From Transition to Transformation
From Transition to Transformation
On Easter 2024, the Transition Committee announced the vision and goals they were charged with as a collaborative:
"The committee’s charge is to create a plan by listening to one another’s thoughts, ideas and strategies, as well as other Councils across the country who have undergone consolidation of conferences, and to learn from their wisdom and experience."
In late 2025 the Board created the Conference Excellence Committee with a sub-committee for Partners In the Gospel. This sub-committee is charged with meeting the Conference Family presidents to gain insight into the work that has occurred in the work of merging Conferences and to offer assistance as needed.
We invite all Vincentians to continue the process of discerning prayerfully how we will navigate the challenges ahead as one unified Society.
To reach the Transformation Committee with questions or concerns about Partners in the Gospel, please email us:
Resource Library
View a collection of resources from the Partners in the Gospel sub-committee.
1. When Presidents Meet
During early discussions at Council Meetings on Discerning Together, these questions were asked:
- How can we open ourselves to revitalization and renewal through the changes in our Archdiocese?
- How can we leverage our members’ strengths while preparing ourselves to address the weaknesses?
- How can we organize and prepare ourselves to best serve our neighbors?
This power point provides suggestions for talking points when Presidents hold initial meetings.
2. Expanding Friendship
Social gatherings with all members of the Conferences are important to begin building new friendships. Masses, potluck meals, wine and cheese gatherings with information on "who we are" help soften concerns about the expanded membership.
Sample trivia quizzes are available to add fun and knowledge. Please note that they need to be tailored to your Conferences since they were used by Family 15. Family 15’s saints and neighbor services are part of the quizzes.
3. Discerning
While Partners in the Gospel has a vision, the path to reach that vision will be determined by the Conference family community. Through listening, dialogue, and discernment, each Conference family will chart its future, a future as unique as the people who make up that community.
After Conferences have met socially at least one time, a synodal listening session is recommended. It will allow Vincentians to voice their hopes and concerns. An example is available.
4. Combining
By creating a document stating the Guidelines for coming together, this will ensure that the importance of spirituality, friendship, and service are always foremost in our Vincentian ministry. Asking each Conference to approve this document will result in everyone working with the same intention. An example is available.
5. Our Church Family
We want our Pastors to see and to know Vincentians as engaged parishioners that are a source of Christ’s Light and Love inside and outside the Parish community. The overall goal with the Pastor is to create a harmonious relationship that builds trust and a deeper collaboration where he sees and senses the Spiritual benefits of a thriving conference in his Parish.
6. Partners in the Gospel Timeline
This timeline suggests activities that should facilitate working with the Conferences within the new Parish Families. It is intended to help develop intentional ways of coming together so that Vincentians can be transformed and revitalized by working together to learn the strengths they can share with each other and address areas that need assistance.
→ Download the Timeline
7. Pray together
The PITG sub-committee uses these Opening and Closing prayers when meeting with each Family’s Conference Presidents.
→ Download the Timeline
8. SVDP National website
The National website has information from St. Louis, Chiago, and Santa Fe.
→ https://members.ssvpusa.org/growth-revitalization/planning/
(Pictured) A Special Gathering of 3 Conferences: Assumption St Bridget, St Catherine of Siena, and Our Lady of the Lake.
"We learned that our new Parish Families are filled with wonderful people, and we are very blessed to join with them for our worship and ministry in assisting neighbors in need. Enthusiasm for our faith and our vocation will help to bring us together through Partners in the Gospel. While change can be difficult, there is great potential for SVdP and all the ministries in our parishes." - Scott Pelton