This book reminds us that Vincent’s organized harvesting of the goodness of persons leverages the mind, body, and spirit within a community of Vincentians, and his attention to the details of managing donor relationships inform us to this day. The book leverages the rich Vincentian Heritage and enduring principles of personal and communal spirituality and person-to-person service to contextualize the ongoing revitalization of Vincentian ministries through the centuries, providing a rich context for attracting donors.

The authors witness to the compelling attraction of a spiritual journey that is grounded in a community-based and practical person to person service to the poor and vulnerable that characterizes the Vincentian experience, which helps to frame a powerful “ask” for funding. The book well describes the way St. Vincent embraced the paradoxical conditions of his time and forged an enduring model for welcoming all persons into the intimacy of God’s love through spiritual formation and service to the poor and vulnerable, whether through direct care or donation.

The authors lift up the transparency and simplicity expected in Vincentian relationships with the poor, those who serve, and those who donate; honoring the dignity of each and recognizing their particular individual needs for integrity in relationship.

The authors have revealed the variety of inventive practices that Vincent established to transform human tendencies and psychological needs like competition and recognition into mission directed actions, always recognizing the individual’s holistic need for being ‘seen.’ This is a powerful practice in the development of benefactors and donors.

Sr. Pat identifies “Dual motivations of service and spiritual growth” that have been an enduring force for those who give and for those who receive. The revitalization efforts in the 21^st Century are still grounded in new expressions of holistic engagement whether in the LCUSA or the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. This book reminds us that St. Vincent was as thoughtful and organized in his approach to benefactors as he was to those who serve and those who are served.

We are reminded that sustaining a ministry doesn’t “just happen.” Revitalization of Vincentian ministries through the centuries has been driven by a passion to serve the poor and the support of community that is called into action with a formal collaborative structure and the financial resources to turn ideas into active service. This book reminds us that St. Vincent left a blueprint for the journey.

This book reflects the ultimate practicality and emotional intelligence of St. Vincent and St. Louise in their design of enduring systems and structures to support the poor and vulnerable grounded in an incarnational spirituality that continues to inspire all involved in Vincentian ministries.

Finally, this book integrates the wisdom of the Vincentian Founders, and their simple yet powerful organizational strategies grounded in the Vincentian spirit of love and service as the basis for meeting the challenge of ongoing vitalization in 21st Century ministries.

James D Davis RN MSN MAHCM
Improvement Advisor
Center for Experience and Effectiveness
Seton Family of Hospitals
Austin, Texas