May 2008
Here are two strategies that don’t seem to have anything to do with one another. But perhaps two stories will help.
Celsus Robert was a regular at the Shrine when he met Paul Murphy, C.M. Paul helped Celsus grow spiritually as he continued as a student at Cheyney University outside of Philadelphia. When Paul was transferred to Emmitsburg he contacted me, and I introduced Celsus to Jack Timlin, C.M., to continue the journey. Celsus is graduating from Cheyney this spring, and has made application to our theologate. A little accompaniment goes a long way.
Josh Coyne met John Maher, C.M., as a freshman at Niagara. Josh, who is the current sophomore class president, is firm about wanting to be a Vincentian. He likes Niagara, is a frequent guest at Meade Hall, and joins in our discernment workshops each year. He will continue spiritual direction with John until graduation, and then will make application to the formation program. A little accompaniment goes a long way.
Since posting sections of our new Vincentian discernment movie on You Tube, I’ve received six inquires from young men from all over the USA. Three of them are either from or living within our provincial territory, and they are using the Vincentian.Net website for their formation. A little marketing goes a long way.
Put them together – marketing and accompaniment – either face-to-face or electronically, and you’ve got a recruitment/discernment strategy. In mid-May, you will be receiving copies of the discernment movie. Why don't you start your own recruitment effort?
Obviously, this movie doesn’t tell the whole story of the Vincentians. It is meant to be a stimulus to discussion and a way of helping possible candidates to the Vincentian life to consider their vocations more deeply, and to speak directly with someone about it.
What we envision is a gathering of young people (ages 16-30) who already have had some experience of ministry or service. They might be a youth group, a campus club, or a group who have come to a “Come and See” type retreat.
A Few DOs and DON’Ts
DO be present before, during, and after showing the film.
DO give some kind of personal vocation story “testimony” as part of your presentation.
DO talk about the full range of possible ministries available to Vincentians.
DON’T simply hand the DVD to a youth minister or campus minister and say, “Would you show this to the kids sometime?”
DON’T be afraid to answer the difficult questions that might arise after viewing this film.
DON’T be afraid to show this to groups made up of a mix of males and females.
YOU are the best argument for choosing a Vincentian vocation because you are a committed brother or priest. Attract men with your presentation – your “marketing effort” if you will. Then accompany them to a point of readiness.
God bless you in your Vincentian ministry!
