Spirituality and Formation
The Mission of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
“A network of friends, inspired by Gospel values, growing in holiness and building a more just world through personal relationships with and service to people in need.”
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is composed of women and men who seek their personal holiness through working with those in our society who are most marginalized and living in poverty. We do this by providing charitable help to provide basic needs, such as rent, utility and food assistance that families in our communities might need. We also work with our neighbors to give voice to the issues they face and work with them to make changes to the systems that keep them in poverty. In this essential way, the Society differs from charitable associations or agencies whose principal objective is not the spiritual advancement of their members but the doing of good for someone else. We grow in holiness through our formation as Vincentians: by understanding our Vincentian heritage, Catholic Social Teaching, and by sharing prayer and liturgy with fellow Vincentians. Our spiritual growth calls us to reach out and help our neighbors in need. And in reaching out, we see the face of Christ in those we serve.
Blessed Frederic Ozanam
Ozanam Orientations
Ozanam Orientations are the foundation for our understanding of the Society and of our growth as Vincentians. Through these orientations, we learn about our heritage, our call to holiness, our call serve the poor, poverty in our communities, core of our work with those in need, the Home Visit.
Mission:
- Conduct Ozanam Orientation Days to spiritually form, educate, and refresh St. Vincent de Paul conference members on Vincentian history, spirituality and practice,
- Conduct workshops to train facilitators for Ozanam Orientation Days
A typical session is on Saturday. The day begins with Mass at 8:30 a.m. followed by a continental breakfast. The day includes morning and afternoon orientation sessions with lunch included. All attendees will receive a certificate at the conclusion of the training. The program ends by 3:00 p.m.
Locations and schedules: Both Ozanam Orientations and Facilitator workshops are conducted in locations throughout the Diocese at times announced through the Conferences, the VOICE, and this Web Site.
Schedule for 2024 sessions is being planned.
Ozanam Orientation for the Conferences in the Diocesan Council of Columbus
Saturday, January 20, 2024 - St. Elizabeth Church, 6077 Sharon Woods Blvd., Columbus OH, 43229.
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Formator Training for the Ohio
Saturday, March 16, 2024 - St. John Neumann, 9633 Eat OH St Rt. 37, Sunbury OH 43074
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
This training prepares Vincentians who will be able to help present Ozanam Orientations for their Councils. More information will be sent directly to Ohio Councils.
Please direct any questions to the office at 614-221-3554.