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Why Am I a Vincentian? -Video- 1080 1080 SVDP USA
  • Kristen Blacksher

Why Am I a Vincentian? -Video-

Why Am I a Vincentian? Hear what three Vincentians – Mike, Pamela, and Marge – have to say about why they joined the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Marge McGinlly, Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Mt. Holly, New Jersey: It’s fun. It’s a lot of fun, yes.   Mike Flynn, Society of…

07-03-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA
  • Jill Pioter

07-03-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders

As we gather to celebrate the 4th of July, our nation’s Independence Day, we are reminded of the founding principles that have shaped our country: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These ideals, deeply embedded in the fabric of our society, are not just lofty aspirations, but calls to action that resonate profoundly with…

Contemplation: To Wait for God’s Own Time 800 800 SVDP USA
  • Kristen Blacksher

Contemplation: To Wait for God’s Own Time

By Timothy Williams, Senior Director of Formation and Leadership Development  The church calls the laity to “fulfill their prophetic mission by evangelization” which has “peculiar efficacy because it is accomplished in the ordinary circumstances of the world.” [CCC, 905] Our Vincentian vocation, our special way of living our faith, also defines our special way of…

Society of St. Vincent de Paul Statement on Supreme Court Decision in Grant’s Pass Vs. Gloria Johnson 552 552 SVDP USA
  • Jill Pioter

Society of St. Vincent de Paul Statement on Supreme Court Decision in Grant’s Pass Vs. Gloria Johnson

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul expresses concern regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson. By ruling in favor of the plaintiff, the Supreme Court has signaled that local governments can make it a crime for someone to live outside and unsheltered if they have no home.…

06-27-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA
  • Jill Pioter

06-27-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders

Embracing Growth When I was in my late 20’s, and going through a tough time, I remember my Mom telling me “you need to go see a Priest!” Growing up as the 5th of 7 kids in an Irish Catholic home in Pittsburgh, there is one important thing learned at an early age: Listen to…

Contemplation: The Challenge of Modern Times 800 800 SVDP USA
  • Kristen Blacksher

Contemplation: The Challenge of Modern Times

By Timothy Williams, Senior Director of Formation & Leadership Development Blessed Frédéric and his friends founded the Society in 1833 in answer to a challenge posed to them by another group of students in a discussion group called the Conference of History. The other students, adherents to San Simonianism, a form of utopian socialism, believed…

06-20-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA
  • Jill Pioter

06-20-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders

My last Servant Leader column on Encounter generated quite a few comments and discussions. That is great, because these columns should be opportunities for us to exchange thoughts and ideas, not just read what someone else has to say. I wanted to continue the discussion for another week, with a few thoughts and clarifications generated…

Contemplation: To Discern, Not to Decide 800 800 SVDP USA
  • Kristen Blacksher

Contemplation: To Discern, Not to Decide

By Tim Williams, Senior Director of Formation & Leadership Development In the Society of St Vincent de Paul, “all decisions are made by consensus after the necessary prayer, reflection and consultation.” [Rule, Part I, 3.10] In other words, we don’t simply vote the minority “off the island,” but instead ensure that every voice is heard…

06-13-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA
  • Jill Pioter

06-13-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders

I’m told rather often how some of our Servant Leader columns become agenda items for discussion at Conference meetings. Outside of our ongoing VisionSVdP process, this may be the most important column you could ever use to stimulate not just conversation, but crucial activity to benefit your Conference’s future. At our Midyear Business Meeting, I…

Contemplation: Another Advocate 800 800 SVDP USA
  • Kristen Blacksher

Contemplation: Another Advocate

By Timothy Williams, Senior Director of Formation & Leadership Development In 1833, President (and Spiritual Advisor) Emmanuel Bailly opened the first meeting of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul praying “Veni, Sancte Spiritus…” We continue this special devotion to the Holy Spirit today, beginning our Opening Prayers at Conference Meetings with the very same…

06-06-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA
  • Jill Pioter

06-06-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders

Over the last year, you have heard me speak and write often about the ‘Encounter.’ Regrettably, some people are uncomfortable about my use of that term, as they seem to feel that it takes away from the traditional emphasis of the Society on the term ‘Home Visit’ as what they perceive as the heart and…

Contemplation: A Culture of Encounter 800 800 SVDP USA
  • Kristen Blacksher

Contemplation: A Culture of Encounter

By Tim Williams, Senior Director of Formation & Leadership Development The Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the Home Visit both were formed when Frédéric Ozanam declared in 1833 that “we must do what Our Lord Jesus Christ did” and “go to the poor.” [Baunard, 65] The very first Rule in 1835 enshrined “the…

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