Society of St Vincent De Paul Spiritual Advisor

Society of St. Vincent De. Paul Spiritual Advisor Formation Apostolic Reflection SA 301– Finding God in our Conference and in Those we Serve

Apostolic Reflection by the Apostles “The Apostles on their return related to Jesus all they had accomplished. -Luke 9: 10

St. Vincent’s Method “And what did you think, my Sister, my Brother?

Apostolic Reflection is…. Reflecting together on our service Finding God there Creating Vincentian community by sharing our deeper thoughts

The Heart & Soul of Apostolic Reflection for Vincentians: GOD IS HERE

We come together in Apostolic Reflection to discover God here: v. In experiences v. In events v. In persons, v. In those who are poor.

GOD IS HERE “…Serving the poor is going to God, and you should see God in them. ” -St. Vincent

3 Beacons to guide Apostolic Reflection 1. The sacredness & uniqueness of each person 2. Deep affection for each member of the group 3. Sharing of apostolic and spiritual experiences with one another

Beacon I 1. The sacredness & uniqueness of each person.

Beacon 2 Deep affection for each member of the group.

Beacon 3 Sharing of apostolic and spiritual experiences with one another

Honoring my own experience, then passing over to honor my neighbor’s experience; Touched and changed by his or her experience, we pass back to our own experience. Then diversity is a gift. -John Dunne, The House of Wisdom

Rut Prevention In God’s presence, we share with Him and one another our Joys Sorrows Disappointments Vision for the future.

Benchmarks of Apostolic Sharing • The God who called us together here is here. We’ve come together in God. • God is present in each person & in the community. • We set aside our timetables to be led & to abide in the eternal God. • The journey is a shared one, like the Trinity.

Apostolic Reflection becomes Transformative & Central to our Conference From My Way, to Our Way… …to God’s Way where Diversity Becomes a Blessing.

Elements of Apostolic Reflection 1) Recall that you are in the presence of God. 2) Briefly describe an experience of ministry that you had. Who were the persons involved? 3) Share the impact of this experience: What were your reactions & feelings? What were theirs? 4) Where was God present? What Gospel values come to mind? What Vincentian values? 5) What insights did you derive from this reflection?

SERVING IN HOPE – Volume #4 • The use of Apostolic Reflection to understand the principles of Social Justice

PRACTICING APOSTOLIC REFLECTION 1. Common sharing concerning a common experience 2. One shares an experience – common reflection 3. Personal sharingcorporate listening • Three Models -Hugh O’Donnell, C. M.

Model I Common sharing concerning a common experience Christmas Gifts – we’ve handed out wrapped gifts for years. What is God calling us to now?

Model 2 One shares an experience – common reflection

Model 3 Personal Sharing, Corporate Listening

THE WAY “Apostolic Reflection is a Way of life, and perhaps the gift of our time. ” -Hugh O’Donnell, CM