SVP 1833 News & Events
SVP 1833s gather for annual weekend meeting at the Ozanam Centre -March 2010
Members from as far away as Brighton, Cambridge and Reading made the journey to the Ozanam Centre in North Wales for the third annual SVP 1833 weekend to reflect on this year’s national SVP theme, “Holding their hope in our hands.” Eight different Conferences were represented and were joined by a Vincentian Volunteer on a placement in Liverpool.
After a warm welcome from Steve and Jacqui Whitley we gathered after supper for a run–down from all the members on their Vincentian activities, while Stephanie, the Vincentian Volunteer, spoke of her work with the L’Arche community. This proved to be a very useful exercise as people learned from others’ experiences and picked up lots of new ideas.
Speakers over the weekend included Paul Beckwith from the SVP debt and general counselling service in Newcastle. His Vincentian take on “life after debt” prompted requests for training in working with people with debt problems. David Williams, a former national vice-president, spoke on developments in the Vincentian Rule and explored Vincentian spirituality where it can be identified in the Gospels and expressed in the work of the Society. Workshops on the importance of the Conference meeting and on the SVP 1833 DVD brought out various issues, such as the essential element of spirituality as a distinguishing mark of the SVP, and the need to address causes of deprivation as well as its effects. One group summed up the characteristics of the Society which might attract new members in the words: Action, Belonging, Rewarding, Justice, Fun, Friendship, Growth.
Members from Manchester and Leeds contributed moving reflections at the start of each day, and on the Saturday evening we developed the “hands” theme by considering the gifts we have been given on the one hand and, on the other, those we would like to receive which would help us in our Vincentian work.
Socialising by the sea in Criccieth and in the Barn in the evenings completed the weekend. Our closing Mass was celebrated by Bangor parish priest, Fr Adrian Morrin, an enthusiastic supporter of the Bangor University SVP 1833.
What the members thought about the weekend:
“….. an excellent weekend at the Ozanam Centre. We took a lot from our time there and the Conference enjoyed hearing about what we had learned. I think it is important to remember that the weekend doesn't just affect the people who are there, but can also inspire members of our Conferences that we report back to.” Edward
“The Barn is such a great place to socialise.” David
“….. very informative and it was so good to know about the history of the Society, and (on Paul Beckwith’s talk - Life after debt) “…a good talk about the practical help that we can give to others. Paul was a cool guy and knows so much about helping people.” David