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On March 14-15, 2017 was held the first meeting of the Vincentian Family Formation Task Force at the Vincentian Family Office (VFO) in Philadelphia. This task force is composed of  Patricia Bombard and Patrick Murphy, CM from DePaul University, Javier Chento from Spain (VinFormation), Fr. Mizael Poggioli Donizetti, CM, from Brazil, Monica Watson (Vin Formation), Fr. Charlie Plock, CM and the VFO Team.

People shared the formation resources they brought from around the world: Spain, Brazil, DePaul University, DePaul International, VinFormation, VF Translation Projects, and VF-based formation programs. It became obvious that there is a wealth of material available, both known, and at this point unknown by us.

Some points of analysis:

• The person-on-the-street understanding of the Vincentian Charism is weak
• Many do things without knowing the why
• Many also do not know the reasons for what they are doing

There exist 3 classes of publications:

1. Scholarly research – which we are not interested in pursuing for our purposes
2. Popular works – written for the ordinary layperson (# 1 focus)
3. Methodology / Pedagogy for formators/mentors (# 2 focus)

Some perspectives we want to keep before us, especially in evaluating the quality of what we receive:

1. We need to enhance people’s capacity to understand Vincent, his response to the concrete situations of his day, and to study its relevance for our response to the situations of poverty today;
2. Of primary importance is the perspective of the poor;
3. We seek to learn the practical applications of Vincent’s perspectives;
4. Ultimately, those who are our focus both need something to believe in and something to belong to;
5. It is also important to place Vincent in the context of the Gospels as well as the social teachings of the Church;
6. We are speaking only about formation in the Vincentian Charism. This does NOT include formation for any branch.

Decision # 1:  Immediate Collection of Data

1. Using .com (and creating a new address for curriculum), we will seek the materials that already exist in terms of:
   • Material for the Vincentian-on-the-street, that can be used individually or collectively (i.e. short pieces with reflection questions, etc.),
   • Material for Formators, i.e. developed curriculum, presentations, etc. that may also (hopefully) come with lesson plans.
     • To gather this material, the members of the Task Force will:
       1. Utilize their personal contacts
       2. The VFO will utilize the structure of the regional National Councils
       3. We will advertise thru FamVin, FaceBook, the VFO website, etc.
     • The new site will also make reference to a “Digital Library” of where to find fundamental Vincentian Resources (such as the writings of St. Vincent, etc.)
2.  Developing a template that will assist us with the classification of submissions before we seek material.
3. Publishing an index of what is submitted to us. We will try to update this periodically for formators.
4. We are aware that a large segment of the VF that does not have internet access. Thus:
   • We will seek to make material able to be used via cell phones and tablets;
   • We will seek communication streams so that groups will learn about these materials and seek a way for them to be published for those without internet access.
5. Asking National Councils to officially name a Formation Coordinator with whom we can have direct contact.
6. Creating an interactive “Guest Book” where people could give us feedback on their use of this material.

Decision # 2:  The Definition of Vincentian Formation Goals

• Each member of the Task Force will submit to the VFO (by April 15) what they feel are the basic goals for the future of Vincentian Formation.
• These draft goals will be given to the speakers on Formation at the Symposium to “work with.”
• After the Symposium and its feedback, the Task Force will meet again to look at where this process stands.

Goal:  to place before the VF what we all need to study regarding formation in the Charism.

Decision # 3: Future Areas of Special Concern / Focus for the Task Force

1.  Regarding Formators: how do we create a new mentality (perspective) for them in which they maintain the perspective of the poor through the eyes of Vincent?
   • We need to give people the tools they need to develop this new way.
   • We may be helped with this through both the material that is submitted as well as through the Goals that are developed.
   • Or we may need (to seek the assistance of others) to construct new methodologies.
2. Regarding the “Unaffiliated” Vincentians: a methodology on how to reach this segment of our population needs to be developed.
3. Leaders: as in #1, we may need to develop materials and processes for the formation of Vincentian leaders.

Decision # 4: Future Undertakings of the Task Force

1.  Language and Translation:
   • To seek materials from all the languages spoken by Vincentians.
   • To develop a process of assessment by which we will seek to translate materials that would be most beneficial across all languages.
2. It will seek to post videos of the best possible lectures on a Vincentian theme to be used as a resource for formators around the world.
3. We must be constantly aware of two driving needs:
   • To make sure materials reach the hands of the formators; and
   • To make sure materials are getting published for those with no internet access (pamphlet form or whatever works best in a context).
4. We will need to evaluate the quality of the material that is put on the site as well as to analyze what may be missing from it, especially in light of the Goals to be developed.
5. Use of Social Media………how to effectively use these tools must be uppermost in our minds.

 

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Tags: Vincentian Formation