Systemic change

Vincentian Embodiment of the Jesus Movement

by John Freund, CM | August 18, 2021 | Reflections, Systemic change | 0 Comments

Thinking about the Vincentian Movement as being rooted in an awareness of God’s love which radiates out in widening circles.

Can Stories Change the World?

by John Freund, CM | August 11, 2021 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change | 0 Comments

Parents learn quickly the power of story as a pacifier. But the stories also shape values. Stories and the lived stories of our example are how we learn our values. Jesus knew the power of stories! Do you really want to change things? Tell a story!

August 6 – Transfiguration… or… Disfiguration?

by John Freund, CM | August 4, 2021 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change | 1 Comment

Transfiguration – Disfiguration. We have a choice. Which light will we walk in?

Sisters Challenging Me To Think More!

by John Freund, CM | July 28, 2021 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change | 0 Comments

No matter what era or even whether we went to a Catholic school, I suspect the teachers we remember most favorably were the ones who taught us to think.

Catechetical Sunday – Beyond Prepping For a “Regents Exam”

by John Freund, CM | Sep 22, 2021 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change

This reflection started out as a reflection on Catechetical Sunday but wandered off into a reflection on the mind of Christ. I finally came full circle and thought of catechesis as helping someone put on the mind of Christ.

Pledging a “Better Kind of Politics”?

by John Freund, CM | Sep 15, 2021 | Formation, Reflections, Spirituality and Spiritual Practice, Systemic change

Pope Francis calls us to “build a better kind of politics”. The USCCB suggest almost a “12 step program” for building community as envisaged when we truly commit to what we pray for in the “Our Father.”

Me-ism In Our World … and Church

by John Freund, CM | Sep 8, 2021 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change

Me-ism! A lens to understand our world, church… and the three year “synodal process” beginning October 2021.

Each Approach Is Necessary

by John Freund, CM | Dec 9, 2020 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change

An image each Vincentian should consider! It is a simple image of people imperiled by a river flooding out of control. Read on to learn how a Franciscan uses that image to explore various approaches to saving people.

How a Baby Changes Everything

by John Freund, CM | Dec 2, 2020 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change

A baby changes everything. Never was that truer than in the birth of the one we call Jesus of Nazareth. The birth of Jesus literally changed everything for everyone.

Systemic Change Begins with Education

by John Freund, CM | Nov 18, 2020 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change, Vincentian Family

St. Vincent instinctively realized the role of laypersons in bringing about systemic change.

A Dangerous Reading of the Good Samaritan

by John Freund, CM | Nov 11, 2020 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change

A recent voter reflects on one of the most dangerous passages of the New Testament. – the parable of the Good Samaritan.

St. Vincent’s Solutions For the Homeless of His Day

by Fr. Michael Carroll, CM | Nov 5, 2020 | Collaboration, Formation, Poverty: Analysis and Responses, Reflections, Systemic change, Vincentian Family

Vincent and Louise de Marillac were deeply committed to the education and moral formation of young people living on the streets or in dire conditions.