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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 24, 2017
*There will be no issue of the E-Gazette published next week due to the SVdP National Assembly. Publishing will resume on September 7. Please pray for all those traveling to Tampa to attend the National Assembly!
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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 24, 2017
In St. Louis this week as well as in about a third of the country, solar eclipse fever gripped us all on Monday. Otherwise sane and rational adults couldn't wait to go outside and look up at the sun in funny glasses. All because the moon journeyed between the earth and the sun, and for many that's reason enough for a party.
Millions travelled to distant states to watch the one-hour event. Hotels and rental cars were sold out at premium prices. Special air flights were scheduled to get a closer view. Schools were cancelled. Highway traffic stopped. Business pretty much halted. Churches, not missing a beat, rented out parking spaces for the solar viewers. You would have thought that Jesus Christ himself was making an appearance.
But wait a minute. Imagine what it would be like if we knew that Christ was indeed coming to a specific time and place...
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Livestreaming four Events from the
National Assembly
This year, those who are unable to attend that SVdP National Assembly in Tampa, will have the opportunity to be a part of the events.
Four events at this year's National Assembly will be livestreamed for those at home to view. Just click on the link found below at the time of the event. Be sure to refresh your browser if the livestream does not start.
The following events will be live-steamed:
- Thursday, August 31
- SVdP President Sheila Gilbert Welcome / Address: 8:40 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. EDT
- Keynote Presentation by Fr. Robert Maloney: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. EDT
- Friday, September 1
- Spiritual Retreat by Dr. Leonard Doohan: 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. EDT
- Saturday, September 2
- New SVdP President Ralph Middlecamp Address: 8:45 p.m. to approx. 10:00 p.m. EDT
Just because you can't make it to Tampa, doesn't mean you can't be a part of the transformative experience! Tune in!
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Q: We have a Conference in a parish that has no pastor. Our deacon is the parish administrator so his role is more or less the same as the pastor. He feels that he should have control over the decisions made by the Conference. Please explain what his role is in relation to the Conference.
A:
You will find this both in the Rule (Part III, Statute 15) and the Manual (pages 26 and 48). Ordained ministers (deacons and priests) normally hold the role of spiritual advisor of a Conference or Council. As such, they are asked to given spiritual guidance to the Conference members related to their own personal growth as well as their ministry. As such they can participate in any of the discussions. They may also go on home visits if they choose to. They are not the decision makers. In fact, ordained ministers may not vote or hold office or be a signor on Conference accounts.
For more information on this,
click to read a letter to all Bishops sent this past June from the Society explaining its independence.
Q: Our parish is requesting that we assist with religious education costs to families who cannot afford the fee. The fee for each child is in the amount of $115. So if a family has three children, they would have to pay $345. We recently were presented with a bill for $2,000. I know that we cannot pay funds directly to an organization but in this case we are funding religious education for children who cannot pay the fee. The request is for our Conference to pay directly to the church.
A:
There are three considerations to be made here. First is that we are not to contribute funds to other organizations - that includes your parish. Second, typically, SVdP does not cover costs of education because education in the United States is available at no cost. However, in this case, religious education is different. In the original Rule of the Society developed in 1835, you will find the following under the objectives of the Conferences: "#3 To apply ourselves according to our capabilities and the time which we can spare to the elementary and Christian instruction of poor children..." The main issue in doing this is that you will have to maintain a case record for each individual student you assist. You cannot give just a lump sum to the parish. You can provide this assistance to individuals as long as you follow the normal rules. And third, keep in mind that this is a choice of the Conference and you should not simply respond to a bill for $2,000. The parish does not define who we serve or how.
Submit your questions to:
Pam Hudson
National Director of Governance & Membership Services
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Have you paid your Annual Solidarity Contributions?
Next month, on September 30, the 2016-2017 fiscal year closes! Have you paid your Annual National Solidarity contributions? 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
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2017 SVdP National Assembly is only
a Week Away!
You will also have the opportunity to register on-site!
See below for some important last-minute reminders!
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StoryBooth is back at the
National Assembly in Tampa!
Come celebrate the SVdP 2017 National Assembly in Tampa, Fla. and visit StoryBooth!
The Diocesan Council of St. Petersburg is sponsoring the 2017 National Assembly of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, to be held at the Marriott Waterside in Tampa, August 30 - September 3, 2017.
Spend quality time catching up with fellow Vincentians from across the country.
This year's National Assembly will again feature "StoryBooth."
This will be a private space in the hotel where Vincentians can contribute to a video archive by telling their stories. StoryBooth will be located in Room 13, on the third floor.
StoryBooth will be open:
- Thursday, August 31 from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Friday, September 1 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Saturday, September 2 from 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
There will be three questions for response, and responses should be between :30 and :45 seconds each and you are welcome to answer any and all of the questions. Responses may be used in the EWTN series on the Society, "Our Faith in Action: Today's Society of St. Vincent de Paul."
The questions are:
1) What inspired you to become a Vincentian and how has it changed your life?
2) What was your most memorable moment or moving home visit?
3) How has being a Vincentian enhanced your spiritual growth?
This will be a continuation of the ongoing oral history of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in our time. So please make plans to visit StoryBooth and tell us YOUR story.
Register now to be a part of this wonderful Vicentian experience!
See you in Tampa!
Questions? Contact:
Michele Schurk
Events Coordinator
314-576-3993 ext. 223
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The Need for Risk Management - Part V
We conclude our series of excerpts from an article in the Smart Risk Management Manager's Training Workbook on the five core principles of risk management with remarks on fairness.
Core Principle #5 - Fairness
Fairness begins with respect and dignity for all employees. A smart risk manager understands and values the importance of all employees, regardless of their race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability or position on the organization chart. Fairness in the workplace demands that you:
- Uniformly and consistently apply laws, regulations, rules, policies, procedures and practices to all employees. No employee is above or below the law or your organization's rules and policies.
- Put aside your personal prejudice, bias and fear when managing employees.
- Make objective decisions.
- Never consider an employee's physical, mental, ethnic, racial, social or religious background, characteristics, capabilities, beliefs, gender or age when making management decisions, such as hiring, firing, promotions, raises, benefits and training.
- Eliminate unfair management practices, even if such practices have occurred in the past.
We hope you have found this information on Risk Management to be helpful.
To learn more about Governance, contact:
Pam Hudson
National 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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Celebrate St. Vincent de Paul's Feast Day -
Sept. 27
Please order early! The shipping department will be closed September 18 - 20.
For further information contact:
Sister Kieran Kneaves, DC
National Formation Director
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Sharing the Money!
The National Council of the United States Society of St. Vincent de Paul announces RFP's for TWO grant programs totaling $231,000! These funds are a result of an Anonymous Foundation Grant to the National Council.
SVdPUSA Conferences and Councils
are eligible to submit. Proposals are due September 30th!
The applications can also be found on the national website.
For more information regarding the RFP's, contact:
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Steve Martinez
Chief Development Officer
314-576-3993 ext. 213
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Gerri Sample
Senior Development Associate
314-576-3993 ext. 211
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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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Disaster Services Corporation Update
SVdP Disaster Services Corporation Training at the National Assembly
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Upcoming Webinar on Mental Health and Spiritual Care in Emergencies
Topic:
Mental Health and Spiritual Care in Emergencies (CDC & NVOAD Webinar)
When: Tuesday, August 29, 1:00 p.m. ET
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (National VOAD) are excited to announce a special webinar about the mental health and spiritual care aspects of emergency response.
CDC's Rebecca Bitsko, Ph.D., chair of the CDC Mental Health Workgroup, will discuss topics such as stress, stigma, isolation, populations more likely to be adversely affected by specific emergencies, and effective communication to address mental health concerns. National VOAD's Kevin Ellers, D.Min., Territorial Disaster Services Coordinator for The Salvation Army Central Territory, will discuss the application of mental health practices in faith-based settings, which can be one of the main sources of emotional care for many people affected by emergencies.
Please see the Zoom webinar information below, to view this special presentation on August 29, 1 p.m., ET. Please log in 5-10 minutes early.
Connection Information:
Join the webinar with digital audio, video, and presentation formats from a PC or Mac. You may also join through iPad, iPhone, or an Android device, (app download required through your app store).
If you cannot join through digital means, you may join by telephone:
Dial: +1 408 638 0968 (U.S. Toll) or +1 646 558 8656 (U.S. Toll)
Webinar ID: 191 450 968
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A Story of Appreciation for SVdP - DSC
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CEO of SVdP Disaster Services Visits Louisiana Disaster Operation
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SVdP Disaster Services assists with
Post-Flood Recovery
For more information about the Disaster Services Corporation or how to donate to the House in a Box
®
Program, contact:
CEO
Disaster Services Corporation
S
VdP-USA
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Brooke Newton
Deputy Director
Disaster Services Corporation
SVdP-USA
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National Stores Committee
National Assembly, Tampa
August 30 Workshop Agenda
The National Stores Committee is sponsoring 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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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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A Note of Thanks from a Friend in Need
When Vincentians work to help a friend in need, they do so in the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul and do not expect thanks in return. Helping others is thanks enough. Sometimes, though, those friends are moved to offer thanks for the assistance they received. Below is a thank you note sent to the District Council of Manhattan.
God bless our friends in need!
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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 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. ET
Part II: Thursday, September 21 11:30 a..m. - 2:30 p.m. ET
Our Winter Training will take place Wednesday, November 1 and Wednesday, November 8 at 5:30 PM-8:30 PM Central. Registration will open for that in September.
* Please Note: Registration closes two weeks prior to the first session, in order that participants have sufficient time to prepare. Late requests cannot be accepted.*
For more information, contact:
Tom Mulloy
National Director of Poverty Programs
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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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For help planning a Grandparent's Day at your Council, contact:
Julie Witzel
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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
St. Vinnies the biggest Winner of
Botanic to Bridge
AUSTRALIA:
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Botanic to Bridge major sponsors and Gladstone Ports Corporation CEO Peter O'Sullivan, with St. Vincent de Paul Society - Gladstone president, Peter Doherty.
Photo: Matt Harris / The Observe
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The 2017 Botanic to Bridge had winners crowned in various categories in both the 8km and 3km events.
However the biggest winner on the day was major community beneficiary, the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Gladstone.
St. Vinnies Gladstone received a check for $20,000 which will ensure it can continue to serve the community.
Nearly 3,000 people took part in the Botanic to Bridge with registration fees going to local schools and St. Vinnies.
St. Vincent de Paul Society Gladstone Conference president, Peter Dougherty, said the money would be spent on updating its sorting warehouse.
Read more.
MORE INTERNATIONAL SVdP NEWS
National News
St. Vincent de Paul's Dining Room 35 Years Strong
Baton Rouge, LA:
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Bishop Robert W. Muench on left, St. Vincent de Paul Society lay leader, Rosie Martina, and SVdP kitchen supervisor, Denise Spears served volunteers who gathered for a celebration of the 35th anniversary of the SVdP Dining Room on July 28. Photo by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator
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The multiplication of loaves and fishes written about in Scriptures can be seen daily at the St. Vincent de Paul Society Dining Room, which celebrates its 35th anniversary this year. An initial "just do it" spark of faith among the society's lay volunteers moved the dining room from its humble beginnings in a house on 21st Street in Baton Rouge to its much expanded facilities within the St. Vincent de Paul complex serving a variety of needs of the poor and marginalized.
In the early 1980s, SVdP lay leaders Fred Griggs, Rosie and Laura Martina, Marvin Ourso, Bill LeBlanc, Jewel Newman, Claude Doucet and others worked together to address the issue of hunger in the Capital City.
"Fred knew of someone who had a house on south 2st1 Street that was vacant at that time, and the owner agreed to let St. Vincent de Paul open a dining room at that location," said Michael Acaldo, president and CEO of SVdP.
Rosie Martina, who recently celebrated his 94th birthday and remains active in SVdP, said Griggs, who is now deceased, asked for his help in establishing the dining room in the 1980s.
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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