New Year's Message:
By Jesús León @ 3:05 AM :: 257 Views
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By: Jesús León - ACU President

Hello;

It is common to reflect on the last year and make plans for the future as we approach the end of the calendar year. I have being reflecting on the ACU and want to share my thoughts with you.

First, let’s review the positive. We have a lot of reasons to be thankful in the ACU this past year. I shared several of the following accomplishments with those present at the banquet three weeks ago.

• The ACU continues to help men discern their vocations as we saw with the ordination of an agrupado priest and the first Jesuit vows of two other agrupados this past year.
• We had over 500 retreat participants in JPII.
• Six agrupados became congregantes.
• Five agrupados were missionaries in Cuba.
• And, we have a lot of dedicated people helping the ACU starting with Father Nelson García, the ACU employees and volunteers, Manolo, José and Mireya; and the many agrupado volunteers that help with the houses, the RJM, the retreat house, the finances, the ACU Boards, etc., etc.

Following our last Consejo meeting and recalling the actions from the June meeting, I believe that for the ACU to be successful (grow, do apostolic work, influence society for Christ) we have to address three major issues:

• Recruitment, especially of younger people.
• Long-term finances.
• Governance.

Recruitment: In June the Consejo identified recruitment as a major priority for the ACU along with the RJM. We are not very active in the recruitment of new members and we have lost part of our connection to the university. We could and should be active in starting university groups in most of our chapters as we have plenty of universities near our chapters: Miami (FIU, UM, Barry, MDC); Washington (Catholic Univ., Georgetown, George Washington, George Mason, American, etc.); Atlanta (Georgia Tech, Emory, Georgia State, etc.); San Juan (UPR, PUPR, UCC, etc.); Orlando (UCF, etc.) The ACU Atlanta started a group in August whose members are all university students.

I ask you all to pray, support and push for the creation of more ACU student groups.

Long-term finances: The major problem with the ACU finances is the outflow of funds to support the RJM until we reach a minimum of 15 residents. Once we pass ~15 residents, then the RJM will be self-funding. Once we reach 20 residents, it will become a source of funding for the ACU. I am convinced that the RJM will start covering expenses and producing a surplus within the next two years if we continue to push hard to market and manage the unit professionally.

Other sources of funding for the ACU are the JPII Retreat House, the dues and donations. The JPII retreat house provides net income to the house. We made an effort to increase the dues contribution this past year and we continue to receive donations from generous agrupados and friends.

Governance: The meeting of the Consejo in December was, for me, a clear indication that our governance model/approach/system is in need of adjustment. I am not ready to propose any changes now but do welcome suggestions from you all. This topic should be, in my opinion, a major item for reflection and change in 2012.

I thank you for your dedication, patience, perseverance and love for the ACU. I pray that Our Lord Jesus and His Blessed Mother watch over you and your family during 2012 so that you may have a Peaceful, Healthy and Joyful New Year.

Un abrazo,

Jesús