Idea for reflection 1 , Are the Conferences really open to new forms of poverty?

Yes. Youth members are sensitive to the various kinds of poverty, like loneliness, rejection and also not only physical forms of poverty but also socioeconomical.

THEME A

The role of young people in identifying new forms of poverty

Each era has and creates specific forms of poverty. The vocation and duty of the Conferences is to be alert to the appearance of new forms of human suffering in order to help those in need to overcome them.

Idea for reflection 1

Are the Conferences really open to new forms of poverty?

Idea for reflection 2

Are the young willing to deal with the new forms of suffering of our era?

Idea for reflection 3

Do they feel the urge to discover and deal with them?

Idea for reflection 4

In your view, what are the new forms of suffering of our era?

Idea for reflection 5

Can the young members prioritise the forms of poverty to be found in their surroundings? Please provide a list.

Idea for reflection 6

Do you believe that the Conferences are able to deal with them? And fight them?

Idea for reflection 7

What could be done to improve the work of each Conference in dealing with these new forms of poverty?

Idea for reflection 8

Are our younger members aware that the problems that our founders dealt with in the 19th century continue to exist in many parts of the world, even in the most prosperous countries? Are they aware that many traditional forms of poverty have not disappeared?

Idea for reflection 9

How can we combine our work against both old and new forms of poverty?

Idea for reflection 10

Are the younger members well accepted within the Conferences? Do they suffer problems in adapting? If so, are there channels by which to overcome these problems?

THEME B

Young Vincentians in the Conferences and their representation in the Holy Church.

Just like the senior members of the Society, the younger members are called upon to meet with the poor in person. Face to face meetings, aimed at finding a way to overcome poverty and to achieve the fulfilment of each individual in human terms. Evangelisation is also necessary because we all know that fulfilment is reached through togetherness with Christ.

Idea for reflection 11

Do the senior members help the younger members during their period of formation? Are they understood and listened to with real interest and attention? What would the younger members suggest in order to improve the apostolic working atmosphere?

Idea for reflection 12

Within the Christian community that each Conference should form, do the members show genuine interest towards one another? How can this be improved?

Idea for reflection 13

Are the Conferences truly concerned by the problems of the poor and do they take it upon themselves to deal with them? How can we improve the involvement of each member and, as a result, the Conferences as a whole?

Idea for reflection 14

Are young members given suitable attention within the Society’s national and international structure? Do they follow the Society’s news via the different media and international website? How could we improve this representation at all levels? How could we improve the information provided at both a national and international level?

Idea for reflection 15

Are the younger members aware that they are sometimes the only close link that the poor have with the Holy Church? How does this knowledge influence their dedication to the Conferences?

Idea for reflection 16

Are the younger members aware that, whilst deeply respecting the beliefs of all the poor people that they help, they must strive to convey the Good Tidings that help them in life? Do the Conferences do this? How could this be improved?

TEMA C

Young Vincentians in the “ongoing foundation” of each Conference.

In his letter of 30th June 2007, the President General wrote about the need to experience the ongoing foundation of each Conference. In other words, to experience the values and intimate ways that existed at the time of our foundation, to live within the Christian community of each Conference, to keep our spirit open to what the Holy Spirit desires of us at all times and to be ready to listen and follow His advice.

Idea for reflection 17

Do the younger members live with a desire to adapt by listening to prayer and to their brothers and sisters?

Idea for reflection 18

Do your Conferences maintain the spirit of brotherly friendship that dominated the relationships between the first members?

Idea for reflection 19

Do the young members know the Rule of the Society? Do they read and meditate upon it frequently? Do they try to ensure that its philosophy permeates every moment of their lives?

Idea for reflection 20

Do the younger members feel challenged to fight poverty throughout the world or do they only feel responsible for poverty in their nearby surroundings?

Idea for reflection 21

Are the younger members aware of the responsibility that they are undertaking to continue the work of the Conferences beyond the lives of the senior members?

Idea for reflection 22

Do the younger members wish to communicate any further concerns to the Council General, besides the three themes dealt with during the Youth Days? What are they?