Voluntary Service

in the
Salesian Mission :
Handbook & Guidelines
Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb

Voluntary Service in the Salesian Mission

Results from a
Formative Process
by the Salesian Youth
Movement (SYM)

:
A
Growing
movement in the
Church

Joint Mission of the

Youth Ministry,
Missions and
Salesian Family
Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb

Voluntary Service in the Salesian Mission

Every YOUNG PERSON is a potential VOLUNTEER:

Life as Gift, Life as a Vocation, Life as Service
Every Young person in a Permanent state of
Formation towards full HUMAN & CHRISTIAN maturity
The VOLUNTEER

Guided and Supported by the Salesian Youth Ministry

The
VOLUNTARY SERVICE

Voluntary Service: the Practical Expression of an

interior attitude of Service and Solidarity
Voluntary Service: open to young people of all Faiths
who share the Salesian Ideal and its method!
Young People from the SYM or from outside!
Multiplicity of Voluntary Service!
Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb

Voluntary Service in the Salesian Mission

Purpose of the Document

CONGREGATION: offers IDENTITY, FORMATION for and
ANIMATION of the Salesian Voluntary service

PROVINCES: to foster in the Young an attitude of service to the

poor and needy, offers them experiences for SOCIAL &
MISSIONARY commitment, to develop a VOCATIONAL OPTION

CRITERIA: for Salesian, Ecclesial, Social evaluation of the

Volunteer and of the activities of Voluntary Service

Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb

Voluntary Service: A SIGN OF the TIMES - CHAPTER 1

Voluntary Service in the WORLD
Arises from a
Persons FREE
CHOICE
Rooted in a
Framework of
VALUES
Promotes a
new ATTITUDE
towards Life

A New Factor
present in
Society

Millions of youngsters freely choosing

Voluntary Service today: life and time
Virtues of SOLIDARITY and GENEROSITY in
an individualistic world
Aims at TRANSFORMATION OF SOCIETY

Openness to others, generosity, solidarity

Organized Collaboration & Culture of
Citizen Involvement
Opening up the private Social sector
Principles of free giving and voluntary
participation.
Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb

Voluntary Service: A SIGN OF the TIMES - CHAPTER 1

Voluntary Service in the CHURCH
Development
of Baptismal
Vocation

Gospel
Inspired and
Spirituality

Missionary
Dimension of
our Faith

Christian Voluntary Service: contribute to

the COMING OF GODs KINGDOM
Enables the Baptized person to proclaim
the Gospel through service
All Christian Voluntary service is Gospel
inspired and Spirituality Nourished
Living with freshness VATICAN II

Christian Voluntary Service: manifestation

of the NEW EVANGELIZATION
Through Service, testifies that HUMANITY
IS LOVED BY GOD

The Supplement of the SOUL making them more human. JPII

Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb

Voluntary Service: A SIGN OF the TIMES - CHAPTER 1

Voluntary Service in a SALESIAN CONTEXT
Participation of LAY PEOPLE in our
MISSION, no specific mention of SVS
Establishment of Youth and Salesian
Voluntary Service with YOUTH MINISTRY
SVS in the context of SYS for human
advancement and evangelization and in
the context of Vocational Guidance too
Special attention to SVS: its assessment,
development, formation etc.
Problems and difficulties of Volunteers
Proposals for guidelines for Volunteers

Life is not worth living, if not lived in service

Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb

IDENTITY of Salesian Volunteer Service Part 1

Clarifying the Terms

The
VOLUNTEER

VOLUNTARY
SERVICE

Salesian
Voluntary
Service

BEING a Volunteer:
A lay person, man/woman, young/adult,
single/married. Place their professional expertise,
personal gifts and ability, in line with the Salesian
Charism and mission.
Open to a world view and to a variety of cultures,
Dignity for the human person, collaborates with civil
and ecclesial authorities to transform society, Gospel
and DB pedagogy and SYS
Disinterested service for a specific period, with
commitment, in a planned and structured way and
through a specific period of preparation & formation
promoted by a Salesian Community or in a Salesian
Context to carry out the Salesian mission. Inspired by
Salesian Youth Spirituality and Pedagogy!

Life is not worth living, if not lived in service

Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb

Voluntary Service: As a SCHOOL of SERVICE Chapter 2

- Young Volunteers during the Cholera Epidemic
- DB Educational system: school of Citizenship & Holiness
- Practice of Valdocco: Loving presence of lay educators
- Great movement of peoples: sharing his spirituality

Tradition:
DB Times

NEW
MENTALITY

- Promoted by a Salesian Community or in a Salesian

Context to carry out the Salesian mission.
- Inspired by Salesian Youth Spirituality and Pedagogy!

A Vocational View of
LIFE as a GIFT and as
SERVICE
Inspired by
Values of
SALESIAN
SPIRITUALITY

An attitude of
DISINTERESTED
Service and Solidarity

- Preferential LOVE for the POOR

- Educational Style of LOVING KINDNESS
- Family Spirit
- Fulfillment of DAILY DUTIES
- OPTIMISM and JOY of LIFe

Life is not worth living, if not lived in service

Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb

Voluntary Service: As a SCHOOL of SERVICE Chapter 2

OPEN to all
persons of
Good Will

SVS &
Mission
ad gentes

Possibility for
Salesian
Family

Qualities:.
- a model of human maturity & personal integrity
- Educational approach & sensitivity to youth situation
- Sympathy to DB and the Salesians
- Acceptance of SEPP and DB educational method
- Openness to a search for God and Gospel values

Missionary Commitment ad gentes integral part of

Salesian Charism:
- SVS offers a Formation in forming judgments
- All baptized: commissioned to preach Good News
- Open to World-View and a Variety of Cultures
- Open to Inter-Religious Dialogue and Ecumenism
- Provides models to live the Lay Dimension well
- Offers the possibility of getting involved in the
Salesian Charism and mission.
- Creative role in the service of the poor
- Transforming society in the Style and Charism of DB

Life is not worth living, if not lived in service

Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb

Voluntary Service within the Salesian Youth Ministry: Chapter 3

SYM: values and
promotes the SVS

SVS enriches the

SEPP

Salesian Youth
Movement a
fertile soil for
promoting the
SVS

SYM Formative process strengthens:

- Active and responsible involvement in socio-cultural,
economic and political fields to transform them.
- Attitude of service and solidarity in society & church
- Development of the Religious dimension
- Significant experience of Christian life and meeting
Jesus Christ.
The SVS enriches with its own values the SEPP:
- Commitment to Education and development of poor
- Lay involvement and collaboration with SDB mission
- Effective and significant presence with others
- Interest and involvement in missionary work
- New way of being with the young!

1.
2.
3.
4.

STAGES in the EDUCATIONAL PROCESS:

Education to the Values of Voluntary Service
Animation & Persevering Commitment to service
Experiences of Multiple Voluntary Services
Adult Voluntary Service
Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb

SVS: Characteristics and Different kinds : Chapter 4

SVS proposes Values
of the Gospel & the
Missionary tasks

SVS proposes living

human/religious vocation in
secular settings

Evangelical

Lay

SVS proposes
Educating while being
educated oneself

A YOUNG ADULT
living with youthful
spirit with the young
Youthful

Educational

SocioPolitical

SVS proposes transforming

and collaborating with civil
and ecclesial institutions

SVS proposes family spirit and

collaboration with the Salesian
Educative Pastoral Plan
Communita
rian
Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb

Characteristics of SVS

SVS: Characteristics and Different kinds : Chapter 4

- Proclamation, Catechesis, Education
to the Faith.
- Spiritual leadership/animation
- Vocational Guidance
- Animating Groups/Associations

Area of
Evangelization

Educational
Cultural Area

MISSION of SVS

Promotion and defense of human rights

Social Animation of the local area
Prevention of social breakdown and order
Health Work
Providing basic needs

- Informal educational initiatives

- Formal & Vocational Training
- Assisting and setting up associations
- Cultural animation and recreational
activities

Social Area

Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb

SVS: Characteristics and Different kinds : Chapter 4

DISINTERESTED SERVICE: Building a
better world without personal gain
or convenience Human
advancement & not a personal one !

COMMUNITY SPIRIT: Gifts and

talents are at the service of the
community, open to dialogue,
planning and team work!

ORATORIAN STYLE: with an

Oratorian heart capable of being
loved and sharing lifes experiences
and faith journeys with the young.

Values and Attitudes of

Salesian Voluntary Service
INTERCULTURAL APPROACH &
SOLIDARITY: With a preferential
option for the poor and open to
learn and appreciate the culture,
language and respect peoples!

CRITICAL & RESPONSIBLE

INVOLVEMENT: within the pastoral
activity contributing to the removal
of all forms of injustices and
promoting Gospel Values!
Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb

SVS: Characteristics and Different kinds : Chapter 4

Different Kinds of
Salesian Voluntary Service

Length of Time
& Kind of
Activity

Place of the
Activity

Nature of its
placement in
Salesian
Mission

Nature of the
Organization

TWO main FORMS of

Salesian Voluntary Service

Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb

Part TWO: Salesian Voluntary Service in Action

Community
Dimension of
Salesian
Voluntary service

Formation of
Volunteers

Animation of
Salesian
Voluntary Service

Salesian Voluntary Service in Action

Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb

COMMUNITY DIMENSION
of Salesian Voluntary Service: Chapter 5
With the
Community
that SENDS
them

With the
Salesian
Community
that
WELCOMES
them

Community Experience of the Volunteers

With the
Educative
Pastoral
Community

Among the
Volunteers
themselves

Placement of Volunteers in the Community

Live ALONE but
SHARES things/life
with the Salesian
Religious
Community

Live together in
their OWN
accommodation
but share moments
with SDB

Live as LAY PEOPLE

within a Salesian
Religious
Community
Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb

COMMUNITY DIMENSION
of Salesian Voluntary Service: Chapter 5
Community
that SENDS:
- Gradual insertion into SDB
community and Works
- Well Organized Formation

REQUIREMENTS for POSITIVE RELATIONSHIP:

1. Knowing each other and sharing of information,
life and faith
2. Recognition and acceptance of the diversity of
the Volunteers
3. Sharing fully in the SEPC and SEPP
4. The Educational Approach on the part of the
Salesian & recognition of their Vocation
5. Better and fruitful SDB-FMA relationship
6. Welcome Volunteers of other faiths
7. Encourage dialogue about faith and life and
prayer

SDB Community that

Welcomes:
- Welcomes with gratitude

Among the

- Insertion into SEPC while respecting

Volunteers
his/her
lay state

themselves

- Offers opportunities for participation

- Responsible for formation and
accompaniment

- Shares the rich Salesian spirit and

Charism
- Ensures the educational quality of
the Voluntary service

Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb

FORMATION of Volunteers: Chapter 6

TO KNOW
A Guide
1.
2.
3.
4.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Aware of the social contexts & problems

Need assessments and expectations
Learn the Language and appreciate Culture
Know the norms/contract that govern the
relationship with the community and mission
TO BE
A Witness
to Gospel
Values

Personal INTEGRITY: a point of reference

Total self-donation, professional skills
Sound Judgement, dialogue and discernment
Open to Dialogue and appreciate cultures
Gift for Education and love for the poor
Openness to Faith and to witness to it

TO KNOW
HOW
A
Promoter

1. Operate in a professional way

2. Skills to operate problem solving
3. Interact and group dynamics with
others and the situation

Among the
Volunteers
themselves
TO KNOW
HOW TO
ANIMATE
An
Educator 1.
2.
3.
4.

Welcoming presence & dialogue

Motivate self development
Team Work and Synergy
Techniques & principles for
animation
Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb

FORMATION of Volunteers: Chapter 6

Area of
Motivational
Development:
Human and
Christian

Area of
Salesian
knowledge
&
Formation

The
Formative
Content

Among the
Volunteers
Area of
themselves
Technical
Skills

FORMATIVE CONTENT:
Capacity to
operate on
the social
field

Communica
tive skills
and group
dynamics
Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb

FORMATION of Volunteers: Chapter 6

The Duration and Contents in SVS

Involves a Gradual Process of Growth

Takes place in the ORDINARY moments

Among the
Volunteers
Facilitates Inculturation and
Openness
themselves
Deepens their Personal Faith & Vocation

Methodological Criteria:

Ensures a Systematic Accompaniment

A Continuous Formative Process

Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb

FORMATION of Volunteers: Chapter 6

FORMATION RESOURCES:

Formation
Procedures

To enable the
volunteer to
mature
gradually

Personal spiritual
and Professional
Guidance

To grow in
personal and
professional
maturity.

The Group

Creates an
environment for
sharing,
reflection,
leadership,
animation

Voluntary
Service
Among the Organization

Salesian
Community

Volunteers
themselves
Provides

Local
Community
which sends &
welcomes
Provincial
Community

necessary
information,
formation and
means to
volunteer

Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb

The ANIMATION of Volunteers: Chapter 7

C. 30

We commit
ourselves to
inculcating in
them a convinced
appreciation of
true values which
will lead them to
a life of dialogue
and service

Youth
Ministry

Missionary
Promotion

GC24

Every PROVINCE
to draw up a plan
in line with the
Document The
Salesian
Volunteer
Movement

Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb

The ANIMATION of Volunteers: Chapter 7

-

At LOCAL Level:

- Familiar with the NATURE, IDENTITY and METHODOLOGY of SVS

Local
Community

- Draws up a proper CONTRACT and PLAN for continuity

- Open and Welcoming, creating an experience of Salesian Spirit and Mission
- Accompanies them during and even after their Voluntary service

- Animator of the SVS Movement

Rector

- Encourages those responsible for Youth ministry to promote the SVS

- Invites the Community and the SEPC to know and welcome the Volunteer

- The local delegate promotes Voluntary Service among the SEPC and others

Local SVS
Delegate

- He facilitates a COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE for the Volunteers

- Follows up the FORMATIVE PROCESS of candidates for Voluntary Service
- Offers SUPPORT to Volunteers on their return from an experience of VS

Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb

The ANIMATION of Volunteers: Chapter 7

At PROVINCE Level:

Approves the individual

voluntary service projects
in line with Province EPP
Guarantees the availability
of the SDB responsible
Financial Support
Reflects of the
experiences of current
voluntary service projects
Assesses their Pastoral
effectiveness

Provincial &
his Council

Animates and motivates

the local communities to
appreciate the Vocation to
Voluntary service.
Fosters communication
Promotes the SVS in the
Salesian Youth Movement
Develops a Province SVS
Formative Plan
Arranges for integration of
Volunteers in the
community &
accompanies them

Provincial
SVS Delegate

Coordinates Voluntary
Service at Province Levels
Point of reference
Periodically visits them
Coordination with YM and
SF and Mission delegates
Documents records
Supports those who
return back
Helps them to reflect
critically on their
experience
Gives support to other
voluntary services
Ensure continuity

Provincial
SVS Delegate
Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb

The ANIMATION of Volunteers: Chapter 7

At National, Inter-Provincial, Salesian Region Level:

Salesian
NGOs of
Voluntary
service

Salesian NGOs recognized by civil society

Education to Solidarity and world-view
Creating a Just society, Human Rights
Networks with Provincial/local SVS
Delegates for training, information and
proper legal contracts

National
Levels
Unifying plan and criteria
Collaborate in Formation,
Information and Reflection
Create network and data
bank

World Level

Shared responsibility: YMD

+ Mission Depart + Vicar of
RM
Delegate for SVS who
follows up, coordinates,
promotes reflection, quality
formative processes, setting
a congregational SVS data
bank
And provides financial aid.
Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb

CONCLUSION
Through their activity, Volunteers
come to realize that, only if one loves
and gives himself to others, does the
human creature reach perfect
fulfillment..

Thank you

.. Volunteer Work is called to be

school of life, especially for young
people, contributing to educate them
in a culture of solidarity and outreach,
open to the free gift of self
- St. John Paul II

Fr. Glenford Lowe sdb