Towards a renewed Culture of Vocations

CIF – Paris, 19 November – 1 December 2018

To the Visitors, Vice-Visitors, Regional Superiors, and Superiors of the International Missions

Having concluded the Jubilee Year during which we celebrated the 400^thanniversary of the birth of the Vincentian charism, the International Formation Center of the Congregation of the Mission (CIF) proposes the convocation of this Encounter for three reasons.

First: the reality which we as a Congregation are presently experiencing, namely a decline in vocations in some provinces.  Rather than viewing that situation as a threat, it should be seen as a challenge.  At the same time, we have experienced an increase in vocations with new circumstances that also presents a challenge to the Congregation.  It is, therefore, necessary to establish a culture of vocations in order to revitalize our charism and thus, ground our ministries on a vocational perspective.

Second: the superior general, Father Tomaž Mavrič desires to establish this culture of vocation at the very center of the Congregation.  He has spoken about this reality in his letters and views this as one of the fruits of the Jubilee Year.  This culture of vocation is intended to involve all the Missionaries so that each and every one becomes committed to proclaiming the richness of our charism to young men and women.  This proclamation is done through the witness of one’s life and by placing the vocational question in front of young people (and doing this in a very natural manner).

Third: this year the bishops will gather in Rome to discuss the theme,Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernmentand has stated that the Church has decided to examine herself on how she can lead young people to recognize and accept the call to the fullness of life and love, and to ask young people to help her in identifying the most effective ways to announce the Good News today (Introduction of the Preparatory Document).

We are aware of this reality and of the extraordinary ministry that the Vocation Directors carry on in their provinces, vice-provinces, regions, and international missions.  Thus, this Encounter presents our confreres with an opportunity to participate in on-going formation and to share their experiences, hopes and dreams as they search together for a common vision in their daily ministry and in the new situations that they confront as a result of the development of technology … technology that is used by young men and women in order to interact with one another. May this Encounter enable all the participants to experience themselves supported in the mission that has been entrusted to them by the Lord and by Saint Vincent.

2. Objective:

To provide those persons (in the provinces, vice-provinces, regions and international missions) involved in vocation ministry with an opportunity for on-going formation and reflection.  This Encounter will attempt to do this through deepening our understanding of a culture of vocations (from the perspective of the Vincentian charism) and will provide the participants with tools for the development of a pastoral plan on the social networks.

More Information: Father Andres Motto, CM: andresmotto@gmail.com or cifparis@cmglobal.org

Another information: 

PROGRAM ENGLISH

Requirements ENG

Confirmation of Religious Identity ENG

PARTICIPANT DATA ENG