MYAA Bylaws

Article I: Name

The name of said organization is hereby known as Maronite Young Apostolate of the U.S.A.

Article II: Structure and Identification

The structure of the organization will be on two levels:
The National level and the local level.

l. National Level

The National level is served by a National Director named by both Eparchial Bishops.

There will be two assistant directors, one from each Eparchy, who will coordinate activities with the National Director and within their respective Eparchies.

In addition to the director, there will be a National Board to help facilitate these activities. The National Director will appoint up to four young adults (two from each eparchy) to serve on the board.

The National Director shall call all meetings of the National Board after consultation with the Eparchial Bishops, which can be held in any format the Director deems appropriate.

2. Eparchial Level

Each Eparchy will be responsible for developing a ministry to and for young adults. The Eparchial bishop and those he assigns will direct this effort.

3. Local Level

A local chapter should be formed by young adults in each Maronite parish/mission under the direction of their pastor/administrator. Young adults who do not have a local Parish or mission will communicate directly with the National Director to coordinate their activities or with the closest parish/mission.

Establishing a Local Chapter

All Maronite parishes/missions form the local chapters of the Apostolate by having a total membership of at least 5 young adults. Those parishes who lack the necessary amount of members to begin a chapter may combine with another Maronite parish in close proximity.

Young adults wishing to join must meet the following qualifications for membership:

• Age requirement 18 to 35
• Active parishioners of a Maronite Parish

Structure of Local Chapter

The local chapter shall be comprised of at least 5 young adults and a moderator to be named by the pastor of the parish/mission.

The young adults of the chapter will then elect a president, vice - president, secretary and treasurer. It will be up to the local chapter to delegate and divide the work as it would like with the approval of the moderator and the Pastor/Administrator.

a.Duties & Elections of Officers.

Election of officers will take place once a year at an annual meeting to be held in the month of the organization’s choosing. The vote of the simple majority of members in attendance shall elect the following positions.

President

The president shall call meetings and set the agenda for the meetings. He/she will work closely with the moderator to keep the organization in focus. The president will be able to appoint special committees or coordinators as needed with the approval of the moderator.

Vice-President

The vice-president shall assist the president in all his/her duties when he/she is unavailable.

Secretary

The secretary shall handle all communication for the organization as well as handle the membership list. He/She will handle the meeting minutes as well as a permanent record of the meetings.

Treasurer

The treasurer shall handle all accounting for the organization’s activities and membership and shall coordinate efforts with the moderator. All bank accounts must bear the name of the Eparchy in addition to the local parish’s name. The Bishop and the pastor alone can sign on all accounts or the signatures of the president and treasurer together as approved by the pastor.

Additional officers

Each chapter has its own needs. Each chapter shall have the flexibility to put its unique signature on their Young Adult Organization. . Committee chairmen may be added as needed. For example, it is suggested that there be a Committee for Public Relations, a Committee for Cultural & Social Affairs, and a Committee for Spiritual Activities. The work of the organization will grow and evolve and so should its structure.

b.Meetings

The local chapter shall hold a minimum of 6 meetings each year. A meeting shall be held when a quorum shall consist of 2/3 of the members. The moderator shall attend all meetings of the organization.

Conclusion

The goal of the MYA on the National, Eparchial and paris (local) level is to assist each young adult to come to a greater appreciation and involvement with his/her faith in God and service for the gospel of Christ and for the needs of others.