Dear parishioners of Saint Patrick parish Community, in order for all to have a better knowledge of the Vocationist Fathers and Sisters, their spirituality and field of work, we are going to place in the bulletin on a weekly basis for a while the catechism of the Society of Divine Vocations (a.k.a -Vocationist Fathers)
Catechism of the Society of Divine Vocations – ( Chapter Four )
31. What are the activities to which our Congregation is dedicated?
Our Congregation is dedicated to those physical and spiritual activities, which might in any way be related either to service to and formation of Diocesan and Religious Clergy, or of those who seek holiness of life.
32. Does our Congregation generally perform these activities in its own name or under someone else’s auspices?
Our Congregation generally prefers to perform under its own name all the activities aimed at the formation of and aid to Priests, Religious and those who are striving for holiness. A Vocationist will achieve his objective through his service to Parochial, Diocesan and Pontifical activities, in a total union with and complete dependence from the proper ecclesiastical Authorities.
33. Which activities are specifically geared to the formation of Priests, Religious, and of those seeking holiness?
Our Congregation teaches catechesis to spiritual groups on Parish level, staffs, Apostolic Schools and Vocationaries on Diocesan level, and local and foreign Mission on the universal level, in order to achieve formation of Priests, Religious and souls in quest of holiness.
34. Is our Congregation essentially bound to these activities?
No, Our Congregation is not essentially bound to all or some of these activities, as they are simply a means and not an end in themselves. Our Congregation, under the direction of Superior and according to the circumstances indicated by times and places, may use other means to reach our goals.
35. What is meant by the distinction of “ends and means” as applied to the works of our Congregation?
By distinguishing “ends and means” in speaking of our works, we wish to make it clear that the goal of all the activities of our Congregation is the formation of Priests, Religious and of those who aspire to holiness as well. This goal can be neither changed nor forfeited.
36. What do we exactly is mean when we say “means”?
By saying means, we declare that our Congregation may use whatever method, either the most basic one mentioned above, or other methods in the pursuit of our goal, as long as that goal is achieved.
37. Who and what will decide as to whether we shall use the means mentioned above or some other means?
The choice of means is contingent on the demands made by changing times and circumstances, as interpreted and recognized by our Major Superior in the Congregation, and the competent Ecclesiastical authorities outside of the congregation.
38. So in what spirit do we embrace Pontifical and Missionary works?
We embrace these works in honor and imitation of, in service to, and in union with the Divine Person and Mission of God’s Incarnate Word, Jesus.
39. In what spirit do we embrace Diocesan works and the service of the Vocationaries?
We embrace diocesan works and service in the Vocationaries in honor of and service to, and in imitation of and union with the Divine Person and Mission of the Holy Spirit.
40. In what spirit do we embrace parochial and ascetical works?
We embrace parochial and ascetical works in honor and imitation of, in service and union with the Divine Person and Action of the Father.