Stephen and James have been asked, and are prepared, to stay at least for another two years. We need to use this valuable time to prepare therefore for September 2001:

a) Can we find two SCJs to take over this work from them? 

b) If this is not practicable, or beyond the competence of our present make- up, to see other ways, through collaboration (clerical, religious or lay).

c) Continuance of this apostolate is a service to the local Church, to its young members. I am told that the problems facing us in Dehon House are not unique to ourselves. Many such centres face an aging leadership. The task before us: can we ensure the future of this worthwhile apostolate, so that it may continue to serve young people? A work that would seem to be very much in keeping with our charism.

d) We are all aware of how other religious congregations have sought to maintain hospitals, nursing homes, schools etc. They have wanted to ensure that the good being done by these works can be continued, even though they themselves can only support such works now as trustees, boards of management. They have tried to at least ensure their ethos, or charism, continues to enliven and/or sustain the apostolate.

1) The appointment of a fully-qualified, properly salaried Lay Youth Leader (salary - Sacred Heart Fathers' Youth Clubs Fund?). 

2) A Sacred Heart Father to be full-time Chaplain to the Youth Work, groups and youth team.

3) Such a Chaplain to help with the Christian Formation of the young volunteer workers.

4) Since it is important to safeguard our community life, to ensure that another SCJ makes up the community either to serve Dehon House in some other capacity, or work for the Province in some way.

5) That this strategy is to be set in place for the next Chapter, or to be constantly evaluated to the subsequent Chapter.

i) A clear description of a Vision Statement for the Youth Work; its ethos. 

ii) The job description of Youth Leader:

• salary scale;
• length of appointment;
• evaluation and necessary controls.

iii) The job description of SCJ Chaplain.

iv) The Provincial Team will canvas each member of the Province, asking them if they would be able/willing to go to Dehon House in 2001:

• as Youth Team Leader;
• as Chaplain.

v) The Provincial Team will canvas Spain, Poland and Portugal to see if there are members who are able/willing to help in this apostolate:

• a) but we can assume it will take them a year to learn the language;
• b) another year to grasp the English reality;
• c) so the only long-term advantage if we could get someone for at least five years.

vi) The Financial Commission to examine and see what financial provisions the Province can and will need to make for the Youth Work for the next eight years.

1) Are there SCJ members able/willing to commit themselves to serve as Chaplain to the Youth Service from 2001 - 2007? 

2) Any serious offer may mean that person being free from 2000 to prepare for this task.

3) Sacred Heart Fathers' Youth Clubs Trust to provide a proper salary with all the necessary entitlements.