Vincentians

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09-26-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
09-26-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

What Is the Right Order?

What came first: The chicken or the egg? I think we all know that the answer is… (Well… let me get back to that later.) Can we just do the works first, and then we grow in holiness, or do we need to grow in holiness first in order to do the works? Or do we need to feed our minds with knowledge first? Or…

I have heard stories of brothers and sisters being raised in faithful Catholic families, that later in life joined the Society, finding the perfect match to their vocation. In other cases, parents that were already Vincentians, had kids exposed to the Society, and these kids became Vincentian leaders early in their lives.

In my case, I was naturally drawn to help others, but not because of my convictions of the love that God asks from us, but rather because it just felt good; I would say, just unconscious selfish satisfaction. I joined the Society, willing to use the skills I acquired by my own merits. It did not take too long to discover that God wanted me to wake up from my dormant spirituality, and realized the many blessings I had received my entire life, day by day. That all I was and I have acquired, has been by His mercy and infinite love and generosity. The Society changed my life. From that point, I had the desire to know God better, building a closer relationship with Him. (I am still trying.) Through strong mentorship and Formation, I was able to start growing in different areas that I couldn’t even identify earlier: Intellectual, Human, Ministerial, and of course, Spiritual. (See Vincentian Formation – A Foundation Document Section I A.)

We know that in order to grow spiritually, we could do it through our works in the Society, especially through the Home Visits. However, I often heard about cases of Conferences that died or are dying, even while doing good work. Why is that? One case was a Conference that was ready to “close its doors.” Instead, they stopped doing the works, and started a process of Formation and prayer period, and eventually they found their lost vocation again, becoming an even more vibrant Conference with renewed zeal, courage, and hope.

We talk about many areas in our Society: Fundraising, Membership, Leadership, Governance, Advocacy, etc. I strongly believe that all starts with Spirituality. That is why now we have a dedicated new Spirituality Formation Committee. If we have a stronger relationship with God, we would excel in all the areas. We would cherish the Rule, the Manual, and the Standards of Excellence, and we would live a culture of welcome and value accountability; we would love even more our neighbors in need and our fellow Vincentians (recognizing that Jesus is in all of them), we would find more and better ways to serve, etc., and very importantly, with thirst for more Formation.

Brothers and sisters, God has a master plan that challenges each of us in positions and opportunities in our Society. I believe in the existing Formation tools and programs offered by the National Council, because it worked for me, and I see how it has worked around our nation. We also know that some have created their own Formation tools and programs, which have worked for them; we believe in subsidiarity as well. However, we know that Formation does not reach many locations. That is why we have a new Formation Renewal and Delivery Committee. (See Vincentian Spiritual Growth and Enrichment Committee Charges.) We want to offer assistance in order to reach every Vincentian. We want to learn from success stories across the country. My dream is to have the communality of the Vincentian principles and traditions, to be able to create a big Formation Network in our nation, where we can help each other, and truly be One Society. We are better if we are united.

There is no unique “right order.” We are all at different stages, and in different circumstances. Through Spiritual Reflections, we can discern what we need. Maybe feeding our intellect first, or maybe starting on how we can serve better in our ministry through Apostolic Reflections, or we may need to begin by strengthening our personal relationship with God. Most likely, it would be a combination of efforts, but we need to identify the areas that need attention.

We already have the linear Vincentian Pathway booklet. I am pleased to let you know that very soon we will have the Digital Pathway, which will be accessible from the home page of our Members Website, that will give the options to choose the paths that will fulfill your particular needs. You can always reach Tim Williams, and Sister Consuelo Tovar, at the national office, or your servant, Aldo Barletta for any question, comment, or need.

Ah, yeah! About the chicken and the egg — my answer is, “It is irrelevant.” First was God, Who always existed, and created everything, including us, in His image, to love us. He only asks that we hear Him closely, for us to enjoy praising Him and serving Him.

May the Holy Spirit give us the humility to listen carefully, acknowledge that we have more to learn, and that we need to get closer to God. May we receive the strength to give ourselves in sacrifice to love Him, by loving all our brothers and sisters in Christ, for the Glory of God.

St Vincent de Paul, pray for us!

Many blessings,
Aldo

Aldo Barletta
National Vice President of Vincentian Spiritual Growth and Enrichment

 

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Contemplation: A Spirit of Poverty
Contemplation: A Spirit of Poverty 800 800 SVDP USA

By Timothy Williams, Senior Director of Formation and Leadership Development 

“All those who have experience of public charity,” wrote Bl. Frédéric in 1848, “know that the poor are never better helped than by the poor.” [To Good People, L’ere Nouvelle, 1848] Those who have suffered deprivation and indignities themselves will not only dig deeper to find food or money to help others, but will focus on the most urgent needs, and, most importantly, truly give of themselves. This is the “spirit of poverty and encouragement” that we are called to by our Rule. [Rule, Part I, 3.13]

In Frédéric’s time, public assistance and philanthropic societies were growing. Many of them had large sums of money to spend, and after only a year had “large volumes of resumés” attesting to how much they had spent. [90, to Curnier, 1835] The Society, on the other hand, was never limited by money in its ability or desire to help. “Go to the unhappy poor with your offering,” Frédéric taught, “no matter how small it may be. If we had but the widow’s mite to offer, the poor will at least have had the consolation of having clasped the hand of a friend.” [Baunard, 274]

Frédéric often used the image of the widow’s mite, recalling Christ’s teaching that the “poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.” In a similar way, our Rule calls Vincentians to a life of self-sacrifice, sharing our time, our possessions, our talents and ourselves. [Rule, Part I, 2.5.1]

We cannot solve all worldly problems, nor are we called to do so. We are called instead to seek and to share, through the witness of our love, the hope of the kingdom with all those who suffer. Like the poor of Frédéric’s time, our help will be better when we share with the neighbor in the spirit of poverty. As St. Vincent said, “the spirit of poverty is the spirit of God…to have the same desires and affections of God, to adopt the sentiments of God.” [CCD XI:212]

Seeking to be the face of Christ, we seek also to imitate Him in His poverty, this Son of God who humbled Himself to walk and to live among the poor, and who told us that they are blessed. Of course, we ask for donations to support our works, just as the beggar on the street holds his hat in his hand towards passersby. At the same time, we trust in providence to ensure that whatever we have is enough. As Frédéric reminds us, the true spirit of poverty is not gratitude for what we have, but gratitude for what we can give.

“Alas, my dear friend, misery surrounds us, and the heart aches since it cannot ease the burden! What is our little pittance cast into the great abyss of poverty? But are we not happy, nevertheless, to be able to offer this pittance? So many do not have the good fortune to give alms.” [124, to Falconnet, 1836]

Contemplate

Is there a time that I truly felt a spirit of poverty in this work?

Recommended Reading

Vincentian Meditations II

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09-19-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
09-19-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

Last Sunday, the second reading at Mass was the Letter of St. James, Chapter 2, Verses 14 – 18. This scripture challenges us to examine the authenticity of our faith through our actions. St. James writes, “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul embodies this call to action through our work, reflected in the essential element of service. Service is at the heart of the Society’s mission and founding, reflecting the very essence of St. James’ message. We dedicate ourselves to serving those in need, providing practical assistance to the poor, the hungry, the homeless, and the marginalized. This service goes beyond mere charity; it is about restoring dignity and hope to those who are often forgotten by society.

In this service, we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ. We are called to see the face of Jesus in every person we serve. This means going beyond giving material aid and striving for justice. It means advocating for systemic change that addresses the root causes of poverty and inequality. The work of the Society is a powerful witness to the transformative power of faith in action.

St. Vincent de Paul himself said, “Charity is the cement which binds communities to God and persons to one another.” This important truth reminds us that our service is not just about meeting physical needs, but about building a community of love and support. By serving others, we fulfill the commandment to love our neighbor and draw closer to God, who is the source of all love.

But service is only one of the three essential elements of the Society. It is deeply connected to the element of holiness. Holiness is not merely about personal piety or private devotion; it is about living out our faith in tangible ways. As members of the Society, we grow spiritually through acts of service and charity. When we serve the poor, we encounter Christ in them, and this encounter transforms us. It deepens our relationship with God and helps us to become more Christ-like.

St. Vincent de Paul said, “Go to the poor: you will find God.” This statement highlights the transformative power of service. By reaching out to those in need, we not only fulfill our Christian duty but also embark on a journey of spiritual growth. Our acts of service become a path to holiness, drawing us closer to God and helping us to reflect His love in the world.

The third essential element is friendship. This element emphasizes the importance of building relationships with each other, and with those we serve. This is not about a one-time act of charity, but about walking alongside people in their struggles and joys. It is about listening, understanding, and offering support in a spirit of genuine friendship.

In our fast-paced and often disconnected world, the gift of friendship is more important than ever. By forming authentic relationships with those in need, we create a sense of community and belonging. We show that they are not alone and that they are valued and loved. This element of friendship is crucial in the work of the Society. It transforms service from a mere transaction into a meaningful relationship, where both the giver and the receiver are enriched.

The Letter of St. James challenges us to live out our faith through our actions. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul provides a beautiful example of how we can do this through our essential elements of service, holiness, and friendship. As we strive to grow in holiness, let us remember that our journey is not complete without serving others. As we serve, let us do so with a spirit of genuine friendship, recognizing the dignity and worth of every person we encounter.

Let us continue to commit ourselves to living out our faith in action, knowing that in doing so, we draw closer to God and help to build His kingdom here on earth.

Peace and God’s blessings,
John

John Berry
National President

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Contemplation: One Society, One Rule
Contemplation: One Society, One Rule 800 800 SVDP USA

By Timothy Williams, Senior Director of Formation and Leadership Development 

It is probably the case that while most members join the Society in response to a call from the Holy Spirit, they don’t yet fully understand the Society as a vocation. And although we do not take solemn vows like members of the clergy or religious orders, each active and associate member “accepts the Rule and Statutes of the Society.” [Rule, Part III, St. 3] It is this acceptance of the Rule which leads to our deeper understanding of our vocation, and which unites us as a true community of faith.

It was in this spirit that the Rule was first written: to lay out the principles and practices that had been discerned, so that they could continue, so that it could “know what heaven required of it – that it should judge what it could do by what it had done.” [1835 Rule] Capturing our history, our traditions, and our spirituality, the Rule enables us each to gain this same understanding.

Originally written in 1835, two years after the founding of the first Conference of Charity, the Rule was expanded to include provisions for the still-evolving organization of local and national councils, as well as a council general, in 1839, 1850, and 1856. From then until 1967, this original Rule remained largely unchanged. Interpretation and understanding of the Rule was effected through Explanatory Notes, Commentaries, and Circular Letters over the years.

Following the Second Vatican Council, the Society undertook a seven-year project to revise the Rule, incorporating more modern language, and formally integrating some traditions that had developed over time, such as the inclusion of women as members. Adopted in 1975, this new version of the Rule was now divided into three parts: I. Basic Principles, II. Organizational Units, and III. The Council General. Each National Council was directed to develop its own regulations for implementing Part II, primarily through National Commentaries. Parts I and III, then, explained who we are, what we do, and why we do it, while Part II was concerned with how.

The only other major revision of the Rule occurred in 2003. It was with this version that the order of the three parts changed to their current form, with the National Council’s regulations moving to Part III in order to properly reflect the Rule’s order of precedence. Since our national regulations exist only to explain how we will implement the Rule, it cannot conflict with the first two parts. If it does, Part I always takes precedence, ensuring the worldwide unity of the Society.

In accepting the Rule, we are promising to read and understand it, to discuss it with one another, and to make our best efforts to live it, individually and together. After all, you cannot be a Vincentian without other Vincentians, and it is our Rule which unites us with “a true and unique worldwide Community of Vincentian friends.” [Rule, Part I, 3.3]

Contemplate

When was the last time I read the Rule alone, and with my Conference?

Recommended Reading

The Rule

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09-12-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
09-12-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

Our Vincentian Reality

I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to serve as your new National CEO. I look forward to growing with you spiritually, in friendship, and in service to our neighbors in need!

I thank John Berry and the National Board of Directors for blessing me with this opportunity. I also want to recognize Dave Barringer for his 11 years of dedicated leadership to our Society.

As Vincentians, our focus on spirituality is what I find so inspiring. Each and every one of us is on a spiritual journey of our own, and we’re all at different stages. As Vincentians, we embrace the Beatitudes, just as when Christ said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” [Matthew 5:3]

We all understand that we need to have a spirit of poverty in relation to our spiritual growth. We all know that the more we grow spiritually, the more we realize that we need to grow. I remember St. Mother Teresa talking about how much she needed to grow spiritually. If St. Mother Teresa needed to grow, we all need to grow!

It can be very challenging in trying to be more Christ-like because we are so imperfect. Sometimes as we get older, we find it harder to measure growth than when we were younger.

It may be harder for us to see our growth, but our Vincentian friends and those we are blessed to serve, not only see our growth, but are inspired by it! Think about your own spiritual growth, and recognize how far you’ve come, and how much opportunity we all have to grow beyond any of our expectations.

The future is in front of our Society! Nothing is holding us back because we have the Holy Spirit behind us. Our Vision SVDP initiative allows each of us throughout the country to listen to what the Holy Spirit is telling us about what our Vincentian family can become. It’s not about me or you. It is about all of us!

Yes, we are called to see the face of Christ in those we are blessed to serve, but we are also called to be Christ’s voice in today’s world. Our Vincentian family is coming together in a remarkable way to face the future and to embrace our call to define what the future can be.

When we look at the world today, we see a reality that is hard to understand — division, hatred, conflict, and so many other negative things.

As Vincentians, we are called to leave this world behind, and to embrace our Vincentian Reality. A reality that is built on Christ’s commandment: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” [John 13:34]

We can only be successful in our mission, if we take on the challenge of adapting to the changing world with great vigor and enthusiasm. Let me ask you, “What problem in our country and in our world cannot be solved by loving one another?”

I am honored to embrace our Vincentian call to love one another with you. The world is counting on us to see the face of Christ, and to make Christ’s Love come to life for our neighbors in need!

Best wishes in Christ,
Michael

Michael Acaldo
Incoming National CEO

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Contemplation: Whose Coat Is It Anyway?
Contemplation: Whose Coat Is It Anyway? 800 800 SVDP USA

By Timothy Williams, Senior Director of Formation and Leadership Development 

Catholic Social Doctrine teaches us the principle of the universal destination of goods, under which we recognize that all things come from God, and are meant for all of His beloved. Nowhere should the demands of this principle be clearer than in our stewardship of the funds of the Conference.

As our Manual explains that “Conference members should never adopt the attitude that the money is theirs, or that the recipients have to prove that they deserve it.” [Manual, Ch. 2] Our stewardship, properly understood, demands that we ensure every dollar goes to the poor, to whom it belongs because what belongs to the poor belongs to God. This understanding is the basis of our stewardship and accountability. Or, as St. Vincent put it, we “are obliged to manage it well and to use it faithfully, because it belongs to our good God, in as much as it belongs to the poor.” [CCD X:245]

This is why “funds must be handled with the utmost care, prudence and generosity. Money must not be hoarded.” [Rule, Part I, 3.14] If we hoard the funds given to us, we are withholding them from the God to whom they belong – not the God who may come calling tomorrow, but the God who is hungry or homeless today. When funds are plentiful because few neighbors are calling, that is the time to more actively “seek out and find those in need.” [Rule, Part I, 1.5]

After all, if you found a lost wallet, the first thing you’d do is try to find its owner – you wouldn’t just wait for the owner to find you. As Bl. Frédéric said in an 1848 article To Good People, “the time has come to take more care of these other poor who do not beg, who ordinarily live by their work, and to whom the right to work or the right to assistance will never be assured in such a way that they do not need help, advice and consolation. The time has come to go and seek out those who do not call you.”

In a similar way, when we ask for donations, we never really ask for donations to the Society. We ask for money, for food, or for clothing for the poor. We ask not because of any special expertise, but simply because we know the poor in our neighborhoods; we know their needs. We only ask to collect up some “second coats” because we have an idea to whom they belong. As St. Basil the Great put it, “The bread which you hold back belongs to the hungry; the coat, which you guard in your locked storage-chests, belongs to the naked; the footwear mouldering in your closet belongs to those without shoes.” [Homily on Gospel of Luke]

We can no more leave Conference funds “mouldering in the bank” than we can leave our second coat “mouldering in storage.” Our time, our talents, our possessions, and ourselves all belong to God, and God is present to us in the poor.

Contemplate

What is my second coat, and what am I saving it for?

Recommended Reading

Vincentian Meditations II

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09-05-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
09-05-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

Last Saturday, the Gospel reading for the day was Matthew 25:14-30. In that reading, Jesus tells the Parable of the Talents, illustrating the importance of utilizing and growing the gifts entrusted to us. In the Parable, a master entrusts his servants with talents (a form of money) before going on a journey. Two of the servants invest their talents and double their value, while the third buries his talent, fearing loss. Upon the master’s return, he rewards the first two servants and rebukes the third for his laziness.

While I’m not a theologian, I think that this Parable can provide us with great lessons in two areas that are very specific to the work of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. One is in the area of Fundraising and Development, and the other is in the area of Membership Recruitment and Development.

This Parable is more than a lesson about personal responsibility and risk-taking; it has great teachings for charitable organizations like ours in our approach to fundraising and development. Like the talents in the parable, we are entrusted with resources that must be used effectively to fulfill their mission of serving those in need. The way we manage these resources can significantly impact our ability to achieve our goals and expand our reach. And like the talents entrusted to the servants, we are given resources — donations, grants, and volunteer support — that are meant to be invested wisely. To effectively serve those in need, we must not only manage our resources, but actively seek to grow them.

The lesson from the Parable is the importance of investing in fundraising and development. As the first two servants invested their talents to increase their value, we must view fundraising not as a mere necessity, but as a strategic investment in their future. This involves creating and implementing innovative fundraising strategies that go beyond traditional methods. Investment in professional development, donor relations, and marketing is crucial. It means allocating resources towards hiring skilled staff, investing in training programs, and utilizing data-driven approaches to understand and engage with donors effectively.

Investment in fundraising is akin to the wise investments made by the first two servants. It requires a strategic vision and a willingness to take calculated risks. Charitable organizations should view fundraising not just as a necessity, but as an opportunity to expand their reach and impact. This involves innovative strategies, robust development plans, and continuous engagement with donors. By investing in these areas, organizations like ours can multiply their resources and enhance their ability to make a difference.

Moreover, the goal of these investments is to better serve those in need. Just as the master in the Parable rewards the servants who actively increased their talents, donors and supporters are more likely to invest in organizations that demonstrate effective use of resources. This not only ensures the sustainability of the organization, but also maximizes its impact on the community.

In essence, the Parable of the Talents encourages us to see resources as opportunities for growth and impact. By investing wisely in fundraising and development, we can better fulfill our mission and serve those in need. The challenge, then, is to embrace the responsibility of these resources and use them to their fullest potential, ensuring that the fruits of our labor reflect our ultimate goal: compassionate service and community transformation.

Furthermore, effective fundraising and development require a proactive approach. The third servant’s inaction led to his downfall, a stark reminder of the consequences of neglect. Charitable organizations must be proactive in engaging with potential donors, developing strong relationships, and continually assessing and refining our strategies. Regular communication with supporters, transparent reporting on the impact of their contributions, and showing appreciation for their support can build trust and encourage continued investment.

Another important aspect of this Parable is the alignment of resources with the mission. The master praised the servants who made the most of their talents, suggesting that effectiveness is measured by how well resources are used to advance the mission. Charitable organizations should ensure that their fundraising efforts are directly aligned with their mission and goals. This involves clearly communicating how funds will be used and demonstrating tangible outcomes from donations. By showing donors the real impact of their contributions, we can foster a deeper sense of connection and commitment.

The second area, Membership Recruitment and Development, is not just about filling positions; it’s about fostering growth and ensuring sustainability. The third servant’s decision to bury his talent represents a failure to engage with the resources available, driven by fear or complacency. Similarly, organizations that neglect recruitment may find themselves stagnant, unable to adapt to new challenges, or missing out on innovative ideas. By continually bringing  in new people, we can infuse our efforts with renewed passion, diverse skills, and innovative approaches, all of which are crucial for adapting to changing needs and achieving long-term success.

Moreover, recruitment should be seen as an investment in our future. The master in the Parable expects that the talents entrusted to the servants will grow. In the same way, we must view recruitment as an investment in our capacity to serve. New Vincentians bring not only immediate benefits — but also long-term potential. Whether it’s a new fundraiser with a talent for engaging donors, a volunteer with a passion for ENCOUNTER with those we serve, or a board member with strategic expertise, each new person contributes to our ability to make a greater impact.

Effective recruitment also involves communicating our vision and demonstrating the value of contributing to the organization’s mission. Just as the master’s expectations and rewards motivated the servants, making sure that the Society’s mission and vision are understood by those who join with us is critical to attracting and retaining the right individuals to SVdP.

Finally, the Parable underscores the necessity of managing resources wisely. The master praised the servants who used their talents to create more, indicating that success comes from effective and strategic use of what we have. In recruitment, this means not only attracting new talent, but also integrating and supporting them effectively within the organization. Proper onboarding, training, and engagement are crucial to ensuring that new recruits are empowered to contribute meaningfully and feel valued in their roles.

The Parable of the Talents is one that we probably listened to many times. But putting it in the context of our work at SVdP might give you a different perspective.

Peace and God’s blessings,
John

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Contemplation: From Darkness Into Light
Contemplation: From Darkness Into Light 800 800 SVDP USA

By Timothy Williams, Senior Director of Formation and Leadership Development 

It is from St. John of the Cross that we get the phrase “dark night of the soul,” which we use to describe a crisis of faith in which we are plagued by doubts about God, our souls, and our church. It is through such dark nights that our saints and blessed were led to holiness, and to the light that they shared.

Bl. Frédéric, who lived only forty years, went through his period of doubt at a young age, about sixteen. Doubting his faith and his very existence, he struggled to harmonize faith and reason. With the gentle guidance of his teacher and guide, Abbé Noirot, he ultimately found peace when he begged God to shine the light of His truth. In exchange, he dedicated his life to defending and sharing that light, a commitment he would fulfill in both his words and his deeds – especially in serving the poor, shining God’s truth through his actions. [Baunard, 10-11]

St. Louise de Marillac, struggling through her son’s difficulties, financial strain, and her husband’s mortal illness, faced her own dark night. Blaming herself for all of her troubles, she questioned the church, the possibility of eternal life, and even considered abandoning her sick husband. Like Frédéric, she turned to prayer, begging for God’s comfort and reassurance on the Feast of Pentecost, 1623. [SWLM, 1] She received in return the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, showing her a pathway through the darkness. She called it her lumière, her light. She wrote it down and carried it with her for the rest of her life, sharing God’s light with others through her words and her example.

St. Vincent de Paul’s experience was different, in that he asked for his dark night. While chaplain to Queen Marquerite, a famous doctor, also on the Queen’s court, was suffering crippling and even suicidal doubts. Despite Vincent’s counsel, they persisted. In his own prayers, Vincent asked God to transfer the man’s doubts to him. The doctor died in peace with the Lord, but for several years, Vincent lived through the torment of the doubts that he had taken upon himself. During this time, he could not even recite the Apostle’s Creed, so he sewed it inside his cassock, near his heart. Each time he wished to make an act of faith, he would touch his hand to his heart. He finally emerged from his dark night with a firm vow to dedicate himself to the imitation of Christ and service to the poor. [Abelly, Bk III, 113-116]

It is not the darkness of doubt that leads to holiness of life, but the light that emerges from it, a light that unites us with God. It is a light we are called to share, just as our saints and founders shared their light throughout their lives. As Vincent taught, “Even if you never said a word, if you’re really united with God, you’ll touch hearts by your mere presence…” [CCD XII:15] In the neighbor, we are called to see the suffering Christ, to share in his suffering, to walk with him in his darkness. We do this in imitation of Christ, sharing, through our presence and loving service, a light that shines in the darkness.

Contemplate

Does my loving service “shine a light” on my neighbor?

Recommended Reading

Faces of Holiness

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08-29-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
08-29-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

“Don’t stop thinking about tomorrow. Don’t stop. It’ll soon be here.”
– Fleetwood Mac

If you missed the National Assembly in Phoenix a few weeks ago then I can promise you a few things. 1) You missed one of the best National Assemblies in recent memory, 2) We missed YOU, and 3) You missed the closing of the President’s Welcome Address where I quoted the line above from the 1970’s rock band Fleetwood Mac. (It was probably the first time in the history of an SVdP USA General Assembly that a 70’s rock band was quoted in the President’s address!) If you want to understand the context, the full address is available on the SVdP website. They tell me it was pretty good.

Today, I want to share with you a message about what inspired me to use the theme “Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow” in that address. Actually, it was a theme that I used with the very first Board meeting held in October 2023, after my term as National President began. And that theme, in various forms and various words, is my vision for the six years of my National Presidency. The National Assembly in Phoenix was, in many ways, the formal ‘launch’ of that vision.

This theme calls us to look forward with hope and faith, to embrace the future with a spirit of charity, and to adapt to the changes that lie before us and ahead of us.

In the book of Jeremiah 29:11, we read, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” This verse reminds us that God has a plan for each of us, a plan filled with hope and promise. As Christians, we are called to trust in God’s plan and to look forward to the future with confidence.

Charity, or love in action, is at the heart of our Christian faith. In 1 Corinthians 13:13, Paul writes, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

Love is the foundation upon which we build our lives and our communities.

Charity is not just about giving money or material goods; it is about giving ourselves for others. It is about being present for others, offering a listening ear, a comforting word, or a helping hand. It is about seeing the face of Christ in everyone we meet — and responding with compassion and kindness.

Pope Francis, in his reflections, reminds us that material things do not lead to the fullness of life, but rather, it is in taking the path of charity which keeps nothing for itself and shares all. He emphasizes that true charity comes from God and is directed towards God, enabling us to love our neighbor as God loves them.

In his May 15, 2024, General Audience address:

“Recalling the Sermon on the Mount, the Holy Father showed that Jesus revealed love ‘as a theological that assumes the name of charity.’ It is a difficult virtue to practice, even an impossible one, ‘if one does not live in God.’ But beyond the normal loves and affections of the human heart, he said, ‘Christian love embraces what is not lovable, it offers forgiveness, blesses those who curse. It is a love so ardent that it seems almost impossible, and yet it is the only thing that will remain of us.’ And he concluded with the warning that, in our final moments, ‘we will not be judged on generic love, but precisely on charity,’ and quoted the words of Jesus, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.’” (Vatican News, May 15, 2024)

This is the essence of charity.

In Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus tells us, “For I was hungry, and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.”

When we serve others, we are serving Christ Himself. This is the essence of what we do as Vincentians.

As we look to the future, we must also be prepared to adapt to change. The world around us is constantly evolving, and we must be willing to grow and change with it. This does not mean abandoning our core values or beliefs, but rather, finding new ways to live out those values in a changing world.

In Isaiah 43:19, God says, “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” God is always at work, creating new opportunities and possibilities. We must be open to these new things and willing to step out in faith.

Pope Francis has also spoken about the need for the Church to change in favor of human dignity. He reminds us that adapting to change is not about losing our identity but about growing and ennobling our mission. We must be willing to embrace new ways of thinking and acting that reflect the love and compassion of Christ.

Adapting to change also means being willing to learn and grow. In Proverbs 1:5, we read, “Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.” We must be lifelong learners, always seeking to grow in our understanding of God’s word and His will for our lives. We must learn from each other, from the thousands and thousands of Vincentians who are serving our neighbors in need every day, in cities large and small, across this great country of ours.

As we think about tomorrow, we must do so with hope. Hope is a powerful force that can sustain us through difficult times and inspire us to keep moving forward. In Romans 15:13, Paul writes, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

Hope is not just wishful thinking; it is a confident expectation of good things to come. It is rooted in our faith in God and His promises. When we have hope, we can face the future with courage and confidence, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.

Let us NEVER stop thinking about tomorrow. Let us embrace the future with a spirit of charity, always seeking to love and serve others. Let us be willing to adapt to the changes that come our way, trusting that God is doing a new thing in our lives. And let us look forward with hope, confident in the promises of God.

Peace and God’s blessings,
John

John Berry
National President

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Contemplation: Who Do They Say That We Are?
Contemplation: Who Do They Say That We Are? 800 800 SVDP USA

By Timothy Williams, Senior Director of Formation and Leadership Development 

“Who do the people say that I am?” Christ asked of his disciple, before asking, “And who do you say that I am?” He was not surprised to receive two different answers, despite the fact that He never wavered in telling all people exactly who He was and why He was here. “I am,” He told all who would listen, “the true vine…the light of the world…the resurrection and the life…the good shepherd…the bread of life…the gate for the sheep…the way and the truth and the life…and whoever has seen me has seen the Father.”

Who do the people say that we are, we Vincentians? Do they say we are service providers? Social workers? Or do they say we are the ones who returned their calls, the ones who came and listened, the ones who cared when it seemed nobody else did? Like Christ, we most likely would hear different answers from different people, but that should never be because we are inconsistent in who we say that we are, in our words and in our actions, for how else can they know who we are?

It has been said that a rule, such as our Rule, if it is followed faithfully, could easily be recreated just by observing how the members live. Would an outside observer say of us, they “seek to relieve suffering for love alone, without thinking of any reward or advantage for themselves”? [Rule, Part I, 2.2] They “do not judge those they serve”? [Rule, Part I, 1.9] They “serve the poor cheerfully”? [Rule, Part I, 1.8] They are “a community of faith and love, prayer and action”? [Rule, Part III, St. 5] They are ”an international Catholic voluntary organisation of lay people, men and women”? [Rule, Part I, 1.1]

We are who we say we are, in our words and in our actions. We do not serve the poor because they are Catholic, but because we are Catholic; because we are followers of Christ who assured us that we would find Him in the hungry, in the thirsty, in the stranger, the prisoner, the naked, the poor, and all those who mourn. Our actions must never contradict our words, and our words must not contradict our actions. This is not because it is important for us to be recognized or praised for the work we do, but because it is important for the one who sends us to be known, so that others may find Him, too.

As St. Vincent taught, admonishing one of his superiors for his efforts to enhance the Congregation’s reputation, “Let us entrust our reputation to Him… to do with it as He sees fit. To Him alone glory is due; let us never do anything that does not give glory to Him and, to that end, let us trample underfoot human respect and self-interest.” [CCD IV:480]

Like Christ Himself, we cannot control who the people say that we are, we can only control who we say that we are, and in the end, all that will matter is who God says that we are.

Contemplate

Who do I say that I am, in my words and in my actions?

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The Rule

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