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SVdP News Roundup April 29 – May 5
SVdP News Roundup April 29 – May 5 1080 1080 SVDP USA

With 100,000 Vincentians across the United States and nearly 800,000 around the world, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul provides person-to-person service to those who are needy and suffering. Read some of their stories here:

INTERNATIONAL

NATIONAL

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A Week in Prayers May 1 — May 5
A Week in Prayers May 1 — May 5 1080 1080 SVDP USA

Monday, May 1

Open my heart, Lord Jesus,
Empty me of myself.
Take away all that worries me,
And all that troubles my mind.
Take away all of my triumphs,
And all victories of this world.
Empty me of myself, O Lord,
That You may live in me,
And I may live in You.
Amen

Tuesday, May 2

Heavenly Father,
Your love is like the dewfall,
Covering the earth like a blanket
During each night’s darkness,
And rising in the growing light
To be the very air I breathe.
On this path, O Lord,
May Your light guide me
And Your truth lead me,
As I seek to follow Your way.
Amen

Wednesday, May 3

In everything I do, O Lord,
In everything I say,
Let me be Your instrument.
Do not let my own hesitation,
Selfishness, or worry
Stand in the way of Your love
Shining forth through my smile
My manner,
And my actions.
Amen

Thursday, May 4

Lord, help me to bear wordless witness;
To proclaim Your truth by living my faith.
May my neighbor come to know You
Through my acts of mercy and love,
In the name of Your son Jesus Christ.
Amen

Friday, May 5

O my Jesus, forgive me.
In Your mercy, make me whole.
Measure out Your mercy,
As I have measured mine,
Knowing, as I do, that it is You
I serve in the neighbor.
Amen

Daily Prayers are written by Tim Williams, National Vincentian Formation Director.
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Dedicated Vincentians Assist Those Affected by Recent Tornadoes
Dedicated Vincentians Assist Those Affected by Recent Tornadoes 1024 768 SVDP USA

SVdP Disaster Services Corporation is proud to announce that Vincentians Tom and Kathy Williams, both highly-trained DSC representatives, have successfully completed their deployment in Mississippi, where they spent six days tirelessly working to support disaster survivors in Rolling Fork and Silver City after the devastating tornadoes that hit in March 2023.

DSC sends trained volunteers to disaster sites across the country to support Councils in recovery efforts. During their time in Mississippi, Tom and Kathy helped a total of 99 households, providing referrals to legal services, crisis cleanup, medical care, and state insurance boards. They also assisted with FEMA relief applications, ensuring that those impacted by the disaster could receive the aid they needed to recover.

As volunteers, they had the privilege of meeting with community leaders and supporting the local SVdP Council’s disaster recovery efforts in the community. Throughout their deployment, Tom and Kathy witnessed the strength and resilience of the community. They expressed how grateful they were to be trusted with the survivors’ stories, and they will forever hold them in their hearts.

Tom and Kathy’s deployment made an important difference in the lives of these disaster survivors. DSC is proud of the work that Tom and Kathy accomplished, who are grateful for the opportunity to serve those in need.

Tom and Kathy feel blessed by their experience in Mississippi. Although the deployment may be over, the community is undoubtedly in good hands with local Vincentians and Pastor Britt Williamson. The work started by Kathy and Tom is being continued by Diane Clark, Vincentian and SE Regional Disaster Chair, and Jessica Duran, Vincentian and full-time Disaster Case Manager, who is taking time off from her regular duties to travel to Mississippi and provide further assistance to disaster survivors in their journey towards recovery.

Please visit www.svdpdisaster.org to learn more about how you can support our mission.

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05-04-2023 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
05-04-2023 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 900 900 SVDP USA

Good Shepherd….Good Plumber

“The Lord is my plumber. That is not what you expected me to say, right?”

Fr. Thomas, well known for his short Homilies, had his flock captivated. He went on to explain that since he had not seen any shepherds out and about, it goes without saying that we need to find another person more relatable to our times.

Good nurse. Good farmer. Good teacher. Good boss. Good mechanic. Good janitor. Good garbage man.

During His ministry, Jesus used parables as a teaching tool. In this Sunday’s Gospel reading He reminds us, “I am the gate for the sheep.”

What tools are available to us today, as we face the challenges of a shrinking church? Drawing most members from our retired population, we appear to have come out of the pandemic leaner than we would have year after year in “normal” times.

With the closures and merges of churches across the country, most of us have been displaced in one format or another. For some, the demographics of our communities have changed. I know for me, after 23 years in one parish, the thought of change traumatized me.

But if I was honest, the parish my heart yearned for was only in my memory.

Then one asks, if I am not growing with my community, do I need to look for a different gate?

Recently I moved to a new parish: Mary, Mother of God. Going in, I knew they had recently completed their “Renew My Church” process. Renew My Church is the movement employed by the Archdiocese to address the challenges being faced in Chicago as Mass attendance dwindles.

I came from what is considered a diverse parish. I have visited many diverse parishes, but never have I felt as a powerful welcoming force as I have at Mary, Mother of God Parish.

On Easter Sunday, Fr. Robert Cook wished us all a Happy Easter in 11 languages (English, French for Francophone Africans, Vietnamese, Lao, Tagalog, Spanish, Yoruba, Edo, Igbo, Tigrinya [Eritreans], and Polish). Looking at the reactions on the faces of those in the pews next to me, I could see how this was received with a warm embrace of togetherness.

Beyond languages spoken by those present that day, Mass is celebrated weekly in English, Spanish, and Viet/Lao. Monthly Masses: Eritreans (Ge’ez Rite) and Burmese. The pastoral council has representation not only from all the groups, but also from the churches that were part of the mergers and other churches that were closed.

Seeing a diverse group of people continue to attend Mass together week after week is extremely encouraging. The pastor has been extremely intentional in fostering a sense of belonging for everyone who walks into the church, including our brothers and sisters experiencing homelessness, who often come for a cup of coffee after Mass.

One would think all of that was enough to tell me I had found my home parish. When a group of us reached out to Fr. Bob about reactivating the Society of St Vincent de Paul, little did we know what a perfect fit this would be.

The parish has an outreach ministry, Canterbury House, “which feeds the soul, and relates to feeding the body through the soup kitchen and food pantry. It is a Eucharist community in service to the parish through prayer, outreach, fellowship, and Catholic social thought.”

This is where we as Vincentians have found a new home. We find ourselves part of a group that opens its doors every Monday from 1 – 5 pm, and invites people living outside to come in as our neighbors. It’s a reverse Home Visit — but so enriching.

I have learned more about accepting the other during these Monday afternoon visits. Been overcome by the beauty of friendships being created. Seeing them embrace Canterbury House as a place where they are not shunned, but rather, are family. The beautiful experience is the brainchild of James Murphy, who is the full-time live-in community member of Canterbury House.

At Mary, Mother of God I have found a community full of Good Plumbers.

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Contemplation — Cheerful Givers
Contemplation — Cheerful Givers 1080 1080 SVDP USA

“God loves a cheerful giver,” the Apostle reminds us, and so, we might observe, does every person made in His image. Who wants a guest at their birthday party to grudgingly hand over a gift, sighing under the weight of all the stress of shopping for it? Thankfully, there are few such guests. Instead, the great anticipation of the recipient’s joy at seeing the gift often makes us impatient to see it opened.

The beauty of gifts given freely to friends is that they are given completely unconditionally; we don’t consider for a moment whether a friend deserves a birthday present, or whether they will repay it. Our goal is only to find the perfect gift. When we receive gifts, we can hardly help but be happy.

If by chance, the shirt is the wrong size or color, or we’ve already read that book, we always know that it’s the thought that counts; it’s the friendship and love that accompanies the gift that we really celebrate. In the same way, St. Vincent teaches, “God does not consider the outcome of the good work undertaken but the charity that accompanied it.” [CCD I:205] It is not the gift, but the giving that matters.

We bring gifts to each neighbor we visit, and giving them unconditionally, and never “taking the attitude that …recipients have to prove that they deserve it.” [Manual, Ch 2] Those gifts might include help with a bill, or food, or rent, or “any form of help that alleviates suffering or deprivation and promotes human dignity and personal integrity in all their dimensions.” [Rule, Part I, 1.3]

Most importantly, though, we “never forget that giving love, talents and time is more important than giving money.” [Rule, Part I, 3.14] What makes a birthday gift so special is the thought and care and love that goes into finding it, wrapping it, and giving it. What makes our gift of time and self to the neighbor so special is thought and care and love that goes into answering their calls, visiting them cheerfully, and always helping in the best way that we can.

When we knock on the neighbor’s door it should be with the same joyful anticipation with which we arrive at a party, with gift in hand. Every home visit is an opportunity to remind the neighbor that God has not abandoned them; to bring them the gift of love – the love of God.

Home visits should never be approached as a chore. They are a special grace from God, given to us so that we might see Him, serve Him, and make ourselves the instruments of His boundless love. It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Contemplate

“Why,” St. Louise asked, “are our souls not in a continuous state of joy and happiness?” [SWLM, A.14B]

Recommended Reading

Mystic of Charity

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SVdP News Roundup April 22 – April 28
SVdP News Roundup April 22 – April 28 1080 1080 SVDP USA

With 100,000 Vincentians across the United States and nearly 800,000 around the world, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul provides person-to-person service to those who are needy and suffering. Read some of their stories here:

INTERNATIONAL

NATIONAL

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A Week in Prayers April 24 – April 28
A Week in Prayers April 24 – April 28 1080 1080 SVDP USA

Monday, April 24

Heavenly Father, hear my prayer,
Offered to You in faith.
Holy Spirit, live within me,
Strengthen me with hope.
Show me, Jesus, the Way and Truth,
Fill my heart with love.
Amen

Tuesday, April 25

Dear Lord Jesus,
Risen and scarred,
Light of eternal life.
Show me Your hands, O Lord.
Not so that I may believe,
But so that I remember
This, too, shall pass.
Amen

Wednesday, April 26

Lord in heaven
In Your name,
I will seek to serve.
Jesus Savior,
For Your sake,
I will give myself.
Holy Spirit,
With Your love,
I will light hearts on fire.
Amen

Thursday, April 27

Watch over me in this valley, Lord,
And I will have no fear.
Though trials and troubles surround me,
I know that You are near.

Await me on the mountain, Lord,
And call me from above.
Your fire within me, I will climb,
To join with You in love.
Amen

Friday, April 28

Fill me, Lord,
With the love that is ever-giving,
That multiplies as it is given,
The love that can only be a gift,
The gift that can only be gratuitous,
Patient, kind, and true.
Fill me, Lord, to overflowing.
Send Your love through me.
Amen

Daily Prayers are written by Tim Williams, National Vincentian Formation Director.
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04-27-2023 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
04-27-2023 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 900 900 SVDP USA

At the recent Vincentian Family conference hosted by DePaul University, we learned about how the Vincentian charism has grown in both size and impact around the world. From Vincent and Louise, through Frédéric and Rosalie, and so many others, to the Saints-in-training working alongside us today, we are a global force for good and charity.

It struck me especially how different Frédéric Ozanam was, and would be today, from so many others in his various professions. He was a lawyer, a professor, and a newspaper contributor/editor, as well as a husband and father. I’m sure that if social media were around in the 1830’s, Frederic would have been an “influencer” as well, using all available communications channels to spread his observations and ideas.

Ah, but that’s where the difference was made. The world then, and certainly now, is full of lawyers, professors and media types who like to talk, to complain about life and about others, and to offer ideas — always for someone else to do. Frederic stands out then, and now, because he didn’t just shout from the rooftops; no, he went out and did something.

While providing commentary and ideas is doing something at some level, putting your ideas into actions that help people, spread the Catholic faith, and engage others to join you is quite another thing. Maybe it was Frédéric’s young age, when energy and enthusiasm may be at our highest. Maybe it was the mentors and professionals such as Emmanuel Bailly who encouraged and supported his voice. Perhaps it was urging from Sister Rosalie Rendu, who provided practical outlets for his desire to help others. Or maybe it was the inner zeal Frédéric had to “do a little good” in his life, as he was aware of life’s frailties and possibly  of the short lifetime he had in which to work.

As a servant leader, Frédéric led by example. He went on the first Home Visits. He continued to speak and defend his ideas in public forums where he was at times subjected to ridicule. He met with Church leaders, including several Popes, to create and advocate for change. Along with his friends, he organized the meetings and the standards that would become the Rule to keep the initial energy of what would become the Society in front of others. He realized that while one person can and should do something good for the poor, real societal impact comes through leading others to carry on and expand one’s vision and efforts.

Is it any wonder that we promote this man’s Sainthood?

While the canonization process unfolds, we can promote his cause best by following his example.  The world today is full of talkers (and shouters) and writers, but is lacking in people to do the necessary tasks to help one another. As Vincentians we may feel relatively few, but we are mighty in our works and impact. Joining with nearly 900,000 Society members around the world, we are surely a force for good within the Church and within our communities.

The work is hard. What we see in poverty around us can break our hearts. Sometimes it seems that the systems around us thwart our efforts and even the opportunities of those they are designed to protect.  Yet we persevere in fellowship with our fellow members and in our seeing the face of Christ in those we serve.

We don’t just talk. We Do.

Frédéric Ozanam and his friends led the way for us. When someone responds to our words with “So what are you doing about it?” we can smile and carry on. And invite them to join us.

Yours in Christ,
Dave Barringer

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Friends of the Poor Grant Awardees — April 2023
Friends of the Poor Grant Awardees — April 2023 150 150 SVDP USA

We received 57 grant applications totaling $285,000. Grant awards for this round total $75,000.

Through simple application process, SVdP Conferences and District Councils can apply for up to $5,000 from the National Council’s Friends of the Poor® Fund. The Friends of the Poor® funds available to grant is normally limited to the amount raised and/or approved by the National Council budget process. Individual grant award amounts may vary from the application amount but will not exceed $5,000.

Grants are targeted to specific areas of need, above and beyond available Conference resources: assistance for rent/housing, utilities, food, clothing, medical, transportation, and baby/children needs. No systemic change projects.

 

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Local and National Stores Committee Team Up With Great Results in Richmond
Local and National Stores Committee Team Up With Great Results in Richmond 320 240 SVDP USA

Written by: Ed Markiewicz — Eastern Region, Council of Greensburg

The Council of Richmond initiated a new endeavor to support the mission and invigorate efforts to serve those in need.

When faced with the question of how to meet the increasing need for help, the Richmond Council discussed the idea of opening a SVdP Thrift Store and Donation Center and decided to form a committee to explore the idea.

Initial steps included:  finding funding sources, locating a suitable building and location, identifying donation sources, leasing & legal requirements, operational set-up and management details.

Realizing guidance was available through the National SVdP; the Council knew where to turn for help.

Members Dan Kearns-Executive Director and Deacon Andy Cirmo-Spiritual Advisor, traveled to the National Assembly in Baltimore, MD to attend the National Stores Thrift Store Committee meeting to gather more information and assistance.  They met with the Stores Committee Members and learned what resources and expert help was available on the National Stores website www.svdpusa-thriftstore.org.

Dan & Deacon Andy returned home with new enthusiasm and continued determination to make the first SVdP Thrift Store and Donation Center in the Richmond Diocese a reality.

Both Dan & Deacon Andy recognized the importance of the project, so Dan then visited the SVdP National Training Store in Phoenix, AZ to view the operations and procedures implemented in a successful store.

Dan met with Jeff Beamguard-National Stores Director, as well as other members of the Stores Committee who shared ideas and information that would help make the Richmond Store’s planning and opening as smooth as possible.  Using the advice and guidance available, along with the resources on the website, the process began to move forward.

Deacon Andy’s extensive retail experience provided hands-on expertise with the layout of the site, utilizing every feature to create an effective presentation with an unobstructed views of all the goods, as well as a Boutique area, furniture displays and a children’s area, all creating a welcoming atmosphere.

On the right of the entrance, a small area was dedicated to advertising what the Society of St Vincent de Paul does, with informational flyers and an invitation to support and join.

After much planning and effective implementation, the opening day was set for Saturday April 15, 2023.  A Dedication Blessing, sanctioned by the Bishop, took place on March 28, 2023, attended by the many volunteers and supporters.

Now open, the store can become just what was needed, not only to financially support the needs of the Council, but to create a visible presence for the Society.  The store will become the face of St. Vincent de Paul in the Diocese of Richmond.

The opening day results and the days that followed proved to be astounding.

Congratulations to the Richmond Council on your first SVdP Thrift Store!

If you are considering opening a store in your region or are interested in ideas to improve your store’s operations, please consider attending the National Assembly Stores Meeting on September 6, 2023 in St. Louis, MO.

Please encourage your store personnel to subscribe to the to the e-Gazette, by emailing mboyer@svdpusa.org

If you have a topic that you would like addressed in a future Stores Corner article, please e-mail Jeff Beamguard,  Director of Stores Support at jbeamguard@svdpusa.org.

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