Vinnies’ ‘refounding’ work starts with well-attended workshop

“I was surprised and delighted by the large number of members that attended the Wellington workshop,” said the Society’s president, Gerry Stevens. “There was great enthusiasm among members and a strong commitment to refounding the society here in New Zealand.”

“Refounding” had been the theme of the Society of St Vincent de Paul’s New Zealand AGM held in Tauranga in March. Mr Stevens said “refounding” involves a radical new beginning for the Society as it seeks to live out its mission.

“As conferences and individuals, we have to recapture the inspiration and dynamism of those who founded the Society. Our goal is to re-awaken the spirit that inspired Blessed Frederic Ozanam and his companions in their radical service of others.” 

The concept of “refounding” has been explored and developed by New Zealand Marist and cultural anthropologist Fr Gerald Arbuckle.

Fr Arbuckle said that “refounding” is more than mere reform or renewal. He says it is a profound re-engagement with the foundational narratives and values of an organisation. It requires communities to revisit their original charisms and find ways to apply this in today’s world.

The Society of St Vincent de Paul faces many contemporary challenges, Mr Stevens said.

“Our numbers have reduced, leadership is stretched thin and our structures and image no longer meet today’s needs. Now is the time for us to be bold, return to our roots and re-think how we live out our mission today. Seen through the eyes of faith, it is a moment of opportunity.”

The 2024 annual report stated that the Society has 105 active conferences around the country and 1157 members. It also has 352 associate members and 1759 volunteers. Fifty-five shops are in operation and there are many active groups of Young Vinnies in Catholic schools.

It is still a very active and vital organisation doing wonderful work in many New Zealand communities, Mr Stevens said. Last year the Society furnished nearly 2000 households and dispatched more than 60,000 food parcels.

As CathNews reported recently, though, there has been a significant drop in membership in recent years.

FULL STORY

Refounding the Society of St Vincent de Paul in NZ (SVDP NZ)

Easter 2025 SVDP Bulletin (SVDP Bay of Plenty Easter Bulletin)