Vincentian Community News
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"Each one of us Christians is a branch of the one vine which is Jesus; and all of us together are called to bear the fruits of this common membership in Christ."
-Pope Francis
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3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time
Sunday, January 24, 2021
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Gospel Reading: (Mark 1:14-20)
After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Then they abandoned their nets and followed him.
Vincentian Reflection:
The transformation that is a necessary consequence of hearing Jesus’ call to discipleship takes place through repentance. Jesus calls and the disciples abandon all to follow him. Jesus’ call was to simple fishermen while they were plying their trade. The starting point for Jesus’ call to discipleship isn’t with “holy” or “perfect” people; the starting point is with sinful humanity. The good news is that we can repent and believe. All we need to do is let go and let our daily lives be characterized by repentance and belief. Jesus gives us a continuing call. Our transformation doesn’t come all at once but takes place throughout our lives. We only have to repent and believe in the gospel, for indeed the kingdom of God is at hand. (Living Liturgy, p.46)
Vincentian Meditation:
Our Mission Statement tells us: Organized locally Vincentians witness God’s love by embracing all works of charity and justice. The Society collaborates with other people of good will in relieving need and addressing its causes, making no distinction in those served because, in them, Vincentians see the face of Christ.
How have you seen the face of Christ in those you serve?
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Mass of Thanksgiving for the Gift of Human Life
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What Are the Two Greatest Systemic Changes in Human History?
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What are the two greatest systemic changes in human history?
(Here is an important clue – They are interrelated!)
The first and greatest systemic change in the history of the world was described long ago … “The word became flesh and dwelt among us.”
But momentous as this change is, it is a change that is still poorly understood. Did the Word become flesh, suffer, and die to change God’s mind or to change our minds? After all, God has first loved us! Even when we were furthest away.
The more I thought about it the more I realized Jesus came to change our minds, not God’s. He came to show us what it was like to know and think like God. God is not like other gods who had to be placated. God was a God who invites us, and indeed longs for us, to share in life and being with God! Read more....
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Free Health and Wellness Virtual Classes
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Art Spark Texas is launching a series of free arts-inspired health and wellness virtual classes in late February. The event is sponsored by St. David's Foundation. All classes are designed to be accessible to older adults, non-artists, caregivers, people with disabilities, and anyone who is isolating at home and looking for connection.
More details are coming soon!
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The National Council Office has announced that the 2021 Midyear Business Meeting will be held virtually March 3 - 6, 2021. This is out of an abundance of caution for everyone's health.
This year’s agenda will include a Spiritual Retreat, Workshops, Board of Directors and Business Meetings, Disaster Services Training, as well as a special event presentation and Virtual Vendor Showcase.
The annual Midyear Meeting is a Governance and training event designed for National Council Members (the Presidents of the Diocesan Council or “top” District Council per Diocese), Executive Directors and other current or prospective Council leaders. However the Midyear, especially a virtual one, is open to all interested Vincentians!
Registration will open soon.
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New National Council Website
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The National Council's Communications Committee is launching a sneak preview of the new svdpusa.org this Tuesday, January 26, 2021!
Make sure you log on and share your feedback!
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Catholic Social Ministry Gathering
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The 2021 Catholic Social Ministry Gathering will take place virtually February 6 -9, 2021. This year's them is "Make Justice Your Aim: Rebuilding Together." Participants will pray, learn, and advocate together on the disparities revealed by COVID-19 and new models of justice and solidarity.
For more information about registration and to see this year's agenda, click here.
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St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store
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The St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store is open Thursday - Saturday from 10:00am - 5:00pm. You are invited to come and shop for great items at great prices. You never know what treasures you will find as you explore the store.
We are taking every precaution to ensure your safety. Everyone is required to wear a face mask and practice social distancing. Hand sanitizer is also available when you enter the store.
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Become a Thrift Store Volunteer!
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You can make a difference in the community by volunteering at the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store. The Thrift Store is in need of volunteers to assist with many tasks including: sorters, organizers, and pricers. To keep everyone safe and healthy, volunteers are required to wear masks and practice social distancing.
It easy to sign up! Just click on the link below.
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Interested in volunteering?
You can sign up by clicking on this link.
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COVID-19 cases are spiking across the U.S. and Central Texas. Health officials have moved Austin-Travis County into stage 5. You are reminded to continue wearing your masks and practice social distancing to slow the spread of the virus.
Health officials are asking everyone to avoid high-risk activities and to be cautious with all medium-risk activities to help prevent the spread of virus. You can read the COVID-19 Holiday Safety Guidance here.
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National Gazette Questions and Answers
Q: How do we determine a quorum? We have 17 active members, but only 7-10 are attending meetings regularly. I am able to get some input from those who are not attending but obviously, they are not voting in person.
A: The nationally recommended model bylaws on the national website describes a quorum as a majority of the active Conference members. It is defined as 50% of active members plus one. Remember, an active member is someone who regularly attends meetings. From the specifics of the question, only 7-10 are actually active members. If, for example, there are 10 active members regularly attending meetings, then the quorum is six. If the number of active members changes, the quorum changes. Further, do not confuse a quorum with a majority needed for certain decisions as required in your bylaws. If there is no quorum the Conference can still meet, they just cannot pass any resolutions.
Preguntas y Respuestas de la
Oficina Nacional
P: ¿Cómo determinamos el quórum? Tenemos 17 miembros activos, pero solo 7 a 10 asisten a las reuniones con regularidad. Puedo obtener algunas opiniones de quienes no asisten, pero obviamente, no están votando en persona.
R:: El modelo de estatutos recomendado a nivel nacional en el sitio web nacional describen un quórum como la mayoría de los miembros activos de la Conferencia. Se define como el 50% de los miembros activos más uno. Recuerde, un miembro activo es alguien que asiste regularmente a las reuniones. De los detalles de la pregunta, solo 7-10 son realmente miembros activos. Si, por ejemplo, hay 10 miembros activos que asisten regularmente a las reuniones, entonces el quórum es 6. Si cambia el número de miembros activos, el quórum cambia. Además, no confunda el quórum con la mayoría necesaria para ciertas decisiones, como lo exigen sus estatutos. Si no hay quórum, la Conferencia aún puede reunirse, simplemente no puede aprobar ninguna resolución.
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Call 1.888.317.SVDP
visit www.ssvdp.org
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Partner Programs
An easy and free way to support the work of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is to join our partner programs. Sign up for one or both of the programs, and our partner agencies will donate a portion of their proceeds from your purchases to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. You can find more information by clicking this link.
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Council Office:
Monday - Friday
9:00am - 5:00pm
Client Services:
Tuesday - Friday
9:00am - 12:00pm
Food Pantry:
Saturday
9:00am - 12:00pm
St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store
Thursday - Saturday
10:00am - 5:00pm
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