Linda and I attended and presented at the Midwest Region Meeting 2025. We are all grateful to Chuck Korte, Midwest Region RVP, for his joy and willingness to involve us as presenters and attendees at the meeting. We are also thankful for Barbara, our co-presenter and Conference Coach of St. Patrick Youth Conference in McEwen, Tennessee, who welcomed us at the airport and drove us to downtown Nashville for some great memories. Lastly, we want to express our gratitude to Ron, District Council President of Tennessee, for his exceptional organization that ensured everything ran smoothly, and his warm welcome.
Thank you to all those who contributed and made the Midwest meeting a success!
Thursday, May 22
Linda and I arrived Thursday morning and were blessed to reconnect with Barbara, whom I met last year at the National Assembly; we cut onions together at the SVdP in Phoenix. The three of us traveled downtown Tennessee and heard some nice country music. Once we arrived back at the hotel, we all set up our tables with various materials—stickers, socks, sunglasses, and prayer cards, amongst other items. It was then time for our Social Gathering, where we met Rick, a Vincentian from Iowa, who had previously met our ELT Co-Spiritual Advisor, Sarah, as she connected with him by trying to start a University Conference. It was so great to meet him! We also met Bill from St. Louis, who is interested in starting a Youth Conference there. That night, I also had a Zoom meeting with Sarah and a Nominee for the Young Vincentian Excellence Award 2025. After that concluded, Linda and I hopped on our YYAEL Committee Zoom meeting. With that, Thursday came to a close, but our hearts were full, and we were eager for what joys the next day would hold.
Friday, May 23
After breakfast, Linda and I walked around the hotel’s boulevard, enjoying the sun before a day of workshops. Starting off with Regional Vice President Chuck Korte’s welcome, he reminded us of the importance of the Essential Elements, and that it is “okay to steal here, and by that, I mean to steal ideas. We are here to share common problems; we are here to share common solutions. Some of the best ideas I have ever gotten have come from Regional and National meetings, so please talk with your fellow Vincentians.” This message set the tone for the day, filling us with inspiration and motivation to build friendships and soak in all the incredible information and experience, not only the presenters shared, but from all Vincentians present.
Bishop Spalding then discussed the Theology of Abundance, a concept that is significant, not only SVdP related, but life related. It means that whatever challenges the world, or we face, God sends ever more blessings to address that issue, concern, trial, or crisis. Bishop Spalding reminded us that this concept comes from St. Paul and how the Saint acknowledged that where there is sin, “grace ever more abounds.” Theology of Abundance can guide our work and encourage us to always see the potential for good, even in the face of adversity.
Then, Michael Acaldo reminded us to always invite and welcome new members into the Society, including Youth and Young Adults. To encourage other Vincentians, he put on SVdP Youth sunglasses that we had at our YYA table.
Linda and I then learned about the incredible impact of Hope Pharmacies.
After a nice lunch, we listened to a Best Practices Panel, which shed some insight on various topics, such as Standards of Excellence, audits, and special works.
Sean Myers, National Vice President of Membership and Leadership Development, discussed how to re-energize and encourage Vincentians to recruit new members. He challenged us to return to our Parishes or communities and ask at least one person to consider joining St. Vincent de Paul. Be creative and trust in the Holy Spirit!
After a wonderful Mass, during which Fr. John emphasized the importance of loving one another, we all had a Dinner Banquet. I met Jill Lynch-Sosa, who is Omaha, Nebraska’s Executive Director, which was a wonderful God moment because I will be attending college in the Omaha area. This is another way I will be able to stay connected to SVdP while stepping into the next chapter of my life at college–what a blessing!
Saturday, May 24
We started the day with a delicious breakfast and immediately attended the Grant Writing workshop, which was insightful and informative. Fr. Michael Fye was up next; he talked about the Pastor’s role in starting and supporting an SVdP Conference. His enthusiasm and ideas were fantastic, and he recommended a book, “Navigate 2.0,” a read about better ways to communicate via the style that best fits a person, especially when talking to a Pastor about possibly starting a SVdP Conference, asking for more support, amongst other examples.
It was then time for our presentation. Barbara presented about her Youth Conference in Tennessee and their fantastic service projects and activities, highlighting a night when the Youth came together and experienced what it was like to be without a home. She shared some impactful quotes from her middle schoolers.
After Barbara’s presentation, I then presented, with help from Linda in answering questions. I discussed the steps of starting a Youth Conference while sharing recommendations on engaging Youth and Young Adults and the significance of the Conference Coaches’ role.
We then heard from the Disaster Relief Committee, a vital part of the Society that provides support and guidance on preparing for natural disasters and the correct way to contact those on the Disaster Services Corporation. Their work is crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of those in need. Though there was a closing Mass, Linda and my flight took off, so we could not attend.
With that, the Midwest Regional Meeting came to a positive and sweet conclusion. Linda and I connected with so many Vincentians, and we are so thankful for everyone’s interest and kindness. We are excited to continue promoting the involvement of Youth and Young Adults.
