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Spiritual Advisor Handbook SPIRITUAL ADVISOR HANDBOOK THE SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL NATIONAL COUNCIL OF THE UNITED STATES REVISED: FEBRUARY 2021 IN GRATITUDE TO THE TASK FORCE: TIM WILLIAMS, CHAIR NANCY JUNG DEACON HENRY KNAPP DEACON MIKE LYMAN RITA ST. PIERRE Table of Contents The Spiritual Advisor in the Society ................................................................................................... 2 Heritage ....................................................................................................................................................3 Our Vincentian Founders – Saints and Blesseds ...........................................................................................5 Our Vincentian Organization ......................................................................................................................8 Vincentian Spirituality .............................................................................................................................. 10 The Way of Vincentian Spirituality – the Vincentian Charism ........................................................................ 10 Fundamental Principles of Vincentian Spirituality.......................................................................................... 10 Vincentian Spirituality – On-Going Formation ................................................................................................ 13 Role and Responsibilities of the Spiritual Advisor ...................................................................................... 14 The Spiritual Advisor & Conference Life ........................................................................................... 17 The Conference Meeting .......................................................................................................................... 17 The Essential Elements in the Conference Meeting ................................................................................... 18 What Does a Spiritual Reflection Look Like? .................................................................................................. 19 Vincentian Reflections .................................................................................................................................... 20 Serving in Hope ............................................................................................................................................... 21 Apostolic Reflection ........................................................................................................................................ 22 Vincentian Gatherings Outside of the Conference Meeting ....................................................................... 27 Member and Servant Leader Discernment ................................................................................................ 29 The Spiritual Advisor and Council Life .............................................................................................. 32 Resources for the Spiritual Advisor .................................................................................................. 36 Spiritual Advisor Resources ...................................................................................................................... 37 Conference/Council Meeting Spirituality Resources .................................................................................. 37 Home Visit Spirituality Resources ............................................................................................................. 39 Renewal/Retreat Resources ..................................................................................................................... 39 Resources for Individual Formation .......................................................................................................... 40 Catholic Social Teaching ........................................................................................................................... 41 Prayer Resources ..................................................................................................................................... 41 Vincentian Prayers .......................................................................................................................... 42 Prayers Before a Home Visit ..................................................................................................................... 43 Prayers with Those in Need ...................................................................................................................... 43 Prayers Following a Home Visit ................................................................................................................ 44 Weekly Conference Meeting - Opening Prayer .......................................................................................... 45 All Day Meetings ...................................................................................................................................... 46 Other Meetings - Opening Prayers ............................................................................................................ 49 Leadership Prayers ................................................................................................................................... 50 Vincentian Lenten Prayer ......................................................................................................................... 51 Vincentian ForMation: A Foundation DocuMent .............................................................................. 52 ForMation Guidelines ...................................................................................................................... 73 Serving in Hope – Module VII .......................................................................................................... 97 Spiritual Advisor CoMMissioning ................................................................................................... 101 Vincentian Pathway ...................................................................................................................... 104 Apostolic Reflection ...................................................................................................................... 107 Vincentian DiscernMent ................................................................................................................ 121 PART I THE SPIRITUAL ADVISOR IN THE SOCIETY THE SPIRITUAL ADVISOR IN THE SOCIETY The Spiritual Advisor within the Society of St. Vincent de Paul holds a key role in helping Vincentians to achieve their primary purpose within the Society: growth in holiness. From the beginning, when Monsieur Bailly arranged for the first members of the “Conference of Charity” to go to Sr. Rosalie Rendu for advice and instruction, the Spiritual Advisor has assumed responsibility for the spiritual growth and development of each member as well as the group as a whole. Bailly, who was the first conference president, is also considered to have been the first Spiritual Advisor. Knowing the depth of Sr. Rosalie’s devotion to the poor, he guided the young Vincentians towards her example and mentorship. She formed them in the spirit of St. Vincent, teaching them how to serve the poor with respect and compassion, seeing in each person the face of Christ. By entrusting to Sr. Rendu the spiritual formation (through works) of the original members, Bailly shows us that the Spiritual Advisor serves best as a facilitator, not an instructor. The Spiritual Advisor is a spiritual animator, acting as a guide along the Vincentian Pathway, leading members into a vocation and lifestyle which draws them into an ever-deepening relationship with our Lord, promoting the mission of the Society with full knowledge and understanding of the Vincentian Charism. The Spiritual Advisor helps Vincentians strive to see the face of Jesus in the poor and needy whom they serve. This is the essence of Vincentian spirituality. The Spiritual Advisor can be clergy or laity. The primary qualification is a dedication to studying the Vincentian charism, with a commitment to form others in Vincentian spirituality, serving as guide and mentor. Through their own example, they help members come to understand the role of spirituality in Vincentian life, and how to form themselves in that same fashion. The Spiritual Advisor provides for the spiritual needs of each member, as well as for the group as a whole. Through The Spiritual Advisor prayerful discernment, the Spiritual Advisor will lead individual members and the group to helps Vincentians strive greater understanding and trust in God’s to see the face of Jesus Providence in decisions and direction. in the poor and needy Finally, the Spiritual Advisor should be an inspirational force within the group. They should whom they serve. This is participate in discussions, as well as in person to the essence of person service to those in need. Leading by example, they should help to create and foster Vincentian spirituality. an environment of prayer and discernment. When appropriate, they should challenge members and the group to new works and approaches, embracing those opportunities God places before us to grow in holiness through trust and charity in new and courageous ways. 2 Heritage The Beginnings of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Frédéric Ozanam left his home in Lyon, France, in the autumn of 1831, for Paris. He registered in the School of Law at the Sorbonne. Frédéric
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