education and evangelization
Directed by Fr. Ron Hoye, C.M., Catholic TeamWorks is a Vincentian ministry of evangelization to inspire and empower people of faith. It includes Vincentian Parish Missions, the popular The God Minute app and podcast, and Catholic Home Living, where visitors can obtain books, electronic resources, and other merchandise.
Based in Perryville, MO, at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, the Association of the Miraculous Medal brings Jesus Christ to the world by inspiring devotion to Mary, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, through whom we unite ourselves in prayer to grow in holiness while supporting the apostolic mission and charitable work of our Vincentian priests and brothers.
Based in Kansas City, MO, the Vincentian Parish Mission Center team conducts missions at parishes around the country in the tradition of St. Vincent de Paul, the founder of the Congregation of the Mission. While you are on the site, be sure to check out Monday Morning Coffee Break with Fr. Bob Gielow HERE.
Founded in 1898 by the Vincentians and currently sponsored by the Congregation of the Mission Western Province, DePaul University in Chicago is the largest Catholic University in the United States. Guided by an ethic of Vincentian personalism and professionalism, DePaul compassionately upholds the dignity of all members of its diverse, multi-faith, and inclusive community. Learn more HERE.
Partner of DePaul University and sponsored by the Congregation of the Mission Western Province, DePaul College Prep High School in Chicago is a Vincentian, Catholic community that provides a rigorous college prep education guided by core values of faith, respect, excellence, service, and health. The school “educates young adults of Chicago to think independently, pursue intellectual excellence, practice compassion, and value all individuals as children of God.”
Learn more HERE.
This monthly newsletter is distributed by the Congregation of the Mission Curia Communications Office in Rome. Learn more HERE.
Our Parishes and Missions
Western Province–UNITED STATES
Christ the Savior Church, Brewer, MO.
Holy Redeemer Church, San Antonio, TX.
Holy Trinity Church, Dallas, TX.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Cathedral, Anchorage, AK.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, San Antonio, TX.
Our Lady of Victory Church, Sereno, MO.
Sacred Heart Church, Patterson, CA.
St. Catherine Laboure Church, St. Louis, MO
St. Joseph Church, New Orleans, LA
St. Michael Church, San Antonio, TX.
St. Peter’s Vietnamese Church, Dallas, TX.
St. Pius V Parish, St. Louis, MO
St. Vincent de Paul Church, Chicago, IL.
St. Vincent de Paul Church, Los Angeles, CA.
St. Vincent de Paul Church, Perryville, MO.
St. Vincent de Paul Church, St. Louis, MO.
Vice-Province of KENYA
Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Indagalasia, Kenya
St. Kizito Church, Matisi, Kenya
St. Vincent de Paul Church, Giathugu, Kenya
St. Vincent de Paul Church, Kamulu, East Africa
Our Lady Queen of Peace Kyebando, Uganda
Notes From the Province
Why Go To Church?
Every now and then someone will say, I believe in God and I pray to Him but I just don’t see a need to go to church. And usually I will hear all kinds of reasons why church is a waste of time.
The Gift of Catholic Brothers
On this Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker, we give thanks to God for the gift of Catholic Brothers—men who, in imitation of Saint Joseph, live lives of quiet strength, faithful service, and deep communion with God.
Fr. Ron Ramson: It’s Hard to Be Humble…
Do you remember the song by Mac Davis, “It’s Hard to Be Humble, when you’re perfect in every way”? Does that look like humility to you? Davis goes on to sing, “To know me is to love me.” Where is the humility?
The opposite of humble is pride and this song is more about pride than humility! He is right about one thing; it IS sometimes hard to be humble. Jesus teaches us to be humble.
Fr. Ron Ramson: Love According to St. Paul and Andrew Lloyd Weber
In this first republication of his regular newspaper column, Fr. Ron Ramson, C.M. reflects on the nature of love.
The CM at the UN: One Final Thing
As he leaves his role as NGO representative of the Vincentians at the UN, Jim Claffey offers some closing thoughts on poverty and the importance of the CM perspective at the UN.
The CM at the UN: Criminalization vs. Compassion
Homelessness stigmatizes, marginalizes, socially excludes, and weaponizes human need. We don’t even know the extent of it. Couch-surfing, staying with friends (for a while), is hidden homelessness and just as devastating. Women and children suffer the most, as they do with every social issue, despite the Universal Declaration of Human Rights including housing as a right for all (article 25). Why is it so hard to admit that homelessness is a systems failure?
What Makes a Vincentian: The Virtue of Zeal
When St. Vincent spoke about the virtue of zeal, he usually referred to it as “zeal for the salvation of souls.” In the 21st century, this understanding is usually viewed as being too narrow. Today we expand would expand our understanding of this virtue to include zeal for the salvation and wellbeing of the entire person – soul, mind, and body.
What Makes a Vincentian: The Virtue of Mortification
The virtue of mortification is one that most Catholics and probably many Christians are familiar with. Every year during Lent people might ask one another, “What are you giving up for Lent.” or “What are you doing for Lent”? Both of these questions point to the virtue of mortification.
What Makes a Vincentian: The Virtue of Meekness
In practice, meekness is a combination of gentleness and firmness, standing fast to one’s principles, but always willing to listen and speak with affection.
What Makes a Vincentian: The Virtue of Humility
Humility has gotten a bad name in the modern world. To be humble or to be humbled can connote a sense of low self-esteem. However, prescinding from the context of seventeenth century spirituality, the Vincentian practice of humility today is actually affirmative and helpful.