The Vincentian
Mission Certificate (VMC) program is a unique professional
development and service opportunity designed to empower St. John’s
staff, faculty and administrators to live the Vincentian Mission as
mission leaders. This compelling program will strengthen
participants’ theoretical understanding of the St. John’s
University Catholic and Vincentian Mission and its applications.
Participants will learn to better serve students, while acting as
role models and inspiring others to follow the spirit of St.
Vincent de Paul.
Designed for adult learners, the 16-month program will embrace
three major components: Education, Service and
Reflection. Participants will demonstrate their commitment
by attending training sessions on Catholic and Vincentian identity,
monthly Vincentian reflections, a capstone retreat and 50 hours of
community service — two thirds of which involve direct contact with
the poor.
Program Learning Goals
The articulation of the following learning goals assists in
clarifying the purpose, outcomes, and assessment strategies for the
VMC program. During the 16-month cohort experience, participants
will develop the following capacities:
- An understanding of the life and times, spirituality, and
mission and values of the founders of the Vincentian family, with a
primary focus on St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de
Marillac.
- An understanding of, and appreciation for, the contemporary
Vincentian mission, particularly with regard to its application to
St. John’s University and its unique heritage, culture, and
strategic vision.
- The ability to engage in mission-related discussions centered
on the Catholic and Vincentian mission, particularly within the St.
John’s community of current students, alumni, faculty, staff and
administrators, in addition to potential students and their
families.
- An inclusive sense of identity with the Vincentian family and a
commitment to promoting and living out the implications of that
collective Vincentian mission in the twenty-first century.