salesian volunteer service sdb -glenford lowe

Voluntary Service

in the

Salesian Mission :

Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb

Handbook & Guidelines


Results from a ‘Formative Process’

by the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM)

Voluntary Service in the Salesian Mission :A

Growing movement in the

Church

Joint Mission of the Youth Ministry,Missions and

Salesian Family


Voluntary Service in the Salesian Mission :

The VOLUNTEER

The VOLUNTARY SERVICE

Every YOUNG PERSON is a potential VOLUNTEER:Life as ‘Gift’, Life as a ‘Vocation’, Life as ‘Service’

Every Young person in a ‘Permanent state of Formation’ towards full HUMAN & CHRISTIAN maturity

Guided and Supported by the Salesian Youth Ministry

Voluntary Service: the Practical Expression of an interior attitude of Service and Solidarity

Voluntary Service: open to young people of all Faiths who share the Salesian Ideal and its method!

Young People from the SYM or from outside!

Multiplicity of Voluntary Service!


Voluntary Service in the Salesian Mission :Purpose of the Document

CONGREGATION: offers IDENTITY, FORMATION for and ANIMATION of the Salesian Voluntary service

PROVINCES: to foster in the Young an ‘attitude of service’ to the poor and needy, offers them experiences for SOCIAL & MISSIONARY commitment, to develop a VOCATIONAL OPTION

CRITERIA: for Salesian, Ecclesial, Social evaluation of the Volunteer and of the activities of Voluntary Service


Voluntary Service: A SIGN OF the TIMES - CHAPTER 1

Arises from a Person’s FREE

CHOICE

Rooted in a Framework of

VALUES

Promotes a new ATTITUDE

towards Life

A ‘New Factor’ present in

Society

Millions of youngsters freely choosing Voluntary Service today: life and time

Virtues of SOLIDARITY and GENEROSITY in an individualistic world

Aims at TRANSFORMATION OF SOCIETY

Openness to others, generosity, solidarity

Organized Collaboration & Culture of Citizen Involvement

Opening up the private Social sector

Principles of free giving and voluntary participation.

Voluntary Service in the WORLD



Development of ‘Baptismal

Vocation’

‘Gospel Inspired’ and ‘Spirituality’

‘Missionary Dimension of

our Faith’

Christian Voluntary Service: contribute to the COMING OF GOD’s KINGDOM

Enables the Baptized person to proclaim the Gospel through service

All Christian Voluntary service is ‘Gospel inspired’ and ‘Spirituality Nourished’

Living with freshness VATICAN II

Christian Voluntary Service: manifestation of the NEW EVANGELIZATION

Voluntary Service in the CHURCH

“The Supplement of the SOUL” making them more human…. JPII

Through Service, testifies that ‘HUMANITY IS LOVED BY GOD’



Participation of LAY PEOPLE in our MISSION, no specific mention of SVS

Establishment of ‘Youth and Salesian Voluntary Service’ with YOUTH MINISTRY

SVS in the context of SYS for ‘human advancement and evangelization’ and in the context of Vocational Guidance too

Special attention to SVS: its assessment, development, formation etc. Problems and difficulties of VolunteersProposals for guidelines for Volunteers

Voluntary Service in a SALESIAN CONTEXT

“Life is not worth living, if not lived in service”


IDENTITY of Salesian Volunteer Service – Part 1

‘BEING’ a Volunteer:A lay person, man/woman, young/adult, single/married…. Place their ‘professional expertise, personal gifts and ability, in line with the Salesian Charism and mission.Open to a world view and to a variety of cultures,Dignity for the human person, collaborates with civil and ecclesial authorities to transform society, Gospel and DB pedagogy and SYS

Clarifying the Terms


The VOLUNTEER

VOLUNTARY SERVICE

Salesian Voluntary

Service

‘Disinterested service for a specific period’, with commitment, in a planned and structured way and through a specific period of preparation & formation

‘promoted by a Salesian Community or in a ‘Salesian Context’ to carry out the Salesian mission. Inspired by Salesian Youth Spirituality and Pedagogy!


Voluntary Service: As a ‘SCHOOL of SERVICE”– Chapter 2


Tradition:DB Times

‘NEW MENTALITY’

- Young Volunteers during the ‘Cholera Epidemic’- DB Educational system: school of Citizenship & Holiness- Practice of Valdocco: Loving presence of lay educators - Great movement of peoples: sharing his spirituality

- ‘Promoted by a Salesian Community or in a ‘Salesian Context’ to carry out the Salesian mission. - Inspired by Salesian Youth Spirituality and Pedagogy!

A Vocational View of LIFE as a GIFT and as

SERVICE

An attitude of DISINTERESTED

Service and Solidarity

- Preferential LOVE for the POOR- Educational Style of LOVING KINDNESS- Family Spirit- Fulfillment of DAILY DUTIES- OPTIMISM and JOY of LIFe

Inspired by Values of SALESIAN

SPIRITUALITY


Voluntary Service: As a ‘SCHOOL of SERVICE”– Chapter 2


OPEN to all persons of Good Will

SVS & Mission

‘ad gentes’

Qualities:….- a model of human maturity & personal integrity…- Educational approach & sensitivity to youth situation- Sympathy to DB and the Salesians- Acceptance of SEPP and DB educational method- Openness to a search for God and Gospel values

Missionary Commitment ad gentes integral part of Salesian Charism:- SVS offers a ‘Formation in forming judgments’- All baptized: ‘commissioned’ to preach Good News- Open to ‘World-View’ and a ‘Variety of Cultures’- Open to Inter-Religious Dialogue and Ecumenism- Provides models to live the ‘Lay Dimension’ well

- Offers the possibility of getting involved in the Salesian Charism and mission.

- Creative role in the service of the poor- Transforming society in the Style and Charism of DB

Possibility for Salesian Family


Voluntary Service within the Salesian Youth Ministry: Chapter 3SYM Formative process strengthens:- Active and responsible involvement in socio-cultural,

economic and political fields to transform them.- Attitude of service and solidarity in society & church- Development of the Religious dimension- Significant experience of Christian life and meeting

Jesus Christ.

The SVS enriches with its own values the SEPP:- Commitment to Education and development of poor- Lay involvement and collaboration with SDB mission- Effective and significant presence with others- Interest and involvement in missionary work- New way of being with the young!

SYM: values and promotes the SVS

SVS enriches the SEPP

Salesian Youth Movement a fertile soil for

promoting the SVS

STAGES in the EDUCATIONAL PROCESS:1. Education to the Values of Voluntary Service2. Animation & Persevering Commitment to service3. Experiences of Multiple Voluntary Services4. Adult Voluntary Service


SVS: Characteristics and Different kinds : Chapter 4

Educational

Evangelical

Socio-Political

Lay

Youthful

Communitarian

SVS proposes Values of the Gospel & the ‘Missionary’ tasks

SVS proposes ‘Educating while being

educated oneself’

SVS proposes transforming and collaborating with civil

and ecclesial institutions

SVS proposes living human/religious vocation in

secular settings

A YOUNG ADULT living with youthful

spirit with the young

SVS proposes ‘family spirit’ and collaboration with the Salesian

Educative Pastoral Plan

Characteristics of SVS



- Proclamation, Catechesis, Education to the Faith.

- Spiritual leadership/animation- Vocational Guidance- Animating Groups/Associations

- Promotion and defense of human rights- Social Animation of the local area- Prevention of social breakdown and order- Health Work- Providing basic needs

- Informal educational initiatives- Formal & Vocational Training

- Assisting and setting up associations- Cultural animation and recreational

activities

Educational –Cultural Area

Social Area

Area of

Evangelization

MISSION of SVS



Values and Attitudes of

Salesian Voluntary Service

DISINTERESTED SERVICE: Building a better world without personal gain

or convenience… Human advancement & not a personal one !

COMMUNITY SPIRIT: Gifts and talents are at the service of the community, open to dialogue,

planning and team work!

ORATORIAN STYLE: with an ‘Oratorian heart’ capable of being

loved and sharing life’s experiences and faith journeys with the young.

INTERCULTURAL APPROACH & SOLIDARITY: With a preferential option for the poor and open to learn and appreciate the culture, language and respect peoples!

CRITICAL & RESPONSIBLE INVOLVEMENT: within the pastoral activity contributing to the removal

of all forms of injustices and promoting Gospel Values!


SVS: Characteristics and Different kinds : Chapter 4Different Kinds of


Length of Time & Kind of Activity

Place of the Activity

Nature of its placement in

Salesian Mission

Nature of the Organization

TWO main FORMS of



Part TWO: Salesian Voluntary Service in Action

Community Dimension of

Salesian Voluntary service

Formation of Volunteers

Animation of Salesian

Voluntary Service

Salesian Voluntary Service in Action


COMMUNITY DIMENSION

of Salesian Voluntary Service: Chapter 5

Placement of Volunteers in the Community

1

With the Community that SENDS them

2

With the Salesian Community that WELCOMES them

3

With the Educative Pastoral Community

4

Among the Volunteers themselves

Community Experience of the Volunteers

Live ALONE but SHARES things/life with the Salesian

Religious Community

Live together in their OWN

accommodation but share moments

with SDB

Live as LAY PEOPLE within a Salesian

Religious Community


COMMUNITY DIMENSION

of Salesian Voluntary Service: Chapter 5


Community that SENDS:

- Gradual insertion into SDB community and Works

- Well Organized Formation

SDB Community that Welcomes:

- Welcomes with gratitude

- Insertion into SEPC while respecting his/her lay state

- Offers opportunities for participation

- Responsible for formation and accompaniment

- Shares the rich Salesian spirit and Charism

- Ensures the educational quality of the Voluntary service

REQUIREMENTS for POSITIVE RELATIONSHIP:1. Knowing each other and sharing of information,

life and faith2. Recognition and acceptance of the diversity of

the Volunteers3. Sharing fully in the SEPC and SEPP4. The Educational Approach on the part of the

Salesian & recognition of their Vocation5. Better and fruitful SDB-FMA relationship6. Welcome Volunteers of other faiths7. Encourage dialogue about faith and life and

prayer


FORMATION of Volunteers: Chapter 6


1. Personal INTEGRITY: a point of reference2. Total self-donation, professional skills3. Sound Judgement, dialogue and discernment4. Open to Dialogue and appreciate cultures5. Gift for Education and love for the poor6. Openness to Faith and to witness to it

TO BEA Witness to Gospel

Values

1. Aware of the social contexts & problems2. Need assessments and expectations3. Learn the Language and appreciate Culture4. Know the norms/contract that govern the

relationship with the community and mission

TO KNOWA Guide

1. Operate in a professional way2. Skills to operate problem solving3. Interact and group dynamics with

others and the situation

TO KNOW HOW

A Promoter

1. Welcoming presence & dialogue2. Motivate self development3. Team Work and Synergy4. Techniques & principles for

animation

TO KNOW HOW TO ANIMATE

AnEducator




Area of Salesian

knowledge &

Formation

Area of Motivational

Development: Human and

Christian

The Formative Content

Area of Technical

Skills

Communicative skills

and group dynamics

Capacity to operate on the social

field

FORMATIVE CONTENT:




Methodological Criteria:

The Duration and Contents in SVS

Involves a Gradual Process of Growth

Takes place in the ORDINARY moments

Facilitates Inculturation and Openness

Deepens their Personal Faith & Vocation

Ensures a Systematic Accompaniment

A Continuous Formative Process




FORMATION RESOURCES:

Formation

Procedures

• To enable the volunteer to mature gradually

Personal spiritual and Professional

Guidance

• To grow in personal and professional maturity.

The Group

• Creates an environment for sharing, reflection, leadership, animation

Salesian Community

• Local Community which sends & welcomes

• Provincial Community

Voluntary Service

Organization

• Provides necessary information, formation and means to volunteer


The ANIMATION of Volunteers: Chapter 7

C. 30 Youth Ministry

Missionary Promotion

“We commit ourselves to inculcating in

them a convinced appreciation of

true values which will lead them to a life of dialogue

and service”

GC24

“Every PROVINCE to draw up a plan

in line with the Document – The

Salesian Volunteer

Movement”


The ANIMATION of Volunteers: Chapter 7At LOCAL Level:

-

- Familiar with the NATURE, IDENTITY and METHODOLOGY of SVS

- Draws up a proper CONTRACT and PLAN for continuity

- Open and Welcoming, creating an experience of Salesian Spirit and Mission

- Accompanies them during and even after their Voluntary service

- Animator of the SVS Movement

- Encourages those responsible for Youth ministry to promote the SVS

- Invites the Community and the SEPC to know and welcome the Volunteer

- The local delegate promotes Voluntary Service among the SEPC and others

- He facilitates a COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE for the Volunteers

- Follows up the FORMATIVE PROCESS of candidates for Voluntary Service

- Offers SUPPORT to Volunteers on their return from an experience of VS

Local Community

Rector

Local SVS Delegate


The ANIMATION of Volunteers: Chapter 7At PROVINCE Level:

• Approves the individual voluntary service projects in line with Province EPP

• Guarantees the availability of the SDB responsible

• Financial Support

• Reflects of the experiences of current voluntary service projects

• Assesses their ‘Pastoral effectiveness’

Provincial & his Council

• Animates and motivates the local communities to appreciate the Vocation to Voluntary service.

• Fosters communication

• Promotes the SVS in the Salesian Youth Movement

• Develops a Province SVS Formative Plan

• Arranges for integration of Volunteers in the community & accompanies them

Provincial SVS Delegate

• Coordinates Voluntary Service at Province Levels

• Point of reference

• Periodically visits them

• Coordination with YM and SF and Mission delegates

• Documents records

• Supports those who return back

• Helps them to reflect critically on their experience

• Gives support to other voluntary services

• Ensure continuity

Provincial SVS Delegate


The ANIMATION of Volunteers: Chapter 7At National, Inter-Provincial, “Salesian Region” Level:

• Unifying plan and criteria• Collaborate in Formation,

Information and Reflection• Create network and data

bank

• Shared responsibility: YMD + Mission Depart + Vicar of RM

• Delegate for SVS who follows up, coordinates, promotes reflection, quality formative processes, setting a congregational SVS data bank

• And provides financial aid.

• Salesian NGO’s recognized by civil society• Education to Solidarity and world-view• Creating a Just society, Human Rights• Networks with Provincial/local SVS

Delegates for training, information and proper legal contracts

World Level

National Levels

Salesian NGOs of

Voluntary service


CONCLUSION“Through their activity, Volunteers come to realize that, only if one loves and gives himself to others, does the human creature reach perfect fulfillment…..

….. Volunteer Work is called to be school of life, especially for young people, contributing to educate them in a culture of solidarity and outreach, open to the free gift of self”

- St. John Paul II

Thank you

salesian volunteer service sdb -glenford lowe

Documents

solidarityvoluntary

volunteersvoluntary

jpiithrough service

salesian mission

interior attitude of

voluntary participation

salesian ideal

salesian familyfr