Fellowship / Friendship

Introduction

Fellowship and friendship is our second purpose after spirituality. We create an environment where men and women can work and associate with others who share their Christian ideals and values. We both provide and receive support during the difficult times in each others' lives. Our work includes many group activities where members, whose work or family responsibilities prevent them from making a fixed weekly commitment to the Conference, may contribute their available time and be welcomed as full members of the Society.

Objectives

• Bring together men and women of good will and assist them, by mutual example and true friendship, to draw nearer to their Divine Model, Christ.
• Build and strengthen the spirit of fellowship (camaraderie) in our Vincentian family by encouraging participation at Conference, district, and diocesan meetings and events.
• Help create a setting where a bonding process takes place among members, drawing them closer together, in the Spirit of Christ, to perform their duties, share their experiences, and grow in their love and spiritual maturity.
• Meetings and events held in a spirit of fraternity, simplicity and Christian joy.
• All the special gifts and powers from God will someday come to an end, but love goes on forever.
• Meetings and events which provide for consideration in common of the experiences of each member and the problems encountered in the pursuit of a better service.

The spirit of friendliness during meetings and events. Friendliness is the outward effect of charity in the heart. It springs from the heart and shows how very glad you are to be with a particular person. It is the joy you feel when you see a person you love and it shows in your face. For when someone has joy in their heart, they cannot hide it; others see it clearly on their face.