Abstract
Membership in the Vincentian Family is declining, which raises the question of how the Vincentian charism will continue in the United States. Scott Kelley and Jessica Werner identify characteristics of new “institutional forms” necessary to carry the mission forward. They see great potential in the people they call unaffiliated lay Vincentians (ULVs). Although these young adults have no formal relationship with the Vincentian Family, ULVs are Vincentian because they “have been formed in and continue to self-identify with the Vincentian mission in profound ways.” ULVs were surveyed and interviewed to understand their spirituality and religiosity, how the Vincentian mission affects them, and what kind of connection they desire to have with the Vincentian Family. The study’s methodology and conclusions are explained. Cultural and generational differences between the ULVs’ and Vincentian Family’s approaches to religion are explored. ULVs’ demographics and religious and spiritual identities are discussed. The biggest challenges ULVs face in carrying out the Vincentian mission are a lack of community and a lack of access to the Vincentian Family. Suggestions are included for rectifying this. Many charts and graphs accompany the article.
Recommended Citation
Kelley, Scott Ph.D. and Werner, Jessica Ph.D.
(2015)
"The Future of the Vincentian Charism in the United States: Challenges, Trends, and Opportunities,"
Vincentian Heritage Journal: Vol. 32:
Iss.
2, Article 6.
Available at:
https://via.library.depaul.edu/vhj/vol32/iss2/6