Vincentians

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09-05-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
09-05-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

Last Saturday, the Gospel reading for the day was Matthew 25:14-30. In that reading, Jesus tells the Parable of the Talents, illustrating the importance of utilizing and growing the gifts entrusted to us. In the Parable, a master entrusts his servants with talents (a form of money) before going on a journey. Two of the servants invest their talents and double their value, while the third buries his talent, fearing loss. Upon the master’s return, he rewards the first two servants and rebukes the third for his laziness.

While I’m not a theologian, I think that this Parable can provide us with great lessons in two areas that are very specific to the work of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. One is in the area of Fundraising and Development, and the other is in the area of Membership Recruitment and Development.

This Parable is more than a lesson about personal responsibility and risk-taking; it has great teachings for charitable organizations like ours in our approach to fundraising and development. Like the talents in the parable, we are entrusted with resources that must be used effectively to fulfill their mission of serving those in need. The way we manage these resources can significantly impact our ability to achieve our goals and expand our reach. And like the talents entrusted to the servants, we are given resources — donations, grants, and volunteer support — that are meant to be invested wisely. To effectively serve those in need, we must not only manage our resources, but actively seek to grow them.

The lesson from the Parable is the importance of investing in fundraising and development. As the first two servants invested their talents to increase their value, we must view fundraising not as a mere necessity, but as a strategic investment in their future. This involves creating and implementing innovative fundraising strategies that go beyond traditional methods. Investment in professional development, donor relations, and marketing is crucial. It means allocating resources towards hiring skilled staff, investing in training programs, and utilizing data-driven approaches to understand and engage with donors effectively.

Investment in fundraising is akin to the wise investments made by the first two servants. It requires a strategic vision and a willingness to take calculated risks. Charitable organizations should view fundraising not just as a necessity, but as an opportunity to expand their reach and impact. This involves innovative strategies, robust development plans, and continuous engagement with donors. By investing in these areas, organizations like ours can multiply their resources and enhance their ability to make a difference.

Moreover, the goal of these investments is to better serve those in need. Just as the master in the Parable rewards the servants who actively increased their talents, donors and supporters are more likely to invest in organizations that demonstrate effective use of resources. This not only ensures the sustainability of the organization, but also maximizes its impact on the community.

In essence, the Parable of the Talents encourages us to see resources as opportunities for growth and impact. By investing wisely in fundraising and development, we can better fulfill our mission and serve those in need. The challenge, then, is to embrace the responsibility of these resources and use them to their fullest potential, ensuring that the fruits of our labor reflect our ultimate goal: compassionate service and community transformation.

Furthermore, effective fundraising and development require a proactive approach. The third servant’s inaction led to his downfall, a stark reminder of the consequences of neglect. Charitable organizations must be proactive in engaging with potential donors, developing strong relationships, and continually assessing and refining our strategies. Regular communication with supporters, transparent reporting on the impact of their contributions, and showing appreciation for their support can build trust and encourage continued investment.

Another important aspect of this Parable is the alignment of resources with the mission. The master praised the servants who made the most of their talents, suggesting that effectiveness is measured by how well resources are used to advance the mission. Charitable organizations should ensure that their fundraising efforts are directly aligned with their mission and goals. This involves clearly communicating how funds will be used and demonstrating tangible outcomes from donations. By showing donors the real impact of their contributions, we can foster a deeper sense of connection and commitment.

The second area, Membership Recruitment and Development, is not just about filling positions; it’s about fostering growth and ensuring sustainability. The third servant’s decision to bury his talent represents a failure to engage with the resources available, driven by fear or complacency. Similarly, organizations that neglect recruitment may find themselves stagnant, unable to adapt to new challenges, or missing out on innovative ideas. By continually bringing  in new people, we can infuse our efforts with renewed passion, diverse skills, and innovative approaches, all of which are crucial for adapting to changing needs and achieving long-term success.

Moreover, recruitment should be seen as an investment in our future. The master in the Parable expects that the talents entrusted to the servants will grow. In the same way, we must view recruitment as an investment in our capacity to serve. New Vincentians bring not only immediate benefits — but also long-term potential. Whether it’s a new fundraiser with a talent for engaging donors, a volunteer with a passion for ENCOUNTER with those we serve, or a board member with strategic expertise, each new person contributes to our ability to make a greater impact.

Effective recruitment also involves communicating our vision and demonstrating the value of contributing to the organization’s mission. Just as the master’s expectations and rewards motivated the servants, making sure that the Society’s mission and vision are understood by those who join with us is critical to attracting and retaining the right individuals to SVdP.

Finally, the Parable underscores the necessity of managing resources wisely. The master praised the servants who used their talents to create more, indicating that success comes from effective and strategic use of what we have. In recruitment, this means not only attracting new talent, but also integrating and supporting them effectively within the organization. Proper onboarding, training, and engagement are crucial to ensuring that new recruits are empowered to contribute meaningfully and feel valued in their roles.

The Parable of the Talents is one that we probably listened to many times. But putting it in the context of our work at SVdP might give you a different perspective.

Peace and God’s blessings,
John

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Contemplation: From Darkness Into Light
Contemplation: From Darkness Into Light 800 800 SVDP USA

By Timothy Williams, Senior Director of Formation and Leadership Development 

It is from St. John of the Cross that we get the phrase “dark night of the soul,” which we use to describe a crisis of faith in which we are plagued by doubts about God, our souls, and our church. It is through such dark nights that our saints and blessed were led to holiness, and to the light that they shared.

Bl. Frédéric, who lived only forty years, went through his period of doubt at a young age, about sixteen. Doubting his faith and his very existence, he struggled to harmonize faith and reason. With the gentle guidance of his teacher and guide, Abbé Noirot, he ultimately found peace when he begged God to shine the light of His truth. In exchange, he dedicated his life to defending and sharing that light, a commitment he would fulfill in both his words and his deeds – especially in serving the poor, shining God’s truth through his actions. [Baunard, 10-11]

St. Louise de Marillac, struggling through her son’s difficulties, financial strain, and her husband’s mortal illness, faced her own dark night. Blaming herself for all of her troubles, she questioned the church, the possibility of eternal life, and even considered abandoning her sick husband. Like Frédéric, she turned to prayer, begging for God’s comfort and reassurance on the Feast of Pentecost, 1623. [SWLM, 1] She received in return the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, showing her a pathway through the darkness. She called it her lumière, her light. She wrote it down and carried it with her for the rest of her life, sharing God’s light with others through her words and her example.

St. Vincent de Paul’s experience was different, in that he asked for his dark night. While chaplain to Queen Marquerite, a famous doctor, also on the Queen’s court, was suffering crippling and even suicidal doubts. Despite Vincent’s counsel, they persisted. In his own prayers, Vincent asked God to transfer the man’s doubts to him. The doctor died in peace with the Lord, but for several years, Vincent lived through the torment of the doubts that he had taken upon himself. During this time, he could not even recite the Apostle’s Creed, so he sewed it inside his cassock, near his heart. Each time he wished to make an act of faith, he would touch his hand to his heart. He finally emerged from his dark night with a firm vow to dedicate himself to the imitation of Christ and service to the poor. [Abelly, Bk III, 113-116]

It is not the darkness of doubt that leads to holiness of life, but the light that emerges from it, a light that unites us with God. It is a light we are called to share, just as our saints and founders shared their light throughout their lives. As Vincent taught, “Even if you never said a word, if you’re really united with God, you’ll touch hearts by your mere presence…” [CCD XII:15] In the neighbor, we are called to see the suffering Christ, to share in his suffering, to walk with him in his darkness. We do this in imitation of Christ, sharing, through our presence and loving service, a light that shines in the darkness.

Contemplate

Does my loving service “shine a light” on my neighbor?

Recommended Reading

Faces of Holiness

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08-29-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
08-29-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

“Don’t stop thinking about tomorrow. Don’t stop. It’ll soon be here.”
– Fleetwood Mac

If you missed the National Assembly in Phoenix a few weeks ago then I can promise you a few things. 1) You missed one of the best National Assemblies in recent memory, 2) We missed YOU, and 3) You missed the closing of the President’s Welcome Address where I quoted the line above from the 1970’s rock band Fleetwood Mac. (It was probably the first time in the history of an SVdP USA General Assembly that a 70’s rock band was quoted in the President’s address!) If you want to understand the context, the full address is available on the SVdP website. They tell me it was pretty good.

Today, I want to share with you a message about what inspired me to use the theme “Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow” in that address. Actually, it was a theme that I used with the very first Board meeting held in October 2023, after my term as National President began. And that theme, in various forms and various words, is my vision for the six years of my National Presidency. The National Assembly in Phoenix was, in many ways, the formal ‘launch’ of that vision.

This theme calls us to look forward with hope and faith, to embrace the future with a spirit of charity, and to adapt to the changes that lie before us and ahead of us.

In the book of Jeremiah 29:11, we read, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” This verse reminds us that God has a plan for each of us, a plan filled with hope and promise. As Christians, we are called to trust in God’s plan and to look forward to the future with confidence.

Charity, or love in action, is at the heart of our Christian faith. In 1 Corinthians 13:13, Paul writes, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

Love is the foundation upon which we build our lives and our communities.

Charity is not just about giving money or material goods; it is about giving ourselves for others. It is about being present for others, offering a listening ear, a comforting word, or a helping hand. It is about seeing the face of Christ in everyone we meet — and responding with compassion and kindness.

Pope Francis, in his reflections, reminds us that material things do not lead to the fullness of life, but rather, it is in taking the path of charity which keeps nothing for itself and shares all. He emphasizes that true charity comes from God and is directed towards God, enabling us to love our neighbor as God loves them.

In his May 15, 2024, General Audience address:

“Recalling the Sermon on the Mount, the Holy Father showed that Jesus revealed love ‘as a theological that assumes the name of charity.’ It is a difficult virtue to practice, even an impossible one, ‘if one does not live in God.’ But beyond the normal loves and affections of the human heart, he said, ‘Christian love embraces what is not lovable, it offers forgiveness, blesses those who curse. It is a love so ardent that it seems almost impossible, and yet it is the only thing that will remain of us.’ And he concluded with the warning that, in our final moments, ‘we will not be judged on generic love, but precisely on charity,’ and quoted the words of Jesus, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.’” (Vatican News, May 15, 2024)

This is the essence of charity.

In Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus tells us, “For I was hungry, and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.”

When we serve others, we are serving Christ Himself. This is the essence of what we do as Vincentians.

As we look to the future, we must also be prepared to adapt to change. The world around us is constantly evolving, and we must be willing to grow and change with it. This does not mean abandoning our core values or beliefs, but rather, finding new ways to live out those values in a changing world.

In Isaiah 43:19, God says, “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” God is always at work, creating new opportunities and possibilities. We must be open to these new things and willing to step out in faith.

Pope Francis has also spoken about the need for the Church to change in favor of human dignity. He reminds us that adapting to change is not about losing our identity but about growing and ennobling our mission. We must be willing to embrace new ways of thinking and acting that reflect the love and compassion of Christ.

Adapting to change also means being willing to learn and grow. In Proverbs 1:5, we read, “Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.” We must be lifelong learners, always seeking to grow in our understanding of God’s word and His will for our lives. We must learn from each other, from the thousands and thousands of Vincentians who are serving our neighbors in need every day, in cities large and small, across this great country of ours.

As we think about tomorrow, we must do so with hope. Hope is a powerful force that can sustain us through difficult times and inspire us to keep moving forward. In Romans 15:13, Paul writes, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

Hope is not just wishful thinking; it is a confident expectation of good things to come. It is rooted in our faith in God and His promises. When we have hope, we can face the future with courage and confidence, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.

Let us NEVER stop thinking about tomorrow. Let us embrace the future with a spirit of charity, always seeking to love and serve others. Let us be willing to adapt to the changes that come our way, trusting that God is doing a new thing in our lives. And let us look forward with hope, confident in the promises of God.

Peace and God’s blessings,
John

John Berry
National President

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Contemplation: Who Do They Say That We Are?
Contemplation: Who Do They Say That We Are? 800 800 SVDP USA

By Timothy Williams, Senior Director of Formation and Leadership Development 

“Who do the people say that I am?” Christ asked of his disciple, before asking, “And who do you say that I am?” He was not surprised to receive two different answers, despite the fact that He never wavered in telling all people exactly who He was and why He was here. “I am,” He told all who would listen, “the true vine…the light of the world…the resurrection and the life…the good shepherd…the bread of life…the gate for the sheep…the way and the truth and the life…and whoever has seen me has seen the Father.”

Who do the people say that we are, we Vincentians? Do they say we are service providers? Social workers? Or do they say we are the ones who returned their calls, the ones who came and listened, the ones who cared when it seemed nobody else did? Like Christ, we most likely would hear different answers from different people, but that should never be because we are inconsistent in who we say that we are, in our words and in our actions, for how else can they know who we are?

It has been said that a rule, such as our Rule, if it is followed faithfully, could easily be recreated just by observing how the members live. Would an outside observer say of us, they “seek to relieve suffering for love alone, without thinking of any reward or advantage for themselves”? [Rule, Part I, 2.2] They “do not judge those they serve”? [Rule, Part I, 1.9] They “serve the poor cheerfully”? [Rule, Part I, 1.8] They are “a community of faith and love, prayer and action”? [Rule, Part III, St. 5] They are ”an international Catholic voluntary organisation of lay people, men and women”? [Rule, Part I, 1.1]

We are who we say we are, in our words and in our actions. We do not serve the poor because they are Catholic, but because we are Catholic; because we are followers of Christ who assured us that we would find Him in the hungry, in the thirsty, in the stranger, the prisoner, the naked, the poor, and all those who mourn. Our actions must never contradict our words, and our words must not contradict our actions. This is not because it is important for us to be recognized or praised for the work we do, but because it is important for the one who sends us to be known, so that others may find Him, too.

As St. Vincent taught, admonishing one of his superiors for his efforts to enhance the Congregation’s reputation, “Let us entrust our reputation to Him… to do with it as He sees fit. To Him alone glory is due; let us never do anything that does not give glory to Him and, to that end, let us trample underfoot human respect and self-interest.” [CCD IV:480]

Like Christ Himself, we cannot control who the people say that we are, we can only control who we say that we are, and in the end, all that will matter is who God says that we are.

Contemplate

Who do I say that I am, in my words and in my actions?

Recommended Reading

The Rule

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SVdP National President Featured in National Catholic Register
SVdP National President Featured in National Catholic Register 398 398 SVDP USA

“To address the homelessness crisis, we must encounter those on the brink.” So writes SVdP National President John Berry, in his latest op-ed for the National Catholic Register.

Here’s an excerpt:

“To understand why prevention programs are so critically needed, we must first understand why so many people are becoming homeless. According to Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, the number of Americans experiencing homelessness has risen almost 50% over the past eight years. 12 million people are “severely cost-burdened,” and thus at risk of becoming homeless themselves. That massive increase can’t be attributed to drugs or mental illness (even if those ills affect the most visibly homeless). Instead, its main drivers are brute economic factors like skyrocketing housing costs and inflation. “A great river of poverty is traversing our cities and swelling to the point of overflowing,” Pope Francis said in his 2023 message for the World Day of the Poor. “It seems to overwhelm us, so great are the needs of our brothers and sisters who plead for our help, support and solidarity.””

Click here to read John’s full article.

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08-22-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
08-22-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

“As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.” 1 Corinthians 12:20

As Vincentians, we are still facing the challenges and issues of diversity along with all our personal challenges. And of course, this makes it difficult to increase membership, but in no way does it stop us from doing what we are called to do and to be — ONE SOCIETY.

Yes, when we speak of diversity, we mean more Hispanics and more African Americans but, we also mean more Asians, more youth, more women, more disabled people, and greater regional diversity. A natural phenomenon is that people attract others who look like them. Therefore, it is incumbent upon each Vincentian to seek out people who are different from themselves. Yes, this can be uncomfortable, but it can be done and is likely to be a good learning experience for everyone involved. It sets an example that is self-replicating.

Diversity in membership creates a more innovative and successful organization. Bringing together different perspectives, experiences, and talents, creates a dynamic environment that fosters growth and success for both individuals and the organization. Since the Society wishes to grow its membership, diversity is one way to make that happen. In a recent commentary on VisionSVdP, the question was asked, “why can’t we move the needle on increasing diversity in our membership despite years of trying?” I challenge us to say and believe “Yes We Can.”

As Vice President of Friendship and Community, our committee has the charge to continue the dedicated efforts of building awareness, bridging abilities, embracing diversity, and broadening friendships and community. We are to take bold and courageous steps toward weaving the threads and strengthening the bonds between different groups in a fragmented and divisive culture. As we focus on these goals and take the necessary action, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will reflect more beautifully the Multicultural Diversity Committee’s guiding principle, known as EMBRACE: Every Member Belongs, Respects, Accepts, Cares, and Empathizes with each other and with those we serve. This will allow us to strengthen ourselves within and go forth to build a dynamic, diverse, and dedicated Society.

We invite you to open again your heart to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and be inspired to join hands and make a personal commitment to move the “diversity needle.” Again, this is one way we can grow our Society. Here are a few tips on how you can help us meet these lofty goals:

  1. Get to know individuals who are different.
  2. Show and promote the works of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
  3. Discern their interest and invite them to join the Society
  4. Mentor and demonstrate the MCDC guiding principle – EMBRACE
  5. Assess your Conference as to its “welcoming culture”
  6. Accompany new members as you teach and live the essential elements of the Society: – Spirituality, Friendship and Service.

All these things are important as the Society moves the “diversity needle” and becomes a place where individuals from all backgrounds are welcomed, and a place where good continues to flow outward with ever-increasing effectiveness. Can we move the ‘diversity needle”? Yes We Can!!!

Yours in Christ,
Connie Steward
National Vice President of Vincentian Friendship and Community

 

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Contemplation: A Cycle of Love
Contemplation: A Cycle of Love 800 800 SVDP USA

By Timothy Williams, Senior Director of Formation and Leadership Development 

We serve, our Rule reminds us, for love alone. [Rule, Part I, 2.2] This does not mean we do it in exchange for love, but rather that our works are motivated by love, and freely given as acts of love. Our own hearts, aflame with the love of God, cannot help but share this gift, to put the needs of another before our own. And although we do not seek it, it is the nature of the Divine love to always remain a gift, and one that will return to us only when we freely give it away.

This is why Bl. Rosalie Rendu taught her Daughters always to receive love with gratitude, even as we continue to give. “Love the fact that the poor love you,” she said. “If you have nothing to give, give yourself.” [Sullivan, 322] After all, if we seek God and serve God in the poor, then the love we receive from them is the love of God. As Bl. Frédéric Ozanam explained “in exchange for our love they will give us their prayers, and the blessing of the poor is a blessing from God.” [1457, Annual Report, 1834]

God’s love is given to us gratuitously; it is a gift, a grace which we can nether earn nor repay. Indeed, the words gratitude, gratuitous, and grace all stem from the Latin grātia, which refers to a favor or kindness – a gift. Like all things we receive from God – our talents, our comforts, our food and drink, our successes, our health, our very lives – God’s love is always offered back to Him, because it always remains of Him and in Him. He calls upon us to share His love with each other and with the neighbor, in whom we will find Him. He is not hidden from us. Rather, St. Vincent de Paul taught, “Wherever we go, we always find God. If He’s the one you seek, you’ll find Him everywhere.” [CCD X:416]

In so many areas of society, economics, and life, we observe cycles. Cycles of poverty, cycles of despair, cycles of violence – many of them vicious cycles, which end as they begin, ever renewing the despair or poverty with which they began. Like the ouroboros devouring its own tail, each is seemingly contained entirely within itself, perpetuating itself in its hopelessness.

Yet each of these is only one small part of a much greater and more powerful cycle of God’s creation, of life itself. Christ taught us not to despair over the troubles of the day, over the food we eat, or the clothes we wear. He taught us the power of God’s love through His own supreme sacrifice of love on the Cross, given with no thought towards repayment – as if there were any way for us to repay Him. He asks us, instead of repaying Him, to partake of Him, to receive His love and to share it with each other.

In the Eucharist, He remains truly present, continuing to give Himself, just as Bl. Rosalie calls on us to do. With each work of charity, of love, we both begin and perpetuate a great cycle of love, one that replaces poverty with gladness, and despair with hope. We do not give in order to receive, yet when we love, we are loved in return by God, through each other and the poor, and we are renewed.

Contemplate

While gratuitously sharing God’s love, do I remain always open to receiving it again?

Recommended Reading

Turn Everything to Love

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Contemplation: Joy In Gratitude
Contemplation: Joy In Gratitude 800 800 SVDP USA

By Timothy Williams, Senior Director of Formation and Leadership Development 

In the times that our work seems difficult, and the problems of the neighbor or our Conference seems overwhelming, there is one thing that should fill our hearts and minds, bringing us to a state of peace and good cheer in serving: gratitude.

It is easy to be grateful for good fortune, however fleeting: the raise at work, the second helping of pie, the cure for an illness, or a narrowly avoided accident while driving. “God was with me!” we think. We say a prayer of thanks and, smiling, go on with our lives.

But God is also with the ones who were not healed, the ones who remained hungry, the ones who crashed their cars. Not only is He with them, both the Father and the Son have told us that they will always be with us, and further remind us that in serving them, we truly serve Him. How can we not be grateful for this opportunity to serve, however difficult it may seem at times? This is our vocation, after all, our calling – it was not we who chose Him, but He who chose us, who called us, who sends us to offer His comfort to the afflicted.

“Humble yourselves for this grace,” St. Vincent teaches, “and be grateful for it. Humble yourselves at the sight of this astonishing action of God for what would you be…had He not chosen to call you from your poor and lowly state to serve Him?” [SWLM, 792]

It is part of our trust in Divine Providence that should lead us to gratitude. If God has called us, we trust, even in difficult times, that this is for the best, in accordance with His will. In turn, St. Louise taught, it is our gratitude that will give us “the disposition necessary to receive the graces you need to serve your sick poor in a spirit of gentleness and great compassion, in imitation of Our Lord who acted this way with the most unfortunate.” [SWLM, 434]

It is in our virtue of gentleness, born of gratitude, that we express “kindness, sweetness and patience in our relationship with others.” [Rule, Part I, 2.5.1] This is true not only when things go well, or when we think we have a solution to the neighbor’s material needs, but also – and especially – when things seem most bleak. In our gratitude for being called into His presence in our vocation, as St. Louise asks, “Why are our souls not in a continuous state of joy and happiness?” [SWLM, 774]

The smiles we offer are not ours alone to give but are a great gift of joy from God, a sign of His eternal love. When we remain grateful, we cannot help but share this joy with the neighbor, and “reflect on the eternal joy that you will have in heaven if, on earth, you love God and your neighbor as He has commanded you.” [SWLM, 804]

Contemplate

How many times have I thanked God for my difficulties, along with my joys?

Recommended Reading

Mystic of Charity

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Encountering Our Neighbor -Video-
Encountering Our Neighbor -Video- 1080 1080 SVDP USA

Encountering Our Neighbor

Hear what three Vincentians – John, Dr. Ken, and Marge – have to say about their heartfelt experience serving a neighbor, and how that has shaped their time with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

John Berry, National President:  

We had opened up a brand new food pantry in Atlanta where I’m from and we had a woman that was coming through and it was a client choice food pantry, so we were walking with her and helping her choose. And we had a refrigerator cabinet that we had cakes and those kind of things in because the local supermarket had donated them to us and we always made those available to people. And this woman came up to the refrigerator cabinet and she started crying. And we were like “Oh You know what happened. What did we do?” And she started sobbing and she said “Tomorrow is my daughter’s birthday and I never thought I would be able to afford to have a cake for her birthday.” So we got her the cake and then we went to the warehouse and we got a bicycle for her to give her daughter for her birthday and it was just something that, you know, when she left, we all looked at each other and said this is what it’s all about. This is what it’s all about.

Dr. Ken Snider:

Well, one little girl, she came up when she was 10 years old and she had a cleft lip and a cleft palate. And I wish I could say if I have the before and after pictures. So when I examined her, I didn’t want to hurt her feelings by bringing notice to the cleft. So when I I finished examining her, I said “Honey, have you ever heard of braces?” You know, she shook her head. And I said “Well, we can do that. I said we can’t, you know, take everyone. But if you’re interested, I might be able to get you in.” Well I’m the dental director I can get them in, but if the kids aren’t interested, even if the parents want it, they’re not going to maintain it and everything. You know, there’s limited resources. And so she started to cry. And I thought I hurt her feelings. And the staff person said no, she said those are tears of joy. She thought this would never be possible for her. Then her mother came in, and her mother started to cry. We were all crying.

Marge McGinley:

So I met this beautiful person who was in need and when we got to her home we could tell she was conserving every penny, because each room had a curtain to conserve the air conditioning in that room. And we visited with her and she said “You know everybody that I’ve dealt with from Saint Vincent de Paul has been so kind. Like the people that answer your phones, everybody is so kind.” And I said, “Well, of course we are. Because for us, you are the face of Christ. We’re meeting Jesus when we meet you.”  And she started to cry. And she said “No one has ever talked to me so kindly.” As we were leaving, she said “I just have one more question.” And I said OK, and she said, “Can I join you? Can I can I help other people? I know I need help but can I help somebody else because I want to be able to see Jesus.”

Dr. Ken Snider:

Yeah, I mean it’s priceless. When you put your head on the pillow at night and you think, wow, you know. How did I? How did God grant me the blessing to be part of this, you know. And it truly is a blessing.

John Berry, National President:  

I mean the encounters run the gauntlet from the Home Visits that we do, the thrift stores that we operate, the food pantries that we operate. Each one of those is an opportunity for us to touch humanity and for humanity to touch us, because our growth through that service is really the ultimate most important thing that we do is grow spiritually.

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08-08-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
08-08-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

The human head has between 80 – 90,000 hairs. That’s roughly the number of Society of St Vincent de Paul members in the United States. In 11 years as your national CEO, my hair has become increasingly greyer. Coincidence?

Many people share with me that I always appear calm, especially when events crash around us. That’s because I am a constructive worrier, although some might call it simply anticipative. Chances are that the outcome I imagined, and planned for, was worse than what actually happened. Hope for the best, expect the worst, and you are rarely surprised.

What do I worry about in this role? There are big things, but mostly small things. I worry that the right person is at the right time and place, saying the right things. I worry about national event attendance. My largest worries are that whatever we are doing is not enough to help every family out there who needs us. I worry that there is some solution to poverty that we haven’t found yet, despite our best efforts. I worry about a shrinking Church in some parts of our country, limiting the recruiting pool for new Society members. Finally, I worry that our members need something from “National” that we can’t provide.

You might find this strange, but I don’t worry about money too much. We are blessed with generous donors, and many more people we haven’t yet reached with our story, because when they know our story and impact, they respond with financial resources. No, we usually suffer more from a lack of people and organization than a lack of funds.

It would be wonderful if I could worry about not meeting our mission because we have served everyone in need we can find. Unfortunately, this may never happen. The Poor, as we know, will always be with us. And so, too, will there be people who need to grow in their own holiness. We will have important Society work for a lifetime!

As I depart next month through my retirement from this CEO position, I also don’t worry too much about the Society’s future. We are blessed with many great leaders, who have learned from those who served previously and who continue to elevate our work. We also have a new generation or two behind them, learning as they serve as good followers. My successor, Michael Acaldo, is a proven servant leader. He will build upon whatever good, bad, or just plain nutty practices I have put in place to lead our wonderful National Council staff and serve our ambitious, dedicated Board of Directors. We have money in the bank to fuel dreams of growth and innovation, a solid Vincentian formation platform, and plenty of heart, brains, and desire to do good. There are genuinely exciting times ahead of us!

My wife Mary Ellen and I are moving to suburban Phoenix next month. The plan is to write some books, including perhaps a collection of these Servant Leader columns, join some neighborhood hobby clubs, serve in my parish and Conference, support the National and local SVdP Councils as they see fit, and finally to learn some new skills. These are the new interests I’d like to turn my worries to soon. I can’t see myself doing little or nothing. I certainly have so many Vincentian friends in their 60s and above who serve as role models for fruitful, active retirements!

Maybe I’ll become a keyboard warrior, go to some ballgames, take more naps, and squirt a water hose in fun at passing children from my front yard. After 40 years of professional nonprofit service, a little more personal, even wasted, time might be fun!

Before I leave, I want to thank you for reading these columns over the years. This is my last Servant Leader column, at least as your national CEO. It’s gratifying when someone says they read my work. It’s even more fulfilling when a member says that they brought my column to a Conference meeting to initiate a conversation of substance. Maybe I couldn’t provide an answer, but framing the right question is also important.

Thank you as well for your patience, friendship and lessons learned through our worshiping and serving together. I have grown as a person, a servant leader, and as a faithful Catholic through our relationships over a decade. I can leave my Society job and my career with gratitude, confidence in our efforts together, adequate retirement savings, and an abundance of friendships. And even most of my hair.

Yours in Christ,
Dave Barringer
National CEO

 

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