CONFERENCE SPIRITUAL ADVISOR Identifying Orienting Supporting

WHY THE EMPHASIS? We are walking into a new millennium! Divine Providence is at work in the Society - The US Strategic Plan - The Revised Rule - The Beatification of Blessed Frederic and Blessed Rosalie -- Members of the Society are asking for a deeper understanding of their spirituality and history.

Emmanuel Bailly assured the spiritual growth of the early young Vincentians.

The primary purpose of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul – TO INCREASE THE HOLINESS OF ITS MEMBERS

“God demands first the heart then the work” St.Vincent de Paul

Vincentians are called to journey together toward holiness. ( Rule 2.2) Time needs to be spent for this purpose in conference meetings, Rule: Part 3, Statute 7

Members of the Society are united in the same spirit of poverty and sharing. They encourage one another to live a profound spiritual life and a spirit of prayer. For this purpose, the role of a Spiritual Advisor is very important. Rule: 3.13

Possibilities Vincentian Family Members VINCENTIANS Deacons, lay pastoral ministers Diocesan priests, religious

Who should you look for? Fully immersed in the Vincentian charism (spirituality, values, lives of Saints and Blesseds (or willing to take the time to become immersed). Knowledge of and commitment to Jesus Christ/Gospels as integral part of Vincentian spirituality In contact with and comfortable with the world of the poor; willingness to participate in service to needy with fellow Vincentians Understanding of the place and importance of home visits and conference meetings in personal formation

individuals with an ongoing experience of God; personal witness to his/her own growth and deepening of personal spiritual life balanced persons who have good common sense persons capable of being spiritual companion, mentor, friend persons willing to be committed to the Rule, mission and ministry of the Society The word Advisor comes for the Latin “assidere” to sit down with someone, to sit beside LOOK FOR:

Someone who has a commitment to the value of the laity in the Church Frederic came to have a strong belief in the LAITY - The secular nature of the Society – In 1835, he began using the term “the apostleship of the laity” Persons who can foster friendship in conference and with those served Persons who can deal with tension, ambiguity

As animator and spiritual facilitator, the Spiritual Advisor: Attends the meetings Utilizes Society resources (Vincentian Reflections/Serving in Hope) or provides other appropriate scriptural and spiritual readings Facilitates reflection of the members and participates in the discussions Promotes and respects the wisdom of the members – see Spiritual Advisor Guidelines Section A, D Offers guidance, gentle challenges, raises MISSION BASED questions

The Spiritual Advisor cultivates the Vincentian Spirit The Advisor does not assume members know the Spirit but assures that they do Realizes that members are called to a preferential option for those who are poor Refrains from introducing other spiritualities that can confuse or distract from Vincentian values Is willing to be formed by the members

The Spiritual Advisor is committed to continuous, ongoing formation  Realizes that the poor make us Vincentians  Assures that activities are always oriented toward the service of the poor  Encourages openness to twinning, self promotion of those served, and advocacy with and for those served

The Spiritual Advisor must be rooted in the Mission Committed to join with members in the path toward holiness Promotes Vincentian person-to- person service Fosters awareness that Vincentians see the face of Christ in those served Assists building a community of faith rooted in prayer, reflection and service Embraces all works of charity and justice

Selection and Approval of a Conference Spiritual Advisor - Spiritual Advisor Guidelines, Part III, A  President, in consultation with pastor, appoints  Persons nominated should be dedicated to his/her spiritual life  Persons should possess required qualities or be willing to learn the meaning and essential features of Vincentian spirituality

Supporting Conference Spiritual Advisors  Assure that the 15 to 20 minutes of the conference meeting for prayer and reflection are available  Provide funds for resources  Provide books on Vincentian saints/blessed, Vincentian spirituality

Responsibilities of Conference Spiritual Advisor – Spiritual Advisor Guidelines, Part III, B Lead/delegate opening and closing prayers Utilize published Society resources or provide appropriate Vincentian or scriptural readings Insure all meetings are conducted in a spirit of Vincentian friendship Lead discussion/reflection after each reading Collaborate with Council Spiritual Advisor in setting up spiritual development programs

Responsibilities of Conference Spiritual Advisor, cont’d. Communicate and promulgate information obtained from meetings to the conference membership regarding spiritual matters Suggest resource materials for membership to assist in Vincentian spiritual development Maintain ongoing communication with pastor or parish administrator Actively pursue their personal growth into the charism and virtues of the Vincentian vocation.

Selection of District or (Arch)Diocesan Council Spiritual Advisor Prayerful discernment using the Guidelines for the Spiritual Advisor Functions Qualities Responsibilities Willingness to learn An incoming District President may reappoint a Spiritual Advisor

Arch/Diocesan Council Spiritual Advisor  Hopefully a good relationship with the Bishop already exists.  Speak to the Bishop of efforts toward renewal of Vincentian spirit and mission; of desire to have a spiritual advisor that can assist the Council to “grow its members”/offer 2 names.  An incoming Arch/Diocesan President may reappoint a Spiritual Advisor See Spiritual Advisor Guidelines, p 5

Responsibilities of Arch(Diocesan) Council Spiritual Advisor - See Spiritual Advisor Guidelines, p 5  Direct liaison and advocate on spiritual matter with bishop  Assist Council President to communicate value, works and needs of Society to local Diocesan administration and parish communities  Seek ways in which Society’s ministry and mission have complementary role in Diocesan programs and social services  Attend regional and national meetings when and where possible  Understand and encourage development of Vincentian spirituality in him/herself and Council members -

 Assures that Spiritual Advisors have qualities necessary and appropriate to their role Co-chairs or collaborates with Spirituality/Formation/Committee. Spirituality Guidelines, II. B  Organize formation/training sessions and materials for Conference Spiritual Advisors  Frames spiritual portion of Society gatherings. This necessitates attendance and participation  Guides Conference Spiritual Advisors in Vincentian Spirituality  Supervises spiritual grown and development of Conferences  Arranges for retreats, days of recollection, Vincentian spiritual study opportunities, celebration of Vincentian feasts

How will these suggestions help resolve your difficulties in finding and forming spiritual advisors? Reflection and Sharing