By Sr. Sara Kowal, SCTJM

Veritatis Splendor Institute – What is it and why does it matter?
St. John of the Cross once quipped, “Where there is no love, put love, and you will find love.” It’s easy to complain about “the world today.” And, to be fair, there are some things to complain about. It is not hard to find a daily example of what is “wrong with the world.” But, what I would offer to those (often true) complaints is the challenge of St. John of the Cross: “Where there is no love, put love.”

Evil is not a thing. Evil is the absence of the love, goodness, truth, and beauty that should be somewhere. Evil is a lack. It is a lack of good. Therefore, to solve the problem of evil, the answer is to fill the lacking with God who is the source of the love, goodness, truth and beauty that is often missing today. Who is responsible for doing that? We are. That is the mission of every human person, and particularly of every Christian. We are called to be the salt and leaven that fills the world with His presence – the only presence who can solve the ache of the human heart.

So how do we do this? Well, to begin, we have to be filled first. We cannot give what we do not have. This is where Veritatis Splendor Institute comes in, VSI for short. It was created to be in the business of “filling and forming.” It was created to equip disciples to better know and love their faith so they can more effectively share it with others. It helps us understand more fully the gift and treasure we have and impels us to share that gift with others in need.

Who is it for?
VSI is for everyone. In many ways, it was initially designed for those who minister in the Church or teach the faith in some form: catechists, youth ministers, OCIA teachers, music directors, prayer team leaders, and more. If this applies to you, we urge you to seriously consider signing up for VSI.

For those ministering in the Church, it is so important to know our faith well, to know it in a way in which we can effectively communicate it to others, so that its life-changing effects can be experienced with power.

Others of you may be thinking, “I am not a teacher of the faith, so I am not sure if I need this.” We would disagree. Everyone is called to be a teacher of the faith in some form. Everyone is called to be able to “be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope” (1 Pet 3:15). It is truly for everyone. Moreover, the experience of VSI is deeply enriching for those who go through it, and growing in your own faith is another essential reason to consider it.

Parents, we would like to especially encourage you.
Parents are the first and primary catechists of their children. Yes, the catechists in our parishes and the teachers in our schools are very important, and they need to know their faith really well to teach it effectively. But parents have a primary and more fundamental role in imparting the faith to their children. VSI is for parents in a special way, to help them fulfill this sacred and beautiful responsibility.

How does it work and where does it take place?
VSI takes place one Saturday a month, beginning in September and ending in June. On those days, you gather with other people from across the diocese to pray, learn, share, and grow. It is more than simply attending class; participants pray together, have a monthly small group, have Mass, share meals, and more. This year, we have two possible locations: Terra Sancta in Rapid City or St. Joseph in Gregory. So, whether you live in the eastern or western part of the diocese, we have a place for you. As well, VSI includes a yearly weekend retreat.

“I’m not sure if I can because …”
It is possible that, after reading this article, you are experiencing a tug to sign up, along with all the many reasons you shouldn’t: “Who will watch my kids while I am gone? … I don’t really enjoy doing homework… Rapid City and Gregory are far away… I don’t know if I have the time or the money …” I am sure you can think of others. I would offer one simple thought for all of them: authentically good things are usually not easy and require commitment, but they are always worth it. Sometimes, we need to fight a little for the good that is before us. I have always found that the best things in life require the most effort to attain. If it does not require effort or commitment, it probably doesn’t have a lot of value. I would posit that VSI is one of those good and valuable things worth fighting for. Yes, there are certainly obstacles. But most (if not all) can be overcome if we set our minds and hearts to do so.

I leave you with the words of St. John Paul II: “The world you are inheriting is a world which needs to be touched and healed by the beauty and richness of God’s love. It needs witnesses to love. You … are the first evangelizers of your world, tormented today by many challenges and menaces. You, above all, can do this. No one can replace you. Many people … do not know Christ, or do not know him well enough. You cannot, therefore, remain silent and indifferent! You must have the courage to speak of Christ. Christ trusts you. Christ needs you.”