Promoting the Junior Legion - a 10-Point Plan
PROMOTING THE JUNIOR LEGION – A 10 POINT PLAN
“… it should be regarded as a necessary part of the system of each senior praesidium to conduct a junior praesidium.” (Handbook 14:22)
Senior praesidia which do not have junior praesidia attached might give serious consideration to the above words. Obviously, some praesidia experience difficulty in this manner, particularly in regard to providing senior officers for a junior praesidium. Due weight should be given however to the value of the junior Legion to young people and every effort should be made to overcome the obstacles which lie in the way.
The following words taken from the Papal Exhortation, “Christifideles Laici”, which are quoted in chapter 36:22 of the Handbook should be an incentive to senior praesidia in this regard:
“…young people are and ought to be encouraged to be active on behalf of the Church as leading characters in evangelisation and participants in the renewal of society.” (CL 46)
Suggestions as to steps which might be taken by senior praesidia towards setting up a junior praesidium.
1. Consideration by the senior praesidium.
2. Consultation with the senior Curia.
3. Consultation with the Parish Priest and school authorities.
4. Set a date for the first meeting.
5. Members of the senior praesidium pray for this intention and invite their auxiliaries to pray for it also.
6. A small hand-out (information leaflet) might be prepared inviting young people to consider membership.
7. The praesidium canvasses young people in its area through visitation of homes, schools and recreation areas.
8. In the course of home visitation, as well as speaking to the young people they meet, the legionaries inform parents of the proposal and explain to them the value of the Legion membership to their children.
9. One of the senior members is asked to take on the Presidency of the new junior praesidium. If possible, a second senior member should be asked to become Vice President.
10. Consideration should be given to a programme of work for the juniors.
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