APPENDIX 1.

COMMISSIONING CEREMONY

All members shall annually renew their promise of service to the members and to the poor, thereby
deepening the spiritual dimension of their Vocation. Annually: Each Conference shall celebrate the
renewal of the members’ promise of service preferably during a Festival Meeting, 27th September,
Feast of St.Vincent de Paul or during a special Conference Mass.

1. Procedure 

PRAYER OF DEDICATION 

Lord Jesus Christ, we the brothers and sisters of the family of St. Vincent de Paul come before you
today to dedicate ourselves to the service of the poor. Increase our faith so that we may always see
you in those we serve. We increase our hope that we may always undertake our duties with courage
and patience, above all increase our love so that we may grow in love for both you and our neighbor,
for it was you who said we cannot love you without loving our neighbor. We also ask you to give
eternal happiness to our deceased members and hope that at our time of judgment you will say
“Come you blessed of my father for I was hungry and you gave me to eat, thirsty and you gave me to
drink.” We ask this, dear Lord for your great Glory.
AMEN

2. RITE TO COMMISSION CONFERENCE MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL 

(New members might well be formally received at quarterly Festivals)
INTRODUCTION RITE (After a hymn) “Whatsoever you do to………………….
PRESIDER: In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit
ALL: Amen
PRESIDER: Today (tonight) let us pause and call to mind that together we are in the presence
of the Lord as His people, answering His call to serve through membership in the Society of
St. Vincent de Paul
(Pause for a moment)
Let us pray: Father, we realize your provident care for us, your pardon of our sins, and your
protection of our life. Grant that we may serve you that we witness to life among your
people. We ask all this in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. AMEN
FIRST READING: Philippians 2:1-5.
ALL: Hear O God, my voice listen to my prayer
PRESIDER: We are overcome by sins; it is you who pardon them. Happy the one you choose
and bring to dwell in your courts. May we be filled with the good things of your house, the
Holy things of your temple.
GOSPEL: John 15: 1-7
(Instruction or homily, suggested emphasis on Vatican 2 decree on the Apostle of Lay
people, especially chapter on charitable works and social aid) 

3. CALLING ALL MEMBERS 

PRESIDER: The following Parishioners (students) of ……………..Conference (school) are presenting
themselves for membership in the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
CALL NAMES:
Let us signify our approval by applauding. Commission and sign.
(The celebrant gives the Rule Book to each member).
PRESIDER: Receive the Rule of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, through studying it; meditating on
sacred scriptures, and prayer, may you be fortified in your resolve to serve the needy people of God.
NEW MEMBERS: AMEN 

4. PETITION 

PRESIDER: Let us offer our prayers to the Father of the works of these members:
P: For the leaders of our Church, that they will be supported in the promoting works of justice and
charity among God’s people. Let us pray to the Lord, Lord hear us.
P: For the sick, the lonely, needy and those suffering pain, that they will experience the healing
power of Christ. Let us pray to the Lord, Lord hear us.
P: For the members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, that they will continue to grow in the
knowledge of Christ’s message of justice and charity. Let us pray to the Lord, Lord hear us
P: For our ……………Conference of St. Vincent de Paul, that it will serve our people well, in both giving
of themselves and witnessing to the generosity of Christ. Let us pray to the Lord, Lord hear us.
P: For all God’s people, that we may come to greater consciousness of God’s love and concern for us
and our neighbours, Let us pray to the Lord, Lord hear us
P: For all the faithful servants of the Lord who have died in His friendship. Let us pray to the Lord,
Lord hear us
P: Father, help us to serve your people in truth, justice and love that they may come to know, love
and serve you.

WE ASK ALL THIS IN THE NAME OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.
AMEN
P: Let us pray as Christ taught us
All: OUR FATHER WHO ART IN HEAVEN……………………….
P: May Almighty God bless you, in the name of the Father and the son and the Holy Spirit.
All: AMEN
P: Let us go forth strengthened to do God’s work to serve his people.
ALL: THANKS BE TO GOD

SSVP Rule Book PDF

  

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