Cincinnati District Council
Training and Formation Workshops
From the time of the Society’s conception, Blessed Frederic Ozanam relied upon others, especially Sr. Rosalie Rondu, a Daughter
of Charity, for direction and formation in the spirit of St. Vincent. In that same spirit, the Cincinnati District Council, through the
Ozanam Center for Service Learning, offers these workshops for our conference members and officers to deepen their knowledge
of the Society and their spirituality; improve the sensitivity, quality and efficiency of their service to the poor; and increase their
awareness of available resources.
Workshops for the Formation of All Vincentians
Ozanam Orientation: This orientation covers the essential elements of what it means to be part of the Society of St. Vincent de
Paul. As Vincentians, we are all encouraged to attend an Ozanam Orientation, whether we are a new or prospective member
looking for an introduction to SVDP, a current member wanting to understand Vincentian life and service more thoroughly, or a
seasoned Vincentian desiring to deepen their experience of the Society.
Annual Vincentian Retreat: We are all challenged to journey together toward holiness, which is central to our vocation. We
each have different roles in the Society and journey toward holiness in different ways, yet we journey together. This retreat is
designed to help us renew our Vincentian vocation, grow in holiness and refresh our zeal for helping our neighbors in need.
Praying the Examen: St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Examen prayer is an excellent way to reflect on where God is found in everyday
events. This workshop provides us with an introduction to this prayer style as a way for Vincentians to find Christ’s presence in
our service.
“Serving with a Vincentian Heart” Series:
Workshops to Form More Compassionate Vincentians
Understanding Poverty: Inspired by Dr. Ruby Payne’s very popular “Bridges out of Poverty,” this workshop provides a new lens
for looking at some of the differences between economic classes that we often find perplexing. It is especially helpful for those
seeking to deepen the Vincentian value of solidarity with the poor.
Spiritual Tools for Home Visits: Bringing spiritual support to our neighbors-in-need is an important part of Vincentian life. This
workshop examines how we pray with those we serve and provides some suggested tools for deepening that prayer, including a
simple process for extemporaneous prayer.
Ministry of Presence: This workshop focuses primarily on the skill of listening - something that sounds simple, but is actually a
rich spiritual tool that can be deepened with practice. We provide tips on how to listen to our neighbors-in-need in a way that is
especially helpful and healing.
Workshops for the Formation of Conference Leaders and Decision-makers
Servant Leadership/Conference Officer Training: What does it mean to be a servant leader like St. Vincent de Paul? This
interactive workshop examines how the tools of spiritual, servant leadership can help our officers create conferences that are
more life-giving for current members, more attractive to new members, and more effective in service to neighbors.
Spiritual Advisor Formation: All conference Spiritual Advisors are encouraged to attend this workshop, whether expert or
beginner. This is an opportunity to grow your effectiveness and confidence, deepen your under-standing of your role, assess
your strengths and growth opportunities, and acquaint yourself with available resources.
Vincentian Discernment: As Vincentians, we often have important and difficult decisions to make in meeting client needs. This
workshop taps into Vincentian tradition to teach a four-step process of discernment, plus skills we need to become better
decision-makers.
Under Development for 2014
The Helping Process: Throughout the course of relationships with neighbors in need, it is important to have a clear
understanding of our role as Vincentians in the context of what are often very complex situations. This training looks at steps to
develop rapport, assess challenging circumstances, set expectations and boundaries, and work toward solutions in a
collaborative way.
Others? Is there a topic not listed that would be helpful for you or for your conference? We are happy to explore new
workshops on new topics of interest.
To learn more about any of these workshops, contact Don Gloeckler, Conference Formation Coordinator,
513-562-8841, ext. 767. dgloeckler@SVDPcincinnati.org