3. We believe in the 10 Commandments.

4. We believe in the three historic creeds: Nicene, Apostles, and Athanasian.

5. We believe in the inerrancy and divine inspiration of Holy Scriptures.

6. We believe that the Bread and Wine become the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

7. We believe in the scriptural teaching of Jesus and the primacy of Peter and his successor as first among equals and believe the teachings and the dogma of Infallibility, Assumption of Mary and the Immaculate Conception.

8. We believe in the seven sacraments of the Church: Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Anointing and Prayer for the Sick, Confession and Reconciliation, Marriage, and Holy Orders.

9. We believe that all Holy Orders (bishops, priests, and deacons) are reserved callings for married or single men. We do not ordain women, gays & lesbians, but we respect them as human person, our co-equal and have great roles & responsibilities in the church.

10. We respect & appreciate the wisdom and guidance of the doctrines of the Seven Early Church Ecumenical Councils.

11. We respect & appreciate the wisdom and guidance of the Early Church Fathers

12. We believe that celibacy of those in Holy Orders is a discipline and a personal decision.

13. We believe and hold apostolic succession.

14. We believe in the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.

15. We believe Holy Communion is open to all Christian believers.

16. We believe in the sanctity of marriage; we believe that Jesus Christ is merciful & compassionate to those who have been divorced and/or remarried and are offered the sacraments of the church (refer Amoris Laetitia, Pope Francis).

17. We believe marriage is a sacrament between a man and a woman; Thus, we do not perform or bless same-sex marriages.

18. We believe and uphold natural family planning,

19. We believe, care & respect for human life, we do not allow and agree with abortion as a form of taking one’s life.

20. We believe in the responsible stewardship of our planet. (Care for Ecology, Natural Resources & Mother Nature).

21. We believe, uphold & respect our respective country’s form of governance with due diligence, and focus on the morals & spiritual nourishment of the Christian faithful for the salvation of souls.

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ARTICLE 5: DECREE ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MISSIONARY CONGREGATION OF THE INFANT JESUS OF EPISCOPAL RIGHT:

 

To the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, let this be known that the Missionary Congregation of the Infant Jesus, established as a society of apostolic life, embraces and lives out the fullness of the priesthood of Christ as it exercises the three ecclesial functions of Teaching, Governing, and Sanctifying for the building up of the people of God.

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Whereas, the Missionary Congregation of the Infant Jesus believes that all power and authority have been given to our Lord Jesus both in heaven and on earth;

Whereas, the fullness of the power and authority received by our Lord Jesus has been designed and willed by God the Father;

Whereas, this fullness of the power and authority received by our Lord Jesus Christ which has been designed and willed by God the Father through His Spirit marks the Episcopal Character made known in the Church;

Whereas, true to its name and identity, the Missionary Congregation of the Infant Jesus is intent and committed to make known and make present the fullness of the power and authority of Jesus in the Church for the world;

Whereas, the Missionary Congregation of the Infant Jesus can and shall make known and make present the fullness of the Power and Authority of Jesus Christ only if and when granted by the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church its EPISCOPAL RIGHT, that which enjoins, exhorts, and empowers this society of apostolic life to do so.

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Therefore, let it be decreed that the Missionary Congregation of the Infant Jesus be established as a Society of Apostolic Life endowed with EPISCOPAL RIGHT. Issued and granted this 25th day of April 2021 in the year of our Lord on the Feast Day of St. Mark the Evangelist at San Jose Manggagawa Catholic Community, Diocese of the Infant Jesus of the Archdiocese of California (Utrecht Succession), North American Old Roman Catholic Church. Signed and Sealed: His Grace, Bishop Jose Maniwang Madanguit, DD Bishop of the Diocese of the Infant Jesus.

 

ARTICLE 6: MCIJ GENERAL COUNCIL

MCIJ missions shall be managed and administered by 13-member General Council. All General Council members shall have one vote. The General Council which will be spearheaded by the Servant General (General Superior) is composed of the following positions; Provincial General for the Philippines, Provincial General for United States of America and Canada, Secretary General, Economous, two (2) Councils, Minister for Communications, Minister for Sacred Liturgy, Sacraments & Sacramentals, Ministry for Funds & Resources Procurement, Ministry for Dispute & Reconciliation, Ministry for Vocations & Development and Ministry for Formulary & Publications. The Servant General has the duty to convoke, every three (3) years the elective Chapter of the Congregation

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ARTICLE 7: GENERAL COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP

The requirements to be a General Council member are the following: Must maintain an active MCIJ membership, served in a leadership or administrative capacity; Comply & uphold the Mission Statement and the Statement of Faith; Attend General Council (virtual) meetings consistently; and Work in unity with other Sub-Committee Council members. Any General Council member may be removed by a majority vote of the General Council for any act contrary to item 4. Any vacancy on the General Council shall be filled by a majority vote of the General Council.

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ARTICLE 8: GENERAL COUNCIL OFFICERS

A Servant General and Provincial Superiors from USA/Canada and the Philippines of the General Council shall be elected from among its members by a majority vote after their 3- year term or up to a maximum of 2 times re-election. During the scheduled MCIJ (virtual or face to face) convocation in any year or at the next (virtual or face to face) Convocation following a vacancy in either office. In the absence of the Servant General, one of the Provincial Superior shall preside as Servant General delegate. During (virtual or face to face) Convocation, Election of Councils will be presided by the Servant General & the Provincial Superiors through secret balloting unless stipulated and amended by the members of the Councils. The Servant General will pay a visit or communicate to the Provincial Superiors in terms of how is the Rule of Life being implemented, the fulfilment of our Mission & Vision and Community Life as a Congregation. Provincial Superiors will make a quarterly report to be submitted to the Servant General. The 13 Council Members must know and work on their duties, roles & responsibilities. In case, there is an impediment to perform their duties, they have the obligation to inform the Council Members in writing.

 

ARTICLE 9: GENERAL COUNCIL (VIRTUAL OR FACE TO FACE ) MEETINGS

The General Council shall meet on a quarterly basis. Special meetings may be called by the Servant General or a majority of the General Council as necessary to conduct organizational business. A written record of all General Council meetings shall be maintained by the Council being kept by the General Secretary. All records must be dealt with confidentiality.

 

ARTICLE 10: MEMBERSHIP

An active MCIJ member is a practicing Christian, a married or unmarried priest, With his immediate family who upholds the Mission & Vision of MCIJ, , Rule of Life of the MCIJ and the Diocese of the Infant Jesus. Any MCIJ member may be removed by a majority vote of the General Council for any act contrary to item 4.

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ARTICLE 11: AMENDMENTS

This constitution and by-laws may be amended or repealed by the majority votes of the total General Council members at a regularly scheduled (virtual or face to face) meeting. Such amendments must be proposed in writing by a General Council member and signed by at least 7 other Council members (50% plus 1). A copy of the proposed amendment shall be provided to each Council member at least 30 days in advance of a vote of the amendment.

 

Addition to Article 8 - Absences of member general council officers: In case of absence, any member, has to put in writing or send text message to the Servant General reason of absence.

 

Any member of the Council if after two (2) consecutive absences without excuse will be called by the Servant General for a formal hearing. In the hearing the SG will ask the reason why the absence and gives recommendation to the Council if they retain the position or not.

 

Addition to Article 10 – Membership form and Membership Fees:

1. Any individual, couple or family who intends to be a member of the Missionary congregation of the Infant Jesus should fill-up, sign and notarize a membership form submitted to the Servant General and Secretary of the Congregation. (Membership for attached),

 

2. I addition, a signed waiver of the married priest should also be submitted with the membership form

 

3. Membership fee:

For USA / Canada and other Country

Individual $25.00

Family $50.00

+ Donation

 

For Philippines:

Individual P100.00

Family P200.00

+ Donation

 

ARTICLE 12: ADOPTION

This constitution and by-laws shall be in full force and effect from and after its approval by a majority of the Executive Board or known as the General Council Members on 25th day of April, 2021