Conference Spiritual Advisors

A Mature Spiritual Advisor in the Society of St. Vincent de Paul would:

• Be more than a “Chaplin,” but one filled with and/or learning more about Vincentian Spirituality, and the mission of the Society. This includes:
  
  
  • Stressing our call to holiness
  • Discussing the mystery of the Incarnation, where St. Vincent said, “Honor the Incarnation, a mystery beyond words.” He teaches: “Since Christ willed to be born poor…He made Himself the servant of the poor and shared their poverty. He went so far as to say that He would consider every deed which either helps or harms the poor as done for or against Himself.”
  • Highlighting Sacred Scripture, particularly:
    • Luke 4:16-21 Jesus as evangelizer and servant of the poor
    • Matthew 5:2-11The preferential option for the poor
    • Matthew 25:31-46 You did it for me
    • Luke 6:32-37 You will not be judged
  • Informing Vincentians on Catholic Social Teaching
    
    
• Select the readings for the meetings and leads a prayerful sharing, attends the entire meeting, is the conscience of the Conference, helping members to not be judgmental, leads Vincentians to trust each other and may settle disputes, as necessary, and to remind Vincentians to consider the deeper needs of our client/friends.
• Make visits with another Vincentian(s), if possible
• Be available to the members at times other than the meetings
  
  A priest, deacon, nun or a current Vincentian can be a Spiritual Advisor. Any mature Catholic who has been working with the poor as a team player in the Society for more that a year may have the qualities to become a Spiritual Advisor. Training is available and recommended to current and aspiring Spiritual Advisors.
  
  Through the above emphasis, the Vincentians in the Conference will
  
  
• Be challenged to grow in our Vincentian vocation
• Be encouraged to identify themselves as Catholic and members of the Society, and to be
  willing to address spiritual needs, and encourage Conference members and those we
  visit in the faith, and encourage those we visit to pray with us.
• Learn more about the Rule, our founder, and our patron.