Society of St. Vincent de Paul

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Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Ozanam Orientation
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Opening Prayer
Come Holy Spirit, live within our lives, And
strengthen us by Your love. Send forth Your
Spirit and new life will be created, And the
whole face of the earth will be renewed. Let us,
reflect on the words of Our Lord Jesus Christ,
recalling his unity and presence among us Where
two or three are gathered in My Name, there am I
in the midst of them. (Short Silence). Lord
Jesus, deepen our Vincentian spirit of friendship
during this meeting, make us responsive to the
Christian calling to seek and find the forgotten,
the suffering or the deprived so that we may
bring them Your love. Help us to be gener-ous
with our time, our possessions and ourselves in
this mission of charity. Perfect in us Your love
and teach us to share more fully in the
Eucharistic Sacrifice offered for all. Most
Sacred Heart of Jesus,Have Mercy on
us. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us. St.
Vincent de Paul, Pray for us. Blessed Frederic
Ozanam, Pray for us.
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Spiritual Reflection And Discussion
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Ozanam Orientation Agenda

• Welcome Opening Prayer 15
• 1 - Mission 30
• 2 - History 30
• BREAK (10 mins) 10
• 3 - Vincentian Spirituality 45
• 4 - Organization 25
• 5 - Rule 25
• LUNCH (30 mins) 30
• 6 - Society Today 15
• 7 Reports and Accountability 20
• 8 Home Visits 45
• BREAK (10 mins) 10
• 8 - Home Visits (Cont.) 45
• Question Answer 10
• Closing Prayer 5

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Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Part I Who We Are And What We Do
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MISSION STATEMENT

• Inspired by Gospel values, the SOCIETY OF ST.
  VINCENT DE PAUL, a Catholic lay organization,
  leads women and men to join together to grow
  spiritually by offering person-to-person service
  to the needy and suffering in the tradition of
  its founder, Blessed Frederic Ozanam, and patron,
  St. Vincent de Paul.
• As a reflection of the whole family of God,
  members, who are known as VINCENTIANS, are drawn
  from every ethnic and cultural background, age
  group and economic level. Vincentians are united
  in an international society of charity by their
  spirit of poverty, humility and sharing, which is
  nourished by prayer and reflection, mutually
  supportive gatherings and adherence to a basic
  Rule.
• Organized locally, Vincentians witness Gods love
  by embracing all works of charity and justice.
  The Society collaborates with other people of
  good will in relieving need and addressing its
  causes, making no distinction in those served,
  because in them Vincentians see the face of
  Christ.

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MISSION STATEMENT

• Inspired by Gospel Values
• Catholic Lay Organization of Men and Women
• Purpose To Grow Spiritually
• Method Person to Person Service to needy and
  suffering

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MISSION STATEMENT

• Blessed Frederic Ozanam, Our Primary Founder
• St. Vincent de Paul, Our Patron
• Members Known as Vincentians
• International Society of Charity

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MISSION STATEMENT

• Poverty, Humility, and Sharing
• Prayer and Reflection
• Mutually Supportive Gatherings
• The Rule

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MISSION STATEMENT

• Organized Locally
• All Works of Charity and Justice
• No Distinction in Those Served
• In Those We Serve, Vincentians See the Face of
  Christ

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Purpose And Scope Of The Society

• Purpose Of The Society
• Scope Of The Society
• No Work of Charity Is Foreign To The Society

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Essential Elements Of The Society

• Spirituality
• Friendship
• Service

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Vincentian Virtues

• Simplicity
• Humility
• Gentleness
• Selflessness
• Zeal

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Vincentian Organizational Values

• Holiness of Life
• Service of the Poor
• Humility
• Simplicity
• Charity Justice
• Friendship

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The Core Work of the SocietyIt Always Starts
With A Home Visit
Twinning
Food Pantries
Disaster Relief
Other Agencies
Thrift Stores
HOMEVISIT
Prison Ministry
Immediate Needs
Housing
Evangelization
ImmigrationServices
Advocacy
Eldercare
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Reflection, Sharing Questions 10 Minutes

• Take a Moment of Silent Reflection.
• Break into Groups of 3 or 4 to Discuss the
  Following
• What in the Mission, Essential Elements, and Core
  Values Resonates With What Is Already In Your
  Heart?
• What Invitation is God Offering You For Further
  Insight and Growth?

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Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Part Il What Is Our History
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History of Vincentianism
The Prophets

• What inspired the creation of the Society?
• How was the Society started?

Jesus
St. Vincent de Paul
St. Louise de Marillac
Daughters of Charity 1633
Frederic Ozanam
Blessed Rosalie Rendú
Society of St. Vincent de Paul - 1833
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History of Vincentianism

• Rescue the oppressed defend the orphan plead
  for the widow Is. 117
• When you gather the grapes what is left shall
  be for the alien, the orphan, and the
  widow.Deut 2421

The Prophets
Jesus
St. Vincent de Paul
St. Louise de Marillac
Daughters of Charity 1633
Frederic Ozanam
Society of St. Vincent de Paul - 1833
Blessed Rosalie Rendú
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History of Vincentianism

• And who is my neighbor? (Lk 1029)
• Give to everyone who begs from you (Mt 542)

The Prophets
Jesus
St. Vincent de Paul
St. Louise de Marillac
Daughters of Charity 1633
Frederic Ozanam
Society of St. Vincent de Paul - 1833
Blessed Rosalie Rendú
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History of Vincentianism

• You will go and visit the poor ten times a day,
  and ten times a day you will find God there!

The Prophets
Jesus
St. Vincent de Paul 1581-1660
St. Louise de Marillac
Daughters of Charity 1633
Frederic Ozanam
Society of St. Vincent de Paul - 1833
Blessed Rosalie Rendú
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History of Vincentianism

• You will have for a convent the houses of the
  sick St. Vincent de Paul

The Prophets
Jesus
St. Vincent de Paul 1581-1660
St. Louise de Marillac
Daughters of Charity 1633
Frederic Ozanam
Society of St. Vincent de Paul - 1833
Blessed Rosalie Rendú
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History of Vincentianism

• Never have I prayed so well as in the streets.

The Prophets
Jesus
St. Vincent de Paul
St. Louise de Marillac
Daughters of Charity 1633
Frederic Ozanam
Society of St. Vincent de Paul - 1833
Blessed Rosalie Rendú 1786-1856
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History of Vincentianism

• Let us go to the poor

The Prophets
Jesus
St. Vincent de Paul
St. Louise de Marillac
Frederic Ozanam 1813-1853
Daughters of Charity 1633
Society of St. Vincent de Paul - 1833
Blessed Rosalie Rendú
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The History

• Bl. Frederic Ozanam and his Companions were
  students at The Sorbonne
• Participants in the Conference Of History
• Challenged by anti-Catholics to show us your
  works.
• Formed The Conference of Charity, August 23rd
  1833 with St. Vincent de Paul as their Patron.
• Later changed to The Society of St. Vincent de
  Paul

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Beginning Of The Society In The United States

• First Meeting Of A Conference In The U.S. Held
  On November 20 , 1845
• At The Old Cathedral The Church Of St. Louis
  Of France
• First Conference Aggregated On February 2, 1846
• Dr. Moses Linton, A Prominent Physician, Elected
  President

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Rapid Growth In The United States

• 1847 -- Buffalo NYC
• 1849 -- Milwaukee
• 1851 -- Philadelphia
• 1852 -- Pittsburgh
• 1853 -- Louisville
• 1855 -- Brooklyn
• 1856 -- St. Paul
• 1857 -- Chicago D. C.
• 1858 New Orleans

• 1859 -- Dubuque
• 1860 -- San Francisco
• 1861 -- Boston
• 1864 -- Baltimore
• 1865 -- Cleveland
• 1869 -- Cincinnati Portland
• 1871 -- San Antonio
• 1880s Spokane
• 1920 -- Seattle

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Reflection, Sharing Questions 10 Minutes

• Take a Moment of Silent Reflection.
• Break into Groups to Discuss the Following
• What in the Life of St. Vincent de Paul Inspires
  You?
• What in the Life of Frederic Ozanam Inspires You?

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Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Part Ill What Is Vincentian Spirituality?
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What Is Vincentian Spirituality?

• Vincentians seek to bear witness to the love of
  Christ through
• Prayer
• Reflection on Sacred Scripture
• The teachings of the Church
• Our daily lives
• Our relationship with those in need and with our
  fellow Vincentians

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Life of Prayer

• Prayer is the Essential to Being a Vincentian
• Open and Close All Meetings with a Prayer
• Pray Before a Home Visit
• Pray with Those We Serve
• Pray after a Home Visit
• Pray to Sustain Us in Our Daily Vincentian
  Activities

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Grounded in Sacred Scripture

• Jesus Mission The Spirit of the Lord is upon
  me he has anointed me to bring good news to the
  poor (Lk 416-21)
• Gospel Values (Beatitudes) Blessed are the
  poor (Mt 52-11, Lk 620-22)
• Last Judgment Whatever you did for the least of
  my brethren, you also did for me (Mt 2536-46)
• Greatest commandment Love one another / Love
  your neighbor as yourself(Lk 632-37 Lk
  1025-28 Jn 1334-35 2 Cor 14)
• Service The Son of Man did not come to be
  served, but to serve (Mt 2028)

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Reflection on Sacred Scripture

• Vincentians regularly reflect on Sacred
  Scripture
• At home, using weekly or daily readings
• In meetings, with the help of a Spiritual Advisor
• At mass.

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Two Feet of Catholic Social Action

• CHARITY
• Social service,
• direct aid
• Relieve suffering
• Immediate
• Action by private individuals or organizations
• Example pay a hospital bill for emergency room
  treatment

• JUSTICE
• Social change in public attitudes, institutions
  or policies
• Address root causes
• Long-term
• Action by the community or the government
• Example advocate for universal health insurance

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Catholic Social TeachingCharity and Justice

• St. Vincents Words
• There is No Charity that is Not Accompanied by
  Justice, Nor Does it Permit Us to Do More Than We
  Reasonably Can.
• Frederics Words
• The Order of Society is Based on Two Virtues
  Justice and Charity

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Daily Life Lay Spirituality

• The Laity Live in the world, They Live in
  Ordinary Conditions of Life in the Family and in
  Society, from Which the Web of Their Existence is
  Woven.
• Frederic Ozanam
• Faith Without Good Works is dead.
• Let Us Go To The Poor.

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Daily Life Vincentian Virtues

• Simplicity
• Humility
• Gentleness
• Selflessness
• Zeal

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Relationship With Those In Need

• Frederic Saw Vincentians Not as Good Samaritans
  But as Weak Samaritans
• Let us dare.to approach this Great Sick One,
  perhaps he will not be frightened of us.
• Frederic thought that wounded humanity would be
  initially more receptive of Vincentian lay
  persons approaching them rather than Clergy or
  Religious.
• St. Vincent The Poor are Your Masters, You Will
  See the Face of Christ in the Poor. It is for
  Your Love Alone that the Poor Will Forgive You
  the Bread You Give Them.

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Above all Divine Providence

• Trust In and Reliance On Divine Providence
• Frederic trusted that God was providing for him
• He believed that God was acting in his life and
  the lives of others
• Frederics Words
• Our Little Society Has Grown Large Enough To Be
  A Providential Fact

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The Result Fruits of the Spirit
How can we recognize progress on the journey?
Listen to St. Paul The fruits of the Spirit
are

• Love
• Joy
• Peace
• Patience
• Kindness

• Goodness
• Faithfulness
• Gentleness
• Self-control

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Reflection, Sharing Questions 10 Minutes

• Take a Moment of Silent Reflection.
• Break into Groups to Discuss the Following
• What in Vincentian Spirituality Resonates With
  What Is In Your Heart?
• What Is a New And Fresh Idea That You Find In
  Vincentian Spirituality?

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Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Part lV How Are We Organized?
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Goals of this segment

• Local Worldwide Organization
• What makes a Conference effective

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Society of St. Vincent de Paul Organization
The Poor
Conferences(4600 in the US)
District Councils
(Arch)Diocesan Councils
US National Council(includes 8 regions)
International Confederation of SVDP (142
Countries)
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The Societys International Logo
The Circle
The Crossing At The Tail
The Eye of The Fish
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Conferences Basic And Essential Grouping Of The
Society

• Small communities of faith action
• Purpose Grow Spiritually Together
• Method Service to the Poor and Needy
• Method Meetings (2 per month)
• Each Conference Must Have Spiritual Advisor
  Doesnt need to be a cleric
• Resources (Envelopes, Poor Boxes, etc.)
• Close Relationship with Pastor
• Led by a President elected for 3 year term
• President represents the Conference on District
  Council

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Purpose of Councils

• FIRST To Support Conferences
• Foster spiritual growth of members
• Further their charitable activity
• SECOND To Enhance Unity Cooperation
• THIRD Works of Charity and Justice

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District Council

• Purpose Scope
• Animate and coordinate the Society in a local
  area
• Support Conferences, Enhance Unity, Works of
  Charity Justice
• Regular Meetings(at least quarterly, open to all
  Vincentians)
• Internet www.svdpsea.org/members
• Members
• District Council President (elected 3yr term)
• Appointed Officers (VP, Sec., Treas.)
• Spiritual Advisor
• Presidents of attached Conferences

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Diocesan Council

• Purpose Scope
• Animate and coordinate the Society in a Diocese
• Support Districts and Conferences, Enhance Unity,
  Works of Charity Justice
• Regular Meetings(at least quarterly, open to all
  Vincentians)
• Internet www.svdpsea.org/archdiocese
• Members
• Diocesan Council President (elected 3yr term)
• Appointed Officers (VP, Sec., Treas.)
• Spiritual Advisor
• Presidents of attached Districts

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The Western Region
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United States Council Is Divided Into Eight
Regions
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National Council

• Purpose Scope
• Represents Society in the United States
• Supports Councils and Conferences
• Annual Report for Society in the USA
• National Mid-Year and Annual Meetings
• HQ in St Louis, MO, location of first US
  conference
• Internet www.svdpusa.org
• Members
• National President (Joseph Flannigan, 6yr term)
• Episcopal Advisor
• Presidents of attached Diocesan Councils

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International Confederation of SVDP

• Purpose Scope
• Embrace the world in a network of Charity
• Represents SVDP to the Holy See and International
  Organizations (eg United Nations)
• Institutes Councils and Aggregates Conferences
• HQ in Paris, France where Society was founded
• Internet www.ozanet.org
• Members
• International President (José-Ramón Díaz
  Torremocha - from Spain, 6yr term)
• Presidents of 142 National Councils

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Goals of this segment

• Local Worldwide Organization
• What makes a Conference effective

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Effective Conferences

• Discussion Question
• What elements make for a successful conference?

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GUIDELINES FOR A SUCCESSFUL CONFERENCE

• Effective Conferences
• Are Reachable by clients, SVDP, etc.
• Meet Regularly (every two weeks)
• Have a genuine commitment to Spiritual Growth

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GUIDELINES FOR A SUCCESSFUL CONFERENCE(Cont.)

• Effective Conferences
• Take initiative / try new things.
• Recruit regularly, see new members as a blessing.
• Have leaders who delegate and members who step
  forward.

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GUIDELINES FOR A SUCCESSFUL CONFERENCE(Cont.)

• Effective Conferences
• Have working ties in the neighborhood and
  community.
• Participate in their District and Diocesan
  Councils.

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GUIDELINES FOR A SUCCESSFUL CONFERENCE(Cont.)

• Effective Conferences
• Have a spirit of solidarity with other
  Conferences and Councils. We are our brothers
  keepers.
• Do Not Hoard for a Rainy Day. Trust Gods
  providence.

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Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Part V Why Do We Have A Rule And What Is It?
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Words of Wisdom

• Keep your Rule as the means which God intends to
  lead you to himself.
• St Vincent de Paul.

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Rule Vincentian Way of Life Service

• Mission Statement summarizes for others what we
  do and who we are.
• The Rule gives members guidelines on the
  Vincentian life and vocation.

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History Of The Rule

• First Rule was authored in 1835 By Emmanuel
  Bailly, Francois Lallier, and Frederic Ozanam
• Provided Structure And Organization
• Identified Who They Were And What They Did
• Gave Authority And Set Boundaries

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History Of The Rule

• Only modified occasionally in 175 years
• 1835 and 1953 Additions, revisions, and
  commentaries
• 1968 Admitted women to membership
• 1973 Reflected Vatican II changes, and the
  renewal of the Society
• 2004 Revised to bring the inspirations of 1835
  into the 21st Century

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The Rule is Composed of Three Parts

• Part 1 International Rule
• Charter of the Society
• Applies to all Vincentians
• Part 2 Statutes of the International
  Confederation
• Part 3 Statutes of the National Council of the
  United States

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Reflection, Sharing Questions 10 Minutes

• Take a Moment of Silent Reflection.
• Break into Groups of 3 or 4 to Discuss the
  Following
• How Do You Think the Rule Has Kept the Society
  True to Its Mission For 175 years?

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Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Part VI What Is Our Society Doing Today?
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National Strategic Plan

• Promote greater spiritual growth
• Enhance Image to be more visible sign of Christ
• Encourage greater unity at every level of the
  Society
• Greater solidarity with the poor
• Stronger relationships with Church, Vincentian
  family and other agencies

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International Twinning
In a Spirit of Poverty, Humility
Sharing Sharing our blessings with Vincentians
overseas
Foreign National Council
US National Council
Foreign Conference
US Conference
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Domestic Twinning
In a Spirit of Poverty, Humility
Sharing Sharing our blessings with Vincentians in
the USA
US National Council
Twin Conference
Conference
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Vincentian Family

• Annual Vincentian Family Gathering (eg 2008-New
  Orleans)
• Major Branches
• Ladies of Charity
• Congregation of the Mission (Vincentian Priests
  and Brothers)
• Daughters of Charity
• Federation of the Sisters of Charity
• Associations
• Vincentian Marian Youth
• Miraculous Medal Associations
• Vincentian Service Corps
• Lay Vincentian Missionaries

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Promoting Social Justice
Charity
Justice
Voice of the Poor
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Promoting Social Justice

• Voice of the Poor
• Vincentians joining together tosupport Catholic
  Social Teaching andadvocate for the poor.
• Advocacy Examples
• Opposition to proposal to eliminate GAU
• Bank on Seattle / King County Initiative

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Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Part Vll Why And How Are We Accountable?
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Accountability Discussion

• Discussion Questions
• To whom are we accountable, and why?
• How do we accomplish this?

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Accountability To Whom Why

• To Whom Why?
• Poor they are our masters
• Donors using their financial support
• Parishes using their name
• Other Conferences and Councils shared mission
• Government tax exemption
• General Public maintain trust support

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Accountability How

• How?
• Keep good records (finances, case records, member
  lists)
• Make regular reports (monthly, quarterly, annual)
• Be sure to use the Councils tax ID number
• Get your Conference aggregated
• Thank your supporters!

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Accountability - Confidentiality

• Confidentiality is essential for trusting
  relationships
• Applies to donor, client and member information
• Disclosures to SVDP will not be revealed to
  others without prior consent
• Care must be taken in handling confidential
  information during collaboration with other
  agencies
• Release of information

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Accountability To SVDP

• 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

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Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Part Vlll Why Do We Make Home Visits
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Home Visits In Context

• MISSION person-to-person service to those in
  need
• SPIRITUALITY see the Face of Christ in the
  poor
• HISTORY Let us go to the poor! (Ozanam)
• ORGANIZATION Councils exist to support
  Conference works

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Home Visits Work of Charity
Charity
Justice
Home Visits
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Home Visits Conversion of Heart
Frederic Ozanams reasons for Home Visits

• Result
• Transformation
• Conversion

• Home visits are
• Personal
• Intimate
• Familiar for client / unfamiliar for the
  Vincentian

84
Why Do We Do Home Visits?

• See The Face Of Christ In The Poor
• Maintain Dignity Of Those In Need
• Better Understand The Situation
• Better Protect Clients Privacy
• Quality is the Goal, not Quantity

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Home Visits

• What do we bring to the poor?
• Presence Compassion
• Information Self-Help
• A Little Material Help
• All of this provides Hope

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Basics of Home Visits

• VISIT IN PAIRS!
• CONFIDENTIALITY

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Basics of Home Visits

• Preparing for the visit
• During the visit
• Wrapping up the visit
• After the visit

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Home Visits Preparation

• Review Case Records and other info
• Have resources ready (eg vouchers, referral
  sheets)
• Find a partner to join you on the visit
• Pray for guidance of the Holy Spirit

89
Home Visits During the Visit

• Remember you are a guest
• Be relaxed and friendly
• Introduce yourself, set client at ease
• Listen more than talk
• Observe the client / family
• Observe the surroundings

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Home Visits During the Visit

• Judge situation, not the person
• Help prioritize needs
• Explain what assistance you can provide.
• What can client do to help themselves?
• Discuss other available resources or opportunities

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Home Visits Wrapping Up

• Thank them for the opportunity to come into their
  home
• If appropriate, ask if you can say a short prayer
  with them

92
Home Visits Afterward

• Pray for yourselves and the people you have just
  visited.
• If you promised anything, be sure to follow up.
  Decide who will do this, and by when.

93
Home Visit Video
1 LA SVDP Visit Start to Pause1.MPG
94
Closing Prayer

That the unity for which Christ prayed ---- all
men one in truth and charity ---- may be
realized,Lord hear us. For families and those
who have no homes that they may quickly find a
place in which they can live a decent and happy
life,Lord hear us. That if it be God's holy
will, Frederic Ozanam., our founder, may be
canonized by the Church,Lord hear us. That our
Holy Father the Pope may be granted the
protection, guidance, strength and consolation
that he needs to discharge his duties as Christ's
vicar on earth,Lord hear us. Hail Mary In the
name of the FatherAmen.
St Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin
Mary,Pray for us. St. Vincent de Paul,Pray for
us. Blessed Frederic Ozanam,Pray for us. For all
the benefactors of the poor, that God may reward
them with eternal life,Lord hear us. For our
Society and all its members that God may renew
their spirit of service and union,Lord hear
us. For all who are sick or suffering, that God
may give them courage and consolation,Lord hear
us. For the deceased members, the deceased poor
and our deceased benefactors, that God may grant
them eternal rest,Lord hear us.
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Thank You For Your Participation!!