Hispanic lay Vincentian groups have met throughout the state to study, support their local church and grow in spirituality with fellow parishioners since 2007 and are now joined by their Anglo counterparts.
In October, an English version began. Groups of English-speaking and Spanish-speaking Catho lics, and some non-Catholics, meet in Little Rock, North Little Rock, Arkadelphia and other areas in the state.
The program came to Arkansas after Father Tom Stehlik, CM, pastor of St. Anne Church in North Little Rock, attended one in California. Those who put on the retreat came to Arkansas from St. Vincent Church in Los Angeles and held the first retreat in North Little Rock.
It was originally intended to help Hispanic Catholics become more involved in their parishes.
“It is a formation process for the laity that starts with a retreat experience. It began as a way to help immigrants who are here to become rooted in their parish. Through the Holy Spirit, it helps them become involved and invested in their faith and their Church,” he said.
Now, the focus has extended to building community between parishioners, especially when they come from different cultures.
“The special thing of this is the brotherhood. You feel it inside the retreat. They are very, very special days when you are finished there that we all feel like brothers and sisters, and that is one of the keys for us trying to have a better life,” said Guillermo Bruzatori, administrator of the Vincentian program at St. Anne.
The process starts with a retreat — four days for Hispanics and three days for Anglos — with separate retreats for men and women.
“During St. Vincent (de Paul)’s time, there was a movement to renew the graces of baptism and the call people receive as disciples,” Father Stehlik said.
Mary Jo Dumboski went to the October retreat and now meets one night a week with her small faith group.
“It bridges the gap between all of us, and we’re able to connect with each other more deeply,” she said.
Those who choose to become a missioner meet regularly to pray and reflect together, and to do service in the parish. At the retreat, they receive crosses to wear in their faith communities.
It’s part of the charism of the order founded by St. Vincent de Paul nearly 400 years ago, which they learn about at the retreat and commit to as missioners. The Vincentian charism focuses on developing relationships, caring for people and being involved in helping others and supporting your church.
“You almost can’t tell people about it. It’s something they have to experience. It’s like telling people about falling in love — the words don’t do justice to it,” Father Stehlik said. “The atmosphere is so different, because you experience love, kindness, respect and forgiveness.”
“It was so full of life. It was the most uplifting experience. Everything they did was with a big smile on their face and hugs — just love, you could just see the spirit of Jesus oozing out of them,” Dumboski said of the retreat.
The program helped with the process of providing North Little Rock Hispanic Catholics a home at St. Anne.
“And one of the good things we are seeing here in this community is that we better mingle with each other. We know each other better, and it is incredible what is happening at this church,” Bruzatori said.
The parish is growing closer in relationships and their shared faith, said Diane Mathis, who was secretary at St. Anne for 30 years.
“The Vincentians are God’s hands to reach out to people and form them into a home with us. It is something to experience,” she said.
