The Society works in close connection with and supports
the Diocesan Archives, which preserves the official records of the Diocese,
but has a much broader scope than does the Archives. The Society exists
by the grace of the Bishop of Columbus; the monies, books and artifacts,
and office equipment of the Society belong ultimately to the Diocese.
The patron of the Society is St. Bede, eighth-century
Benedictine monk of Jarrow in Northumberland, Doctor of the Church, author
of the Ecclesiastical History of the English People.
Article I - Name
1.1 The name of this organization shall be the Catholic Record Society
- Diocese of Columbus, hereinafter referred to as the Society.
Article II - Membership
2.1 An individual or a household (persons at one address) may become a
member of the Society and receive its regular publications by paying the
annual dues as specified by the Executive Board. An annual subscription
to the regular publications of the Society may be obtained by an organization
by payment as specified by the Executive Board. In place of dues, the
Board may accept an article for publication.
2.2 The Bishop of Columbus, any representative designated by him, and
the Records Officer of the Diocese shall be, ex officio, members of the
Society.
2.3 Any person who has served as an officer of the Society for more than
six months during one calendar year shall receive a membership, free of
charge, for the succeeding calendar year. At the discretion of the Executive
Board on an annual basis full membership without payment of dues may be
granted to members who have made significant volunteer contributions to
the work of the Society.
Article III - Officers
3.1 The officers of the Society shall be the Chairman, the Vice Chairman,
the Secretary, and the Treasurer.
3.2 The officers shall be elected by a simple majority of members present
at the first regular meeting of each odd-numbered year from a slate proposed
by the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee shall be appointed
at the last regular meeting of even-numbered years.
3.3 Each term of office shall be for two years. Vacancies shall be filled
for the remainder of any un expired term by appointment by the Executive
Board.
3.4 The Chairman shall be the principal officer with the
responsibility for the general supervision of the affairs of the Society.
The Chairman shall appoint all committees and shall be a member, ex officio,
of all committees except the Nominating Committee.
3.5 The Vice Chairman shall assist the Chairman and shall preside at the
regular meetings of the Society in the absence or incapacity of the Chairman.
3.6 The Secretary shall maintain records of the proceedings of each meeting
of the Society, which shall be available at the office of the Society
for examination and publication. He shall maintain an up to date record
of all members of the Society, which shall be available at the office
of the Society.
3.7 The Treasurer shall deposit all monies of the Society in such banks
and bank accounts as may be directed by the Executive Board. The Treasurer,
Chairman, and Vice Chairman shall each be authorized to make such disbursements
as are approved and directed by the Executive Board. The Treasurer shall
prepare and present quarterly and annual statements of receipts and expenditures,
an annual budget, and any other financial report which may be required
by the Diocese or the Executive Board.
Article IV - Meetings
4.1 Meetings of the Society shall be held quarterly at the discretion
of the Executive Board. Except for the purpose of scheduling special programs
or presentations, all presentations shall be scheduled during the previous
meeting.
4.2 The Chairman or Vice Chairman shall arrange for the Society meeting
places and shall be responsible for notification of members in case of
cancellation.
Article V - Executive Board
5.1 The Executive Board of the Society shall be composed of the Bishop
of Columbus, any representative appointed by him, the Diocesan Records
Officer, and the elected officers of the Society. The Executive Board
shall conduct the business of the Society between regular meetings.
5.2 Meetings of the Executive Board may be called by the Bishop or his
representative, by the Diocesan Records Officer, or by the Chairman (or
Vice Chairman during the absence or incapacity of the Chairman).
5.3 The dues of the Society shall be set by the Executive Board.
Article VI - Committees
6.1 A committee shall consist of one or more persons chosen to consider
some matter or to function in a certain capacity. A committee shall consist
of a chairman and other members as necessary to fulfill the purpose of
that committee. The Chairman shall appoint all committees.
6.2 The Program Committee shall plan and make all arrangements for presentations
on topics of interest to the Society at the regular meetings.
6.3 The Publications Committee shall direct the preparation of all of
the Society's publications, including a periodical and any special publications.
6.4 The Research Committee shall actively engage in historical and genealogical
research for the Society and as directed by the Chairman in response to
requests from members and the general public. They shall work with the
Diocesan Records Officer to establish and keep current a set of written
guidelines for research in the Archives of the Diocese of Columbus.
6.5 The Communications Committee shall be responsible for notifying the
Society's members of meetings; for communicating news of the Society to
the members, and for publicity for the Society.
Article VII - Amendments
7.1 Any amendment to these by-laws shall become effective upon the approval
of two-thirds of those members present at any regular meeting of the Society,
after notice has been given to the members at least thirty days in advance
of the meeting, and upon approval by the Bishop of Columbus.
7.2 These by-laws shall become effective upon the approval of the Bishop
of Columbus.
Amendments proposed September 13, 2003; approved by membership
November 23, 2003; approved by Bishop Griffin, December 5, 2003.
