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Continuing our theme of Evangelization: there are many ways of evangelizing. Think about someone whose life you want to impact for eternal good. Make a commitment to spend time petitioning God to work in that person’s life. Our Lady promised that the Green Scapular would contribute to the conversion of souls, particularly those who have no faith. It may be used anywhere, for anyone. To see a presentation about the origins, use and promises of the Green Scapular, click here.

This week we’ll be celebrating the Sisters of Charity Federation, established on October 27, 1947 to provide mutual support to one another in living their mission of Charity in the modern world. For a collection of resources about the Sisters of Charity, click here.

Continuing our series of resources for the “Vincentian Year of New Evangelization”, today we feature a presentation by Fr. Richard Benson, C.M. In it he describes the motivation behind Vincentian Evangelization, and provides a helpful comparison between the New Evangelization and “classical” evangelization.

In his recent letter dedicating this coming year to the “New Evangelization”, Superior General Fr. Gregory Gay wrote: “Blessed Frederic Ozanam stressed that material aid was not the only aspect of the Society’s service to the poor. Rather, he reminded them that their spirituality and loving Christian witness to the love of God helped many Christians return to the faith, and served to evangelize many non-Christians.” Evangelism today involves doing just that, while being attentive to the signs of the times and the urgent calls of the Church: opening up new ways and using new means adapted to the digital age. Our new YouTube video celebrates how the Vincentian Family are supporting each other and setting a positive example through social media and websites.

Continuing with our theme of Evangelization, here we feature a presentation by Fr. Robert Maloney, C.M.: Systemic Change, St. Vincent de Paul and Evangelization. As Vincentians, we know that our attempts at evangelization are seldom effective if we do not take into consideration the actual people we are addressing; if we do not use their language, their signs and symbols; if we do not answer the questions they ask; and if evangelization does not have an impact on their concrete life. They, and we, must see the link between evangelization and action for justice. It was clear to St. Vincent (just as it is clear to us) that it is useless to tell people that they are children of God and that Christ died for them if those people are dying of hunger.

St. Vincent once wrote: “God hasn’t sent us to have honorable posts and ministries, or to act or speak pompously and authoritatively, but to serve and evangelize poor persons and to carry out the other activities of our Institute in a humble, gentle, and friendly way.” (SV Volume: 11, Letter: 42). This statement was a far cry from the ambitious attitude Vincent had as a young priest. What changed him? What can we learn about evangelization, especially now, in this Vincentian Year of New Evangelization declared by our Superior General? From our archives, find out more in the eBook “St. Vincent de Paul and Evangelization”, or in the accompanying PowerPoint version covering the main points.

Unsure how you can begin proclaiming the Gospel to those you know? You must proceed carefully, not harshly attempting to convert someone but instead allowing them to make a free choice. Of all possibilities, service creates the most fruitful opportunity to open others to God. Get some quick tips on evangelizing, Vincentian style, in our new two-minute video: “Launch Out Into the Deep”.

[Superior General Fr. Gregory Gay has dedicated this coming year as the Vincentian Year of New Evangelization. He writes: “The role of every baptized Catholic who lives faithfully is to make Jesus known to all people.” As St. Vincent de Paul said, “It is not enough for me to love God if my neighbor doesn’t love him.” (SV, XII, Conf. May 30, 1659). In his recent Top 10 Secrets to Happiness Pope Francis warned “But the worst thing of all is religious proselytism, which paralyzes…”]

The presentation “The Calling of a Vincentian”, based on a lecture by Fr. Robert Maloney, C.M., lists the essential actions of those who count themselves as part of the Vincentian Family.

The presentation St. Vincent de Paul and Bl. Frederic Ozanam: Lives of Distinction provides a side-by-side look at these two great founders. Some similarities: they both worked as teachers, they were both surrounded by influential persons, both were evangelized by the poor. Differences: St. Vincent was a priest, Frederic was married; Vincent lived to age 79, Frederic died at age 40; Vincent was from the country, Frederic from the city. Suggestion: Download this presentation for your next SVDP conference meeting and share how you are inspired by each of them.

There has been some interest around yesterday’s Famvin article about the use of mobile phones in ministry. So, in case you missed it, from our webinar archives: check out these video conversations about mobile devices… an opportunity to learn how Matthew 25 is lived in our technological age. Thanks again to Michael Acaldo of the Baton Rouge SVDP for hosting … Read More