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Frederic's E-Gazette
An e-newsletter from the National Council of the
U.S. Society of St. Vincent de Paul
®
August 10, 2017
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Table of Contents:
To go directly to a certain article, simply click on the title
What's New in this Issue
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Disclaimer: (NOTE: The links in some of the articles are intended to take you to websites for a specific story, page, function or program approved for your use by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. The Society does not accept responsibility for, or grant approval of, peripheral advertising or stories that may reside on those websites.)
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From your Servant Leader:
August 10, 2017
The shortest distance between two points is a straight line. But while the shortest distance for many Americans between poverty and a life of self-sufficiency is a job, it can still be a winding path to achieve it. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul can help to shorten the line, but are we doing all we can?
According to several sources including a foundation created by "Dirty Jobs" actor Mike Rowe, there are nearly 3 million unfilled good-paying jobs out there that don't require a college degree. This does not mean however that they are "unskilled" jobs; many still need technical training that can be fulfilled with an associate's degree or trade schooling over anywhere from a few months to two years. Yet our national focus has been on attaining a four-year college degree even though many college grads have poor job and salary prospects. Four years of college for many is unaffordable, and for some young people college just isn't a good fit.
Meanwhile, some states are requiring more strict work requirements for SNAP and other government benefits for the able-bodied. This additional pressure to find employment may bring more people to our Society looking for work even when they also ask for food, rent or other assistance.
Our Society Conferences and Councils might find this a good time to shift our thinking toward a different set of mission strategies. Many have begun this already with an increased emphasis on systemic change solutions to help people move more permanently out of poverty. But while we have moved in this direction through better education, help with predatory lending, financial literacy and other strategies, how much have we developed our services and strategies around job attainment? How can we help to straighten that line between poverty and a well-paying job?
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Q: Our annual budget is about $120,000 plus food. We request grants in financing our activities. Recently, we have been turned down due to the lack of certified statements. Given that an audit would have little value aside from this requirement, is there any SVdP policy on Conference audits?
A: The Society has always recommended that Conferences have an informal audit annually or at least when a new president takes office. Because of the size of your program, you need to decide if the cost of a formal audit is justifiable related to the grant request. It boils down to your choice: fulfill the requirements associated with the grant request or withdraw the request.
Q: A parishioner is requesting for someone to pick up her husband from an adult day care and take him home on occasion when she can't do it. My question is would this be ok from an insurance/legal standpoint? It was suggested that I ask you if we are covered under the group insurance from the National Society. Also I am sure anyone that would do this from our Conference would have their own car insurance.
A: From an accident standpoint, the car insurance of the Vincentian covers it. From a liability standpoint under group insurance, it would be covered as long as everything is done in a Vincentian way. For example, person-to-person works of charity are done by two Vincentians.
Submit your questions to:
Pam Hudson
National Director of Governance & Membership Services
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Our National Assembly agenda is packed with incredible speakers and informative workshops!
Vincentians! Don't miss out on celebrating the 400th Anniversary of the Vincentian Charism at the SVdP 2017 National Assembly in Tampa, Fla. from August 30 - September 2. See below for highlights of this year's agenda!
Wednesday:
There are full day workshops planned for the National Stores, Formation, Disaster Training and Voice of the Poor (VOP Members Only) Committees.
Enjoy a fantastic lunch and welcome reception prepared by the Tampa Marriott's chef.
Thursday:
The morning will start with breakfast and a welcome address from President Sheila Gilbert, followed by Fr. Robert Maloney as he delivers his keynote presentation on "The Vincentian Way - 400 Years of Vincentian Charism... The Year of Welcoming the Stranger." Followed by daily Mass and a series of workshops covering governance, membership solidarity, communications and more.
Friday:
The day will start with a spiritual retreat, "Spiritual Leadership: The Quest for Integrity" by Dr. Leonard Doohan, and continues with our Daily Mass & Re-Commitment Ceremony. Those who are part of the Invitation for Renewal Alumni will continue their day with Dr. Doohan as they move on to their afternoon program. Others will enjoy the Neighborhoods of Hope program or workshops from the Voice of the Poor Committee, The Future of Latinos and the Successful Prisoner to Citizen Workshop.
StoryBooth will be back with great new questions. The afternoon will continue with more workshops, an international youth video call. The evening will wrap-up with the Host City Event, a dinner cruise on the Yacht StarShip, lots of great food & fellowship!
Saturday:
The final day of this year's National Assembly is packed. It will begin with a keynote presentation from Ralph McCloud, "Racial Injustice - A Black Leader's Perspective on its Impact on Poverty." National Council Members will participate in the National Business Meeting, while others enjoy workshops discussing, "Accepting Help from People in Poverty," "Breaking the Cycle of Debt," "Youth," "Systemic Change," and many, many more. Or you might decide to join one of the two off-site thrift store tours.
The final closing vigil Mass is one not to miss. During Mass, we'll be commissioning our new President, Ralph Middlecamp, along with the new board of directors. The Mass will be presided over by Bishop John Quinn. The evening will end with a reception & closing banquet as we say goodbye to President, Sheila Gilbert, and her board, and welcome in our new President, Ralph Middlecamp, and his new board.
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Hotel Deadline extended to Friday, August 11!
The Tampa Marriott Waterside has extended our guest room deadline to August 11, but don't wait! After Aug. 11, the prices will not be guaranteed. Click HERE to make your room reservation TODAY! Or call 813.221.4900. Be sure to mention St. Vincent de Paul to receive our group rate.
(Any questions or problems securing your guest room, please contact Christi Watts, [email protected]).
Questions? Contact:
Michele Schurk
Events Coordinator
314-576-3993 ext. 223
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The Need for Risk Management - Part III
We continue with the excerpts from the Smart Risk Management Manager's Training Workbook dealing with the five core principles of risk management. This week's focus is on communication.
Core Principle #3 - Communication
"Silence is golden," but not in the workplace. Quick and decisive communication can prevent risk and wrongdoing from spreading throughout your work environment. To set a standard of effective communication in your workplace you should:
- Send a message of "no tolerance" concerning risk and wrongdoing. Let your employees know that you do not tolerate wrongdoing. Although actions do speak louder than words, a positive message of "no tolerance" can be an effective and quick means of prevention.
- Make sure your employees feel comfortable coming to you with their concerns, including concerns about wrongdoing and other related risks. Let your employees know - through actions and words - that your door is always open.
- Provide constant, honest feedback to employees about their job performance, regardless of whether it meets your expectations. Expressing your expectations to your employees in the beginning, and reinforcing those expectations as your employees progress, allows you to promote a more productive and risk-free work environment.
- Communicate by training your employees on techniques to avoid workplace risk and wrongdoing.
- Tell only those who have a "need to know" when you are aware of or suspect workplace risk or wrongdoing. Your employer has designated specific individuals within your organization who are trained to manage risk and wrongdoing. Managers who withhold information or try to manage the wrongdoing themselves - without the proper training or organizational support - may create unnecessary exposure for themselves and their organization.
Next week we will address Core Principle #4 - Empathy.
To learn more about Governance, contact:
Pam Hudson
National Director of Governance and Membership Services
(314)576-3993 ext. 214
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Attention NCMs and Other Servant Leadership whose Terms are ending!
A servant leadership thank you & farewell continental breakfast is being hosted at the National Assembly in Tampa on Friday, September 1 from 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. You are valuable to us! If your servant leadership term is ending soon, join us for breakfast to discuss the many opportunities available for you and your Vincentian servant leadership knowledge, with the National Council. There is still servant leadership work in the Vincentian vineyard to be done! We need your expertise! Can we count on you?
To reserve your place email:
[email protected] for the room location. Let us know that we can count on you to join us!
"Our Lord will counsel you what to do." -St. Vincent de Paul
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¿Va a concluir su término de servicio como líder? ¡Únase a nosotros el viernes en Tampa para el desayuno!
¡ATENCIÓN NCMS Y OTROS LÍDERES CUYOS TÉRMINOS VAN A CONCLUIR!
Un desayuno continental de despedida y de agradecimiento por su servicio de liderazgo va a ser ofrecido en la Asamblea Nacional en Tampa el viernes, 1 de septiembre a las 7:30 am - 8:30am. ¡Ustedes son valiosos para nosotros! Si su término de servicio como líder está por terminar pronto, únase a nosotros en el desayuno para discutir las muchas oportunidades disponibles para usted y su conocimiento del servicio de liderazgo vicentino con el Consejo Nacional. ¡Todavía hay trabajo de liderazgo que hacer en la viña vicentina! ¡Necesitamos su experiencia! ¿Podemos contar con usted?
Para reservar su lugar envíe un correo electrónico a:
[email protected] para la localización del salón. ¡Déjenos saber que podemos contar con que se unan a nosotros!
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Have you paid your Annual Solidarity Contributions?
We have now entered into our fourth quarter of fiscal year 2016-17. If remittance has not been made for your current solidarity contributions owed, please do so immediately.
The name 'Society of St. Vincent de Paul' is trademark protected for those who are practicing good governance, which includes remittance of annual contributions assessed. National Council solidarity contributions make up a significant portion of the national budgeted income and is an essential annual membership requirement. Click here for a listing of the Benefits of Solidarity. No SVdP entity can be exempt from annual solidarity dues contribution. Let us know if there is anything we can do to assist.
For payment advice or to discuss payment arrangement contact:
Pam Hudson
Director of Governance and Membership Services
314-576-3993 ext. 214
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Vincentian Formation
Celebrate Frederic Ozanam's Feast Day - Sept. 9
The Rule 3.11 challenges:
"The president of the Conference or Council will have special responsibility for promoting Vincentian spirituality."
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Now Available:
Vincentian Leadership Council President 2017 (revised)
This manual is an important resource for the president of the (Arch)Diocesan and District Council. It addresses the key elements of forming Vincentian leaders to carry out the mission of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Leaders must study this manual frequently and Councils will conduct training using this manual as the guide.
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SPECIAL SALE
Ends September 27!
Celebrating the 400th Anniversary of the Vincentian Charism
All Modules of Serving in Hope (English and Spanish)
$1.00 each
"Vincentians are called to journey together towards holiness, because true holiness is perfect union with Christ and the perfection of love, which is central to their vocation and the source of their own faith and fidelity." (Rule 2.2)
Is your Conference:
- Desiring to grow in spirituality?
- Wanting to live our Vincentian vocation?
- Hoping to walk the journey towards holiness?
- Searching for Vincentian spirituality?
- Attracting new members?
Then SERVING IN HOPE is your answer!
Serving in Hope is a spiritual formation program developed by the National Office for the Conference level. As Vincentians we are called to "Serve in Hope" because we are called to bring the love of God to those who are poor and suffering, and therefore we must become rooted in the spirituality that is the heart and soul of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
(Click on SVdP Members, scroll down and click on Order Materials)
or
For further information contact:
Sister Kieran Kneaves, DC
National Formation Director
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Start-up Kits in Spanish Now Available
Start-up kits are now available in Spanish through the National Council office.
For more information or to place an order, contact:
Pam Hudson
Director of Governance and Membership Services
314-576-3993 ext.214
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Connect with the Multicultural African American
Task-force
on Facebook!
You can keep up with everything going on with the SVdP National Multicultural African American Task-force by following them on their new Facebook page.
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Disaster Services Division Update
SVdP Disaster Services Training at the National Assembly
For more information about the SVdPDSD or how to donate to the House in a Box
®
Program, contact:
COO
SVdPUSA Disaster Services Division
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Brooke Newton
Deputy Director
SVdPUSA Disaster Services Division
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National Stores Committee
National Assembly, Tampa
August 30 Workshop Agenda
As you ponder registering for the National Assembly in Tampa, Fla., we would like to call your notice to the day of workshops sponsored by the National Stores Committee.
The National Stores Committee sponsors a day of workshops specifically for the attendees that are associated with running thrift stores.
If you have any questions regarding stores, contact:
Ray DuPont
National Stores Committee Chairperson
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Looking for Additional Funding to help
More People?
The Friends of the Poor® Grant applications are now open for the South Central and Western Region Conferences. Grants of up to $5,000 are available.
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Deadlines
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New Regional Pairings
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August 31
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South Central and Western* |
| November 30 |
Eastern and Northeast |
| February 28 |
North Central and Southeast |
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May 31
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Mideast and Midwest*
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* Regions whose deadlines have changed.
Great News! More than $200,000 is available for Conference grants, thanks to a large grant from a foundation and support from National Council donors!
- Grants are targeted to specific, current needs of the poor, above and beyond available Conference resources.
- Preferred interest areas: systemic change, rental/housing and utility assistance, food, clothing, transportation, medical and baby/child needs.
Applying is simple. Download the application from the National Council Development Toolbox FOP Grant tab by clicking here.
Send completed applications to the SVdP National Office by Thursday, August 31. Email applications are preferred. Send to Gerri Sample at [email protected] or Steve Martinez at [email protected].
The National Development Department coordinates with the Friends of the Poor Grant Program. Total annual funding varies based on funds raised and Friends of the Poor solicitation campaign results. Grant applications are awarded by an independent peer review committee representing each of the eight SVdPUSA regions.
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SVdP National Partner - Dollar Days
DollarDays is a national partner with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. This wholesaler offers more than 260,000 products online, by the case. Members can access the SVdP DollarDays at
www.svdp.dollardays.com. Shipping is free through the SVdP portal, but all orders do incur a $3.98 processing fee. SVdP members will also receive dedicated support from the DollarDays nonprofit shopping team to answer product questions and help obtain the best selection of products and pricing.
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SVdP National Partnership Program
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul's National Partnership Program can save Councils and Conferences money while improving efficiency. Learn more!
National partners provide national buying power to local
Councils and Conferences.
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For more information on Development, contact:
Steve Martinez
314-576-3993 ext. 213
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314-576-3993 ext. 211
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Getting Ahead Facilitator Training
Our Rule calls us "to help the poor to help themselves whenever possible, and to be aware that they can forge and change their own destinies and that of their local community."
Getting Ahead in a Just Gettin' By World
attacks poverty holistically, empowering individuals to build their own personal plans for economic security and create Systemic Change. It is currently being used by Conferences and Councils of all sizes, across the country.
Part I: Thursday, September 14 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. CT
Part II: Thursday, September 21 10:30 a..m. - 1:30 p.m. CT
* Please Note: Registration will close two weeks prior to the webinar, in order that participants have sufficient time to prepare. Late requests cannot be accepted.*
For questions about Systemic Change, the Getting Ahead program, or other poverty-related issues, contact:
Tom Mulloy
National Director of Poverty Programs
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Senator McCain's Health Care Vote and Vincentian Grassroots Advocacy
By: Christine Krikliwy, Western Region Voice of the Poor Leader &
Tom Dwyer, Chair of the National Voice of the Poor Committee
It will never be known for certain the impact that Vincentian Voice of the Poor grassroots advocacy might have played in convincing Arizona Senator John McCain to cast the deciding vote in the recent debate over the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in the Senate, but it probably helped. And that Arizona Vincentian grassroots advocacy also highlights the way Vincentians can lead in these crucial public policy deliberations over fundamental social justice programs serving the poor and needy.
With their two senators - senior Senator McCain and junior Senator Jeff Flake -- Arizona Vincentians were particularly active in their grassroots advocacy. They visited Senate offices and met with staff, attended rallies, participated in a public forum at the Tucson Medical Center with physicians and healthcare experts showcasing the benefits of the ACA, and signed on to open letters published in local newspapers.
In Tucson, the SVdP Voice of the Poor and Out of Poverty teams joined forces with three other faith based groups - The Poverello House, a local homeless shelter, and Bread for the World - in a visit to Senator Flake's office where they stressed to the Senator's office director the tragic consequences they foresaw to the poor and vulnerable if the Affordable Care Act were to be repealed.
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Voice of the Poor Immigration Webinar
If you missed all the important information and resources in last month's webinar on
The New and Continuing Immigration Challenges In a "Welcome the Stranger" Vincentian Year, you can listen to an archive recording and download the slides on the
Voice of the Poor website.
Stay tuned for more information and resources that you can use to be a Voice of the Poor in your communities!
For more information about Voice of the Poor, contact:
Tom Dwyer
National Voice of the Poor Chairperson
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Call for Information!
Do you know about a successful Young Vincentian group?
We want to hear about it!
For any questions regarding SVdP Youth, contact:
Suzanne Markiewicz
Youth Committee Chairperson
(724) 454-5430
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SVdP Grandparent's Day
Share your Vincentian Legacy
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National Grandparent's Day celebrates 40 years on September 9, 2018!
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Thank you to all the Vincentians who have
expressed interest in hosting a Grandparent's Day gathering for your adult grandchildren!
Thanks for sharing your planning ideas, we're here to help as needed! Please contact Julie Witzel!
For help planning a Grandparent's Day at your Council, contact:
Julie Witzel
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Extension is on the Move!
If your Conference or Council is hosting an "Invitation to Serve" within the next six months, we want to hear about it!
Contact:
Pam Hudson
Director of Governance and Membership Services
314.576.3993 ext. 214
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SVdP Extension Web Portal
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The SVdP television special "Our Faith in Action: Today's Society of St. Vincent de Paul" is now available online for all Councils and Conferences to use to help tell our story.
This program provides an excellent overview of who we are and what we do.
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If you have any questions, please contact:
Gary Stevens
Director of Marketing and Communications
314-576-3993 ext. 209
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Michelle Boyer
Communications Administrative Associate
314-576-3993 ext. 201
[email protected]
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400th Anniversary of the Vincentian Charism
2017 marks the 400th Anniversary of the Vincentian Charism.
Click the links below to view a new video about Vincentian Family members serving their brothers and sisters in need.
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Vincentian Symposium in Rome
October 12 - 15
This year we celebrate the 400th anniversary of our Vincentian charism. On this occasion, the Vincentian Family organizes an International Symposium in Rome from October 12 to 15, 2017 where all members of the Vincentian Family are invited. This event is open to all.
Please find attached the information provided by the Vincentian Family:
Download the invitation
For more information, contact:
Gene Smith
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International News
Journey of a Vincentian in Romania
ROMANIA:
Over this last month, I have often considered what it means to me to be a member of a lay Catholic charitable organization, the SSVP. Especially as on 2 August 2017, I am celebrating my 25 years' as a Vincentian.
The SSVP was established in Resita on 2 August 1992 during a visit from a group from Austria, from the former deanery of "Graz - right bank of the River Mur," led by the Kaindlbauer family, on the feast of the Resita Roman Catholic Church of Saint Mary of the Snows. That afternoon, the first meeting of the Conference was held in the parish office. Dr. Alois Fauland, then president of the Vincentians in Styria / Steiermark (later the coordinator of the Vincentian movement in Austria), spoke about the objectives of Vincentians, and their work. Seven or eight people there were fired up with the sense that our heavenly Father calls us and leads us to a Christian future, close to him. At the first Vincentian meeting, I was elected president of the SSVP-Resita.
Read more.
MORE INTERNATIONAL SVdP NEWS
National News
St. Vincent de Paul kicks off Back to School Drive
St. Vincent de Paul kicked off its "Backpacks to Back to School" drive Monday by giving school supplies to a family in need.
The Sevignys are a family of four, with kids the ages 7 to 13. They're just one of many families St. Vincent de Paul is helping to get ready for school.
Getting a cool backpack was 7-year-old Elite Sevigny's favorite part of the day.
The Sevigny kids got to choose a backpack and fill it with all of the school supplies they will need for the upcoming year.
The children were able to get everything on their school list, from pencils and sharpeners to dividers.
Read More
MORE NATIONAL SVdP NEWS
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Deadline for Frederic's E-Gazette articles submission: Every Wednesday by 12 noon for article to be included in current week's edition
National Assembly
Tampa, FL
August 29-September 2
Invitation for Renewal
St. Louis, MO (Pallottine Renewal Center)
December 6-10
Dates for 2018:
Board Meeting
St. Louis, MO
January 21
Catholic Social Ministry Gathering
February 3 - 6
Washington DC
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Midyear Meeting
April 11 - 14
St. Louis, MO
Board Meeting
June
St. Louis, MO
Invitation for Renewal
July 11 - 15
St. Louis, MO
National Assembly
August 27 - September 2
San Diego, CA
Invitation for Renewal
November 14 - 18
St. Louis, MO
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Vincentian Prayer List
Are you or another Vincentian you know in need of prayers from fellow SVdP members? Send the prayer intention to Pam Hudson at
[email protected] and we will add the name to the prayer list on the SVdP website. Thank you and God Bless.
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To print the E-Gazette
If you wish to print the E-Gazette and are having trouble printing it from your email,
click here
to print this issue and past issues of the E-Gazette in PDF format straight from the SVdP website!
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ATTENTION COUNCIL PRESIDENTS & EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS:
SOME OF YOUR MEMBERS AREN'T GETTING THE E-GAZETTE!
If you or another member of your Conference is not receiving the E-Gazette email,
[email protected].
WERE YOU GETTING THIS NEWSLETTER BUT NO LONGER ARE?
When an email address has been removed by the owner, or the email address holder designates "Do Not Mail," the email address cannot be re-added by the National Council office. The email address holder must sign him or herself up to resume receiving Frederic's E-Gazette at:
Is your Conference or Council doing something that you think should appear in the E-Gazette or on SVdPUSA social media?
Send your good news to me!
Michelle Boyer Communications and Administrative Associate Email: [email protected] (314) 576-3993 ext. 201
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