From April April 16 to April 19, 140 members of the Vincentian Family gathered in Plymouth Michigan, a suburb of Detroit, for the 5th annual Vincentian Family Gathering.

Federation members joined with members of the Congregation of the Mission, members of the St. Vincent De Paul Society, Ladies of Charity, Vincentian Volunteers, Trinitarians, and co-workers to learn more about systemic change.

Eddie Friel and Allison Boisvert were key note speakers relating to the title of the event: Seeds of Hope. Panels giving examples of innovative projects and ideas for funding new initiatives were alsopresented. All the participants had the opportunity to travel to Detroit to experience systemic change in action at two sites, a hospital converted into a multi-service center and a bakery operated by the formerly homeless.

Informal conversation, prayer together and wonderful entertainment provided by the Men of Grace choir made the time together totally enjoyable as well as educational.