The International Formation Center (CIF) is a work of the Congregation of the Mission established by the Superior General with his council to offer programs of ongoing Vincentian formation for members of the Congregation of the Mission. It is developed primarily for members of the Congregation of the Mission, but members of other groups sharing in the Vincentian charism are welcome. CIF has its home at the Maison-Mère of the Congregation of the Mission in Paris, where Saint Vincent spent his life in the service of the Gospel and the poor and where the body of Vincent is enshrined in the main chapel.
The responsibility for CIF rests with the Superior General. Together with his council, he reviews and evaluates its programs, examines and approves its budgets and confirms its calendar. The daily administration of the program, however, is the responsibility of its directors.
Directors
The Superior General appoints the team members for three-year terms which are renewable. The team consists of the director and one or more assistant directors, who are members of the Congregation of the Mission. It exercises on site responsibility for the Center and its programs. The team to date has always been international, drawing its membership from various provinces.
Financially Self-Supporting
CIF is self-supporting. It is funded through the fees paid by the provinces that send participants to its programs. In 2004 CIF established a scholarship fund for members of provinces with younger confreres and limited resources. It is supported by the Curia and Provinces of the Congregation. Contributions to this fund are needed and welcome.
