Society of St Vincent de Paul Vincentian Orientation

Society of St. Vincent de Paul Vincentian Orientation

Come, Holy Spirit Opening Prayer

“We have to study in such a way that love corresponds to knowledge. ” (XI: 116)

Formation “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you” Jeremiah 1: 5 “I am the Potter you are the Clay” From the hymn “Abba Father” “Are not our hearts burning within us” Vincentian formation means being shaped through the Holy Spirit, for and by our Vincentian work, into useful vessels that God needs for the poor. 5

Formation or Training? Formation is about our minds and hearts which we bring to our ministry. Training is about the practical skills and knowledge we need in order to be effective. Training generally answers the questions: what? or how? Formation generally answers the question: Why? It is both Formation and Training. They are both essential to a healthy conference or council 6

YOU are an essential part of this story Each one of us will become a part of the history of how God cares for His people worldwide.

You are a member of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. A Vincentian. Dedicated to growing in holiness through personal service in friendship.

You belong to a membership of more than 800, 000 people WORLDWIDE, dedicated to serving Christ in those around them.

Within the United States You are one of more than 96, 000 Vincentians in our nation.

Welcome.

The Society Click to Play Video

Mission Statement - 2018 A Network of friends, Inspired by Gospel values, Growing in Holiness and building a more just world through personal relationships with and Service to people in need. .

Purpose of the Society • Primary: Spiritual growth of its members • Secondary: Serve those in need and bring them closer to God

Scope of the Society The Society engages in a number of works covering all the needs, trials and tribulations of human life, both corporal and spiritual. “No work of charity is foreign to the Society. ” Rule of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Article 2. 1835.

Essential Elements Spirituality Friendship Service

The Core Work of the Society Starts with Home Visits Twinning Disaster Relief Food Pantries Thrift Stores Other Agencies Immediate Needs HOME VISIT Prison Ministry Evangelization Housing Advocacy Immigration Services Eldercare

Society of St. Vincent de Paul Part II: The Story of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul

St. Vincent de Paul • Born April 24, 1581 in Pouy, France to peasant family • Pursued priesthood to support his family • Ordained at 19 • Became tutor to a wealthy family in Paris

St. Vincent de Paul • Deathbed confession changed his life • Started working with the poor • Saw a need for organization “You will go and visit the poor ten times a day, and ten times a day you will find God there!”

St. Louise de Marillac • Born in 1591 • Wife & mother • Active in Ladies of Charity • Widowed at 34 “The love of Christ crucified compels us. ”

Patroness of Christian Social Workers • Begins to assist Fr. Vincent • Foundation of the Daughters of Charity “As for your conduct toward the sick, may you never take the attitude of merely getting the task done. You must show them affection; serving them from the heart. ” – St. Louise de Marillac

Apostle of Charity • Established • Ladies of Charity • Congregation of the Mission • Daughters of Charity • Founder of France’s social service system • Tireless work for the poor: galley slaves, orphans, war victims

Paris, France 1833

Blessed Rosalie Rendu • Born September 9, 1786 • Daughter of Charity • Served the poor of the Mouffetard District for 54 years • Started orphanage, clinic, day nursery, trade school, home for elderly, and more “I never prayed so well as I did in the streets. ” – Sr. Rosalie Rendu

Frédéric Ozanam • Born April 23, 1813 • Bright student • Devout Catholic • Goes to Paris to study at the Sorbonne

Sr. Rosalie Guides the Young Society Mentored the young college students in visiting the poor “Be kind and love, for love is your first gift to the poor. They will appreciate your kindness and your love more than all else you can bring to them. ” - Sr. Rosalie Rendu

The Early Society and the Rule 1835: ~200 Vincentians Q: How to keep the objectives and spirit alive? A: Capture structure and principles in a “Rule” First edition authored by Emmanuel Bailly and Francois Lallier “We have only to embody… usages already followed and cherished…” Notes to Original Rule, 1835

The Legacy of Frédéric Ozanam • Life-long champion of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul • Professor at the Sorbonne • Ideas ahead of his time • Husband & father • Died at the age of 40 • Read more – Apostle in a Top Hat

Rapid Growth of the Society • France – 1833 • Italy – 1842 • England – 1844 • Belgium, Scotland, Ireland - 1845

Rapid Growth of the Society • The United States – 1845 • Holland, Mexico – 1846 • Switzerland, Canada - 1847

A Worldwide Organization 1913: 8, 000 Conferences 133, 000 members Today: 800, 000+ members 150+ countries

The Society in the United States • St. Louis, Missouri: U. S. birthplace • November 20, 1845: First Conference met in the Old Cathedral • National Headquarters are still in St. Louis

The Vincentian Family Major Branches Society of St. Vincent de Paul Ladies of Charity Congregation of the Mission Daughters of Charity Federation of the Sisters of Charity Associations Vincentian Marian Youth Miraculous Medal Associations Vincentian Service Corps Lay Vincentian Missionaries http: //famvin. org Go To Next Slide Missionary Cenacle Family

Society of St. Vincent de Paul Part Ill: The Gift of Vincentian Spirituality

The Way of St. Vincent “We must begin by establishing the kingdom of God in ourselves. ”

Our Vocation “So, our vocation is to go … to set people's hearts on fire, to do what the Son of God did. He came to set the world on fire in order to inflame it with His love. ” St. Vincent de Paul

See the Face of Christ in the Poor “In the poor, they see the suffering Christ. ” Rule Part 1: 1. 8 Vincent says: “In serving the poor, we serve Jesus Christ. ”

Living Our Vincentian Spirituality Growing in Holiness through: • Our prayer life • Reflection on Sacred Scripture • The teachings of the Church • Our daily lives • Our relationship with those in need and with our fellow Vincentians

Prayer is essential to being a Vincentian. “Give me a person of prayer and that person will be capable of everything. ”

Vincentian Favorite Scriptures • Jesus’ Mission: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me … he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor …” (Lk 4: 16 -21) • Gospel Values (Beatitudes): “Blessed are the poor …” (Mt 5: 2 -11, Lk 6: 20 -22) • Last Judgment: “Whatever you did for the least of my brethren, you also did for me. ” (Mt 25: 36 -46) • Greatest commandment: “Love one another. ” / “Love your neighbor as yourself …” (Lk 6: 32 -37; Lk 10: 25 -28; Jn 13: 34 -35) • Service: “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve …” (Mt 20: 28)

Catholic Social Teaching • St. Vincent’s Words: “There is no charity that is not accompanied by justice. ” • Frédéric’s Words: “The order of society is based on two virtues: Justice and Charity…”

The Teachings of the Church Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching • Life and Dignity of the Human Person • Call to Family, Community and Participation • Rights and Responsibilities • Option for the Poor and Vulnerable • The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers • Solidarity • Care of God’s Creation Serving in Hope, Module IV

Vincentian Virtues • Simplicity • Humility • Gentleness • Selflessness • Zeal Rule 2. 5. 1

Above all … Divine Providence Trust In and Reliance On Divine Providence • Frédéric trusted that God was providing for him. • He believed God was acting in his life and the lives of others. Frédéric’s Words: “Our little Society has grown large enough to be a Providential fact. ”

Society of St. Vincent de Paul Part IV: Council Operations

St. Vincent de Paul on Organization “The poor suffer less from a lack of generosity than from a lack of organization. ”

Society of St. Vincent de Paul Organization People Living in Poverty Conferences District Councils (Arch)Diocesan Councils Regions U. S. National Council International Confederation of St. Vincent de Paul

What’s a Council? Conference: Small, local parish-based group From Latin conferre: to bring together Council: Group of Conferences A Conference is “aggregated. ” A Council is “instituted. ”

Archdiocesan Council of Indpls. • 56 Parish Conferences • 6 District Councils – Indy North, South, East, West - South Central Indiana - Southern Indiana • Council Special Works – Client Choice Pantry, Distribution Center, Mission 27 Resale Shop, Homeless Ministry, Beggars For The Poor, Ozanam Legal Clinic, Bikes for the Homeless • North District Special Work – Boulevard Place Pantry • Conference Special Works – Bedford & North Vernon Thrift Stores, Bloomington & Nashville Distribution Centers, Nashville & North Vernon Food Pantries

U. S. is Split into Eight Regions Region = all Diocesan Councils plus isolated Conferences and Councils. North Central Mideast Northeast Western NER Eastern ER Southeast South Central Midwest

Our Principles Democracy: “All decisions are made by consensus after the necessary prayer, reflection and consultation. ” Subsidiarity: “Decisions are made as close as possible to the area of activity. ” Servant Leadership: “Following Christ’s example, the Presidents at all levels of the Society endeavor to be servant leaders. ” Rule: Part I 3. 10, 3. 11; Part III Statute 16

1 ONE SOCIETY • Our Presidents work to create the culture that we are ONE Society of St Vincent de Paul. • The Conferences, Districts & Diocesan Councils, National Council, and International Council all see the face of Christ in those we serve. ONE

Council General International 150+ COUNTRIES WORLDWIDE UNITED IN A NETWORK OF CHARITY Headquarters: Paris, France

Society of St. Vincent de Paul Part V: Understanding Poverty

During Home Visits, Vincentians seek to understand: 1. Needs of the family 2. Resources needed What are the causes of the family’s poverty?

How Do We Learn About Poverty “The knowledge of social wellbeing and reform is to be learned not only from books nor from the public platform, but by climbing the stairs to the poor man’s garret, sitting by his bedside, feeling the same cold that pierces him. When these conditions have been examined in all different parts of the country, it is then and only then that we know the elements of these formidable problems. ” Frédéric Ozanam

Patterns of Poverty in the U. S. Situational Poverty: Poverty due to temporary circumstances Life-long Challenges: Poverty due to long-term illness or disability Generational Poverty: Poverty over two or more generations What is most common in your community?

A Difficult Challenge Generational Poverty Is a person born to a poor family, in a poor community, more likely to grow up to be poor? Why?

Poverty is not just about money… Poverty can be defined as a “lack of resources. ” For instance: • Financial • Skills • Education • Social Connections • Role Models • Support Systems • Health • And more … Adapted from: Bridges Out of Poverty; by Ruby Payne et. al. ; 2001.

Poverty is not Simple Contributors to Long-Term Poverty Behaviors of the Individual Planning Skills Mental Illness Work Habits Etc. Exploitation of People in Poverty Payday Lending Sex Trade Racism Etc. Community Resources Living-wage Jobs Affordable Housing Transportation System Etc. Political / Economic Structures Trade and Tax Policies Education Funding Globalization Etc. Adapted from: Bridges to Sustainable Communities; Philip E. De. Vol; 2010; Chapter 3 Page 98

Poverty is not Easy § Tyranny of the moment Rent is past due No food for the weekend Utility Shutoff Notice The baby is coughing Aunt Sue can’t pick up The car broke down Jimmy today again Adapted from: Bridges to Sustainable Communities; p. 63 § No time or energy for learning new skills § Eventually, long-term planning skills are affected

Poverty is Harder Than Ever • “Agency time” – 3 to 7 agencies at a time • “Just in time scheduling” prevents you from holding two part-time jobs • Large and growing percentage of U. S. jobs are minimum or low-wage • Minimum wage is substantially less than actual cost of living. See livingwage. mit. edu Agency Time: Bridges to Sustainable Communities; p. 189

Belief Drives Behavior – Hidden Rules GENERATIONAL POVERTY WORKING-CLASS AND MIDDLE-CLASS DESTINY Believes in fate. Cannot Believes in choice. Can do much to affect the change future with good future. choices now. DRIVING FORCES Survival, relationships. TIME MONEY Present – decisions based on immediate benefit. To be used, spent. Work, achievement. Future – decisions based on future ramifications. To be managed. Adapted from: Bridges Out of Poverty; pp. 44 -47 Bridges to Sustainable Communities; pp. 19 -28

Barriers to Escape Tyranny of the moment Not knowing how to plan Not knowing the hidden rules of middle-class Distrust of institutions Group pressure to stay “in the community” Adapted from: Bridges Out of Poverty

Systemic Change Individual systems: families may need help in many areas Mentoring Programs Advocacy External systems are part of the problem, too

Mentoring – “Bridges” and Others Walk with a family on their journey out of poverty -SVDP provides training in mentoring -Getting Ahead in a Just Getting By World See “Getting Ahead” or “Systemic Change” on SVDP website

Who Speaks for the Society? • Individuals are encouraged to advocate as individuals based on their personal experience. • Individuals may not speak on behalf of the Society. • Conference Presidents speak for Conferences. • Council Presidents speak for Councils. • National President speaks for the Society in the U. S.

What Have We Seen? • Poverty is not simple • Poverty is not easy • There is more than one pattern of poverty – situational, generational, and others • “Tyranny of the Moment” is both common and destructive But … we are a people of hope.

Try One New Thing “Do a little something - invite the Holy Spirit in and see what one little thing God is calling us to do. Then look at what opens up around that one little thing. Look, pray, be open, then take that one little step. ” Sheila Gilbert, U. S. SVDP President 2011 -2017 2013 Catholic Social Ministry Gathering in Boise, Idaho Hope in Action. . . Ending poverty through systemic change

Quote From St. Louise de Marillac “As for your conduct toward the poor, may you never take the attitude of merely getting the task done. You must show them affection; serving them from the heart; inquiring of them what they might need; speaking to them gently and compassionately. ”

Philosophy of St. Vincent de Paul “You will find that charity is a heavy burden to carry, heavier than the bowl of soup and the full basket. But you will keep your gentleness and your smile. It is not enough to give bread or soup. This the rich can do. You are the servant of the poor…They are your master, and the more difficult they will be, the more unjust and insulting, the more love you must give them. It is for your love alone that the poor will forgive the bread you give them. ” Source: The 1947 movie “Monsieur Vincent”

Conflict Resolution Strategies 1. Identify a safe place and time to talk: “Let’s have a seat over here…” 2. Clarify individual perceptions involved in the conflict: “Here’s what I’m hearing you say…” 3. Practice taking an active and empathetic listening stance: Just listen and let the person speak. 4. Generate options with the vision of a win-win outcome: “What if we did this? ” 5. Develop an agreement that works for all parties: “Will this work for you? ”

Behavioral Commitments • Overarching Requirement: Treat colleagues, clients and customers with the respect they deserve as Children of God. • Council Harassment Policy, approved 7/31/18: “…work/service environment that is free of hostilities, discrimination and unlawful harassment, whether actual or perceived. ” • Federal/State Civil Rights Training via Gleaners Food Bank: “Fairness and equality of treatment and benefit delivery, e. g. Treat all people with dignity and respect. ”

Before You Leave … We will close with a final prayer. After the prayer, please fill out the evaluation form. Formators will stay to answer questions. “No work of charity is foreign to the Society. ” –Blessed Frédéric Ozanam

Closing Prayer