All are welcome to join YASKI. Members are asked to respect the three main goals of YASKI: Spiritual growth, Service to others, and Social fellowship.
All are welcome to respectfully express their points of view. In return, it is requested that members listen to others' viewpoints. The Teachings of the Catholic Church will always be presented and upheld.
Finally, membership requirements such as Christian denomination, area of residence, or educational background will not be made. Also, membership dues will not be levied.
Several events are planned each month. These events fall into one of three categories: Spiritual, Service, and Social. Individual YASKI members volunteer to coordinate and lead these events.
In addition, YASKI also participates in some Archdiocese of Philadelphia Young Adult Ministry events as well as other local pre-planned events. For these events, all that is normally required is to RSVP.
General Meetings are normally held quarterly. Members are strongly encouraged to attend. At these meetings, proposals for future direction, activities, and programs are voted upon. Often these proposals have been reviewed by the Core Team, which may or may not endorse the proposals.
Following the business part of the meeting, the group's activities and events for the next two to three months are planned. Members are encouraged to bring ideas for events. A good balance of spiritual, service, and social events is sought. Volunteers are solicited to sponsor events. From the planned events, a detailed event calendar is developed and mailed to the general membership.
YASKI will elect a seven member Core Team to lead the group's activities and guide its direction. Core Team members will be asked to serve a one (1) year term. Please note that the Core Team is not a governing body, but a group of leaders dedicated to the overall and continual improvement of the group. All Core Team members will be considered equals. A description of each position follows.
The Chairperson will be the point person for YASKI. Main duties include:The Spiritual Representative, Service Representative, and Social Representative will be responsible for targeting activities and methods for increasing our commitment to YASKI's three main goals. They will also serve at-large roles on the Core Team for currently unforeseen projects or positions.
The Chairperson, Membership Coordinator, and Publicity Coordinator will form the Administration Committee. The Bible Study Coordinator, Spiritual Representative, Service Representative, and Social Representative will form the "Works" Committee, dedicated to the work of our group. Other committees may be formed as necessary. In addition, each Core Team member may seek help from other members to fulfill his or her role (i.e. subcommittees are encouraged).
Elections will be conducted by secret ballot from members. For voting purposes, membership is defined as attendance at no less than five (5) prior YASKI activities/Bible Studies. Each member may cast one (1) vote for each Core Team position. An individual must garner a majority of the votes to win the election. If this is not the case, a re-vote will be conducted between the two highest vote getters. The order of the elections will be determined prior to election day and will depend on the number of nominees for each position.
The Chairperson will be responsible for ensuring that the elections are well-planned, advertised, and executed smoothly. The Chairperson will perform the vote count unless he or she is a candidate for a position. If that is the case, the Membership Coordinator will do the vote count for that particular position.
Each outgoing Core Team member is responsible for developing a written transition plan, detailing responsibilities and ongoing projects, and assisting with setting future goals. Leadership retreats and transitional meetings are encouraged and may take the place of the written transitional plan.
While members are encouraged to serve the entire term, extenuating circumstances may prevent an individual from finishing his or her term. In this case, a mid-term replacement will be sought. In addition, it is acceptable for a Spiritual Representative, Service Representative, or Social Representative to leave his/her position mid-term, if he/she is seeking election to one of the following positions: Chairperson, Membership Coordinator, Publicity Coordinator, or Bible Study Coordinator.
Proposals will be developed, reviewed, and potentially endorsed by the Core Team. For reference, these meetings are generally held one week prior to a General Meeting. However, the Chairperson may call a Core Team Meeting at any time, if deemed necessary. Attendance of Core Team Meetings is limited to Core Team members only.
Proposals will then be presented at "General Meetings". Major decisions for the group will be made by group consensus, primarily at designated General Meetings. Accordingly, attendance at General Meetings is highly encouraged. Proposals and ideas are ALWAYS welcome!
Provision for the Constitutional Amendments. Changing of the Constitution of the Young Adults of St. Katherine's and St. Isaac's will require a 5/7 vote of the Core Team coupled with a majority approval (of those present) at a subsequent General Meeting.
YASKI may establish and maintain an operational budget. The purpose of the budget is to cover expenses such as calendar mailings, retreat scholarships, speaker stipends, Mass cards/flowers for deaths to family member, member socials, and advertising. Other expenses may be covered if deemed appropriate by a majority of the Core Team members. Funding may come from individual donations, Parishes, the Archdiocese, and YASKI sponsored fundraisers.
A bank account may be set up to keep these funds. Withdraws from this account will require two signatures, that of the YASKI Chairperson and any other Core Team member. The chairperson will be responsible for proper upkeep of the account.
"If your brother should commit some wrong against you, go and point out his fault, but keep it between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. If he does not listen, summon another, so that every case may stand on the word of two or three witnesses. If he ignores them, refer it to the church. If he ignores even the church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector."
Matthew 18:15-18
YASKI prides itself on being a Young Adult Ministry that is a welcoming environment for all who wish to be a part of this ministry. Unfortunately, YASKI recognizes that there is the real possibility that some members may exhibit behavior that is inappropriate in nature. Such behavior may include but is not limited to: emotional, physical, verbal, or spiritual threats/abuse and use of sexual innuendos, demeaning and/or foul language. This behavior has the potential to threaten the vision of YASKI, and will not be tolerated.
As a plan of recourse in dealing with such issues, YASKI intends to follow the letter and spirit of the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 18:15-18 in dealing with such situations. It should be noted that, as a volunteer organization composed of people of good will, YASKI does not intend this plan of recourse to be legal advice. This protocol serves as suggested guidance for Core Team and our general membership in dealing with these issues within the confines of YASKI.
If an individual within YASKI acts inappropriately against another individual, the person who is acted upon must first address the issue with the person who they feel is acting inappropriately in private. This is due to be done in a clear, honest, and forthright manner. A specific request to the person to cease the behavior in question must be made at this point. This is the first course of action before the matter is referred to the YASKI Chairperson.
If the inappropriate behavior persists, or, if addressing the individual in a private setting is, in the best estimation of the person being acted upon, harmful or futile in any way, then that individual must inform the YASKI Chairperson. Depending on the situation, the YASKI Chairperson may inform the Core Team of the situation. Informing the Core Team is done to assist the Chairperson in discerning the severity of the behavior in question as well as to determine an appropriate course of action.
The YASKI Chairperson and, at the Chairperson's option, one or more Core Team members, will then address the situation presented with the person alleged to have behaved inappropriately against the reporting individual. The goal is to make the person aware of their actions and to request that the inappropriate behavior stops immediately.
If the YASKI Chairperson and his/her chosen representatives from Core Team address the situation with the accused and the behavior persists, or if, in consultation with Core Team, the Chairperson decides that Core Team is not in the position to address the situation appropriately, then the Chairperson will bring the matter to the attention of the Pastor of St. Katherine of Siena Parish and/or St. Isaac Jogues Parish. The YASKI Chairperson may also consider bringing the matter to the Adult Ministry and/or one or more of its qualified representatives for counsel and possible addressing of the Situation.
If the Pastor/s and/or other Church representatives address the situation with the individual alleged to have exhibited the inappropriate behavior, and should the behavior persist, then the individual exhibiting the behavior will be asked to leave YASKI immediately. This request must be made in person by the YASKI Chairperson and witnessed by a member of Core Team. It must also be approved by either the pastor of St. Katherine of Siena Parish or the Pastor of St. Isaac Jogues Parish.
YASKI recognizes the role of appropriate legal authority. If any given situation is deemed to warrant such intervention, legal assistance will be sought.
The following wording changes to the YASKI Constitution are effective immediately. All changes are noted in bold type and will be reflected in the YASKI Constitution draft given to new members and posted on the YASKI website.
A.) Part 4, General Meetings: change the final sentence as follows:
Previous: "From the planned events, a detailed event calendar is developed and mailed to the general membership."
Revised: "From the planned events, a detailed event calendar is developed and distributed to the general membership."
B.) Part 5, Membership Coordinator description:
Add the following item:
C.) Part 6, Timetable: change the final sentence as follows:
Previous: "To maintain continuity on the Core Team, the positions of Chairperson, Membership Coordinator, Publicity Coordinator, and Bible
Study Coordinator will be elected to one year terms beginning on June 1st, whereas the positions of Spiritual Representative, Service Representative,
and Social Representative will be elected to one year terms beginning on January 31st."
Revised: "To maintain continuity on the Core Team, the positions of Chairperson, Membership Coordinator, Publicity Coordinator, and Bible
Study Coordinator will be elected to one year terms beginning on July 1st, whereas the positions of Spiritual Representative, Service Representative,
and Social Representative will be elected to one year terms beginning on February 1st." Accordingly, elections should be held in June and
January, respectively.
So always treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.- Matthew 7:12
Then Peter approaching asked him, "Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times? Jesus answered, "I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times."- Matthew 18: 21-22
But anyone who is the downfall of one of these little ones who have faith in me would be better drowned in the depths of the sea with a great millstone round his neck.- Matthew 18:6.
As YASKI is an organization comprised of Christian adults, it is expected that disputes will be resolved in a mature manner, with emphasis on forgiveness and resolution.
Step One: Address Individual's Behavior, One-on-One.
If your brother should commit some wrong against you, go and point out his fault, but keep it between the two of you. If he listens to you,
you have won your brother over.
- Matthew 18:15.
If an individual within YASKI acts inappropriately against another individual, the person who was offended should address the inappropriate behavior of the offending person one-on-one in a private, non-confrontational, and Christian way. A specific request should be made to the person to cease the behavior in question. For safety and documentation reasons, one should consider having a witness present.
To prevent a bad feeling to fester or spread (which could begin to have a larger detrimental effect on the greater good of the YASKI Ministry), this step should ideally take place within 10 days of the incident. It is recommended that the issue be reported to a member of the YASKI Core Team. If, due to the nature of the case, the affected individual is not comfortable addressing an issue, go directly to Step Two.
Step Two: Two or More People Address the Individual's Behavior.
If he does not listen, summon another, so that every case may stand on the word of two or three witnesses.
- Matthew 18:16.
If the behavior/situation persists (or if the offended party is not comfortable addressing the issue), then the offended party should contact the YASKI Chairperson (or another Core Team member if the Chairperson is the acting individual) to discuss the matter. This contact should occur within 14 days of the incident in order to best resolve the situation quickly while everyone's memory is still clear. As stated before, allowing a bad feeling to fester or spread could begin to have a larger detrimental effect on the YASKI Ministry.
The Chairperson should hold a Initial Reconciliation Meeting to take place within 14 days from the date of the request for Core Team involvement. To maintain privacy, this meeting should not be publicized unless the Chairperson feels there is a clear need of the Ministry to do so. Any witnesses should be present at this meeting, as well as both parties, where practical. Also, at the Chairperson's option, one or more non- involved Core Team members may attend as witnesses. Any agreements should be documented in writing with all members' signatures attached.
If an agreement is not reached at this meeting, the Chairperson should read Step Three below and inform the parties of potential consequences for their actions.
Step Three: The Community Addresses the Issue.
If he ignores them, refer it to the church. If he ignores even the church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector.
-
Matthew 18:17.
The Chairperson should hold a Second Reconciliation Meeting to take place within 14 days from the first Reconciliation meeting and invite all non-involved Core Team members. Reasonable requests for timing and availability will be made to accommodate Core Team members attendance. Because the Core Team is looked to as leaders of the group, it is important that they set a positive Catholic example for the group and resolve any disputes with members as quickly and lovingly as possible. Any witnesses should be present at this meeting, as well as the parties involved in the issue, where practical. Any agreements should be documented in writing with all members signatures attached.
While forgiveness and reconciliation should always be sought, it is recognized that there may be instances where that reconciliation can only be attained with the removal of an individual from regular involvement with YASKI. So, if an agreement acceptable to the Core Team is not reached, the Core Team must vote on potential expulsion from YASKI for the involved parties. A minimum two-thirds vote of non-involved Core Team Members is required for expulsion. If an expulsion occurs, a written letter of explanation must be given to the expelled members and both Pastors within 7 days. The Chairperson should also confirm the expulsion verbally or face-to-face with the affected individuals, preferably with a witness present.
If an individual is removed from YASKI, then he/she is not permitted to attend any YASKI sponsored event or function. Additionally, the individual may not contact any current or alumni member of YASKI for any reason unless first contacted by that individual.
Appeal Process
If a member is expelled from YASKI, that individual may appeal the decision to the Pastors of the sponsoring parishes. This may only occur by
sending a written letter of no more than 2 pages in length to both the Pastor of St. Isaac Jogues Parish and the Pastor of St. Katherine of Siena
Parish. This letter must also be sent to all Core Team members. This letter must be sent after 14 days from the notification date of the Core
Team's expulsion vote (cooling off period), but within 28 days of the notification date. At this point the Chairperson, should contact the Pastors
to explain the reasons for the Core Team's actions. The final decision rests with the pastors.
Reinstatement
After one year passes from the end of the expulsion/appeal process, the expelled member may apply for reinstatement. To do so, the member must
send a letter (paper copy, not electronic) to the YASKI Chairperson. The request should contain an acknowledgment of the behavior that led to the
expulsion and detail what the individual has done since then to improve upon that behavior. The Chairperson must discuss the potential reinstatement
with the Core Team within 45 days of receiving the letter or at the next scheduled Core Team Meeting, whichever occurs first. Acceptable reasons
for reinstatement may include, but is not limited to: counseling sought/received, public apology to YASKI general membership, written commitment for
boundaries for future behavior and consequences if those boundaries are violated, or honest admission of wrongdoing. A minimum two-thirds vote
of non-involved Core Team Members is required for reinstatement. If the request is denied for any reason, then the individual must wait one (1)
calendar year from the date of the decision to reapply if he/she so chooses. If a reinstatement occurs - - and a prior appeal never took place - -
a written letter of reinstatement must be given to the formerly expelled members and to both Pastors within 7 days.
If the expelled member's original expulsion was appealed and upheld by the Pastors, and he/she received a reinstatement vote from the Core Team, then he/she must also send a written letter of no more than 2 pages in length to both the Pastor of St. Isaac Jogues Parish and the Pastor of St. Katherine of Siena Parish requesting reinstatement. This letter must be sent within 14 days of the Core Team's reinstatement vote and should document the reasons for reinstatement. At this time, the Chairperson should contact the Pastors to explain the reasons for the Core Team's reinstatement vote. In this case, the final decision rests with the Pastors.