Ozanam Orientation
Who is Frederic Ozanam? Or for that matter, St. Louise de Marillac or Sister Rosalie Rendu? What in the world do they have to do with the St. Vincent de Paul and the SVDP organization? These are just a few of the questions that are answered when you attend an Ozanam Orientation (OO).
Our National SVdP organization has created Ozanam Orientations for ALL Vincentians to learn about the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. It is an exciting program that acquaints everyone with the history of the Society and explains who we are, what we do and how we do it. National hopes to have all Vincentians worldwide participate in an Ozanam Orientation within five years. The Diocesan Council of Marquette has set a more ambitious schedule of two years and is well on its way.
The OO program began in November 2006 with formation held at St. Peter Cathedral. Nineteen Vincentians from three Districts attended the formation given by Renee Deroche, SVdP Diocesan Spiritual Advisor, and assisted by Judi Daley, SVdP Diocesan Formation Director. Since then, 56 more Vincentians have participated in the Ozanam Orientations in Iron Mountain and Manistique. A shortened version of the OO has been developed for store employees and volunteers. It provides them with the information they need to know about the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and their importance as representatives of the SVdP organization in their work at the stores.
Comments from evaluations:
Vincentian Comments:
I learned about Frederic Ozanam – that he was the founder, not St. Vincent de Paul
I will treat people as equals.
That Christ is in the poor.
What do you think was the best part of this orientation?
Gaining a lot more knowledge on the different aspects on the duties of the conferences and stores.
How to do home visits.
What did you learn about the SVdP organization that you didn’t know before the OO?
History of the people involved with home visits. How the money is spent and why we have to be so accountable.
Store Comments:
How do you feel about the OO being held in the morning before work?
This worked well, the afternoon is a good time to start my first day of my new ideal of being an employee.
God helps all of us and St. Vinnies is good at helping God.