Voluntary Poverty

What does this gift mean?

Voluntary poverty is a charism of joyful simplicity and solidarity with people who are poor. The Diocese of Cleveland inventory roots it in Jesus' love for the poor and in a lifestyle shaped by that love. For a high school student, this does not mean leaving home or rejecting your family. It means telling the truth about extra stuff, status, and waste, and choosing generosity. A low score is not a failure of holiness. It may simply mean God is drawing you through a different gift right now.

What might it look like in everyday life?

• Skip a purchase and give the money or the time to someone in need.
• Wear, eat, and travel more simply when showing off is the real goal.
• Spend time with people your social circle usually ignores.

How can I use this gift to serve others?

Give up one comfort this week and use what you save, in money or time, for someone else.

How might I explore this gift in VEYM?

These ideas are for the Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Movement. Any parish youth group can use them too.

• Choose a service project that puts you alongside people who have less.
• Help the group spend less on decorations and more on the people you serve.
• Talk with members about gratitude and enough, without shaming anyone.