The Archconfraternity is governed by the following: Our founding documents, and organisational structure.
Founding Documents:
We are guided by the following governing documents listed below. the former governs the whole of the Archconfraternity, and the latter governs each individual center.
1. Archconfraternity Statutes
Archconfraternities are required to draw up founding statutes which outlines a brief history, title, aims, our headquarters, and a brief summery of the governing structure of their organization.
These documents describe how the whole archconfraternity is governed globally.
2. Archconfraternity Center Directives
The Archconfraternity directives is a document that details how each center is governed, setting out the guidelines that each center must follow. While each center may vary in size, activity, and scope; these guidelines ensure that all centers are on the same page and meet the basic standards required across the archconfraternity.
Organisational Structure:
In addition to our Founding documents, The Universal Archconfraternity of Saint Philomena is formed by the following organisational structure which also governs the organisation.
1. Committee List:
The committee list demonstrates how our organisation is structured. Appointments to our committee are for life since each incumbent possesses knowledge and skills that are invaluable to the Archconfraternity and the spread of devotion to our dear Saint.
Decision making (such as appointments to key positions) is largely made by submitting proposals to our Executive committee which is then decided by majority vote. At times when required, some decisions may require input from all archconfraternity centers. In that case, a vote may be cast open to the rest of the Archconfraternity.
2. Archconfraternity Centers
Archconfraternity centers are led by center representatives who are responsible for promoting devotion to Saint Philomena in their area. Center Representatives are registered and confirmed by the worldwide director, and certain members of the executive committee. While each center is autonomous, they also must comply with the statutes, directives, and report their activities to the executive committee.
Center representatives are a point of contact with local devotees who can reach out to request information on devotional prayer groups, or Masses in their area, request sacramentals and materials, and enrol new members in the Archconfraternity.
3. Members
Members are enrolled in their local archconfraternity center. Members are encouraged to participate in the life of the devotion to saint Philomena. Devotees who are members are encouraged to wear the cord of St. Philomena and pray her chaplet. They are also encouraged to participate in Masses or devotions on her various feast days. On enrolment they are issued a member card with a welcome pack and are associated (for life) with the archconfraternity center they are signed up with.