INDEX OF Return to Home
POLICIES & PROCEDURES OF
Section I - Secretariat Policies & Procedures
A Qualifications for a Team Member
B. Additional Qualifications for a Rector
C. Additional Qualifications for a Spiritual Director
D. Additional Qualifications for an Assistant Rector
E. Additional Qualifications for a Chief Auxiliary / Martha
F. Additional Qualifications for Piety, Leaders, Action Rollistas
G. Bereavement Policy
H. Updating of Community Written Materials
I. Copyright Policy for Music
J. Liability Insurance
Section II-a. Assistant Treasurer Policy & Procedures
A. Application Guidelines –
Assistant Treasurer
B. Guidelines For Selection Of Candidates
Section II-b. Pre Weekend Policy & Procedures
A. Guidelines for Selection of Candidates
B. Sponsorship Guidelines
C. Camp Set-up
Section III- Weekend Policies & Procedures
A. Cloistered Weekend
B. Holy Communion
C. Use of Seven Sacraments
D. Open Communion
E. Formal Joke Sessions
F. Approved Book List
G. Fourth Day Talk at Closing
H. Way of the Cross
I. Reimbursement of Certain Expenses
J Weekend
Book Table
K Team Members Identify Themselves
L Cost of Conducting a Weekend
Section IV - Post Weekend Policy & Procedures
A. Guidelines for Conducting a Sequela
B. Facilitating the Formation of Reunion Groups
C. AJTD Monthly Sequela Format
D. Guidelines for Fourth Day Talk
E. Guidelines for Communications Committee
F. Scheduling and Conducting Tres Dias School
Section V - Advisory Committee Policies & Procedures
A. Rector Nomination and Calling Procedure
B. Guidelines for Selecting Advisory Committee Advisors
C. Advisory Committee Advisors' Responsibilities
D. Head Auxiliary/Martha Training
E. Calling of Spiritual Directors
F. Community Historian
POLICY & PROCEDURES
OF
ALTOONA / JOHNSTOWN TRES DIAS
Section 1- Secretariat
Policies & Procedures
A Qualifications for a Team Member: A team member recommendation:
1. Declare his/her personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
2. Agree with AJTD Statement of Belief.
3. Should be an active participant in Tres Dias activities including attendance at
Sequelas, sponsoring and supporting Weekends with Palanca.
4. Be living the Tres Dias method, including participation in his/her church and a
reunion group or other small sharing group.
5. Be willing to abide by the "Amended and Restated Bylaws and Guidelines of
Altoona / Johnstown Tres Dias", the "Policies & Procedures Of Altoona /
Johnstown Tres Dias", and the "Essentials ofTres Dias".
6. Be willing to submit to the authority of the AJTD Secretariat through the
leadership of the Rector and follow the "Dynamics of the Weekend."
7. Have attended a Tres Dias or equivalent Weekend.
8. Be willing to pray regularly for the Team and Candidates of the Weekend.
9. Be willing to attend ALL Team meetings.
10. Be willing to follow up with Candidates in their Fourth Day.
11. Not be actively participating in activities contrary to the guidelines found in
Scripture for holy living and Christian leadership.
12.Have completed and signed the "Altoona / Johnstown Tres Dias Team Desire To
Serve Form"
13.The typical weekend team should consist of members as follows: 1-rector, 1
assistant rector, 2-3 spiritual directors, 10- table leaders, 1-float, 1-music director, 1-
head Auxiliary /Martha, 1-assistant head Auxiliary / Martha, 6-10 Auxiliary/Martha,
and 1- Advisory committee person as a floater. The team should consist of 1/3 -
members who are working a
team for the first time, 1/3 members who have
worked between
2 and 5 weekends and 1/3 - members who have worked over 5 weekends.
This number allows for the team members and candidates to bond and interrelate more
easily. The reason we should adhere to the 1/3, 1/3 and 1/3 is to train new pescadores
and open the team up to a wider variety of new people.
14. The "Desire To Serve" forms of people who were not chosen to work the weekend
will not be passed on and will be encouraged to apply for the next weekend. The
Rector should also let these people know that they can serve in other ways that are
very critical to the weekend. They can serve on the cook team, Way of the Cross,
weekend set-up, weekend cleanup etc. We do not want anyone denied the opportunity
to serve in some way or feel slighted because they weren't chosen to be a team
member.
15. The Assistant Rector will keep
a record of team member weekend payments. All
team members must be paid in full before the weekend.
B. Additional Qualifications for a Rector. A Rector must:
1. Be an active participant in Tres Dias activities including meetings and
committees, attendance at Sequelas, sponsoring and supporting Weekends with
Palanca.
2. Have demonstrated an understanding of and commitment to the "Dynamics of the
Weekend" and the "Essentials ofTres Dias", through attendance at AJTD school.
3. Be willing to abide by the "Amended and Restated Bylaws and Guidelines of the
Altoona / Johnstown Tres Dias," the "Policies & Procedures of Altoona / Johnstown Tres
Dias," the guidelines outlined in the "AJTD Rector's Guide" and the "AJTD Detailed Weekend
Schedule".
4. Be willing to submit to the authority of the AJTD Secretariat through the advisors assigned by
the Advisory Committee. (If the Rector does not agree with the decision of the advisors,
he/she may appeal to the Secretariat.)
5. Have served on a minimum off four Teams.
6. Have served as Assistant Rector.
7 Have given at least two Rollos,
preferably three, with 1 being a strong witness
talk: Piety, Leaders or Action.
8. Have served as an Auxiliary/Martha, preferably Head Auxiliary/Martha.
9. Be willing to attend Secretariat meetings and Sequelas from the time of
appointment until the Weekend is over.
10. The Rector should conscientiously prepare and assign rollo and team positions to
pescadores in order that they will ultimately fulfill the requirements for Assistant
Rector.
11. A pescadore will only serve in the position of Rector once, unless in the case of
unforeseen circumstances.
12. The Lay Director should not hold the position of Rector during the same year. (Note: Both of
these are very important leadership positions in the community. Holding both positions at the
same time could force a compromise in either or both positions.)
C. Additional qualifications for a Spiritual Director:
1. Recommend only two to three spiritual directors per Weekend.
2. A Spiritual Director must be qualified to teach and counsel in spiritual matters.
3.
Secretariat must approve a Spiritual Director for service in AJTD.
4. At least one of the Spiritual Directors on a Weekend must be ordained/commissioned and be
authorized to celebrate Holy Communion by his/her denomination. The denomination must be
one of the recognized Christian denominations in the Church.
5. A Lay person can not hold the position of a Spiritual Director.
D. Additional qualifications for an Assistant Rector: An Assistant Rector should:
1. Meet Qualifications of Rector.
2. Be willing to act and assist the Rector throughout Team meetings and Weekend as
a learning experience.
3. Be willing to serve as Rector on the next Weekend.
4. Be willing to attend Secretariat meetings.
E. Additional Qualifications for a Head Auxiliary / Martha: A Head Auxiliary / Martha must:
1. Have served on at least three Teams.
2. Have demonstrated an understanding of and commitment to the "Dynamics of the
Weekend" and the "Essentials of Tres Dias".
3. Have given at least one Rollo.
4. Have been an Auxiliary / Martha.
5. Have demonstrated organizational skills.
F. Additional Qualifications for Piety, Action and Leaders Rollistas: A Piety, Leaders and Action
Rollista should:
1. Have demonstrated an understanding of and commitment to the overall message
in the Rollos.
2. A pescadore should only give these rollos once in order to prepare them for the
position of Assistant Rector.
G. Bereavement Policy: The following is the policy regarding the proper response at the decease of
a member of Tres Dias. The AJTD Secretary will send a sympathy card to the family.
In all of these situations the prayer chain will be notified to support the family.
H. Updating of Community Written Materials:
1. Written materials used by AJTD for distribution within and outside the
community must be prepared by the appropriate Committee, reviewed by the
Advisory Committee, and approved by the Secretariat
* Materials currently in use to which this applies are:
a. Weekend Applications
b. AJTD Brochure
c. Pre-Weekend
d. Dibert Fund request
e. Pre-Weekend Letter to Candidate
f .Pre-Weekend Letter to the Sponsor
g. AJTD "Desire To Serve Form"
h. Weekend materials ie. Examination of Conscience, Explanation of Terms,
Team Critique, etc.
i. Team Training Material, including "Rector's Guide", the "AJTD Weekend
Schedule", and guides for the Assistant Rector, Music Director,
Auxiliaries, Spiritual Directors, and the Team.
*Any changes to the materials must be approved by the Secretariat prior to use, and then
published, if appropriate, to communicate the change to the community.
Corrections, clarifications, suggestions for changes and recommendations for new materials
should be submitted by any AJTD Pescadore to the appropriate committee chairperson for
consideration by that committee.
I. Copyright Policy for Music:
1. Altoona/Johnstown Tres Dias will use no photocopied song sheets or transparencies unless
permission is secured directly from the copyright owner or the music is authorized through the
CCLl Community Liaison from available CCLl publishers and songs. If authorized the
appropriate Christian Copyright Licensing Inc. license number and credits must be printed on
the copy. The CCLl Community Liaison must receive copies after each Weekend or
community event where used.
2. The Lay Director of the AJTD Secretariat will appoint a member of the community to be the official CCLl Communitv Liaison to Christian Community Copyright Licensing, Inc to handle all required
communications and reporting.
J. AJTD Liability Insurance:
1. It is the responsibility of Secretariat to
secure and maintain a general liability
insurance policy. This policy will cover all
functions and official meetings of the
Community.
Section II – a. Assistant Treasurer Policies & Procedures:
A. Application Guidelines – Assistant Treasurer:
1. The application form will contain the "AJTD Statement of Belief' and the "Purpose of Tres
Dias". Sponsors must be sure that their Candidate's application is complete. Required
information includes the full name, address, phone number, home church, original Weekend
information, and signature of the Sponsor, full name, address, phone number, home church,
signature, age, marital status, any medications or chronic physical conditions or special needs
of the Candidate, a statement by the Candidate regarding what he/she hopes to gain from the
Weekend. A minimum of 50% of the weekend cost must accompany the application. If these
requirements are not met, the application will be returned to the Sponsor for completion.
2. Fully completed Sponsor and Candidate forms will be considered in the order received.
3. The minimum age of a candidate is 20. Note: Unless there are compelling
reasons, i.e. spouse is older and has made a weekend, or the candidate is in military service. If
an application is received for an individual under 20 it should be brought to the attention of the
secretariat for approval.
4. Married couples will have preference filling weekend openings.
5. Husbands are expected to precede wives as Candidates: exceptions will be considered at the
written request of the Sponsor, stating the reason for such exception.
6. Prospective Catholic Team Members and Candidates need to be informed that there will be
chapels during the Weekend and Holy Communion will be served and there will be provision
for Mass.
7.
When the Assistant Treasurer receives five applications for a given Weekend from one
church the Rector, the Lay Director of Secretariat, and the Pre-Weekend Chairperson will
consult concerning the attendance of further applicants in those categories for that Weekend.
8. Recommend 20 Candidates per Weekend due to limitations of the log cabin which has a total
of 30 beds, six rooms with two beds and six rooms with three beds
9. Final approval of weekend candidates must be no later than the Secretariat meeting preceding
the weekend. Note: This date will allow rectors ample time to notify both candidates and
sponsors of approval. The candidate will have more time to prepare for the weekend. There will
be time to get the names of the candidates out to the community. This will also allow time for
the rectors and team to become familiar with the candidate's profile and help them in making
table assignments.
10. If a candidate is not able to attend the weekend and has paid, the treasurer will return his
money. Note: This procedure will eliminate keeping track of who has paid and holding money
over for several weekends. No Applications will be forwarded.
11. Inasmuch as the Dibert Fund has been established in AJTD to allow assistance for Candidates
who otherwise might not be able to afford to attend a Weekend, such funds shall not be used for
any other purpose except for Candidates. In case of extreme hardship a sponsor may request the
scholarship in the amount of $50.00, it shall be the responsibility of the Sponsor to request the
scholarship. The Sponsor must write a note and send it along with application to Secretariat.
Approvals for the scholarship shall be given by Secretariat.
12. Exceptions to the Dibert Fund guidelines may only be made upon the consultation and
agreement with Secretariat. This is in recognition that a set of guidelines cannot anticipate
every contingency.
13. All Applications must be mailed to the AJTD PO Box 383 Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
B. Guidelines For Selection of Candidates: Altoona/Johnstown Tres Dias is an interdenominational
Christian ministry whose purpose is "to bring Christians to a closer, more personal walk with their
Lord Jesus Christ and to encourage them to Christian leadership and apostolic action in their
environments". The ''Essentials of Tres Dias" state that the Weekend is intended only for "all
Christians who are seeking a closer relationship with Jesus Christ" and that "no Tres Dias
organization shall change the teachings or practices of the Tres Dias movement
to
accommodate the participation of non-Christians", meaning those who are not actively seeking a
closer relationship with Jesus Christ. Sponsors should select Candidates for their potential
Christian leadership and their desire to influence their environments for Christ.
Section II-b. Pre-Weekend Policy & Procedures
A. Guidelines for Selection of Candidates:
To be consistent with the AJTD "Statement of Belief' and the "Essentials of Tres Dias" to
enable all Candidates to fully experience the Weekend, and to reduce unnecessary distractions
from the purpose of the Weekend, the Committee will communicate the following guidelines
to the community:
Tres Dias is for a prospective Candidate who:
1. Is a Christian who understands the AJTD "Statement of Belief'.
2. Desires a closer more personal walk with his/her Lord Jesus Christ.
3. Has the potential and desire to influence his/her environments for Christ.
4. Is medically and emotionally able to participate in the intense three-day
Weekend activities.
5. Has been prepared for the Weekend by his/her Sponsor, according to the Pre
Weekend sponsorship guidelines.
Tres Dias is not for a prospective Candidate who:
1. Is actively participating in activities contrary to the guidelines found in Scripture for holy living
and Christian leadership, such as one who is dependent on alcohol or illegal drugs, or one who
is involved in illegal activities, or one who is involved in a sexual relationship outside of
marriage between a husband and a wife.
2. Is fatigued or incapacitated due to recent illness, surgery or emotional trauma.
3. Has any mental or physical condition requiring special attention that cannot be
provided by the Weekend Team or that would pose a threat to the health or the spirit of the
individual or other Candidates.
4. Is on medication that would prevent full participation in the Weekend.
5. Openly professes allegiance to any non-Christian religion or organization that denies the deity
of Jesus Christ.
Scripture references supporting these guidelines can be found in:
Prov.23:20, 20:1 2 Tim.3:1-5 1 Pet. 2:1-3
1 Tim. 3 Deut. 18:9-13 Heb. 5: 11-6:3
Col 3: 1-25 1 Cor. 3:1, 6: 9-11 Rom. I:18-32, 3:24-25
These guidelines will help provide an environment on the Weekend that maximizes the opportunity for all Candidates to be encouraged to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ and become the Christian leader that Christ calls them to be. When prospective Candidates are in physical and emotional health to be able to participate in the Weekend, and have expressed a desire to seek after the Lord, they are then ready to be sponsored as a Candidate on an AJTD Weekend.
Sponsors are expected to know their Candidates well enough to know that these guidelines
are met before submitting a completed application. If there is any question, the Assistant
Treasurer will consult with the Sponsor, the Rector of the Weekend, and the Community
Spiritual Director.
B. Sponsorship Guidelines: A Sponsor must:
1. Have attended a Tres Dias or equivalent Weekend.
2. Select a prospective Candidate only alter considering the policies outlined in the
preceding Sections A, (Application Guidelines) and B, (Guidelines for Selection
of Candidates).
3. Arrange for the Candidate's completed application and application fee to be in the
hands of the Assistant Treasurer prior to the Secretariat meeting.
4. Communicate to the Candidate the per person expense of the Weekend to AJTD and the process
for making a donation to offset that expense or alternatively, make arrangements for donations
and/or a scholarship to cover the expense. The sponsor acknowledges that the weekend cost
must be satisfied before the weekend. If Dibert funds are needed the request should be
attached to this form.
5. Arrange for transportation of the Candidate to and from the Weekend.
A Sponsor must be willing to:
1. Give palanca support before, during and after the Weekend.
2. Pray for the Candidate before, during and after the Weekend.
3. Attend Serenade and Closing during the Weekend.
4. Assist the Candidate with special needs (childcare, lawn mowing, meals, for family etc.) as
possible - in order to allow them to participate without being concerned about things at home.
5. Follow-up with the Candidate during the week following the Weekend.
6. Invite the Candidate, after the Weekend, to participate in a Reunion Group.
7. Invite the Candidate to participate with you in Sequelas and other AJTD functions (such as
Tres Dias School, Serenades, Closing, etc.) for at least one year following the Weekend.
8. If requested by the Candidate, meet with the Candidate's Pastor or coordinate a meeting
between a representative of the Pre-Weekend Committee and the Candidate's Pastor to
explain more about Tres Dias.
C. Camp Set-up: The Pre-Weekend Committee will work with the Weekend Committee, Rector and
Team to assure all articles needed to conduct the weekend are in place. This includes setting up
for "Way Of The Cross", meeting areas in log building and conference room, and assuring that all
needed materials are available.
Section III - Weekend Policies & Procedures:
A. Cloistered Weekend:
1. Section 3.21.1.10 of the Essential of Tres Dias states that "the Team and
Candidates live in a cloistered environment for the
entire Weekend." Altoona I
Johnstown Tres Dias defines "cloistered" as "separated from the world outside of the
Weekend facility and the people outside of the Weekend Team and Candidates." In
order to maintain this cloistered environment, the following guidelines will be followed
by the Team and the community:
a. From the opening on Thursday night until the completion of the closing on Sunday afternoon,
all Team members and Candidates will remain at the Weekend facility. No one should leave
the Weekend, with the exception of a designated Aux./Martha to secure necessary supplies.
No one will join .the Weekend after the Chapel time on Thursday night.
b. The Weekend Committee will work with the staff and Cook Team at the Weekend facility to
minimize interaction with the staff or other guests (i.e. Priest, driver, etc.) and the Team and
Candidates of the Weekend.
c. There will be no radios or televisions used by the Team and Candidates during
the Weekend.
d. There will be no phone calls received or made by the Team and Candidates during the
Weekend, except for:
(1) Emergency calls.
(2) Requests for supplies made by a designated member of the Team (usually
the Kitchen or Head Aux./Martha).
(3) Other necessary calls approved by the Rector.
e. Necessary phone calls will be made in private.
f. Electronic communication devices (phones, pagers, etc.) will only be used for
emergency purposes and will be kept out of sight and hearing of the
Candidates.
g. Members of the community and their families will make every effort to stay
out of sight of the Candidates.
h. Pescadores and family members may send written palanca (general palanca letters, gifts for the
rollo room or dining room, or personal palanca letters) to the Weekend. Palanca to the Team
and Candidates should be delivered to the Head Aux./Martha no later than Thursday evening.
The Aux/Martha will deliver personal palanca to the Team and Candidates in their bedrooms.
i. Children will remain out of
sight of the Team and Candidates during Closing Sunday
afternoon. The baby sitter for the closing should be a member of the community, with the
assistance of one or two others who could be pescadores or paid teens. There must be at least
one adult responsible for these children.
j. Pescadores and their families bringing food for agape meal Saturday night
must make every effort to stay out of sight and hearing of the Candidates.
k. Team members will not violate the confidentiality of the Weekend by
initiating any interaction with or responding to questions from Pescadores
who visit the facility or call during the Weekend.
l. A procedure for handling baptism and anointing over the Weekend. should be
included in the Rector's Manual. Baptism: The sacrament of baptism is very
important in our Christian Life. The candidate should be counseled to have
this sacrament performed in their home church. All Team members should
make an effort to attend that baptism service in support of this candidate. Anointing: This
sacrament, along with laying on of hands is also very important in the Life of a Christian.
However, there are denominations that are uncomfortable participating in this sacrament. If a
candidate requests either baptism or anointing, it should be done in a way that we do not
intimidate or make other's feel uncomfortable. Everyone should be given the opportunity to
either participate or not participate without being made to feel uncomfortable or unreligious. Note: In reference to these sacraments, none should be scheduled in a weekend, but if a
candidate causes these to happen, that is OK and part of the working of the Holy Spirit.
2. It is the responsibility of the Assistant Rector to educate the supporting community members at Holy Hour, before the serenade, about the meaning and importance of cloistering.
3. Exceptions to the above guidelines can be made for compelling reasons, with the approval of the Weekend Rector, the Lay Director and the Assistant Lay Director of the Secretariat. If time permits, the approval of the Secretariat will also be obtained.
4. The Rector will give each new pescadore an information packet along with the Fourth Day booklet before the closing. The information pack will contain: AJTD By-Laws, Policies & Procedures, Desire to Serve Form, Sponsor Form, Application Form, information about the newsletter, reunion groups, notification that team members pay for their weekend, when and where sequelas are held (including map), special events during the year, sponsor information, prayer chain set-up and explanation of Secretariat.
B. Holy Communion:
I. The method of intinction (dipping the bread into the grape juice) shall be the recommended way of receiving Holy Communion at Tres Dias functions. However, if anyone has a problem with this method, the Rector should consider whether an alternate method might be appropriate for that individual(s) only in consultation with the SD.
2. A statement shall be made by the Celebrant to the effect that anyone who has accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is welcome to receive Holy Communion. Note: At Catholic Mass the Priest may offer a blessing in lieu of bread and wine.
3. It shall be made clear by the Celbrant that anyone may receive a blessing in lieu of receiving Holy Communion if, for whatever reason, the person does not feel comfortable receiving Holy Communion at that time.
4. Any remaining elements used in Holy Communion shall be disposed of properly
by the SD.
C. Use of the Seven Sacraments: All seven
Sacraments will be presented on the weekend
in a
Rollo by the Spiritual Director(s).
D. Open Communion: People from denominations whose church does not allow
participation in open communion should be accepted for Teams in light of the Tres
Dias Essentials, which state, "we stress those things which the denominations have in
common and respect those things which are different."
E. Formal Joke Sessions: Formal joke sessions may be included after meals in any AJTD
Weekend.
F. Weekend Book Table: SD’s shall approve all books donated for the Study talk table.
G. Fourth Day Talk at Closing: There will be only one Fourth Day talk during the Closing and
this shall be given by a Pescadore who frequently attends Sequelas and who has had a Group
Reunion experience. This talk is to be written prior to the Weekend. The length of the talk
shall be five minutes or less and must follow the Fourth Day talk outline.
H. Way of the Cross: AJTD recommends use of "Everyone's Way of the Cross" shadow
drama during the Thursday evening chapel.
I. Reimbursement of Certain Expenses: The Secretariat may give a donation toward the use of a
church for Team meetings and sequelas. The payments for the use of these facilities should be
made shortly after the first Secretariat meeting of the year. Also, the Rector and Head
Aux./Martha shall be reimbursed for the cost of photocopying, mailing and out-of-the-area phone
calls; Members of Secretariat for their duties.
J. Team Members Identify Themselves: All Team members on each Weekend will be instructed by the Rector to identify themselves as Team members at the time of introductions Thursday evening.
K. Cost of Conducting a Weekend: The Treasurer, or other designated individual(s), will evaluate the cost of conducting a Weekend from time-to-time and report to the Secretariat. There shall be no attempt to make a profit in conducting the Weekends. However, such costs over and above those, which occurred in the past, or as can reasonably be anticipated for inflation and/or other known cost increases which will occur before the next set of Weekends, shall be added. The amount determined as the cost of the actual Weekend, plus overhead and support costs, will be approved by the Secretariat.
Section IV Post-Weekend Policies & Procedures:
A. Guidelines for Conducting a Sequela: The Post-Weekend Committee has the
following responsibilities:
1. Arrange for a meeting place (usually a local church) where our Sequela can be
held.
2. Schedule Sequelas on a regular basis (preferably monthly), which do not conflict
with other AJTD activities (such as a Men's or Women's Weekend) or a major
holiday.
3. Choose a Fourth Day speaker for each Sequela. The speaker should stress the two
major points outlined in the policy on "Guidelines for Fourth Day Sequela Talks."
This Fourth Day talk should be approximately 10 minutes in length.
4. Choose someone to give an opening devotion and prayer. This should be
approximately five minutes in length.
5. Determine the availability of kitchen facilities in the facility used. Some can be
used for covered dish dinners: others only for snack foods.
6. Provide for a closing Agape. (Generally snack foods.)
7. Arrange to have Tres-Dias songbooks available at Sequelas.
8. Have one of the community music leaders present to lead the singing. Encourage all
community musicians to attend and bring their instruments.
9. Inform the Chairperson of the Communications Committee who publishes the
"Sonshine" of the dates of upcoming Sequelas and other Post-Weekend activities. The
Committee Chairperson should submit a report to Secretariat monthly summarizing the
activities at Sequela.
10. Allow approximately two to two and one-half hours for the Sequela.
B. Facilitating the Formation of Reunion Groups:
1. A Coordinator will be selected to facilitate the reunion groups.
2. The Post-Weekend Committee should compile a list (over a period of time) of
those people who make known their desire to form a Reunion Group or join an
existing one.
3. With such a list, the Post-Weekend Committee can then make available the names
of those people interested in Reunion Groups which would allow them the
opportunity to take the initiative in forming a group or joining an existing one.
4. The Post-Weekend Committee should promote the concept of Reunion Groups
wherever and whenever possible. The dates, time and locations of all Reunion
groups should be announced at Sequelas and notice made in the "Sonshine"
newsletter.
C. AJTD Monthly Sequela Format:
Opening Music (Community Musicians)
Welcome (Post Weekend Chairperson or Designee)
Ask for new Pescadores to be recognized.
. Ask first timers, those who never made a Weekend or visitors from other
communities to be recognized.
. Ask each to state his/her name, church and hometown. If new Pescadores, ask
which Weekend they attended.
· Make mental note of total attendance for sharing group count off.
Opening Meditation and Prayer (Assigned)
Announcements
Lay Director (or Assistant Lay Director in Director's absence)
Pre-Weekend Chairperson
Weekend Chairperson
Post-Weekend Chairperson-
Announce time and place of next Sequela.
Make announcement for those who wish to be in a Reunion Group to speak to
Post- Weekend Chairperson.
Upcoming Rector's reports.
Men's # Rector: Weekend Date:
Women's # Rector: Weekend Date:
Fourth Day Talk (Assigned)
Small Group Sharing
Count off in 3's, 4's or 5's depending on group size. Count
designates how many groups to
create, not how many people are in each. Divide total group number by the number of
people you want in each sharing group to get this count-off number.
Sharing Topic/Question for Small Groups:
Meditation Speaker chooses the discussion topic.
Designate meeting locations for each group. Announce time of 15-20 minutes for
discussion and announced when there are two minutes left.
Final Instructions and Announcements:
· Announce Agape snack to follow closing
· Sing "DeColores" or other appropriate song.
· Ask for donations to the General Fund or Dibert Fund. Ask for help in cleanup where necessary.
· The order of these are up to the current Post Weekend Committee.
D. Guidelines for Fourth Day Talk: The purpose of the Fourth Day talk at the Sequela is two-fold: to
(1) share how the speaker's experience of the Tres Dias Weekend has affected their Fourth Day walk, and (2) emphasize the importance of Reunion Groups.
The Fourth Day starts at the conclusion of the Tres Dias Weekend, and the new Pescadore's return to their home environments. Natural areas of focus in the talk would be family, friends, work and church.
1. The talk should be meaningful and heartfelt, and contain personal witness. The speaker should
feel free to share his/her joys, sorrows, triumphs and failures. Most importantly, the speaker
should share the experience of Christ's love in his/her life.
2. The talk needs to include the speaker's personal experience with Group Reunion. Whether
currently active in Group Reunion or having had experience in the recent past, the value of
that fellowship should be shared.
3. The Reunion Group is the method of Tres Dias to perpetuate the spirit of the Weekend. The talk should encourage listeners to make a commitment to joining or forming a Reunion Group. Elements of the group process include sharing, prayer, study, and support of one another, accountability, and fellowship.
4. Regardless of how much witness the speaker has to share, this talk should be constructed for about ten minutes. If more time is needed, call the Post-Weekend Chairperson and request time: but follow the directions of the Chairperson because your talk is only part of the overall Sequela.
5. Most importantly the speaker should pray about the talk before he/she writes it, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal just what he/she should and should not share. The Holy Spirit knows who will be there and who needs to hear what specific witness.
E. Guidelines
for Communications Committee:
1. The AJTD "Sonshine" will be published a minimum of four times a year,
preferably monthly.
2. The AJTD "Sonshine" will publish notices of upcoming events and articles
related to AJTD and other three-day movements (e.g. Cursillo, Emmaus, Via de
Christo, etc.) that trace their origins to the original "Cursillo de Christiandad."
3. Each issue will contain a calendar of upcoming AJTD events, including dates and times of
Weekends, Sequelas, Secretariat meetings and training events, a list of officers and committee
chairpersons, with phone numbers and the mailing addresses for the Communications
Chairperson (for mailing list changes), Treasurer (for mailing donations to AJTD),
and the AJTD mailing address (for mailing applications). Note: A copy of the "Sonshine"
should be sent to International Tres Dias, directed to the attention of the Communication
Chairperson.
4. Announcements and personal interest items such as marriages, births, and deaths,
which are of concern to the AJTD community, are welcome.
5. Personal sharing and testimony by Pescadores for the encouragement of the
Community is welcome.
6. Announcements about specific ministry, church, social and worthy community
events not directly related to Tres Dias will not be published unless an exact
copy of the announcement as desired for publication is approved by the
Secretariat.
7. Under no circumstances will the name and address list of members of the
community be sold or be used for any promotional activities outside of AJTD.
F. Scheduling and Conducting Tres Dias School: To adequately prepare, educate and support the
Altoona/Johnstown Tres Dias Community in all aspects of the movement, a Tres Dias School.is an
essential tool that can greatly assist in accomplishing this result.
1. A Tres Dias School should be scheduled a minimum of twice a year, at the Team
meetings each pair of Men's and Women's Weekends.
Section V
- Advisory Committee Policies & Procedures:
A. Assistant
Rector Nomination and Calling Procedure:
1. The Chairperson of the Advisory Committee in co-operation with the Historian prepares a list
of all candidates from AJTD who meet the requirements for Assistant Rector and presents the
list to the Advisory Committee members.
2. Assistant Rector candidates are listed by the Advisory Committee at least six
months and no longer than fourteen months prior to the scheduled Weekend.
3. The Advisory Committee prioritizes the list of candidates to be called, and
presents them to the Rectors for their selection.
4. The Chairperson of the Advisory Committee, the Rector and the Lay Director, meet with their
first choice for both the Men's and the Women's Weekends (and backup choices, if necessary)
to confirm their eligibility and willingness to serve, and to discuss the following from the
"Rector's Guide:"
a. the qualifications of the Assistant Rector
b. the role and responsibilities of the Assistant Rector
c. the responsibilities of the Advisors
d. the support from Secretariat Committees
e. the time line of responsibilities
f. any questions the Candidate has
5. The Rector then submits the selected candidates for approval by the Secretariat.
6. The Rector then formally invites the selected Assistant Rector candidates to serve,
pending approval of the Secretariat.
Replacement of Rector/Assistant Rector is as follows:
1. The Head Advisory committee would fill the position for a replacement Rector/Assistant Rector, or appoint one of 2 past men/women rectors who are currently serving on the advisory committee.
2. The Advisory committee should be included in all meetings prior to, and during the formation of all teams. The Rector should review all applications with the Advisory head prior to picking a team or assigning talks. The Advisory head should know every part of the planning and be aware of all aspects of the weekend plans to allow for any transition that would need to be made to flow without any disruption to the team or the weekend.
3. The Advisory Head must either be on each team, or have appointed someone from the committee to be on the team in their place, as well as a member of the committee serve on the opposite team.
There should always be a representative from the Advisory committee on both the Men and Women's team.
4. These actions are the sole responsibility of the Advisory Head and their committee, and are to be presented as part of the team formation to the AJTD Secretariat for their approval.
B. Guidelines for Selecting Advisory
Committee Advisors:
In order to provide guidance and support to Rectors, it shall be the duty of the Chairperson of the
Advisory Committee to appoint advisors for each Rector from the active membership of the
Advisory Committee.
1. Two advisors shall be appointed to serve for each Weekend by the Advisory Committee
Chairperson and approved by the Committee members. It is recommended that men advise men
and women advise women, since it is important for advisors to know the prospective Team
Members well.
2. It is highly recommended that the Chairperson of the Advisory Committee appoint a chief
advisor who is well experienced as an advisor to a Rector, another advisor who has been a
Rector on a recent Weekend to work with the Head Aux./Martha. If the upcoming Rector
indicates a desire for a particular advisor, the request shall be given due consideration.
3. At least one of the advisors should be on the Team for the Weekend.
4. Materials used in the training process shall be the "AJTD Rector's Guide", the "AJTD Detailed
Weekend Schedule," the "AJTD Team Guide," the "AJTD Head Auxiliary / Martha Guide" and
such other materials which may be developed by the AJTD Secretariat and/or the Advisory
Committee. The Assistant Rector and the Head Auxiliary / Martha must be included in the
training process.
C. Advisory
Committee Advisors' Responsibilities:
1. Be committed to pray for the Rector and the Team.
2. Advise and counsel the Rector.
3. Represent Secretariat to be sure that the Weekend is conducted according to the
"Essentials and Dynamics of Tres Dias" and the "Policies & Procedures of
Altoona / Johnstown Tres Dias."
4. Review and recommend Rector's selection for Head Auxiliary I Martha.
5. Review entire "AJTD Rector's Guide" with the Rector, Assistant Rector and
Head Aux./Martha BEFORE Rector begins selecting the rest of the Team.
6. Go over the Rector's checklist with him/her to make sure the Rector understands
his/her responsibilities.
7. Review the Rector's Team selection list.
8. Advise the Rector during the Team selection process.
9. Assist the Rector in obtaining Spiritual Directors.
10. Continue to meet with the Rector, Assistant Rector and Head Aux./Martha during
the planning for Team meetings and the Weekend.
11. Review Team meeting schedule and agenda.
12. Review final "AJTD Detailed Weekend Schedule."
D. Head
Auxiliary / Martha Training:
In order to provide guidance and support to the Head Aux./Martha, it shall be the duty of the
Chairperson of the Advisory Committee to appoint one of the two advisors for each Rector as the
person primarily responsible to train the Head Aux./Martha.
1. The appointed advisor may use one or more other persons who have recently
served as Head Aux./Martha to assist in the training.
2. Materials used in the training process shall be the "AJTD Auxiliary Guide," the
Weekend Committee materials and other materials developed by the AJTD
Secretariat or International Tres Dias.
3. The Head Aux./Martha shall meet with the Weekend and Pre-Weekend
Committee Chairpersons (or designated Weekend Committee member) within a
month prior to the Weekend to become familiar with the Weekend supplies and
their storage.
E. Calling of Spiritual Directors:
The Advisory Committee is responsible for maintaining a current list of approved pastors to serve
as Spiritual Directors on AJTD Weekends. Pastors will be approved and called to serve in the
following manner:
1. Representatives from the Advisory Committee (normally the Community Spiritual Director and
one or two other members) shall meet with potential Spiritual Directors to determine interest in
serving and eligibility for serving on a Weekend. (See Section I. C. - Additional Qualifications
of a Spiritual Director.)
2. The approved list of potential Spiritual Directors with interest indicated for each
Weekend date will be given to the Rectors of the upcoming Weekends. Each Rector may
consult with the Community Spiritual Director to prayerfully select the Spiritual Directors they
feel God is calling to their Weekend.
2. The Rector or, at the Rector's request the Community Spiritual Director will call the selected
pastors and invite them to serve on the Weekend. Calling for a particular Weekend cannot
begin until Spiritual Directors have been secured for all preceding Weekends.
4. It is advisable to select one pastor from a liturgical background and one from a
non-liturgical background to provide balance and diversity on the Weekend.
F. Community
Historian:
The position of Community Historian will be established and appointed by Secretariat.
This will be a non-voting position.
This Resolution supersedes and nullifies ALL previous motions made concerning the Policies and Procedures.
This 26th day of September, 2011