SUMMARY OF SPIRITUALITY WORKSHOP
SEPTEMBER 17, 2016

The workshop was presented by two members of the Spirituality Committee:  Deacon John Girolami and Denise Bondy.

A welcome prayer was offered by Deacon John.  Denise’s introduction focused on the membership each of us has in our Vincentian Family, the primary membership being in our home conference.

Deacon John ‘s reflection:  ‘Called to Serve… Our Vincentian Vocation’, based on John 13: 1-17, the washing of the feet:

Here Jesus teaches his apostles and us that we prove that we love each other by serving each other,  Washing of the feet was an act of service.  In turn, we like Him, are to serve one another.
The result of our service is blessedness; there are special blessings from God for those who serve others, but we must serve for the right reasons.   Do we serve because we are the hands and feet of Christ or are we motivated by ego, appreciation, praise or success.  If we take on Christ’s spirit we will do as Christ wanted. 
Our vocation is not just turned to others.  It also calls us to journey together toward holiness.  The Vincentian vocation affects all aspects of our lives, in our families, at work and in our leisure activities.

Denise spoke of Vincentian Spirituality, what it is and is not:

The principal work of the Society is NOT doing good works.  The primary purpose of SSVP is to increase the holiness of its members; we are called to journey together toward holiness.  The means by which we do this is by serving as Christ to others, within our Vincentian family. 
Every conference must have a Spiritual Advisor, someone who journeys with the members.  A lay person can certainly be the best choice for many conferences.  Parish priests are often stretched too thinly to be active with our conferences.   A good Spiritual Advisor must be well versed in the history and life of our Society, must attend meetings and be an active part of the work of the conference.  She/he should enjoy the company of the members when they come together as family and should work with the conference president in the development of the faith life of the conference.
According to the Rule, the President appoints a Spiritual Advisor.   If a President is having problems with this, he/she should pray, asking God for guidance and God will show her/him a possible candidate.  The President should invite a potential Spiritual Advisor, assuring the person that the President will work with him/her.  
Paraphrasing  Fr. Freund OM:  Someone can become physically fit and tech savvy, but no one becomes a member of an elite military corps, like the U.S. Marines or a member of SSVP by simply preparing on their own.  People become real members when they see and hear what the organization is, from those who are living the life. 

A Conference or Particular Council that wants a visit from the Spirituality Committee needs only to contact Denise.  Members of the committee are available to come to any conference in Ontario and will gladly customise a workshop or meeting to suit the needs of those who request us.   

Attendees discussed their experiences and needs.