salesian volunteer service sdb -glenford lowe
DESCRIPTION
The Salesian Volunteer Service SVS is a fruit of the Salesian Youth Ministry and an experience of the Salesian Commitment to poor youngsters and a society that is more open to solidarityTRANSCRIPT
Voluntary Service
in the
Salesian Mission :
Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb
Handbook & Guidelines
Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb
Results from a ‘Formative Process’
by the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM)
Voluntary Service in the Salesian Mission :A
Growing movement in the
Church
Joint Mission of the Youth Ministry,Missions and
Salesian Family
Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb
Voluntary Service in the Salesian Mission :
The VOLUNTEER
The VOLUNTARY SERVICE
Every YOUNG PERSON is a potential VOLUNTEER:Life as ‘Gift’, Life as a ‘Vocation’, Life as ‘Service’
Every Young person in a ‘Permanent state of Formation’ towards full HUMAN & CHRISTIAN maturity
Guided and Supported by the Salesian Youth Ministry
Voluntary Service: the Practical Expression of an interior attitude of Service and Solidarity
Voluntary Service: open to young people of all Faiths who share the Salesian Ideal and its method!
Young People from the SYM or from outside!
Multiplicity of Voluntary Service!
Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb
Voluntary Service in the Salesian Mission :Purpose of the Document
CONGREGATION: offers IDENTITY, FORMATION for and ANIMATION of the Salesian Voluntary service
PROVINCES: to foster in the Young an ‘attitude of service’ to the poor and needy, offers them experiences for SOCIAL & MISSIONARY commitment, to develop a VOCATIONAL OPTION
CRITERIA: for Salesian, Ecclesial, Social evaluation of the Volunteer and of the activities of Voluntary Service
Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb
Voluntary Service: A SIGN OF the TIMES - CHAPTER 1
Arises from a Person’s FREE
CHOICE
Rooted in a Framework of
VALUES
Promotes a new ATTITUDE
towards Life
A ‘New Factor’ present in
Society
Millions of youngsters freely choosing Voluntary Service today: life and time
Virtues of SOLIDARITY and GENEROSITY in an individualistic world
Aims at TRANSFORMATION OF SOCIETY
Openness to others, generosity, solidarity
Organized Collaboration & Culture of Citizen Involvement
Opening up the private Social sector
Principles of free giving and voluntary participation.
Voluntary Service in the WORLD
Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb
Voluntary Service: A SIGN OF the TIMES - CHAPTER 1
Development of ‘Baptismal
Vocation’
‘Gospel Inspired’ and ‘Spirituality’
‘Missionary Dimension of
our Faith’
Christian Voluntary Service: contribute to the COMING OF GOD’s KINGDOM
Enables the Baptized person to proclaim the Gospel through service
All Christian Voluntary service is ‘Gospel inspired’ and ‘Spirituality Nourished’
Living with freshness VATICAN II
Christian Voluntary Service: manifestation of the NEW EVANGELIZATION
Voluntary Service in the CHURCH
“The Supplement of the SOUL” making them more human…. JPII
Through Service, testifies that ‘HUMANITY IS LOVED BY GOD’
Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb
Voluntary Service: A SIGN OF the TIMES - CHAPTER 1
Participation of LAY PEOPLE in our MISSION, no specific mention of SVS
Establishment of ‘Youth and Salesian Voluntary Service’ with YOUTH MINISTRY
SVS in the context of SYS for ‘human advancement and evangelization’ and in the context of Vocational Guidance too
Special attention to SVS: its assessment, development, formation etc. Problems and difficulties of VolunteersProposals for guidelines for Volunteers
Voluntary Service in a SALESIAN CONTEXT
“Life is not worth living, if not lived in service”
Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb
IDENTITY of Salesian Volunteer Service – Part 1
‘BEING’ a Volunteer:A lay person, man/woman, young/adult, single/married…. Place their ‘professional expertise, personal gifts and ability, in line with the Salesian Charism and mission.Open to a world view and to a variety of cultures,Dignity for the human person, collaborates with civil and ecclesial authorities to transform society, Gospel and DB pedagogy and SYS
Clarifying the Terms
“Life is not worth living, if not lived in service”
The VOLUNTEER
VOLUNTARY SERVICE
Salesian Voluntary
Service
‘Disinterested service for a specific period’, with commitment, in a planned and structured way and through a specific period of preparation & formation
‘promoted by a Salesian Community or in a ‘Salesian Context’ to carry out the Salesian mission. Inspired by Salesian Youth Spirituality and Pedagogy!
Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb
Voluntary Service: As a ‘SCHOOL of SERVICE”– Chapter 2
“Life is not worth living, if not lived in service”
Tradition:DB Times
‘NEW MENTALITY’
- Young Volunteers during the ‘Cholera Epidemic’- DB Educational system: school of Citizenship & Holiness- Practice of Valdocco: Loving presence of lay educators - Great movement of peoples: sharing his spirituality
- ‘Promoted by a Salesian Community or in a ‘Salesian Context’ to carry out the Salesian mission. - Inspired by Salesian Youth Spirituality and Pedagogy!
A Vocational View of LIFE as a GIFT and as
SERVICE
An attitude of DISINTERESTED
Service and Solidarity
- Preferential LOVE for the POOR- Educational Style of LOVING KINDNESS- Family Spirit- Fulfillment of DAILY DUTIES- OPTIMISM and JOY of LIFe
Inspired by Values of SALESIAN
SPIRITUALITY
Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb
Voluntary Service: As a ‘SCHOOL of SERVICE”– Chapter 2
“Life is not worth living, if not lived in service”
OPEN to all persons of Good Will
SVS & Mission
‘ad gentes’
Qualities:….- a model of human maturity & personal integrity…- Educational approach & sensitivity to youth situation- Sympathy to DB and the Salesians- Acceptance of SEPP and DB educational method- Openness to a search for God and Gospel values
Missionary Commitment ad gentes integral part of Salesian Charism:- SVS offers a ‘Formation in forming judgments’- All baptized: ‘commissioned’ to preach Good News- Open to ‘World-View’ and a ‘Variety of Cultures’- Open to Inter-Religious Dialogue and Ecumenism- Provides models to live the ‘Lay Dimension’ well
- Offers the possibility of getting involved in the Salesian Charism and mission.
- Creative role in the service of the poor- Transforming society in the Style and Charism of DB
Possibility for Salesian Family
Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb
Voluntary Service within the Salesian Youth Ministry: Chapter 3SYM Formative process strengthens:- Active and responsible involvement in socio-cultural,
economic and political fields to transform them.- Attitude of service and solidarity in society & church- Development of the Religious dimension- Significant experience of Christian life and meeting
Jesus Christ.
The SVS enriches with its own values the SEPP:- Commitment to Education and development of poor- Lay involvement and collaboration with SDB mission- Effective and significant presence with others- Interest and involvement in missionary work- New way of being with the young!
SYM: values and promotes the SVS
SVS enriches the SEPP
Salesian Youth Movement a fertile soil for
promoting the SVS
STAGES in the EDUCATIONAL PROCESS:1. Education to the Values of Voluntary Service2. Animation & Persevering Commitment to service3. Experiences of Multiple Voluntary Services4. Adult Voluntary Service
Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb
SVS: Characteristics and Different kinds : Chapter 4
Educational
Evangelical
Socio-Political
Lay
Youthful
Communitarian
SVS proposes Values of the Gospel & the ‘Missionary’ tasks
SVS proposes ‘Educating while being
educated oneself’
SVS proposes transforming and collaborating with civil
and ecclesial institutions
SVS proposes living human/religious vocation in
secular settings
A YOUNG ADULT living with youthful
spirit with the young
SVS proposes ‘family spirit’ and collaboration with the Salesian
Educative Pastoral Plan
Characteristics of SVS
Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb
SVS: Characteristics and Different kinds : Chapter 4
- Proclamation, Catechesis, Education to the Faith.
- Spiritual leadership/animation- Vocational Guidance- Animating Groups/Associations
- Promotion and defense of human rights- Social Animation of the local area- Prevention of social breakdown and order- Health Work- Providing basic needs
- Informal educational initiatives- Formal & Vocational Training
- Assisting and setting up associations- Cultural animation and recreational
activities
Educational –Cultural Area
Social Area
Area of
Evangelization
MISSION of SVS
Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb
SVS: Characteristics and Different kinds : Chapter 4
Values and Attitudes of
Salesian Voluntary Service
DISINTERESTED SERVICE: Building a better world without personal gain
or convenience… Human advancement & not a personal one !
COMMUNITY SPIRIT: Gifts and talents are at the service of the community, open to dialogue,
planning and team work!
ORATORIAN STYLE: with an ‘Oratorian heart’ capable of being
loved and sharing life’s experiences and faith journeys with the young.
INTERCULTURAL APPROACH & SOLIDARITY: With a preferential option for the poor and open to learn and appreciate the culture, language and respect peoples!
CRITICAL & RESPONSIBLE INVOLVEMENT: within the pastoral activity contributing to the removal
of all forms of injustices and promoting Gospel Values!
Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb
SVS: Characteristics and Different kinds : Chapter 4Different Kinds of
Salesian Voluntary Service
Length of Time & Kind of Activity
Place of the Activity
Nature of its placement in
Salesian Mission
Nature of the Organization
TWO main FORMS of
Salesian Voluntary Service
Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb
Part TWO: Salesian Voluntary Service in Action
Community Dimension of
Salesian Voluntary service
Formation of Volunteers
Animation of Salesian
Voluntary Service
Salesian Voluntary Service in Action
Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb
COMMUNITY DIMENSION
of Salesian Voluntary Service: Chapter 5
Placement of Volunteers in the Community
1
With the Community that SENDS them
2
With the Salesian Community that WELCOMES them
3
With the Educative Pastoral Community
4
Among the Volunteers themselves
Community Experience of the Volunteers
Live ALONE but SHARES things/life with the Salesian
Religious Community
Live together in their OWN
accommodation but share moments
with SDB
Live as LAY PEOPLE within a Salesian
Religious Community
Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb
COMMUNITY DIMENSION
of Salesian Voluntary Service: Chapter 5
Among the Volunteers themselves
Community that SENDS:
- Gradual insertion into SDB community and Works
- Well Organized Formation
SDB Community that Welcomes:
- Welcomes with gratitude
- Insertion into SEPC while respecting his/her lay state
- Offers opportunities for participation
- Responsible for formation and accompaniment
- Shares the rich Salesian spirit and Charism
- Ensures the educational quality of the Voluntary service
REQUIREMENTS for POSITIVE RELATIONSHIP:1. Knowing each other and sharing of information,
life and faith2. Recognition and acceptance of the diversity of
the Volunteers3. Sharing fully in the SEPC and SEPP4. The Educational Approach on the part of the
Salesian & recognition of their Vocation5. Better and fruitful SDB-FMA relationship6. Welcome Volunteers of other faiths7. Encourage dialogue about faith and life and
prayer
Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb
FORMATION of Volunteers: Chapter 6
Among the Volunteers themselves
1. Personal INTEGRITY: a point of reference2. Total self-donation, professional skills3. Sound Judgement, dialogue and discernment4. Open to Dialogue and appreciate cultures5. Gift for Education and love for the poor6. Openness to Faith and to witness to it
TO BEA Witness to Gospel
Values
1. Aware of the social contexts & problems2. Need assessments and expectations3. Learn the Language and appreciate Culture4. Know the norms/contract that govern the
relationship with the community and mission
TO KNOWA Guide
1. Operate in a professional way2. Skills to operate problem solving3. Interact and group dynamics with
others and the situation
TO KNOW HOW
A Promoter
1. Welcoming presence & dialogue2. Motivate self development3. Team Work and Synergy4. Techniques & principles for
animation
TO KNOW HOW TO ANIMATE
AnEducator
Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb
FORMATION of Volunteers: Chapter 6
Among the Volunteers themselves
Area of Salesian
knowledge &
Formation
Area of Motivational
Development: Human and
Christian
The Formative Content
Area of Technical
Skills
Communicative skills
and group dynamics
Capacity to operate on the social
field
FORMATIVE CONTENT:
Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb
FORMATION of Volunteers: Chapter 6
Among the Volunteers themselves
Methodological Criteria:
The Duration and Contents in SVS
Involves a Gradual Process of Growth
Takes place in the ORDINARY moments
Facilitates Inculturation and Openness
Deepens their Personal Faith & Vocation
Ensures a Systematic Accompaniment
A Continuous Formative Process
Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb
FORMATION of Volunteers: Chapter 6
Among the Volunteers themselves
FORMATION RESOURCES:
Formation
Procedures
• To enable the volunteer to mature gradually
Personal spiritual and Professional
Guidance
• To grow in personal and professional maturity.
The Group
• Creates an environment for sharing, reflection, leadership, animation
Salesian Community
• Local Community which sends & welcomes
• Provincial Community
Voluntary Service
Organization
• Provides necessary information, formation and means to volunteer
Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb
The ANIMATION of Volunteers: Chapter 7
C. 30 Youth Ministry
Missionary Promotion
“We commit ourselves to inculcating in
them a convinced appreciation of
true values which will lead them to a life of dialogue
and service”
GC24
“Every PROVINCE to draw up a plan
in line with the Document – The
Salesian Volunteer
Movement”
Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb
The ANIMATION of Volunteers: Chapter 7At LOCAL Level:
-
- Familiar with the NATURE, IDENTITY and METHODOLOGY of SVS
- Draws up a proper CONTRACT and PLAN for continuity
- Open and Welcoming, creating an experience of Salesian Spirit and Mission
- Accompanies them during and even after their Voluntary service
- Animator of the SVS Movement
- Encourages those responsible for Youth ministry to promote the SVS
- Invites the Community and the SEPC to know and welcome the Volunteer
- The local delegate promotes Voluntary Service among the SEPC and others
- He facilitates a COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE for the Volunteers
- Follows up the FORMATIVE PROCESS of candidates for Voluntary Service
- Offers SUPPORT to Volunteers on their return from an experience of VS
Local Community
Rector
Local SVS Delegate
Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb
The ANIMATION of Volunteers: Chapter 7At PROVINCE Level:
• Approves the individual voluntary service projects in line with Province EPP
• Guarantees the availability of the SDB responsible
• Financial Support
• Reflects of the experiences of current voluntary service projects
• Assesses their ‘Pastoral effectiveness’
Provincial & his Council
• Animates and motivates the local communities to appreciate the Vocation to Voluntary service.
• Fosters communication
• Promotes the SVS in the Salesian Youth Movement
• Develops a Province SVS Formative Plan
• Arranges for integration of Volunteers in the community & accompanies them
Provincial SVS Delegate
• Coordinates Voluntary Service at Province Levels
• Point of reference
• Periodically visits them
• Coordination with YM and SF and Mission delegates
• Documents records
• Supports those who return back
• Helps them to reflect critically on their experience
• Gives support to other voluntary services
• Ensure continuity
Provincial SVS Delegate
Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb
The ANIMATION of Volunteers: Chapter 7At National, Inter-Provincial, “Salesian Region” Level:
• Unifying plan and criteria• Collaborate in Formation,
Information and Reflection• Create network and data
bank
• Shared responsibility: YMD + Mission Depart + Vicar of RM
• Delegate for SVS who follows up, coordinates, promotes reflection, quality formative processes, setting a congregational SVS data bank
• And provides financial aid.
• Salesian NGO’s recognized by civil society• Education to Solidarity and world-view• Creating a Just society, Human Rights• Networks with Provincial/local SVS
Delegates for training, information and proper legal contracts
World Level
National Levels
Salesian NGOs of
Voluntary service
Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb
CONCLUSION“Through their activity, Volunteers come to realize that, only if one loves and gives himself to others, does the human creature reach perfect fulfillment…..
….. Volunteer Work is called to be school of life, especially for young people, contributing to educate them in a culture of solidarity and outreach, open to the free gift of self”
- St. John Paul II
Thank you