Servant Leader

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

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

The miracle of the loaves and the fishes and the parable of the Judgment of the Nations offer profound insights into faith, generosity, resourcefulness, and service. These lessons are particularly relevant for us, especially in the context of fundraising and adapting to a changing world. By examining these stories, we can draw valuable lessons that guide us in our mission to serve others and sustain our organization.

In the miracle of the loaves and the fishes, Jesus is confronted with a large crowd of hungry people. Despite having only five loaves of bread and two fish, He performs a miracle, multiplying the food to feed thousands. This story teaches us several key lessons that are highly relevant to our efforts in fundraising.

First, the miracle underscores the importance of faith and trust in Divine Providence. Just as Jesus trusted that God would provide for the needs of the crowd, we too must have faith that our efforts in fundraising will be blessed. But this faith is not passive; it requires us to take action, just as the disciples did when they distributed the loaves and fishes. In a changing world, where economic uncertainties and shifting donor priorities can make fundraising challenging, maintaining faith in our mission and in God’s providence is crucial. We must believe that our efforts, no matter how small, can be multiplied by divine intervention. But we must also adapt our actions to the changing world we face.

Second, the miracle highlights the power of generosity and the impact of small contributions.

The boy who offered his loaves and fishes did not have much, but his willingness to give what he had made a significant difference. In fundraising, we often focus on large donations, but this story reminds us that every contribution, no matter how small, is valuable. Encouraging a culture of generosity within our communities can lead to collective impact, where many small gifts combine to create substantial support for our mission and the combined efforts of many can achieve great things.

Third, the miracle teaches us about the importance of adaptability and resourcefulness. Jesus and His disciples did not have a detailed plan for feeding the crowd, but they adapted to the situation and used the resources available to them. In today’s rapidly changing world, we must be flexible and innovative in our fundraising strategies. This might involve embracing new technologies, exploring diverse funding sources, or finding creative ways to engage with donors. By being adaptable, we can respond to new challenges and opportunities as they arise. And we must be open and willing to invest in fundraising, spending appropriately on ways that will allow us to grow our fundraising income.

The parable of the Judgment of the Nations, found in Matthew 25:31-46, complements these lessons by emphasizing the importance of serving others. In this passage, Jesus speaks about the separation of the sheep and the goats, highlighting that those who serve the least of these — feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned — are serving Him. This story teaches us that our work in fundraising is not just about raising money; it is about fulfilling our mission to serve others and make a positive impact in their lives. Our fundraising efforts should always be aligned with our core mission of service and compassion.

In the context of fundraising, these lessons are particularly relevant. Just as Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes, we can multiply our efforts by leveraging the power of community, collaboration, and wise fundraising investment. By building strong relationships with donors, volunteers, and community members, we can amplify our impact and achieve our goals more effectively. This might involve creating partnerships with other organizations, engaging with professional fundraising experts, and mobilizing others to support our mission. Collaboration and partnership can lead to a multiplication of resources and efforts, enabling us to reach more people and make a greater difference.

Furthermore, the parable of the Judgment of the Nations reminds us of the ultimate purpose of our work. Our fundraising efforts are not just about sustaining our organizations; they are about serving others and fulfilling our mission. This perspective can inspire and motivate us, even in the face of challenges. When we remember that our work is ultimately about serving Christ through serving others, we can find the strength and determination to persevere.

In conclusion, the miracle of the loaves and the fishes and the parable of the Judgment of the Nations offer timeless lessons. By maintaining faith, fostering generosity, being adaptable, and focusing on serving others, we can navigate the challenges of a changing world and continue to fulfill our mission. Let us take these lessons to heart as we work together to make a positive impact in the lives of those we serve. Through faith, generosity, adaptability, and service, we can multiply our efforts and achieve great things!

Peace and God’s blessings,
John