Focus Areas and Services

The work of EFCL will focus on three priorities: 

  • Transition Services 

  • Canonical Governance

  • Shared Services  

EFCL Services 

EFCL will offer Religious Institutes in transition a suite of services and supports. Each Religious Institute works with EFCL to establish its specific requirements and timeframes and will then enter into a tailored service agreement to ensure their requirements are understood and met. 

Transition Support

  • Assisting Religious Institutes transition planning including canonical, spiritual, human, operational, administrative and legal dimensions. 

  • Assistance with preparation of key transition documents e.g.:  

    • Congregational Will and Distribution Plan  

    • Recommendation to Ecclesial Authority (regarding appointment of Canonical Delegate)  

    • Service Model and Transition Plan 

    • Phased in transition process  

Canonical Governance

  • Undertaking the role of canonical delegate of a Religious Institute to assist that institute to continue living according to its own history, charism, identity and legacy when it is no longer able to elect a ‘full general government’ from its own members.  

  • Holding the canonical authority of superior general for governance of the institute according to universal law, the constitutions of the institute and the letter of appointment from the competent ecclesial authority. 

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 In this regard, specific responsibilities of EFCL might include, but will not be limited to:  

  • Ensuring all leadership (canonical and civil) responsibilities are met and addressed 

  • Ensuring mission is at the heart of all functions and responsibilities 

  • Ensuring the wellbeing of Religious Institute members  

  • Maintaining links and partnerships including links with:  

  • Australian bodies (e.g. ACBC, AMPJP, Redress) 

  • International bodies (e.g. UISG, USG, LCWR, CICLSAL) 

  • International leaders where Australian members make use of EFCL services. 

Shared Services

Shared services on offer will include, but not be limited to:

Care and support for Religious Institute members

  • Care coordination, pastoral care, accommodation and living arrangements, individual companionship and advocacy 

  • Funeral arrangements  

Religious Institute administration, finance and operations

  • Archives 

  • Compliance 

  • Finance, investments and property 

  • Safeguarding, professional standards and Redress 

  • Upkeep of graves 

Ministry Support

  • Manage resources for mission 

  • Support Religious Institutes members in individual ministry  

  • Trustee for incorporated works / PJPs 

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