Legion of Christ - Apostolates

Apostolates

The primary apostolate of Legionary priests and brothers is to attend to the spiritual needs of the members of their lay branch, Regnum Christi. Since Legionary priests and brothers are themselves members of Regnum Christi, often they are put in charge of directing the apostolic projects.

The most important fields of their apostolic work are education, youth and family ministry, evangelization (especially in the mission territory of the Mexican State of Quintana Roo in the Yucatán Peninsula), and social work. The Legion of Christ and Regnum Christi seek to collaborate with the local churches by lending help and support to the bishops and parish priests as they carry out their diocesan pastoral programs.

Regnum Christi has many apostolates for charitable and spiritual welfare. It essentially does not limit itself to any one apostolate, but each member is encouraged to work on his/her area of interest or expertise.

As a spirituality, it encourages its members to work innovatively and systematically. Members are given the option to work on an apostolate not associated with the Legion, a Legion-endorsed apostolate, or to create their own apostolate which may eventually receive Legion endorsement.

In the US, the congregation runs several schools. In 2012, all three of its high schools (Everest Collegiate High School, The Highlands School and Pinecrest Academy) where named to the Cardinal Newman Society's list of top 50 Catholic High Schools. In Mexico, the Legionaries administer the Anahuac University Network. It operates centers of education (minor seminaries, seminaries, schools and/or universities) in Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Israel, Korea, Poland, Ireland, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Canada, and the Philippines.

In 2006, the Legion launched a test phase of Mission Network, in the United States. Catholic Mission Network, Inc., is the umbrella organization which oversees and approves Legionary-endorsed apostolates that are not stand alone like a school or retreat center. Its purpose is to provide both 1) structure and supervision of the apostolates, and 2) An overview as to what the Legion/Regnum Christi does as a whole, with brand-name-type recognition.

The youth wing of Regnum Christi offering the same spirituality for youth 11 to 16 is called ECYD. The commitments in ECYD vary over time, adapting to the ages of the members. Most ECYD members are involved in clubs run or overseen by Legionaries or consecrated members of Regnum Christi.