Part 1: Our Vocation and Mission in the Church

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1. Vocation:

The Missionary of the Infant Jesus (MCIJ) is a society of apostolic life established on April 25th, 2021 (Refer to Art. 5 on MCIJ Establishment). It embraces and lives out the fullness of the priesthood of Christ as it exercises the three ecclesial functions of Teaching, Governing, and Sanctifying of the building up of the people of God. This congregation believes that God, the Father, has bestowed all powers and authority in both heaven and earth to His son Jesus Christ. With this power and authority, Jesus Christ commissioned his disciples (Mt. 28:18-20). This great commissioning marks the missionary character of MCIJ. True to its name and identity, MCIJ 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.

 

2. Vision:

“Empowered and enhanced in making known the loving ministry of Christ.”

 

3. 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

 

4. Charism:

“Ad Servitium Pauperum” We make ourselves lovingly available to the needs of people around us especially the poor; we reach out to priests who have left the Church ministry

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5. Community Life:

Charity is the soul of every congregation.

a. MCIJ members cultivate love among all the members. They build community life on the foundation of loyalty, gentleness, sincerity and understanding.

b. We are mindful of the needs of our confreres, open to acceptance and dialogue, sensitive in fraternal correction, generous and forgiving, and always ready for reconciliation.

c. We care to console every pain, rejoice in every good, cooperate in every work, and become available to everyone for the Lord.

d. We seek to sow peace and joy everywhere, especially to new members, the sick, the poor, the elderly and marginalized in society in serving Christ in all.

e. Seeing Christ in every person, we welcome everyone in simple and attentive courtesy, and when needed, we practice hospitality with careful attention and prudence.

 

6. Spirituality and Prayer life:

 

a. Spirituality:

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1) MCIJ works with the North American Old Roman Catholic Church, and for the Church.

2) The Infant Jesus (Sto. Nino) is the model of every MCIJ member, who has a loving personal relationship with the Lord and docility to the divine inspiration as approved by the Church.

3) Towards the neighbor, MCIJ member’s spirit is that that of humble, faithful, and loving servant, who in every ministry becomes everything to all people.

4) Towards himself, his spirit is that of daily conversion of the Gospel and oblation of himself to the Lord and be absorbed in His holiness and love.

 

b. Prayer life:

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1) MCIJ members must have at heart the perfect organization and constant functioning of the life of prayer. 2) We cultivate with constant fidelity and care the spirit of prayer, drawing from Sacred Scriptures and other sources of Christian Spirituality.

3) We hold in great esteem the Liturgy of the Hours, which is “the Voice of the Church in prayer”. Hence, they pray in common everyday at least the Lauds and Vespers. The MCIJ prayer is integrated after the intercession or before the Lord’s Prayer in the Lauds. The Daily Prayer to Sto. Nino is integrated in the Vespers after the intercession or before the Lord’s Prayer.

4) We celebrate and/ or participate in the Holy Eucharist.

5) We dedicate themselves to daily mental prayer for at least haft and hour and to devotional practices proper to the congregation, namely: Prayer to Sto. Nino, Holy Rosary, and MCIJ prayer.

6) To cultivate the spirit of humility and foster a healthy relationship, we hold regular penitential celebrations; they also receive the Sacrament of reconciliation in accordance with the guidelines of the Church.

7) All MCIJ members will attend (in person or online) quarterly recollection and annual retreat.

 

c. Frequency of Communal Prayer:

1) Holy Mass on the Feast Day of MCIJ (The Lord’s Epiphany): Annually

2) MCIJ Retreat: Annually

3) Recollection by Region: Quarterly

4) Eucharistic Celebration: Monthly

5) Worldwide online Prayer: Weekly

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Part 2: Life of Consecration

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The evangelical counsels of poverty and obedience are founded on the words and examples of the Lord Jesus. They are a divine gift as recommended by the Apostles, Church’s fathers, and doctors of the Church.

 

1. Poverty:

a. To follow Christ, we embrace the vow of poverty. Through it, we share the poverty of the Lord Jesus Christ, who became poor to make us rich.

b. To express participation in the life of MCIJ, we keep our heart free from excessive material preoccupation and comforts, refrain from seeking on what is unnecessary, living a life of simplicity, sharing with the congregation the fruits of our work to promote the well-being of all members.

c. To live communal poverty, we seek to be sensitive to the needs of the poor and become a reminder to the rich about the obligations of social justice.

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2. Obedience:

a. Coming into our world to do the will of the Father, our Lord Jesus Christ became obedient for the sake of our redemption. He calls us and makes us sharers in his redemptive mission; He gives us the grace to offer ourselves to God and unite us more closely for the service of the Church.

b. As a congregation, we show our solidarity with the Church’s magisterium; this solidarity guarantees fruitful apostolate and correct interpretation of the signs of the time.

c. With the vow of obedience, we bind ourselves to observe the guidance of our legitimate superiors in accordance with MCIJ constitution and Rule of Life.

d. We obey the Pope, as the supreme Pontiff and we cultivate a profound respect towards our local ordinaries and other legitimate ecclesiastical authorities.

e. As law abiding citizens, we comply with all civil laws and regulations.

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3. Optional Celibacy

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a. Celibate Member:

1) The celibate member understands that celibacy is a great gift of God for His kingdom (Mt 19:12). It is a voluntary religious vow not to marry or engage in sexual activity. It is more than just not having sex. It is intentional rather than abstinence. It frees the heart in a special way so that it may always burn with a greater love for God and His people (1 Cor. 7:7) 

2) To follow Christ with an undivided heart, the celibate member commits himself through this vow of celibacy. Though God’s gift, it demands firm commitment, and the person must guard his heart and mind. 3) For this member to remain celibate, he should draw the necessary strength daily from the Holy Eucharist, meditation on the Word of God, and friendship with Jesus.

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b. Non-Celibate member:

1) The non-celibate member believes that clerical celibacy, which is a discipline within the Roman Catholic Church, is not a requirement in the Old Roman Catholic Church. Jesus himself recommends optional celibacy (Mt. 19:3-12). The fact that there are valid and married priests in other Churches, even in the Roman Catholic Church shows that celibacy is not necessary to exercise the ministerial priesthood.

2) St. Paul speaks of marriage as a marvelous participation in God’s life and mission. It is a vocation to love God and neighbor and a journey wherein the couple must entrust their hearts, their lives, and their destinies to each other.

3) The member understands that marriage is a covenant, a lifelong relationship, exclusive and monogamous union of husband and wife in God. The couple do not try to get their needs met from each other; they depend on God to meet their needs and develop their relationship with Him by daily prayers and spiritual intimacy with Jesus.

4) Marriage gives the couple wholeness and integrity in both body and spirit; it is the natural path that most people take to live the vocation to love. In fact, like Priesthood, marriage is also a sacrament.

5) Faithfulness in marriage means fulfilling wholeheartedly the member’s duties and obligations to spouse and children. It includes loving, sharing a life together as a family. Aside from being loyal to marriage vows, the member shall no longer try to commit to another relationship and resist any temptation that he will encounter. Moreover, he understands that it is his responsibility to be faithful to his wife by law and by heart, not entertaining any actions that will put him in a situation that can lead to committing infidelity and sin.

6) Faithfulness, which reflects the member’s commitment to God is his precious gift to his children. His consistent love for his spouse deposits strength, stability, and security into his family. Cultivating the practices of regular family prayers and devotions, meditation on God’s word in the Sacred Scriptures, and exercise of compassionate love can keep his vocation and family together through the challenges of marriage

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Part 3: Membership:

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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 Article 4 of MCIJ Constitution. “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 or face-to face) 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 (Article 10 of MCIJ Constitution).”

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1. Regular Membership:

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An active MCIJ member is a practicing Christian, a married priest with his wife and immediate family, unmarried priest, and seminarian (undergoing formation), who upholds MCIJ Rule of Life.

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a. A candidate who wants to become MCIJ member shall write a letter of intent (Application letter) to Servant General. The servant of vocation shall handle the application and notify the candidate about the requirements to comply. The requirements are listed in the Appendix.

b. When all the requirements are filled up and submitted to the Servant of Vocation, The Servant General and the General council shall meet and deliberate whether the applicant is accepted of denied. The decision will be relayed to the applicant as soon as possible.

c. There will be a rite of acceptance and oath taking for the accepted applicant. The rite of incardination is done when the applicant is a priest or deacon. (See Appendix for the Rite of Oath-taking or Incardination)

d. The Servant General or his delegate shall preside over the acceptance and oathtaking ceremony.

e. All members shall fill up the membership form. Children who are still minors (17 years old and under) shall be included in the parent membership. Children who are 18 years and older shall fill up their membership form when they decide to join the MCIJ.

f. All members shall pay the Annual Membership fee of $25 dollars per member for US/Canada or Other countries, P200.00 pesos per member for Philippines.

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2. Associate Membership:

An active MCIJ Associate member is a practicing Christian who is willing to uphold the MCIJ Rule of Life. He is supervised by his Provincial Councilor.

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a. In accepting a new member, the applicant shall write a letter of intent to the Provincial Councilor.

b. The Provincial Councilor gives orientation about the congregation and gives recommendation to the Provincial Superior for acceptance.

c. Rite of acceptance and Oath taking to abide with MCIJ Rule of Life shall follow. (See Appendix for the Rite)

d. The Provincial Superior, aided by his Councilor, or his delegate shall officiate the ceremony, which will take place within the celebration of the Holy Eucharist in the regional level.

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3. Qualifications in accepting the Regular and Associate Member:

1. Clean Record (no criminal charges)

2. God-fearing and law abiding

3. Great desire to serve the community and above all God.

4. Desire to enhance spiritual life.

 

4. Activities of the Regular and Associate Member

1. Prayer time

2. Recollection and retreats

3. Missionary activities

4. Participate in the programs/activities of the congregation.

5. Attend the convocation to be held once every two years as scheduled by the General Council.

 

5. Membership fee:

a. For USA / Canada and other Country

i. Individual $25.00

ii. Family $50.00

iii. Donation

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b. For Philippines:

i. Individual P100.00

ii. Family P200.00

iii. Donation

 

6. Monthly Dues:

a. For members in USA/Canada/other Countries: $20.00

b. For members in the Philippines: To be determined

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Part 4: Disciplinary Actions and Sanctions; Commendations and Recognitions:

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All sin is an offense against God and a rejection of his perfect love and justice. Yet, Jesus makes a distinction between two types of sins. We call the most serious and grave sins, mortal sins. Mortal sins destroy the grace of God in the heart of the sinner. By their very grave nature, a mortal sin cuts our relationship off from God and turns man away from his creator. St. Paul’s letter to the Hebrews tell us that “if we sin wilfully after having the knowledge of the truth, there is now left no sacrifice for sins” (Hebrews 10:26). The second type of sin, venial sin, that of less grave matter, does not cut us off from Christ. However, venial sin does weaken grace in the soul and damages our relationship with God. A person who frequently indulges in venial sin is very likely to collapse into mortal sin if they persist in their evil ways (Irin Mary, Oct. 2017).

 

1. Biblical Texts:

a. “15 If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 16 But if they do not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. 17 If they still refuse to listen tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector” (Mt 18:15-17).

b. “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves or you also may be tempted” (Gal 6:1).

c. “Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding” (Proverbs 15:32)

 

2. Mediation:

In every violation and/or offense, there should be mediation by the MCIJ Tribunal. Minor offenses are subject to sanction; major offences are subject to termination or expulsion.

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a. Minor Offenses (Venial Sins) The following are examples but not limited to

1) Deliberate Hatred

2) Abusive Language

3) Battery or Physical abuse

4) Drunkenness

5) Gluttony

6) Neglect

7) Dishonesty

8) Drug Abuse

9) Impurity

10) Masturbation

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b. Major offenses

These are Mortal Sins as stated in the Ten Commandments. These offenses are the following but not limited to:

1) Idolatry (1 Cor. 6:9-10)

2) Blasphemy (Jas. 2:7)

3) Perjury and False Oath (Mt. 5:33-34)

4) Deliberate Failure of Sunday Obligation

5) Abuse and harassments to Parent

6) Voluntary Murder and Crimes (Gen. 4:10)

7) Adultery, Sexual Harassment, and Rape

8) Theft and Fraud (1 Cor. 6:9-10)

9) False Witness, Perjury, Damaging the reputation of Family and MCIJ.

10) Unauthorized leaking of personal and confidential information to social media.

 

3. Sanctions and Expulsion:

Mediation is taken in every violation and offense. Minor offenses are subject to sanctions.

a. Procedure of Sanction:

1) First Strike: Warning

2) Second Strike: Suspension and Counselling

3) Third Strike: Formal hearing and decision from the MCIJ general council

 

b. Dismissal or expulsion: There shall be a due process and mediation with Zero tolerance to Major offenses.

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​Part 5: Other Provisions

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1. Nomination and Election:

The nomination and election of servant general and members of MCIJ general council are recommended and determined by the MCIJ General Council via secret balloting or election through a secret vote by all delegates during a Convocation.

 

2. Governance:

The governance of MCIJ shall be vested in the Servant General, the General Council, and the MCIJ Convocation. The fundamental agencies of mission of MCIJ are the Church Communities, Missions and Ministries: a. Clergy and lay members of MCIJ shall respect the Servant General and submit to his leadership in all things lawful and in accordance with holy scripture, MCIJ Constitution and Rule of Life. b. Ordained ministry in the congregation shall be exercised only by Bishops, priests, and deacons duly ordained, received by MCIJ and licensed by the Civil authority c. Convocation has legislative authority of MCIJ.

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3. MCIJ Convocation:

Convocation as the legislative body of the congregation has the power to adopt and amend the MCIJ Constitution and Rule of Life; it can establish the program of MCIJ, elect and confirm members of MCIJ General Council and other positions authorized by the NAORCC.

a. Convocation is composed of MCIJ General Council, Clergy, and Lay delegates chosen in accordance with MCIJ Constitution and Rule of Life.

b. Convocation is held once every two years as scheduled by MCIJ General Council.

c. The MCIJ general secretary shall give notice of the Convocation schedule at least 60 days in advance, except for a reasonable cause. The agenda for the convocation shall be distributed at least 30 days prior to the meeting.

d. The MCIJ Servant General or his delegate shall preside over the convocation deliberations.

e. The Servant General may appoint a Parliamentarian to advise the Convocation on parliamentary procedure. The ruling of the Servant General or the Presiding Officer on any parliamentary matter may be overridden by a vote of two thirds of those present and voting at the Convocation.

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4. Convocation Committees:

There may be a Convocation Committee on Preparations, Resolutions, Nominations, and other committees, as the MCIJ General Council may deem necessary. The Servant General may appoint members of the committees.

 

5. Voting:

a. Each member of the clerical and lay delegates shall have a voice and vote.

b. Clergy and lay delegates must be present at least one half of the total number of delegates.

c. The Convocation shall deliberate and vote as one body and most of those voting shall be necessary for a decision. Resolutions are approved with a majority of votes.

 

6. Ownership of Asset and Property:

The MCIJ may own its own property and asset and any such property and asset shall be free of any claim of trust or ownership by any other ecclesiastical entity. All property, both real and personal, owned by MCIJ now and in the future is and shall be owned by the MCIJ, and shall not be subject to any trust interest in favor of the Old Roman Catholic Church, or any other claim of ownership arising out of constitutional or canonical law

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Part 6: The Recommended Prayers

 

1. The MCIJ Prayer Almighty God and merciful Father, we praise and thank you for the Christian Faith that you implanted in our hearts at our baptism. In your desire to save humanity, you empower us to share this faith to all and we are grateful. We humbly ask of you to bless the people in our country, especially our friends and loved ones. Bless our congregation and all its members as we make ourselves lovingly available to the needs of people around us. May we remain faithful and dedicated in our missionary vocation. Lord Jesus Christ, our living Bread and Way to the Father, transform our lives into your likeness and in the Holy Spirit empower us in our mission. O Blessed Virgin Mother, be with us and pray for us always as we strive to grow in holiness. Amen.

 

2. Daily Prayer to Sto. Nino (Holy Child Jesus) O Holy Child Jesus, you shed your blessings on whoever invokes your name, look kindly on us and hear our prayers. We commend to your mercy the many poor and needy people who trust in your divine heart. Lay your all powerful hand upon them and help them in their needs. Lay your hand upon the sick to cure them; upon those in distress to console them; upon sinners to draw them into the light of your divine grace; upon all those who stricken with grief and suffering, turn trustingly to you for loving help. Lay your hand also upon all of us, especially the MCIJ and all its members and give us your blessing. O little King, grant the treasure of your divine mercy to all the world and keep us now and always in the grace of your love. Amen. O Holy Child Jesus, have mercy on us.

 

3. Other Prayers:

1. Spiritual Communion Prayer: My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You in my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen

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2. Blessing of the Children Prayer (Before the Final Blessing during the mass By Msgr. Cesar J. Alcoseba)

a. Cebuano: Langitnong Amahan, mahigugmaon sa tanan, nagadayeg kami kanimo tungod sa paghatag nimo kanamo kang Jesus nga among manunubos; gibendisyonan niya ang kabataan nga miduol kaniya, dawaton unta niya nga mahinangpon sila nga miduol kaniya karon. Tan-awa nga mahigugmaon kining kabataan ug bantaye sila sa imong gugma. Magtubo unta sila diha sa kalam, ug sa panuigon, ug sa kusog diha sa imong presensya ug atubangan sa tanan. Kining bendisyon among gipangayo, Amahan, pinaagi sa imong hinigugmang Anak, si Jesu-Cristo among Ginoo. Amen.

 

b. English translation from the Cebuano version: Heavenly Father, who loves everyone, we praise you for giving us Jesus, our Redeemer; he blessed the children who came to him, may he gladly welcome those who come to him now. Look upon these children with your love and watch over them. May they grow in wisdom, age, strength and in your presence and in the presence of everyone. We ask this blessing Father, through your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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