John Berry

  • 8 Comments
  • No Likes

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

  • 99 Comments
  • 1 Like

02-06-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
02-06-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

Very unsettling news that became public this week has sent a shockwave through the Catholic charitable community. As it impacts one the largest and most important Catholic international aid organizations, it demands reflection and a realization of how policy that might appear to address one issue can have devastating impact on innocents.

Catholic Relief Services, CRS, is bracing for massive cuts — as much as 50% this year — because of draconian reductions in U.S. foreign assistance ordered by the new administration.

CRS is the top recipient of funds for foreign aid to support people in need around the world, aid which the administration has targeted with a spending freeze. Layoffs have already begun, as CRS has been forced to begin shutting down programs, as close to half of the organization’s $1.5 billion budget has been slashed. The cuts would amount to one of the biggest blows ever to CRS, founded in 1943 by Catholic bishops in the United States to serve World War II survivors in Europe. CRS reaches more than 200 million people in 121 countries on five continents.

This is a tragic outcome for people around the world who rely on CRS and others who believe in the call of Christ to ‘love your neighbor’ for survival. It is important that we pray for our sisters and brothers at CRS who are doing God’s work as they go through this turmoil, that we pray for the innocents who will suffer because of these actions, and for an understanding by policymakers of the universal impact of their actions and a consideration of all impacted by those actions before they are taken.

This is not about politics. Politicians get elected and they have a right to enact the policies that they ran on and were elected on. No, this is about morality and doing what is right. This is about not cutting off your head because you have a cold. This is about not blowing up your house because your sink leaks. This is about thinking about the impact of your actions before you take them.

There is no excuse for making the poor, the hungry, the homeless, and the sick suffer while you ‘study’ the massive expenditures of the federal government. If there is waste, identify where, and cut it. You’ll be applauded. Don’t shut down vital lifesaving aid to millions while you look — people die that way. Look first, act second.

This is about the fact that we, as Christians, believe that caring for the poor, the homeless, the sick, and the elderly is not just a moral duty. It’s a divine mandate from God and Jesus. This obligation is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Bible and the example set by Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry.

The Bible is replete with verses that emphasize the importance of helping those in need. In the Old Testament, God commands His people to care for the less fortunate. For instance, in Deuteronomy 15:11, it is written, “For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore, I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.'” This verse highlights the perpetual presence of poverty and the continuous need for generosity and compassion.

The teachings of Jesus in the New Testament further reinforce this obligation. Jesus’ ministry was marked by His compassion for the marginalized and the suffering. In Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus speaks about the final judgment and identifies Himself with the needy. We know that this passage underscores the idea that serving the needy is equivalent to serving Christ Himself.

Moreover, the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) illustrates the call to love and care for others, regardless of their background or circumstances. The Samaritan’s actions demonstrate that true neighborly love transcends social and ethnic boundaries and is characterized by mercy and compassion.

The early Christian community also exemplified this mandate. In Acts 2:44-45, it is recorded that “all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.” This communal sharing and support for the needy were foundational to the early Church’s identity and mission.

So too do Governments have a fundamental obligation to support those in need during policy making. This responsibility is rooted in the principles of life, liberty, justice, and the common good. Effective governance requires that policies are designed to uplift the most vulnerable members of society, ensuring that everyone has access to basic necessities and opportunities for a better life.

Historically, U.S. governmental entities (both Republican and Democratic) have reached out to Catholic organizations in order to deliver social services more effectively and efficiently. America has a profound moral obligation to support those in need, both domestically and globally. This responsibility stems from the nation’s values of justice, compassion, and leadership. As a global leader, the United States has the capacity and resources to make a significant impact on alleviating suffering worldwide.

Moreover, America’s history of humanitarian aid reflects its commitment to global welfare. The Marshall Plan, for instance, helped rebuild Europe after World War II, demonstrating the nation’s dedication to fostering stability and prosperity beyond its borders. By supporting those in need globally, America not only fulfills its moral obligations but also promotes peace, stability, and goodwill. This approach fosters international cooperation and strengthens global partnerships, ultimately contributing to a more just and peaceful world.

In summary, Christians are called to care for the poor, the homeless, the sick, and the elderly as a reflection of God’s love and compassion. This mandate is not merely a suggestion, but a fundamental aspect of Christian discipleship, rooted in the teachings of the Bible and the example of Jesus Christ. By serving those in need, Christians fulfill their divine obligation and embody the love of Christ in the world.

Peace and God’s blessings,
John

John Berry
SVdP National President

  • 7 Comments
  • No Likes

Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA President John Berry Statement on Federal Funding Freeze
Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA President John Berry Statement on Federal Funding Freeze 1920 1920 SVDP USA
By John Berry, National President, SVdP USA

While a federal judge has temporarily blocked a White House move to freeze federal grants and loans, the Society of St. Vincent DePaul USA (SVdP) remains deeply concerned about the impact this action could have on the most vulnerable of our population.

SVdP acknowledges and respects the right of the President and his Administration to implement policies that he campaigned on, but at the same time, millions of low-income Americans depend on federal assistance for rent, food and other assistance to stave off poverty and homelessness. Even a temporary disruption to this funding will likely result in hardworking people being forced out of their homes at a time when homelessness across the country is already on the rise.

As one of the nation’s largest organizations dedicated to preventing homelessness, SVdP urges the White House to take a more discerning and equitable approach to ensure that vulnerable families remain housed. We also call on the Administration to recognize that high rates of poverty and homelessness are unacceptable and represent a crisis of conscience for our nation.

We can debate policies, but first we must open our eyes and hearts to the suffering around us and then change the systems that perpetuate poverty by advocating for affordable housing, living wages and access to quality education and healthcare. Therefore, we ask the Administration to immediately lift the freeze on funding and begin good faith discussions to determine how their goals can be achieved without creating greater suffering among the innocent, whose lives rely on the support of these government programs.

  • 7 Comments
  • No Likes

01-16-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
01-16-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

A New Year Call to Hope and Action

My Fellow Vincentians,

As we stand at the beginning of a new year, our hearts may be filled with a mixture of emotions. There’s the excitement of new beginnings, the anticipation of fresh starts, and perhaps a touch of apprehension about the challenges that may lie ahead. But amidst these feelings, one constant remains: the enduring power of hope.

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.

This hope, however, cannot be a passive hope. It must be a hope that is rooted in action, a hope that translates into tangible efforts to make our world a better place.
This year, SVdP USA will be taking new and stronger action to channel our hopes into concrete actions. With the opening of our second National Office in Washington, DC in February, we will be creating a base for increasing our efforts to advocate on behalf of those we serve, and turning 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.

The stark reality is that millions of our brothers and sisters struggle to meet their basic needs. They lack access to affordable housing, nutritious food, and quality healthcare. Children go to bed hungry, families are forced to live on the streets, and countless individuals are trapped in a cycle of poverty that seems impossible to break.

This is a crisis of conscience for our nation. It is a stark reminder that our 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.

How can we translate our hopes and dreams into meaningful action?

First and foremost, 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. In our encounters with those we serve, we must listen with a Servant Heart — not only hearing the facts and numbers associated with the support we give, but hearing their hopes, dreams, and the stories that make them who they are. We cannot help if we do not understand. And we cannot understand if we do not listen.

Secondly, we must challenge the systems and structures that perpetuate poverty. We must advocate for policies that provide affordable housing, living wages, and access to quality education and healthcare for all. We must support organizations that are working to address the root causes of poverty, such as systemic racism and economic inequality. That will be the role of our Washington, DC office and staff. To work with USCCB, Congress, and like-minded nonprofits to drive the change needed to address poverty at its source.

And finally, we must cultivate a spirit of solidarity and collective action. We must recognize 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.

The task before us is daunting, but not insurmountable. We cannot solve the problems of poverty and homelessness overnight. But we, each and every one of us, can 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 has the opportunity to live a life of dignity and hope.

Let us, therefore, embrace this new year with renewed hope and a renewed commitment to action. Let us strive to be instruments of God’s love and mercy in the world. Let us work together to build a beloved community where all are welcome, where all are valued, and where all have the opportunity to flourish.

Peace and God’s Blessings,
John

John Berry
National President

  • No Comments
  • No Likes

January is Poverty Awareness Month
January is Poverty Awareness Month 940 788 SVDP USA

January is Poverty Awareness Month

On the Eighth World Day of the Poor, Pope Francis wrote:

“If prayer does not translate into concrete action, it is in vain; 
indeed, ‘faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.’”

January is Poverty Awareness Month, a time for all people of faith to defend the life and dignity of those living in poverty. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul serves the poorest among us, not just during Poverty Awareness Month, but every day of the year. We put faith into action, rooted in love for those we serve as we are called to do.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Annual Homelessness Assessment Report, released on December 27, underscores the crisis of poverty and homelessness facing America. The report found more than 770,000 individuals were experiencing homelessness on a single night in 2024 — an increase of 18% over last year and an all-time high.

The crisis is growing, and we know that prayer alone is not enough. We are called to recognize those who struggle and to respond with compassion, love, and action. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul brings personalized help to people in crisis, as Vincentian volunteers in more than 4,000 communities across the country provide rental and utility assistance, food, medical care, educational support, and more. There is a transformative power in giving ourselves — our time, our attention, our presence — through these acts of love and service.

Our faith informs who and how we serve, and our service to those living in poverty strengthens our faith. This Poverty Awareness Month, our mission remains unchanged. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is, and forever will be, a network of friends, inspired by Gospel values, growing in holiness and building a more just world through personal relationships with and service to people in need.

– John Berry
National President of SVdP USA

  • 5 Comments
  • No Likes

12-19-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
12-19-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

Words. What are they to you and how do you use them? Are words just a way to communicate, or are they a way to express deep emotion, ideas, and thoughts that engage others?

I believe that we often forget how powerful words can be. But that power can be both good and bad. Words can be used to lift up, and to tear down. They can be used to inspire, and to belittle. They can be used to praise, and to curse. The power of words can be understood in one way by the realization that their use is specifically addressed three times in the Ten Commandments!

But where words hold the most power, the most value, and the most beauty is in the telling of stories. When we hear ‘stories’ we often think fiction, but stories are also the narratives of history. And it is in the telling of those stories that words teach us, ground us, and keep us connected to our roots and our history. It is through stories, even before the written word, that we evolved as a family of humanity.

The story of Christmas is a story of hope, love, and divine intervention. It is a story that speaks to the very core of our humanity, reminding us of our inherent dignity and worth. In the humble birth of Jesus, we see God’s unwavering love for humanity, a love that knows no bounds. And in that story, St. John writes the most beautiful 25 words ever written by man:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

This love is not an abstract concept. It is a love that calls us to action, that demands we act if we are true believers! It calls us to be instruments of God’s love in the world. As St. Vincent de Paul reminds us, “Charity is not merely a feeling of pity, but a lively sense of the sufferings of others which leads to prompt action.”

As I write this column the week before Christmas, when many of us will gather with loved ones to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I wanted to reflect on the profound meaning of Christmas in the context of our shared experiences and responsibilities as Brothers and Sisters in Christ, navigating a world that is both changing and challenging.

In our increasingly interconnected world, God calls us to be witnesses to his love, not just within our own communities, but also across the globe. As Blessed Frédéric Ozanam said, “Love is not merely a sentiment, but a force of nature, a power which moves the world.” This power of love can transform lives, heal wounds, and bring about lasting peace.

Our country and our world today are marked by division, conflict, and injustice. Yet, the message of Christmas is one of unity, reconciliation, and hope. Jesus came to break down the barriers that divide us, to bridge the gaps between rich and poor, strong, and weak, friend and foe. As we celebrate His birth, let this Christmas season renew our commitment to building a more just and compassionate world, in which every person is valued and respected.

Let us also reflect on the challenges we face as a society. The pandemic, although it seems a long time ago, exposed the deep and ongoing fragility of our world and the inequalities that persist today. Climate change threatens our planet and the well-being of future generations. Amid these challenges, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged. However, we must not lose hope. As Christians, we believe in a God who is always present, even in the darkest of times.

The story of Christmas reminds us that God is with us. The name Emmanuel itself means “God With Us.” This is a truth that gives us the courage to face the challenges of our time with faith and determination. Let the example of Mary inspire us. She, who despite her youth and uncertainty, embraced God’s plan for her life. Let us also follow the example of Joseph, who was willing to put aside his own plans to care for Mary and the child Jesus.

As we gather with our families and loved ones this Christmas, let us not forget those who are alone or struggling. Let us reach out to them with compassion and care, offering them a listening ear and a helping hand. Let us also remember those who are suffering from poverty, hunger, and injustice. Let us pray for them and work to alleviate their suffering.

In the words of St. Paul, “Let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at the proper time, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).

While our work oftentimes seems overwhelming, and we question whether we are really making a difference, let us not grow weary in our efforts to build a more just and compassionate world. Let us continue to work for peace, justice, and love, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.

This Christmas, let us embrace the true meaning of the season — the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Let us celebrate His love, and let it inspire us to be beacons of hope and love in a world that desperately needs it. May the peace and joy of Christmas fill our hearts and homes, and may we carry this spirit of love and compassion throughout the year.

Debi and I wish you and your loved ones a Blessed and Merry Christmas and a Joyous New Year!

John

John Berry
National President

  • No Comments
  • No Likes

Podcast: National President John Berry’s vision for SVDP USA’s role in homelessness prevention
Podcast: National President John Berry’s vision for SVDP USA’s role in homelessness prevention 627 621 SVDP USA

National President John Berry’s vision for SVDP USA’s role in homelessness prevention

In the latest episode of the St. Vincent de Paul Louisville video podcast, our National President John Berry shares his unexpected journey into the SVDP USA organization and his deep passion for homelessness prevention.

Listen to Episode 32: With Arms Wide Open on the SVDP Louisville podcast now. 

  • No Comments
  • No Likes

Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA climbs Forbes’ Top 100 Charities List
Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA climbs Forbes’ Top 100 Charities List 1920 1920 SVDP USA

Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA climbs Forbes’ Top 100 Charities List

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA earned a second consecutive appearance on Forbes magazine’s annual list of Top 100 Charities in the United States, climbing to #59 this year from #75 last year.

SVdP USA received a high charitable commitment score of 89% from Forbes, meaning 89% of SVdP’s total expenses have gone where it matters most: directly to servicing people experiencing poverty. Forbes’ annual list serves as a trusted resource for helping readers distinguish which organizations are worthy of their donor dollars.

“This exciting accomplishment is not just for the organization — it’s also for every single donor, supporter, and neighbor we serve in His name,” said National President John Berry. “It’s a testament to the generosity and compassion our nearly 90,000 Vincentian volunteers have put forth to help their communities, the thousands of hours of providing person-to-person service to our neighbors, and the dedication to creating a more just world.”

SVdP USA has been at the forefront of providing personalized support to underserved communities for more than 150 years, and this legacy of service continues to grow with the tireless efforts of its Vincentian volunteers. Last year, the faith-based organization served more than 5 million people through a variety of its programs including food pantries, shelters, homelessness prevention initiatives such as rent and utility assistance, Home Visits, and more.

Enter your
text here
Skip to content