St. John's Vincentian Mission Certificate (VMC) Program: VMC Lunch and Learn Program Offers Insight into St. Vincent's Spirituality
Following a week of events and programs celebrating the 18th annual St. John’s University Founder’s Week, the Vincentian Mission Certification (VMC) Lunch and Learn Series featured the program, The Spirituality of St. Vincent de Paul, on Friday, September 30, 2011. The program was presented by Rev. Robert P. Maloney, C.M., St. John’s University Vincentian Chair for Social Justice, and was open to all current VMC members and VMC Alumni. The lunch program immediately followed the final daily mass of the 2011 Founder’s Week, at which the VMC Cohort 5 members received a special commissioning by Rev. James J. Maher, C.M. Earlier in the week, the thirty-one members of the new cohort joined other Mission Leaders on the campus as they received a special blessing in honor of the Feast of St. Vincent de Paul (September 27).
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During the lunchtime presentation, VMC members were treated to Fr. Maloney’s insightful reflections on St. Vincent de Paul and his five main virtues: Simplicity, Humility, Meekness (Gentleness), Self-Denial, and Zeal. Current cohort members also received a copy of Fr. Maloney’s book, “Turn Everything to Love: A Rule of Life for Lay Members of the Vincentian Family” as a way to continue to explore Vincentian spirituality and meaning in today’s everyday world.
Video Recording of Fr. Maloney's Presentation
The Vincentian Mission Certificate (VMC) Program is a unique professional development and service opportunity that empowers St. John’s University staff, faculty and administrators to live the Vincentian Mission as Mission Leaders. This compelling program strengthens participants’ theoretical understanding of the University mission and its practical applications. Participants learn to better serve students, while acting as role models and inspiring others to follow the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul.
The 16-month program embraces three major components: Education, Service and Reflection. Participants demonstrate their commitment by attending training sessions on Vincentian and Catholicidentity, monthly Vincentian reflections, a capstone retreat and fifty (50) hours of community service — twothirds of which involve direct contact with the poor.
For more information on the Vincentian Mission Certificate (VMC) program or other mission-related inquiries, please contact Lucy Pesce, Executive Director for Mission, at (718) 990-3004 or pescel@stjohns.edu.