08-22-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders

08-22-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders https://ssvpusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/servant-leader-Connie-Steward.png 1200 1200 SVDP USA SVDP USA //ssvpusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/svdp-usa-ssvp-int.png August 21, 2024 August 21, 2024

“As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.” 1 Corinthians 12:20

As Vincentians, we are still facing the challenges and issues of diversity along with all our personal challenges. And of course, this makes it difficult to increase membership, but in no way does it stop us from doing what we are called to do and to be — ONE SOCIETY.

Yes, when we speak of diversity, we mean more Hispanics and more African Americans but, we also mean more Asians, more youth, more women, more disabled people, and greater regional diversity. A natural phenomenon is that people attract others who look like them. Therefore, it is incumbent upon each Vincentian to seek out people who are different from themselves. Yes, this can be uncomfortable, but it can be done and is likely to be a good learning experience for everyone involved. It sets an example that is self-replicating.

Diversity in membership creates a more innovative and successful organization. Bringing together different perspectives, experiences, and talents, creates a dynamic environment that fosters growth and success for both individuals and the organization. Since the Society wishes to grow its membership, diversity is one way to make that happen. In a recent commentary on VisionSVdP, the question was asked, “why can’t we move the needle on increasing diversity in our membership despite years of trying?” I challenge us to say and believe “Yes We Can.”

As Vice President of Friendship and Community, our committee has the charge to continue the dedicated efforts of building awareness, bridging abilities, embracing diversity, and broadening friendships and community. We are to take bold and courageous steps toward weaving the threads and strengthening the bonds between different groups in a fragmented and divisive culture. As we focus on these goals and take the necessary action, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will reflect more beautifully the Multicultural Diversity Committee’s guiding principle, known as EMBRACE: Every Member Belongs, Respects, Accepts, Cares, and Empathizes with each other and with those we serve. This will allow us to strengthen ourselves within and go forth to build a dynamic, diverse, and dedicated Society.

We invite you to open again your heart to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and be inspired to join hands and make a personal commitment to move the “diversity needle.” Again, this is one way we can grow our Society. Here are a few tips on how you can help us meet these lofty goals:

Get to know individuals who are different.
Show and promote the works of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Discern their interest and invite them to join the Society
Mentor and demonstrate the MCDC guiding principle – EMBRACE
Assess your Conference as to its “welcoming culture”
Accompany new members as you teach and live the essential elements of the Society: – Spirituality, Friendship and Service.

All these things are important as the Society moves the “diversity needle” and becomes a place where individuals from all backgrounds are welcomed, and a place where good continues to flow outward with ever-increasing effectiveness. Can we move the ‘diversity needle”? Yes We Can!!!

Yours in Christ,
Connie Steward
National Vice President of Vincentian Friendship and Community

29 Comments

Sylvia B González August 22, 2024 at 5:05 pm

Thank you Connie.

Jill Lynch-Sosa August 22, 2024 at 5:27 pm

Well said, Connie! Diversity only makes us stronger as an organization!

Larry Stahl August 22, 2024 at 6:21 pm

Dear Connie,
I have really had enough of DEI and we continue to push this agenda it’s not necessary especially in a SVDP setting! Diversity, equity inclusion, what the heck does that even mean? You are being sucked in to the left wing ideology which forces businesses to hire based on their support of diversity rather than merit or achievement or experience or, in the case of SVDP desire to do God’s work. Increasing our membership is certainly a good goal, but why not just say “ALL ARE WELCOME”?
We are all brothers and sisters in Christ and as Vincentians, each of us knows this! Our conference consists of three difference parishes and ocassionally we have the opportunity to give a pulpit talk of “Invitation to Serve” and our success is such that we now have 42 members vs 30 just a few years ago. But we don’t say “I’m sorry but you’re a white man and we have enough of those.” Through a process we, show them, how we bring hope to our poor; listening, praying, etc. to help them make life work. All we care about is that they have a good heart and care. The community that we live in is 90% white, mostly older and retired. Our conference is currently 26 white women and based on your goals we should begin to turn white women away! Really!? Everyone is invited, we do not exclude anyone, we are all “Invited to Serve our poor” who are with us. We follow Christ’s lead and he gives us the direction we need.
In Christ Jesus,
Larry

- Tom Anstead August 23, 2024 at 12:09 pm
  
  Well said Larry. Post Covid and the present disaster economy have devastated the twelve city blocks our conference serves. So many people can now not afford a) Food b)Gasoline c)Electricity and d)Rent. And because of this, our workload is huge, almost every week. I strongly suspect our 9-person conference can’t grow because no one wants to take on so many serious problems that so many of our neighbors now have.
  
  I absolutely could not possibly care less about diversity. If you want to join and are empathetic and compassionate and will follow Vincentian Rule, I couldn’t give the slightest damn about skin tone, height, weight, sex, or country of origin. And while our conference cannot attract any home visitors presently, our 3-person Associate Member Prayer Letter Writers have male and female, two different races, three religions, and range from 19 to 90 years old. We made absolutely no special effort or outreach to come up with this combination. We just went to their houses and did what Vincentians do. I’m delighted to have them, but I would be just as happy if they were identical triplets.
  
  And that word “diversity” is one of the luckiest words in the English language. Diversity by itself is not a good thing, just as change is not always good.
  
  Here are some examples. Let’s say at our next Sunday Mass, we see two guys come in dressed all in black and they’re wearing pentagram symbols. We think “these guys look like satanists.” But since we’re Catholics in America, we have nothing to fear and welcome them in, but we keep an eye on them just the same. We notice they’re not participating in the Mass or receiving Communion. Then at the end of the Mass, we see them in the vestibule handing out satanist literature.
  
  Here we have diversity in its purest form – satanists on one side, devout Catholics on the other. But what else do we have at every Sunday Mass? We have hymns. So a hymn starts up, and the congregation starts singing it together. This is good to have everyone singing in unity, and it’s a baseline we need, but it’s not particularly exciting. But then suppose on the last verse of the hymn, the choir does a three part harmony with different specific vocal parts, and it sounds great. In fact, it sounds great BECAUSE the parts are different.
  
  So we had three examples. In the first example with the satanists, we had all diversity and no unity. Bad. In the second example with the congregation all singing together, we had the exact opposite, all unity and no diversity. Not bad, but not amazing. But in the third example with the choir singing three completely different parts, but parts which have to be distinct and in service to a greater good, in this case the song – we found the sweet spot that everybody should want – diversity + HARMONY.
  
  Diversity plus harmony. It’s what made our country great. But diversity without harmony or even without unity is bad, and it’s nothing to seek out for its own sake.
  
- Bobby Slovak August 23, 2024 at 12:11 pm
  
  Before I was invited to become a Vincentian, I was president of our local educators association. At the beginning of each school year, we conducted a drive to recruit new members. We used a lot of methods, but the one that was the most effective was a personal invitation to join extended by a current member. Reaching out to others on a personal basis has always been the best way to attract new Vincentians and we should always be willing to do so to include all.
  
  - Tom Anstead August 24, 2024 at 4:00 am
    
    Even one more fully functional home visit team would be a game changer for our conference. We have approached some people in our Church with an invitation to join, but so far they’ve turned us down. But as you have indicated and (author) Matthew Kelly has said, no one ever attended a party where they weren’t invited. So we’ll keep trying. Our church set a record for SVdP $$$$ contributions last year, our food donations have been very generous, and we now always get dozens and dozens of our people after the Sunday Mass reading and signing our SVdP prayer letters we send out.
    
    The strategy here is to turn everybody in our church into a sort of SVdP Associate Member, with everybody first participating in some way, through food and/or $$$$ contributions and/or signing our prayer letters. We keep them informed via our bulletin about what we’re doing. Our Pastor is constantly promoting SVdP. We have an Invitation To Serve coming up. And we pray for patience and strength. We hope for new members, but we’re not targeting any specific groups. That would be the opposite of “inclusion”, would it not?
    
- Rita Hollingsworth August 23, 2024 at 3:56 pm
  
  Thank you Larry for saying what I was thinking as I read the article. Why are we moving away from St. Vincent and what comes naturally for Christians seeing Christ in all who visit us? Also, why do we continue to use the phrase “neighbors helping neighbors”? What happened to brothers and sisters? I am so fed up with DEI. Just let go and let God people. Stop trying to reinvent SVdP to fit the culture of today.
  Rita Hollingsworth
  
Ouida Thornton August 22, 2024 at 7:04 pm

Insightful commentary.

Good job Connie.

Sandy Figueroa August 22, 2024 at 8:04 pm

Thanks, Connie. Well said and challenging to all of us Vincentians.

Val Senegal August 23, 2024 at 10:59 am

This is a wonderful article that helps remind Christian Vincentians that the word “all” encompasses “diversity” and the word “everyone” encompasses “equity” since no human is superior to another. Galatians 3:23-29. All have been created equal by God, and all of humanity falls short of glory through the corruptible sin that lies deep within the mind and heart. Romans 3:23.

I often reflect on Jesus’ agenda, which should be the superior agenda Vincentians aim to follow. He had a diverse group of followers. He did not exclude people from joining Christianity. People excluded themselves from Jesus’ teachings when they chose to continue following the same Pharisees and Sadducees Jesus victoriously challenged in efforts to get them to repent from their “stinking thinking”, which bore rotten fruit. Jesus demonstrated a sense of “belonging” because people would diligently seek him to hear his teachings; read Luke 8 & Luke19.

People do not gather in spaces or places unless they feel they belong there. This article evokes two things to ponder, through the Holy Spirit of course, “Do all people feel like they belong with the Society?” “How does the absence of belonging adversely affect membership?”

- Shirley August 27, 2024 at 8:07 pm
  
  Completely agree. We aim to get to know individuals who are different after our Priest challenged us after a homily regarding the Samaritan woman. We now have over 100 members!!!
  We show and promote the works of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul by our actions not our words and it is truly paying off.
  I can attest, embracing spiritual growth, diverse and inclusive friendships, and equitable service has made us stronger, better and ,more effective.
  
Michele Comana August 23, 2024 at 12:07 pm

Are we DEI-ing SVDP? SMH

- Tom Anstead August 24, 2024 at 4:32 am
  
  Michele, I am Shaking My Head twice. Once out of frustration, but I am also shaking my head NO. Regarding DEI, Diversity by itself without harmony is not intrinsically a good thing. Equality of outcome is not possible unless it’s achieved by force. And targeting certain groups is the exact opposite of Inclusion, isn’t it?
  
  These are just fine sounding words now taking on a different or opposite meaning. Then we hear it over and over and over again. That’s an old Satan trick.
  
  If everyone will start disregarding DEI, then it will DIE of neglect.
  
- Jim Shaver August 25, 2024 at 2:35 pm
  
  Michele,
  We surely hope not. DEI is the work of the devil, the father of lies. SVdP should STOP using DEI language and start emphasizing the Word of God. And, even then, we need to be careful…Val S. is quoting Scripture and then applying it in error, as Jesus did not demonstrate a sense of belonging….What nonsense! Instead Jesus challenged his listeners with statements like this: “Strive to enter through the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.” And, as today’s Gospel states, many of his disciples left Him because they found his teachings too difficult. So, to the question “Why can’t we move the needle on increasing diversity in our membership despite years of trying?”, the answer is that this should NOT be a goal. Our SVdP mission is to help the poor. Stop being distracted with DEI ideology. Thank you. Jim (former conference president).
  
Dana Pyzik August 23, 2024 at 2:36 pm

A few years back at an NCR meeting, I heard my fellow Board member, Rosemary Ihejirika, say something during her presentation that I will never forget. “How is God’s body complete if we all aren’t included?” Her presentation was on Including people with disabilities but, that one sentence is universal. I just hope I remembered it correctly.

Bobby Kinkela August 25, 2024 at 4:47 pm

Thanks Connie for speaking about a very Catholic topic. Catholic means universal, and as Pope Benedict XVI said, “there are as many ways to God as there are men and women.” We are a global church and SVDP is a global society. It’s important to remember that and embrace everyone.

Gizette Thomas August 25, 2024 at 9:17 pm

Thank you for sharing this article Connie. It is interesting to read the comments. I am really not surprised to see that some appear to be offended by the thought of us taking an active role to show our desire to welcome all, when ‘all’ specifically includes groups that are not or under represented in our society. We just can’t seem to take the politics out of our Christian walk. You just have to keep doing what you feel is right and what God has called us to do – love all of our brothers and sisters. Stay positive and keep the faith.

Monique Parker August 26, 2024 at 2:26 pm

The main takeaway from this article is the importance of understanding it is the inclusion of unfamiliar cultural ideas. If we set aside the world and or political definition of DEI we might find an unfamiliar perspective or even a biblical perspective. As Christians we know not all forms of inclusions are acceptable, and not all diversity is good diversity especially when it contradicts biblical teachings. I have read some of the comments and being relatively a new member I was somewhat surprised of their viewpoints. They did not reflect the spirit and zeal of my fellow Vincentians, that I have grown to admire and respect. But, yes, EVERY VOICE MATTERS. I recall reading this rule upon joining the Society Rule 3.5 Preserving the Spirit. Members of all ages strive to preserve the spirt of youth, which is characterized by enthusiasm, adaptability and creative imagination. They are willing to make sacrifices and take risks for the benefit of the poor wherever they may be: by sharing their discomfort, needs and sorrows and defending their rights.

How can we rise to the challenge of increasing membership to help sustain the Society when we are not even willing to reach out to ask people of different communities for their voice in the Society., who are a part of the very communities we serve.

How can we not want to be in dialog with members of these communities to help us learn and educate ourselves on how best we can serve these communities.

Is it possible our outdated mindsets are contributing to the Society’s stagnation?

Thank you, Connie for sharing your zeal.

Fr. Martins Emeh August 27, 2024 at 6:53 am

Connie,
Thank you very much for this beautiful article. DEI remains a controversial topic, as is evident from the thread of comments before mine. Nevertheless, I am grateful for your courage in addressing the topic. If only our fellow Vincentians can avoid the interpolation of some of the rhetoric and viewpoints that percolate in the political echochambers, we could see that DEI is actually a gospel value for which we each ought to strive. When interpreted correctly, DEI does not imply a quota system, whereby we hold off on admitting some people until a sufficient
number of others are welcomed, as one of the comments suggested.

As I understand it, DEI only implies that the organization look more like the community in which it is founded. Otherwise, the organization’s would appear somewhat paternalistic. In our conference – formerly an all-black conference – we have actively sought out and brought in new Hispanic members, since they are a growing presence in our parish and among the fins we serve.

- Carl August 27, 2024 at 8:25 pm
  
  Thank you for evoking spiritual guidance and wisdom into this space. I was almost embarrassed of the Society given the negative comments that seem to lack spiritual maturity and true Christian values.
  
Bertha Crawford August 27, 2024 at 1:09 pm

Thank you, Connie. You have clearly outlined the benefits of diversity in SVdP. Having a diverse membership allows us to better serve our communities. I think that we all understand that the extent to which diversity can be achieved will differ in our conferences. The outreach in a community that is primarily homogeneous will be different from the outreach in a community where the demographics are more varied. As Connie pointed out, diversity encompasses more than just race. In our conference the demographic makeup of the community we serve is rapidly changing, and we recognize the need for bilingual as well as younger members. We all seek to serve our communities as best as we can, and must always be open to new ideas.

- Carl August 27, 2024 at 8:22 pm
  
  Well said Bertha! Our Vincentians agree.
  
Carl August 27, 2024 at 8:16 pm

GREAT ARTICLE! We will use this material to further the conversations as we continue the work to attract new youth and young adults from all different nationalities.

Lencia S. August 27, 2024 at 10:10 pm

Greetings Connie!

Wonderful piece here! I felt compelled to comment on this as a Catholic who had chosen to step away from the religious practices for something more welcoming and fulfilling, which was discovered in non-denominational settings. Ultimately, the goal was to learn about God and His Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior. The welcoming atmosphere is a great part to hone in on because a lot of times, you hear: “it just wasn’t as welcoming as where I am now” or “I didn’t connect with the church”.

If we’re all reaching for the same goal, then how is there a disconnect with the more traditional Catholic congregations than with nondenominational?

I do believe that this article clearly addresses that by inviting new ideas because let’s be honest, should the old approach be effective, numbers would reflect it. Houston is a melting pot and it’s time the church adapts to the changing world if we are going to bring Catholics back. Coming together as sisters and brothers of Christ is a great way to start. All will never agree on a variety of things, as God has given us free will to decide, but how we interact and engage with each other on differences has the power to detour prospective membership.

John Lane August 29, 2024 at 8:13 am

My sisters and brothers, it is unfortunate that the term DEI has been so politically demonized and distorted that its meaning, or at least its original intent, is unrecognizable. One of the most deceptive distortions is that DEI is a substitute for competency. That seed has been planted, and unfortunately is germinating quite well in certain circles. Furthermore, in reading some of the comments there seems to be this notion that DEI is antithetical to our Christian values and our Vincentian spirituality. I submit that just a cursory examination of Christian history renders that notion null and void; and that reaching out is what the Church, and its members, has always done. In other words, actively seeking people out is in our Christian DNA. In today’s cultural setting it usually takes more than the occasional church announcement to be effective. As Peter’s visit to the home of Cornelius, the Roman Centurion demonstrates, it is hard to beat the personal approach.

But WHY seems to be the real question up for discussion. Why make the effort at this moment in time to actively seek diversification and inclusion? Let me say at the outset that I agree that the level of activity in this area will vary from parish to parish depending on the level of diversity, and trending demographics. But my answer to the WHY is: LEGACY

Simply put I want the work of our conference to continue when I’m no longer around. Our conference is fifty-five years old. It has been a beacon of hope in our community for a very long time. Even though the demographics are rapidly changing – an energetic, committed, but aging African American population and, conversely, a younger surging Hispanic population- the Lord’s work of meeting the needs of the poor must continue. To ensure sustainability it is imperative that the steps of inclusion are actively pursued now – not tomorrow or some undefined time in the future but now At least in our conference DEI is not some left-wing fad for its own sake but a viable strategy to inculcate and pass along a spirit of caring for the least among us when our time is no more. Is this not the legacy of Vincentian spirituality?

Byronne’ Hearn September 3, 2024 at 7:52 pm

Diversity is at work here, in these comments, where we are responding from our personal places of reference. It appears that the reactions of some to the use of the term “DEI” have been visceral — that is spontaneous and without pause for reflection or analysis. I challenge us all to take a moment to reflect and pray, not on the label but the sentiment.
Start by asking the question “What would Jesus do?”. Answering honestly will lead us to the many, many examples in the New Testament in which Jesus discipled, sought after, befriended, anointed and offered salvation to sinners, gentiles, foreigners, all of them “different” from Him as God’s only and perfect Son. And Jesus called us, his followers, to make disciples of the entire world.
This tradition of outreach has continued throughout the ages. Our beloved St. Vincent de Paul, whom we claim as the model for our ministry, was well known for his outreach, even to the Protestants.
You can call it anything you want — “Anti DEI” if it makes you feel good. But, PLEASE let’s stop quibbling over labels. INSTEAD, let’s continue to roll up our sleeves and be about the Father’s work, which includes seeking out and welcoming all, even if it is uncomfortable. We have much work today and all of us are needed to get it done!

- Bobby Kinkela September 7, 2024 at 1:07 pm
  
  Thanks Byronne!
  
Annettte Giaquinto September 8, 2024 at 10:49 am

I believe Connie’s message is an important one and thank her for sharing it. I am disappointed to see some Vincentians respond from a political and polarizing point of view. This is exactly what’s wrong with this world. Someone posts an honest and caring message and others look for something negative and reply in a hateful manner.

There was nothing in Connie’s message to say that we should turn away whites, women, or what ever composition reflects our current conference membership. Rather, by having a Conference that reflects the faces of the people we serve, we enhance our changes of connecting with them. We learn about their culture which can help us in our service. My community and parish are both quite diverse, and I believe it enriches us.

Remember the love of Christ and our mission of spirituality, friendship, and service.

Rosemary Ihejirika September 9, 2024 at 8:50 am

Thank you to Fr. Martins, Byronne and all those who remained level-headed and steadfast to our Christian values in their comments and replies.

I confess to you, my brothers and sisters, one of my many faults: I am not a difficult person to be rid of, as I can easily “shake the dust from my sandals” and leave where I do not feel welcome. In this, I empathize with those who share our commitment to be of service to our Friends in Need, but may not yet know that they are welcomed within the Society.

I am glad to read that some still know that “inclusion” is the act of including and creating a welcoming space for those who want to join in our efforts to serve others.

Thanks again. I almost thought I’d walked into the wrong room.