The Vincentian Family Collaboration Commission Plan

Two weeks ago the VFO published the First Vincentian Family Commissions Meeting in Rome. As we told, we will be publishing the goals that each commission wrote up during the meeting.

Today we introduce the Summary of Minutes of the Vincentian Family Collaboration Commission.

Present at VFCC meeting: Andrew McKnight DPI; Dee Mansi, AIC; Joe Agostino, CM; Manny Ginete, CM; Denise el-Khoury; Veronika Mila Popić, SC of SVDP; Yancarlos de Jesus Carrasco de los Santos, VMY; Denise LaRock, DC; Remberth Alonso Falla Zuloeta, SSVP; Sumaia Sahad Araujo, AIC; Ada Ferreira, SSVP

Response to question regarding to keeping the commission name—Yes, keep the name.
1. Vincentian Family Commissions
  The general title leaves flexibility for the various types of work of the commission.
Response to question: how does our commission communicate the mission of the international family?
1. A lot of efforts have been made to share through social media.
2. A fourth member will be added as an editor for the Facebook account in order to include more from South America.
3. The videos were good contributions.
4. Press: need to make news media press releases to major Catholic news media outlets using the communication offices of our branches. Press conferences would also be an effective tool. Point person to act as press secretary was chosen for the commission.
Response to question: how can our commission include the theme of homelessness in our mandate? This is included in the VFCAP updates. Models will be updated with homelessness examples.
Future tasks
1. Our future goals: forging unity among branches, theme of homelessness for next 10 years with ongoing VFCAP.
2. Adapt modules for the theme of homelessness.
Wise Asset Management Program:
1. This will no longer be funded by the CMs.
2. Content: what does the church teach on use of goods, grant writing, strategic planning, how to deal with corruption and bribes, alternative source of income, and stewardship personal and corporate.
3. Have the program available jointly through us and the Systemic Change Commission who has more funding for it than we do.
4. Presenters in English were Fr. Bob Maloney and Sr. Marge Clifford and Fr. Joe Agostino.
5. We will work with or without the Systemic Change Commission to provide the Wise Asset Management Program.
6. Translating the materials into various languages is needed. It is presently only in English.
Updates on status of VFCAP modifications to modules
1. Modifications were planned for all the modules to include the broad theme of homelessness (having no shelter, inadequate shelter and the refugee).
2. The Depaul International Model for Collaborative Agreements and the VFCAP Data Sheet were also added to the program.
Status of 400^th anniversary roll-out
1. The first newsletter including anniversary plans by various branches has been posted through Famvin.
2. A second newsletter is planned.
A special simple video project to Welcome the Stranger using Vincentian photos from around the world for Holy Week and Easter will be made.
Discussion on future directions for the Commission:
1. Symposium of October 2017—as discussed earlier in the report.
2. Theme for the VF on Homelessness-includes the area of living on the streets, refugees and inadequate housing. This symposium will be the task of the committee on homelessness.
Transitions in commission members:
1. Denise LaRock being replaced by branch and secretary (Sr. Pat Evanick or Sr. Margaret O’Dwyer possible replacements)
2. Manny Ginete being replaced by branch (#1 Fr. George from Lebanon or #2 Fr. Narcis)
3. Denise el-Khoury lay member being replaced (#3 Pam or #2 Ana Maria from the Philippines or #1 Mary Clare from the Philippines living in Madrid).
Next Meeting: Beirut, Lebanon will be held in late July 2017 due to the symposium.
FAMVIN Media-directives were given for having items posted on Facebook and the website.
Evaluation of weekend-complete from minutes
1. Getting to know each other and making connections with members of other commissions was very good
2. Small groups and organizing international groups were very effective,
3. Better understanding of what each commission is doing
4. Created interest in attending a Systemic Change workshop
5. Very good to have Fr. Tomas share with us
6. Seeing National Councils as key to success of Vincentian Family—replicating the functioning of the international council.
7. Easier to work together when there are relationships would have been good to meet with VFEC also.
8. Make the joint meeting regular such as every 2 years. Consider the possibility of having meetings in the same location and meeting for just a day together.