From the Director

The annual VM October National Conference is always a busy time for Bette Meyer and me, but a time we look forward to and enjoy. The coming together of VM representatives and members is always an enriching experience.

In addition to the Sunday “business” meeting, we had a pre-conference meeting with the VMs—including chapter representatives and members from the VM
Advisory Council. We discussed the concerns of the local chapters and the effectiveness of the National Office, as well as new directions for the Victorious Missionaries in the future.

During the sharing of concerns and ideas, I was aware of the strong desire of those present to
address the challenges of who we are called to be as VMs and also, how to deal with today’s challenges One issue has always been transportation. Other concerns, such as recruitment of new members and sharing responsibilities of leadership, demand that we take a fresh look in response to the present needs.

Several ideas that surfaced that I find energizing are an increased use of the internet to improve
communication and keep us better connected as a national organization and getting more involved
with other disability organizations in your local area. If we did events together, there could be a
greater sharing of responsibilities among the various memberships.

While we may not know what the future has in store for us, we still can position ourselves to be better able to deal with the challenges that we encounter.

Br. Tom Ruhmann, O.M.I.
VM National Director
truhmann@oblatesusa.org

Chapter News

Marian Chapter-Belleville, IL The Marian Chapter participated with four other non-profit organizations in the Metro East Community Charities Auction on October 8. The Belleville, Illinois Chapter has participated in this annual event each of the last eighteen years. Local businesses/organizations and private citizens support the chapter by donating goods and services to
be entered into a silent and an oral auction. VM Chapter members and supporters collect and organize the donations. This year the MECCA auction was held at a local Belleville high school. Roughly 200 people were in attendance.

Proceeds from this year’s auction will be used to help provide transportation to the chapter’s monthly
Day of Renewal. The Day of Renewal provides an opportunity for liturgy, fellowship, information gathering and entertainment. Funds are also used to provide local scholarship assistance to the VM October National Conference and Winter Retreat. This year the chapter will also make a donation to a St. Louis, Missouri area soldier who was disabled in Iraq.

The Marian Chapter is in the process of constructing an internet website. There are also plans to take
advantage of the social media platforms, Facebook and Twitter. The chapter is doing this in an attempt to keep its current membership more easily informed and to appeal to prospective members

Victorious Missionaries
NATIONAL SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF THE SNOWS
442 S. DeMazenod Dr.        Belleville, IL 62223-1023
618-394-6281 (TDD)   FAX 618-397-1210
www.vmusa.org