Project 1.6 - Belong, Believe, Become

Pillar outcome: A new Member journey (including into leadership)

Issues

The Vincentian story is the story of the Ministry of Jesus, which is underpinned by radical inclusivity, accompaniment, & restoration.

We do this by applying the principles of dignity of the human person; preferential option for the poor and vulnerable; solidarity with people; and subsidiarity through listening.

The contemporary vision to respond to Jesus’ invitation to ‘come follow me’ challenges us to foster a sense of belonging in our common journey. It is this sense of feeling ‘at home’ that enriches our spiritual growth and fosters the good works we do.

Identified task(s)

• Structure is helpful but allow Conferences flexibility.
  • What does prayer look like?
  • Provide options and flexibility for contemporary practices.
  • Explain our language.
• Provide resources to Conference presidents, to enable them to be more welcoming and hospitable
• Share prayers to the group. Examen, gratitude, other faith traditions – did we see God there?
• Encourage checking with each other, to build relationship and community.
• Future support in the ‘become’ space.

Success indicator(s)

• Inclusion – feel welcome now, through respectful dialogue about all Member’s contributions, values alignment and points of similarity.
• Authentic welcome and hospitality – the way we treat each other and our Companions.
• Feel at home, with hospitality – you belong NOW. Am I seen, am I welcomed, am I known, am l needed?
• What is our expectation re Catholic faith? Identify our diverse nature. Catholic Social Teachings.

Related sub-projects

1.2 Our compelling, shared story in 2023

1.3 The new Vincentian experience

3.1 Clarity on the pressures to adapt

3.2 The human interactions that support change

3.3 Promoting and sustaining experimentation

3.4 Accountability and following through

Progress

Resources that explain the following are being considered:

• Why Members do what they do (i.e. what are the benefits gained)
• What is prayer
• Why we pray
• A guide on how to welcome people to Conferences
• A guide to The Rule and the Prayer Card that provides a simple explanation of these documents.

These documents are all well progressed, with final versions expected to be produced by the end of the year.

Resources

Champion Sr Therese H

Project team: Melissa W; Isabella M; Leo T; Mary R; Michael S; Rohan S; Susan D; Jenny P. Members wishing to join this team should contact congress@svdp.org.au

State / Territory support:

• Vic – recruitment and retention of new Members

National Support:

• Establish and maintain Teams site for Project Team
• Communicate on website
• Communicate with key internal governance bodies for advice on implementation, such as:
  • National Membership Network
  • National Mission, Membership & Spirituality Standing Committee
  • Spirit of Youth 
• Support each Congress Project Team

• NCS can be contacted on Congress related matters via congress@svdp.org.au

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