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CENTRAL COUNCIL
The Italian Catholic Federation is a California 501C (8), non-profit, fraternal organization. The structure of the Italian Catholic Federation follows the common lines of other fraternal non-profits with one important exception. The governing body, or Central Council, has independent authority in certain specific matters, but above all, it serves as a guarantee that no deviation from Catholic principles occur.
The Central Council is made up of 24 volunteer members. Twelve are elected each year by the delegates at the annual convention and serve a one-year term. The remaining twelve serve to the mandatory retirement age of seventy-five as "Life Members."
The Central Council is governed by the Central Council Statutes, which set forth the procedural, administrative, and legislative powers to which it is empowered to exercise. Daily administrative operations are handled by a Bookkeeper, Editor, and Administrative Secretary. The ICF Spiritual Director receives a stipend for his work among Federation Branches.
The Mission Statement, found in the Central Council Statutes, states: "The Italian Catholic Federation encourages and promotes faith renewal, apostolic and charitable works, and the preservation of the Italian-American heritage in our communities."
DISTRICTS
Three or more Branches may form a District Council. The purpose of the District Council shall be to coordinate activities of the District, to promote District and Branch activities, and to cooperate with other Districts in Diocesan programs. The District has administrative but not legislative power. Each District is governed by their own set of By-Laws.
BRANCHES
Members join the Italian Catholic Federation by affiliating with a local Branch at a parish. Each Branch is urged to support the organization-wide programs of ministry as well as work closely with the Parish Pastor in support of Parish Programs. The President of a Branch serves a three-year term. As stated in the 1998 Branch By-Laws, "The purpose of the Branch is to uphold and develop the religious spirit among its members and to spread that spirit among all people outside of the organization."
Persons of other nationalities may be admitted as members if their number does not exceed 49% of the Branch membership. Non-Italian members must express their willingness to accept the ideals and programs of the ICF.
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