Many Stories, One Light

Every story matters. Every person can shine.

God did not create one kind of person, one type of work, or one way of being. He created a human family where each of us is called to reflect His love and become a light for others.

Many Stories, One Light celebrates the diversity of people, experiences, gifts, and vocations that make up our communities, united by a shared commitment to putting faith into action.

Through four themes - Belong, Grow, Serve, and Shine - the SVP invites people of all ages to journey together. We are called to belong to communities rooted in friendship and faith, grow in compassion and confidence, serve with purpose through acts of love and justice, and shine as signs of hope in the world around us.

These resources support young people to explore the Vincentian mission and discover how their unique story can help bring Christ's light into the world. Together, though our stories may be different, we share one light.

A September welcome back prayer resource

Please find below a variety of resources that can be used to create a welcome back session. Perfect for INSET days, chaplaincy launches, assemblies, form times, RE lessons or Youth SVP meetings as communities begin the new academic year together. We have an example assembly session, as well as all of the components to build your own welcome back celebration time for young people, or staff. 

Example Assembly

Video Reflection

Prayers

Suggested Scriptures with reflections

Activities

Pope Leo 

 

Seasonal liturgical resources throughout the year

Prayer, reflection and activity ideas linked to the Church’s liturgical seasons, alongside monthly saint reflections connected to feast days celebrated in the Church.

Advent

December

January

February

March

April

May

Morning Prayer of the Church

This resource is designed to help Youth SVP groups and chaplains bring Morning Prayer of the Church, also known as Lauds, into their daily routine. It includes a leader’s guide and five morning prayers for each day, Monday to Friday, across four weeks.

Each prayer follows the structure of Morning Prayer and includes a short reflection on the Scripture reading, connecting God’s Word with the lives of young people and the Vincentian call to serve others. Each day ends with a practical call to action, encouraging young people to put their faith into practice through small, meaningful acts of compassion, friendship and service.

Leader's Guide

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

 

Flexible resources for your setting

Adaptable ideas, discussion starters, crafts, reflections and calls to action designed for primary schools, secondary schools, universities, chaplaincies and parish groups.

Coming October Half Term in preparation for Advent

A light of my own

An activity inviting young people to reflect on what makes them unique, celebrate the different stories and gifts within their community, and bring their individual lights together as a symbol of how we are united in sharing God’s love with others.

A chain of light
An activity encouraging young people to recognise the light in others and share messages of kindness, hope and encouragement, bringing their individual words together in a chain of lights that reminds their community that everyone matters.

Prayer Stations

These prayer stations invite people to explore the theme Many Stories, One Light through quiet reflection, Scripture and simple activities. Each station offers an opportunity to pause, spend time with God and reflect on how Christ’s light shines through our own stories and the lives of those around us. The stations can be used individually or as part of a group prayer session, retreat or reflection day. Allow young people to move at their own pace, taking time to pray, reflect and respond in whatever way feels meaningful to them. There are no right or wrong answers. The aim is to create space to encounter God, recognise the light we each carry and consider how we can share it with others.

Resources exploring Magnifica Humanitas

Discussion materials and activities to help young people engage with Pope Leo XIV’s new encyclical through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching, the stories and work of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, and Vincentian spirituality.

 

A Lent campaign to ‘Shine Your Light’

Inspiring young people to put faith into action through service, awareness, reflection and community engagement, alongside weekly video reflections throughout Lent.

Coming Soon 

Free mission-inspired posters

Celebrating the many ways ordinary people can shine God’s light in everyday life, with additional colouring quote posters available online.

 

Infographic poster

An engaging infographic poster introducing young people to the St Vincent de Paul Society, its work and the importance of helping others.

Pope Leo XIV ‘Weavers of Hope’ poster

An inspirational quote poster featuring Pope Leo XIV’s message to encourage hope, generosity and sharing what we have with others.

Pope Leo XIV 'Construction Site' poster

Pope Leo XIV 'Civilization of love' poster