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04-17-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
04-17-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

VisionSVdP Phase III

In today’s Frédéric’s Five, you will find links to all the data from the VisionSVdP Listening Sessions held in 2024. There is a lot of data in there — and a lot of information to look over and read. It is fascinating to see the comments from Vincentians from all over the country about their thoughts, feelings, and ideas regarding the future of SVdP USA! I urge you to jump in and look through the comments of your brother and sister Vincentians.

As we have begun a preliminary analysis of the comments, there have been some emerging themes that have been identified.  These include:

  • Advocacy & Social Justice
  • Collaboration & Partnership
  • Communication & Outreach
  • Home Visit & Service Delivery
  • Membership & Recruitment
  • Organizational Structure & Governance
  • Resource Allocation & Fundraising
  • Special Works
  • Spirituality & Core Values
  • Technology Adoption
  • Training & Formation

Of these Emerging themes, the Top 5 that had comments associated with them were:

  • Home Visit & Service Delivery
  • Spirituality & Core Values
  • Membership & Recruitment
  • Organizational Structure & Governance
  • Communication & Outreach

We will be addressing these five areas in Phase III of VisionSVdP. However, there are many themes not in the top five that can easily be considered ‘subcategories’ of those five. For example, Technology Adoption is a prime candidate as a subcategory of both Organizational Structure & Governance and of Communication & Outreach. So all of the common themes are going to be addressed, as well as all other comments, in one way or another.

So, where do we go from here?

Beginning June 1, Working Groups will form at the Conference and/or Council level to begin discussion, developing suggested actions and recommendations for a specific subject. Each Working Group will focus on ONE THEME from the five above.

Instructions and materials for the Working Groups will be sent out in mid-May.

Approximately September 1, all Working Group recommendations will be sent to the highest-level Council (the Council represented by a National Council Member [NCM]).

The Council will create a Working Group that will take up all submitted recommendations and create one Council Report of Recommendations and Actions for each of the five themes above. This needs to be completed by December 1, 2025.

The Council will then elect two Delegates to the National VisionSVdP Congress, to be held in the first Quarter of 2026. These Delegates cannot be the NCM, and one Delegate should hold no Office at the Council or Conference level if possible.

All expenses for the Congress will be paid by the National Council. The Congress is anticipated to be three days of intensive work and will develop a final set of recommendations and actions.

Have a Blessed Easter.

Peace and God’s blessings,
John

John Berry
National President

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04-10-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
04-10-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

A Spiritual Lyft

Do you ever feel like you need a spiritual lift?

Last week, I started my journey of much needed spiritual lifts by spending a phenomenal day with over 300 Vincentians at St. Vincent de Paul Georgia’s Annual Spring to Life Assembly. It was so inspiring to see so many Vincentians coming together to grow closer together in spiritual friendship.

I got a priceless spiritual “lyft” by the method I used to get to the Georgia gathering. I was staying at a nearby Atlanta hotel and got a Lyft ride to the event. When I entered the rideshare vehicle, I said good morning and hello to my driver Linda. I complimented her about her warm welcome, and we started a wonderful conversation.

I asked her if she was from Georgia, and she told me  she and her family moved to Atlanta decades ago from up north, and they stayed because they loved it. As our conversation continued, she shared with me that her husband had passed away recently, and that she was driving to make ends meet.

She asked me where I was from, and I told her about Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She asked, “What brings you to our big city?”

I told her I was going to speak at a St. Vincent de Paul meeting, and the entire environment in the car changed with those simple words — a good conversation turned into a priceless encounter. It felt like the Holy Spirit entered the car with us.

Her face lit up with a smile, which served as an incredible testimony of how much our Society had touched her life. She shared that when her family moved to Atlanta many decades ago, times were tough, and the Society was there for her family when they could not pay all the rent.

As our encounter continued, she shared that when she lost her husband, the Society was there again to help her with some expenses that could have put her out on the street. She talked about St. Vincent de Paul and Catholics being phenomenal Christians. She added that St. Vincent de Paul is one group that has a long and distinguished history of service and an organization you can always count on.

Linda then shared with me her faith journey. She was an elder in her Protestant Church and loved to do prison ministry.

I asked her if she would like me to share her story, and what message she would want me to give to those members of the Society at the gathering.

She said, “Yes, please let them know that there is no other charity like St. Vincent de Paul, because of its members. Let them know how they touched my family, and kept hope alive for us during difficult times! Express to them that in our time of need, we knew they were Christians by their love.”

As Vincentians, we live for the blessing of having encounters with our neighbors in need. We all experience these priceless encounters during Home Visits, serving at special works, providing clothing and essentials through our thrift stores, and even Lyft rides.

My week was full of so many special spiritual lifts. After the Georgia assembly, I was blessed to meet and be with the Society’s International Board. It was a spiritual lift to hear how our Society is so active spreading our Vincentian Charism throughout the entire world.

Yes, members of the International Board spoke different languages, but their message was all the same – how we can serve Christ and transform the lives of those we are blessed to serve throughout the world. Many exciting international initiatives were discussed, and some will be led by our National President John Berry.

The week really got exciting with the opening of our National Office in Washington, D.C.. How blessed we were to have His Eminence Cardinal Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States of America; our National Spiritual Advisor, Archbishop Andrew E. Bellisario, C.M.; National President John Berry; National Director of Advocacy and Policy, Ingrid Delgado, along with several other leaders, to cut the ribbon to officially open our new D.C. Office!

In my recent visits around the country, so many Vincentians have expressed their excitement to share our millions of encounters with our national leaders through our D.C. office. Encounters that allowed us to respond and see the true state of the less fortunate in our country.

We have always been a voice for the poor. We bring a special voice that no one else can offer. A voice of the priceless impact we make, the needs we see, and how everything our country does should embrace Christ’s call to “love one another…”

The week concluded with me being blessed to be with our Society’s Richmond Virginia Council. Over 100 Vincentians gathered for a day full of growing together spiritually  — an uplifting way to end my journey!

As Lent begins to wind down during Holy Week, we all have an opportunity to reflect on all the blessings in our lives. Think about all the “love one another” encounters we have had with those in need and the encounters we have had with our fellow Vincentians — all spiritual lifts that are blessings beyond measure.

I want to tell each one of you who live our Vincentian way of life, thank you for lifting me up and for being a blessing in my life.

There are 52 weeks in the year, but only one is called Holy Week. I pray that you and your family feel Christ’s love this coming week and throughout the entire Easter Season.

Sincerely yours in Christ’s Love,
Michael J. Acaldo
National CEO

 

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Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA opens advocacy office in Washington D.C.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA opens advocacy office in Washington D.C. 1600 1065 SVDP USA

Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA opens advocacy office in Washington D.C.

On Friday, April 4, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA (SVdP) officially opened its new office in Washington D.C. as it seeks to ramp up efforts to advocate for those on the margins. As one of the largest lay Catholic organizations in the nation, SVdP hopes having a permanent presence in Washington D.C. will help its efforts to raise the profile of key issues related to poverty, while advocating to policymakers on behalf of those who experience its daily effects.

The office will be led by Ingrid Delgado, SVdP’s first National Director of Public Policy and Advocacy and formerly the Associate Director of Government Relations at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The Grand Opening Ceremonies began with Mass celebrated by Cardinal Wilton Gregory at the Vincentian Chapel at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

Then the ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the new office space at 110 Maryland Avenue, NE Suite 506, Washington DC 20002, which is located just steps away from the United States Supreme Court. National President John Berry provided some opening remarks, and introduced special guests to the event, before the ribbon cutting to mark the opening of the office.

In attendance was International SSVP President Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Andrew Bellissario, National CEO Michael Acaldo, new National Director of Public Policy and Advocacy Ingrid Delgado, the SVdP USA Board of Directors, and the SSVP-CGI International Board of Directors.

Last year, SVdP USA served more than 5 million people across the U.S. and provided more than $1.7 billion in aid, including $60 million in emergency financial assistance to prevent evictions and keep people housed. Often known for the thrift stores in cities and towns around the country, SVdP offers programs that are tailored to the specific needs of the communities it serves. Learn more about joining in our work at svdpusa.org.

 

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04-03-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
04-03-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

Every night, over half a million people in America experience homelessness. Imagine walking past them knowing they are someone’s mother, father, or child. As Vincentians, we don’t have to imagine it, we live it.

And we cannot simply walk by — we are called to act. We understand our profound responsibility to act boldly in service to others. The words from 1 John, “Let us love, not with words but with deeds” are a reminder to all of us of the profound responsibility we share as Christians to live out our faith not just in what we say, but in what we do.

We are each familiar with the calls to action required to address the many needs in the world. And we celebrate the profound joy that comes from growing in holiness through our response to Christ’s call to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, give shelter to the homeless, welcome the stranger, minister to the sick, and visit the prisoner. The work of every Vincentian and volunteer is a vital lifeline for countless people in need — individuals and families often standing at the brink of despair, searching for a glimmer of hope.

Every year, we are faced with new challenges and opportunities. The world is constantly evolving. So how do we respond as we answer the call to serve? Amid the excitement of new beginnings and the anticipation of fresh starts, there are also apprehensions about the changes and challenges that may lie ahead. But amidst these feelings, one constant remains: the enduring power of hope. And so, we must be Bearers of Hope to the countless many who wonder if hope exists, who wonder if love exists, who wonder if anyone cares.

For hope is the belief that even in the face of adversity, goodness and redemption are possible. It is the conviction that we can overcome obstacles, heal divisions, and build a more just and compassionate world. Let us remember that hope is not naive optimism. Hope, in the Vincentian tradition, is rooted in the unwavering belief that God is present among the poor and the suffering. When we stand alongside them, we stand with Christ Himself.

Hope is the seed, but justice is the harvest.

If we do not act, hope remains just a dream. Justice must propel us to action, inspiring efforts that ripple outward, create lasting change, and making our world a better place. And so, we must also become fighters for Justice.

But we face a difficult challenge when frankly we sometimes must wonder if the world has lost its mind. A world that mirrors almost identically that of the 1830s in Paris, France, where Frédéric Ozanam wrote in 1836:

“The question that is agitating the world today is not of political forms, but it is a social one. It is a struggle between those who have nothing and those who have too much. It is a violent clash of opulence and poverty which is shaking the ground under our feet. Our duty as Christians is to intervene between these two camps, to ensure that some deprive themselves in order to fulfill a law, and others receive as a benefit; that some stop demanding and others stop refusing; that equality prevails as much as possible among people; that the voluntary community replaces taxes and forced borrowing, that love accomplishes what justice alone cannot do.”

So, as in 1836, we must become Advocates not only for Justice, but also for Love, transforming hope into action, and helping to heal our wounded world.

Yet the challenges of the world still face us and try to beat us down. A world where in January, thousands marched in our nation’s capital to advocate for the sanctity of life. Politicians came out, made speeches, had their pictures taken, then went right back up the marble stairs of the Capital and continued to plan how to cut billions of dollars in aid to babies who are born to the poor and the homeless. A world where it seems to be acceptable by some to cut 1.5 billion dollars in aid to USDA for food for the hungry, a billion dollars for vaccinations for the poor, and billions of dollars in aid to the homeless, the hungry, the sick, the unemployed and the elderly — all while spending trillions of dollars to plant a flag on Mars.

So, the world demands that we must become Advocates for Justice, transforming hope into action, and helping to heal our wounded world.

There are those who say we should not involve ourselves in advocacy or the great issues of the day. They say we should stay out of politics, be content with the charity we offer, and not try to change the things that cause or perpetuate poverty, dependency, and need.

To those people, I would say that if we do not use the knowledge and learning we uniquely gain through our personal encounters with the people we serve to help change the causes of poverty, dependence, and need then we are failing in our duty as Christians — and we are not being true to the foundations of our Society.

At SVdP, we serve those in need without regard for their demographics or creed, no matter what political party is in power. But the work of charity cannot, and must not, be neatly divided from the claims of justice. Make no mistake; while SVdP is not a political organization, our work and our faith demand that we advocate for those living in poverty.

Recall Frédéric Ozanam’s famous quote:

“Charity is the Samaritan who pours oil on the wounds of the traveler who has been attacked. It is justice’s role to prevent the attack.”

In 1848, Frédéric Ozanam was the Vice President of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. On the occasion of the General Assembly that year, he wrote a letter that spoke to the vital importance of advocacy that the Society was obligated to undertake based on how we encountered the poor. Frédéric wrote:

“Yes, without doubt, it is too little to relieve the needy day by day. It is necessary to get to the root of the evil, and by wise reforms to diminish the causes of public misery. But we profess to believe that the science of welfare reform is learned less in books and parliamentary debates, than by climbing up the floors of the poor man’s house, by sitting at his bedside, by suffering the same cold as him, and by drawing out the secret of his desolate heart through the outpouring of a friendly conversation. When we have fulfilled this ministry, not for a few months, but for many years; when we have thus studied the poor at home, at school, at the hospital, not in one city only, but in many, in the countryside and in all the conditions where God has put it, then we begin to know the elements of this formidable problem of misery; then we have the right to propose serious measures, and instead of frightening society, we give it consolation and hope.”

Those words are as true today as when they were written on December 14, 1848. They could have been written last week and been applicable to our world in 2025. They are our heritage, they are our history, they are the calling we must continue to follow in the Society of St. Vincent de Paul today. Those who don’t understand that simply do not understand the wholeness of the Society.

St. Vincent de Paul himself lived in a world plagued by war and social upheaval. But his response was not just to provide bread and wood. He developed a network of priests, religious, and laypeople to not only provide food, shelter, and spiritual comfort to the wounded and displaced, but worked for the release of galley slaves and sought to protect the most vulnerable, living out Christ’s call to be a peacemaker. Vincent’s actions remind us that even in times of great darkness, the light of charity and justice must shine together. Vincent condemned greed and political ambitions that fueled wars and created poverty, but he did so to restore dignity and hope to those who suffered.

From a Vincentian perspective, we must see beyond the political rhetoric and recognize the human face of every victim of poverty. Each refugee, each orphan, each grieving mother is Christ crucified anew. To follow Vincent’s path means to reject the idea that poverty and suffering are inevitable. It means believing that justice is possible, but only when we confront self-interest and systemic injustice.

Our call to serve the poor, the refugees, the sick and all those who suffer injustice and oppression is also deeply rooted in Scripture. The Old Testament prophets often reminded Israel of their duty to care for the marginalized. We hear Isaiah proclaim:

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?”

That call tells us that our work must be holistic and transformative, addressing both immediate needs and systemic injustices.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus presents us with a clear and unambiguous description of how God will judge whether we lived out his commandment to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Jesus tells us that our service to others is not just a charitable act — but a divine mandate.

Tomorrow, April 4, we will open our second National Office in Washington, DC. We will increase our efforts to advocate on behalf of those we serve and turn our focus more intensely towards the pressing issues of our time, particularly the scourge of poverty and homelessness that afflicts far too many of our fellow Americans. Last year, SVdP USA provided over $1.7 billion in services directly to over 5 million people in need across this country. That’s not just a number — that’s 5 million lives changed, 5 million families given a second chance, 5 million reminders that love is unstoppable! The unique direct relationship we have with our neighbors through our personal encounters gives us a perspective and view from the reality of the poor that we will be able to share with policy makers and like-minded nonprofits and other organizations. To fail to do so would be a disservice to those we serve and an abandonment of our obligation to our faith.

The stark and shocking reality of America and the world today is that millions of our brothers and sisters lack basic necessities — affordable housing, nutritious food, and quality healthcare. Families live on the streets, children go to bed hungry, and the cycle of poverty persists. Imagine a mother putting her children down to sleep on a cold night with no bed and no roof overhead. Or a child going to school hungry, unable to focus on learning. This is the reality we must work to change.

This is a crisis of conscience for our nation and every nation. It is a stark reminder that the pursuit of individual prosperity cannot come at the expense of the common good. We are called, as followers of Christ, to be our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers. We are called to love our neighbors as ourselves.

What must we do next? How do we turn faith into action, hope into impact?

Primarily, we must open our eyes and our hearts to the suffering around us. We must acknowledge the realities of poverty and homelessness in our own communities. We must listen to the stories of those who are struggling, and we must seek to understand their experiences.

We cannot help if we do not understand. And we cannot understand if we do not listen.

Secondly, we must not only serve the poor, but stand beside them, speak for them, and challenge the systems that keep them in poverty. We must advocate for affordable housing, living wages, and access to quality education and healthcare. Our faith and our actions must walk hand in hand.

And finally, we must cultivate a spirit of solidarity and collective action. We must remember that we are all interconnected, and that the well-being of each of us is dependent on the well-being of all. We must work together to build a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

As we look ahead, I am inspired by what we can accomplish together. Imagine a community where every child has access to food, every family has a safe place to call home, and every individual feels valued. Together, we can make that vision a reality.

The task before us is daunting, but not insurmountable. We cannot solve the problems of poverty and homelessness overnight. But we can, each one of us, make a difference. We can be a force for good in the world. We can build a more just and compassionate society, a society where everyone can live a life of dignity and hope.

Our goal must be not just to alleviate suffering but to encounter the divine in our service to others. By looking to the future with hope and embracing new ways of doing things, we serve in ways that are both meaningful and transformative.

We stand poised to face new challenges with courage and creativity. As we move forward, let us do so with hearts full of love, minds open to innovation, and spirits grounded in the timeless values of our faith.

Together, we can make a difference that echoes through the ages, bringing hope and healing to a world in need.

My Brothers and Sisters, the call to serve is a divine mandate that transcends time and tradition. Let us be committed and courageous in our approach to answering that call.

Together, we are the light that dispels the darkness. We are the hands of Christ, the voice of the voiceless, the hope of the hopeless. And we will not stop until justice is done, until love reigns, until all are seen, heard, and embraced in dignity.

As we move forward with courage and faith; without fear or apprehension let us be inspired by the words of Blessed Frédéric Ozanam: “Let us not be discouraged; let us be better.”

In closing, I offer you the words of St. Vincent de Paul: “Go to the poor: you will find God.” This simple yet profound directive guides all of us in the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in our mission to serve with love and compassion.

Peace and God’s blessings,
John

John Berry
National President

(Note: Some of the content of this reflection was adapted from the March 27, 2025 FamVin Vincentian Reflection, “Hope and Peace in a World Torn by War”)

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Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA Hires Ingrid Delgado as National Director of Public Policy and Advocacy
Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA Hires Ingrid Delgado as National Director of Public Policy and Advocacy 1703 2560 SVDP USA

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA (SVdP USA) has hired Ingrid Delgado as its National Director of Public Policy and Advocacy as the organization seeks to raise the profile of key issues, including efforts to prevent homelessness and protect the most vulnerable.

Delgado most recently worked at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops as Associate Director of Government Relations and, before then, as a domestic policy advisor. She previously worked as Associate Director of Social Concerns and Respect Life for the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops; as a language arts teacher at an alternative high school; and in youth outreach and refugee resettlement programs for Catholic Charities of Central Florida.

Delgado’s extensive volunteer work has included living in San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic, as a missionary; youth ministry and catechesis; as well as serving as a board member of Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, the Florida Pregnancy Care Network, and Hogar CREA International’s Florida Chapter.

Delgado earned her BA at the University of Central Florida and her MPA at Florida State University. She resides in Virginia with her husband of 24 years and their three children.

SVdP USA CEO Michael Acaldo said, “Ingrid is a magnificent choice for this newly created role. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is increasing our efforts to advocate policymakers on behalf of those we serve, and we’re confident in Ingrid’s ability to lead those efforts and enact positive change for those living in poverty.”

“I am deeply humbled by the opportunity to join the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, especially in this pivotal moment of launching an office in our nation’s capital,” noted Delgado. “I have long been inspired by the Society’s dedication to serving the people in our communities who are most in need. I look forward to working with the Vincentians and those whom they serve to bring SVdP’s perspective and experience to members of Congress and better inform policy making that impacts our most marginalized brothers and sisters.”

Delgado’s role will be based out of SVdP USA’s second National Office, located in Washington, DC, and opening April 4.

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03-20-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
03-20-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

Every day, we Vincentians have personal encounters with the people we serve as we live out our vocation in this ministry that we all love and have committed ourselves to.

These encounters occur in many different places — food pantries, homes, thrift stores, dining halls, homeless shelters, parish offices. It really doesn’t matter where the encounter occurs, because the foundation of that encounter is the profound idea of “place of presence” — a sacred space where we encounter the divine through our engagement with those in need.

When we serve the poor, we do not merely extend a helping hand; we enter into a holy encounter where Christ Himself is present. Scripture reminds us time and again that God is intimately concerned with the suffering of the poor, and He calls us to be His hands and feet in the world. So, we must understand and recognize how the “place of presence” transforms our charitable works into moments of grace and divine encounter.

In Matthew 25:40, Jesus tells us, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

This powerful statement affirms that when we reach out to the hungry, the homeless, and the marginalized, we are stepping into a “place of presence” where Christ dwells. Our acts of charity are not just social work; they are encounters with Jesus in His most distressing disguise. When we serve with this perspective, our actions become an expression of our faith, a tangible manifestation of God’s love in the world.

So, as we engage in encounter during our Vincentian work, every dining hall, every shelter, every visit to a person’s home, every act of generosity becomes a sanctuary — a “place of presence” — where the love of God is revealed. When we respond to the cries of the poor, we are not simply fixing problems; we are becoming instruments of God’s justice and love, making His presence tangible in the world.

But what matters, the only thing that matters, is the quality of that encounter. What matters is that we understand the important differences between transactional encounters and Christ-centered, deeply spiritual encounters, particularly in the context of charitable work with those in need.

As we engage in acts of service, it is essential to reflect on the nature of our interactions and the motivations behind our actions. Are we merely fulfilling a duty, or are we entering into a transformative relationship that reflects the love of Christ?

Transactional encounters are often characterized by a mindset of exchange. In these interactions, we may approach charitable work with a focus on what we can give or what we can gain.

For instance, someone might volunteer at dining hall or a thrift store, viewing their actions as a checklist to fulfill their perceived moral obligations. While these acts are undoubtedly valuable, they can sometimes lack the depth and authenticity that come from a Christ-centered approach. In a transactional mindset, we may unconsciously view those we serve as mere recipients of our generosity, rather than as individuals with their own stories, struggles, and dignity.

Consider the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). In this story, we see a man who is beaten and left for dead by the side of the road. The priest and the Levite, both respected figures in society, pass by without offering help. They may have been preoccupied with their own duties, or perhaps they felt that helping the wounded man was not their responsibility. In contrast, the Samaritan, a figure often despised by the Jewish community, stops to help. He does not see the wounded man as a mere project or a checklist item; he sees a fellow human being in need. His compassion leads him to take action, to bind the man’s wounds, and to ensure he receives care.

This story is a wonderful example of the difference between a transactional encounter and a Christ-centered encounter. The priest and the Levite represent a transactional mindset, where their actions are dictated by societal expectations and personal convenience. The Samaritan, however, embodies the heart of Christ-centered service — he acts out of love, empathy, and a deep recognition of the inherent worth of the other.

When we engage in charitable work from a Christ-centered perspective, we are called to see those we serve as our brothers and sisters in Christ. This requires us to move beyond a mindset of obligation and to embrace a spirit of genuine compassion. It means taking the time to listen to their stories, to understand their struggles, and to walk alongside them in their journey. In doing so, we create a space for authentic connection, where both the giver and the receiver are transformed.

A Christ-centered encounter in charitable work also invites us to reflect on our own vulnerabilities.

When we serve others, we are reminded of our shared humanity. We all have needs, struggles, and moments of weakness. This recognition fosters humility and gratitude, allowing us to approach our work with a spirit of solidarity rather than superiority. We are not saviors; we are fellow travelers on the journey of life, called to support one another in love. This acknowledgement and understanding that we are not saviors, that we can’t help everyone, is the hardest thing we Vincentians often have to learn. It is too frequently the root cause of our burnout and frustration.

Charity is not only about material giving; it is about relational giving. In John 1:14, we read, “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” God chose to be present with humanity, not from a distance, but by entering into our struggles and pains. In the same way, our charitable works should not be impersonal transactions; they should be incarnational, reflecting the love of Christ through genuine presence.

Pope Francis speaks often about the “culture of encounter,” urging us to go beyond superficial aid and truly know and love the poor. He reminds us that “the Gospel of the marginalized is where our credibility is found and revealed.” This means stepping into the spaces of suffering with humility and love, not merely as benefactors but as fellow human beings created in God’s image.

To be truly present means to listen deeply and to share in the joys and sorrows of those we serve. It is easy to drop off a box of food, promise to pay off a bill, or make a donation, but to sit with someone, to hear their story, to share a moment of laughter or tears — this is where transformation happens. And this can’t occur when we’re rushing to fill in the data on a form so we can process a check and get on to the next case. That’s transaction, not encounter.

Jesus did not merely provide for people’s needs; He walked with them, touched them, called them by name. When we follow His example, our presence becomes an extension of His love, and in that sacred space, both the giver and the receiver are changed.

So, as we are doing our Conference and Council work, trying to help as many people as we can (and sometimes maybe doing too much), we need to stop and ask ourselves a very hard question: Are we approaching our service as a transaction, or are we entering into a sacred encounter? Are we merely checking off a box, or are we allowing ourselves to be transformed by the relationships we build? Are we trying to do too much, given the people resources we have, and in doing so, are we turning a Christ-centered encounter into a transaction that diminishes both us and the person we serve?

I believe that the answer to that question, if we truly answer it honestly, is too often not going to be the one we want to hear.

Therefore, we must strive to cultivate a spirit of Christ-centered service in our Vincentian works. We must approach those in need with open hearts, ready to listen, to learn, and to love. We must remember that our acts of service are not just about what we can give, but about the relationships we build and the love we share. As we do so, we will not only bless those we serve but also experience the transformative power of Christ’s love in our own lives. Let us commit today, and every day, to serve with renewed hearts, seeing in every suffering face an opportunity to meet Christ.

May our charity be more than obligation. May it be a joyful response to God’s call to love, knowing that in the “place of presence,” we are not only serving but also being served by the grace of our Lord.

And that, my friends, is what being a Vincentian is truly all about, isn’t it?

Peace and God’s blessings,
John

John Berry
National President

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03-13-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
03-13-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

Our Vincentian Charism

I just attended my first Midyear Business Meeting as your National CEO, and it was fantastic! It was wonderful to reunite with Vincentians that I have known for decades, and to meet others for the first time.

The Charism of our Society was on full display. As we all know, what a gift it is from the Holy Spirit to be a part of our Vincentian call to seek and find the forgotten. When we fulfill our call, we encounter Jesus in everyone we are blessed to serve.

Many Vincentians told me that they felt this was the best Midyear Meeting they have ever attended. There were a lot of reasons it was a great meeting.

First, when we gather, we fulfill our Vincentian call to grow spiritually and in friendship. That cannot happen at a virtual Zoom meeting.

Second, the focus of this year’s meeting was on Governance, Finance, and the Standards of Excellence, critical parts of good stewardship and essential for achieving Blessed Frédéric’s vision of a commitment to accountability within our Society. Special thanks to John Hallissy and Ed McCarthy for their excellent presentations on this subject matter.

Third, we were able to discuss and celebrate all our recent accomplishments. Our Regional Vice Presidents are working together to position our Councils, Conferences, and Special Works for success in keeping hope alive for the most vulnerable throughout our great country.

National President John Berry gave a State of the Society comprehensive report on the activities of our National Council. He provided an overview of how well Vision SVdP is shaping up, and how the information provided by our membership will lay out the roadmap for our future.

Sean Meyers gave the final report and a detailed plan from our Technology Task Force. His report highlighted our vision of how the use of technology will be key to the bright future of our Society.

It was also reported that our Society will officially open our Washington D.C. Office on April 4. As one of the largest lay Catholic groups in the country, this new office will give us the opportunity to share the stories of those we are blessed to serve with our leaders, but most importantly, with the whole country.

Earlier in this article, I mentioned the encounters we are blessed to have with those we serve. These encounters are priceless, and that is why it is so important for us to be that voice for the poor. We need to share their stories so together we can unite as a country to end some of the things we see on our encounters with those most in need.

How heartbreaking it is to visit a home with children who cannot even go to bed hungry because they do not even have a bed to sleep on.

How important are our encounters at SVdP Special Works, where people who are working come into our pharmacies because they cannot afford their life-sustaining medications.

We provide food, beds, prescription medicines, and so much more! Where would the most vulnerable be in our country or world without the Society?

Our Vincentian Charism is such a special gift — and so is the wisdom we share in our Vincentian friendship.

Several decades ago, a Vincentian leader in my hometown shared some wisdom with me that I cherish to this day. He was a two-time Council President in the Diocese of Baton Rouge, serving six years in the 1970s and six years in the 1990s.

Marvin Vincent Ourso was a Vincentian for almost 70 years before he went to his rest in heaven.

Many years ago, Marvin and I were having a conversation about how people can grow together with different views and thoughts on a variety of issues.

At the time, Marvin was in his early 70s, and I was in my late 20s. I was trying to understand the complex nature of relationships.

Marvin said, “As Vincentians, we are all trying to grow closer to Jesus. We are trying to follow His example.” He said, “Michael, you know that Jesus was both liberal and conservative (not in a political sense). He knows when to be liberal and when to be conservative. He is divine and we are not, but we need to do our best to look at everything through the lens that Jesus would want us to.”

Marvin went on to say, “For us brother and sister Vincentians, the most important thing we have is Christ and our friendship. Nothing can divide us if we grow together spiritually.”

These words of wisdom are even more important to me today than when Marvin shared them with me over 30 years ago.

That is what I saw on display at our Midyear Meeting: Vincentians embracing one another, sharing wisdom, and growing in spiritual friendship.

It is a blessing for me to meet and get to know each of you. You are God’s gift to our Society and all those we are blessed to serve!

Best wishes in Christ,
Michael J. Acaldo
National CEO

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03-27-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
03-27-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

Are You a Virtuous Vincentian?

The classic definition of “virtue” is “a good quality or habit that reflects high moral standards.” We all know the three theological virtues — faith, hope, and love — and some may even remember the cardinal virtues: prudence, temperance, justice, and fortitude.

But how many of us know and try to cultivate the five Vincentian virtues? You heard about them at Ozanam Orientation, and they appear in the Rule, but unless they’re a part of your daily life and vocation, they are easy to forget.

So, let’s review:

The first is SIMPLICITY. In the context of our vocation, this means being plain-spoken and transparent, eschewing ostentation and vainglory, not cultivating secret grievances or hidden agendas. Simplicity means that what you see is what you get.

The second is HUMILITY, for us perhaps the greatest of virtues. Humility doesn’t mean self-abnegation or detraction. Far from it. Humility means honestly admitting our strengths and our weaknesses and then relying on God’s grace to make up the difference. As T.S. Eliot said, “The only wisdom we can hope to acquire is the wisdom of humility.”

GENTLENESS is the third Vincentian virtue. Gentleness involves smoothing the hard edges of our personalities for the sake of others. It means treating everyone we encounter — including those we serve and those we serve with — respectfully and with grace and compassion.

The fourth virtue is SELFLESSNESS, which means placing the well-being of others, especially the poor, ahead of our own. As the Rule says, selflessness means, “Dying to our ego with a life of self-sacrifice; members share their time, their possessions, their talents and themselves in a spirit of generosity.” (2.5.1)

Finally, the fifth Vincentian virtue is ZEAL. For us, zeal is a passion for our work and the cause of those we serve. It is a heartfelt longing to see “the full flourishing and eternal happiness of every person.” (Rule 2.5.1)

Now, the fact is that there are more than 80,000 Vincentians in the United States. We each have our own personalities and experiences. We’re all at different points in our personal pathways of Christian discipleship. The result is that not all of us excel at all the virtues all the time. That’s to be expected — and it’s perfectly okay, so long as we keep at it!

For instance, the Vincentian I know best (that would be me), is full of zeal but could use a lot more humility. He’s relatively selfless but needs to work harder on gentleness. It’s okay. The Vincentian vocation is a lifelong school, and as with any skill or quality worth possessing, the virtues take time and practice to acquire.

But be warned: If we embrace and fully live the five Vincentian virtues, we will inevitably find ourselves more and more estranged from the world in which we live, and even from friends and family. We live in a time and culture that hates humility, that mocks gentleness, that equates simplicity with stupidity, that laughs at selflessness, that only honors zeal in pursuit of self-interest. The nature of our charism as Vincentians means that if we do this work and live these virtues, we will inevitably be countercultural, a sign of contradiction, hated and despised by some, laughed at by others.

That’s okay … in fact, it’s more than just okay. It is what we should expect. It’s even what we should hope and pray for!

After all, our Lord said, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:11, 12)

A parish in my town has a wayside pulpit on a busy intersection. Recently, it featured this question: “If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” As Vincentians and Catholics that should be a question that haunts us. It’s a question of integrity, and it really boils down to this: have we so blended what we claim to believe with how we live that there could be no judgment but “guilty?” The practice of simplicity, humility, gentleness, selflessness, and zeal in this vocation of charity all but guarantees it. And thank God for that.

Yours in Christ,
Mark Gordon
National Vice President, Northeast Region

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02-27-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
02-27-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

I still remember my mother’s favorite prayer, “God grant me patience…. And grant it to me right now!”

My mom needed to have a lot of patience in her life. My father had passed away at the age of 33 from an aggressive form of lung cancer, leaving my 29-year-old mother with four children under the age of 7. I would like to say that us children were models of good behavior…but that was not always the case. We were normal, rambunctious children with typical sibling rivalries and behaviors. Our mother showed us immense love, grace, and patience, even as she was struggling with raising a family without her husband.

My mother loved us, raised us with expectations for leading a good life and grounded us in our Catholic faith. My mother was the role model for my faith journey. I have memories as a child of seeing her kneel at her bedside saying her nighttime prayers after a long day of chasing her children. Although things were difficult, she relied on her faith to guide her through the ups and downs of her life. She was patient and let God’s plan for her life unfold over time.

I would like to say that I inherited my mother’s virtue of patience — but regrettably, I did not. Too often I have found myself to be impatient about delays, mix-ups, long lines, or computer glitches. I show little patience for people who are late to appointments, tardy in getting assignments done, or meeting obligations either large or small.

We live in a technologically advanced society where we travel across the country in hours, talk directly to people around the globe in seconds, and have packages arrive at our doorstep from around the world within a day or two from ordering them online. We are irritated at the slightest delay in traffic. We are short on patience and short on grace.

In the last few years, with the help of prayers, spiritual reflection, and the guidance and example of my fellow Vincentians, I have started to work on my sin of impatience, albeit slowly. Being a Vincentian has taught me that God reveals His plan on His time and at His pace. We cannot and do not change the world. Only God possesses that Power of Change. It is up to us to be patient and listen to God through our prayers and our interactions with our neighbors in need. As Vincentians, we can get overwhelmed by the sheer number of neighbors in need or by the finite limit of our resources. We must be patient and know that God is always present, and His plan is unfolding as He wills.

As I look back at the difficult times throughout my life, I realize that God always answered my prayers — not on my timeline or my wants, but on His timeline and what I truly needed. In all cases, God’s plan and timing was exactly what I needed in my life.

Our Vincentian vocation calls us to a deeper relationship with God through our service to our neighbors. We realize that when we do His work as He commanded us, we supply the effort — but it is God who supplies the result. As we go about our mission as Vincentians, let us show patience to the people we serve, patience with the slow process of change, patience to our fellow Vincentians and finally, patience to ourselves. After all, we all are works in progress. God is not finished with working miracles in our lives or in the world!

Yours in Christ,
Chuck Korte
National Vice President, Midwest Region

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02-20-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
02-20-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

VisionSVdP — What’s Next?

You might be wondering what happened to VisionSVdP. There was a lot of activity and hoopla around it for much of 2024, but recently, things have been pretty quiet, right? Well, I’m going to update you where we are, where we’re going, and make you a promise — it’s not going to be quiet for very long.

Let me start by saying that Phase I of VisionSVdP was a grand slam home run success! We had an incredible outpouring of thoughts and ideas and comments from across the country. From small Conferences to large Councils, people participated and were excited to share their thoughts about the Society. It was great to see.

And from that, we received a lot of comments. I mean a lot of comments! So a good deal of time has been spent entering them into our database at the National Office. Comments are being entered as written, with no editing. Once that is completed later this month, the data gurus will start to “do that voodoo that they do” so well. (Bonus points if you can name the movie that line came from!) They will sort, categorize, rank order, and do all kinds of other things with the data.

At the Midyear Meeting the first week in March, I will present an overview of what we heard. You will get that overview both by email and in Frédéric’s Five. You will also receive a link so you can look at every single comment made — unfiltered, unedited.

Then the fun starts. We’re going to look at everything and see what jumps out at us. What did a lot of people comment about? What did they think we really needed to fix, to add, to subtract, to change, to enhance? What did the thousands of Vincentian voices of SVdP USA have to say?

And then we’ll choose a manageable number of themes and get down to work. Or I should say…you will get down to work. Because you are going to tell us what we need to do.

We’ll identify the areas — for example, let’s say there are seven of them. Then we’ll create working groups — all over. At Conferences, at Councils, at Special Works…wherever it makes sense, and wherever a group of Vincentians wants to work on the subject. And you can volunteer for the group that is tackling the subject for which you have the greatest passion or interest. You can even join two if you want! (But the cutoff is two working groups per person.)

The working groups will meet as often as they feel is necessary, and then in late Fall, we will ask ALL Councils to hold a one- or two-day gathering to bring all these working groups together and develop a set of Recommendations for Action.

At that time, Councils will also elect two representatives (who CANNOT be the Council President) to represent the Council at a National Congress to be held in January 2026.

At that National Congress, the elected representatives will spend three days developing a National VisionSVdP Action Plan, which will provide us with specific plans for implementing what has come out of VisionSVdP.

There will be a lot more detail as we get further along, but that’s how it will work. It’s going to be a blast!

Peace and God’s blessings,
John

John Berry
National President

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