Vincentian Community News |
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"May our presence and care to those most in need reflect the gentleness, esteem and dignity we see reflected in the life and work of Jesus."
-St. Vincent de Paul
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We are excited to announce that we will have a full virtual Ozanam Orientation next month. The event will be held on Saturday, April 10, 2021 from 9:00am - 2:30pm. Registration is open now.
Ozanam Orientations are designed to set up our new Vincentians for success and re-energize those Vincentians who have already served. During the Ozanam Orientation, Diocesan Council and conference leaders help prepare volunteers by offering insight into the Society's history and legacy, home visits, and Vincentian spirituality.
All new Vincentians are asked to attend an Ozanam Orientation within their first year in ministry; current Vincentians should attend an Ozanam refresher every 3-5 years. The virtual Ozanam Orientation will count towards your requirement, because this is the same presentation you would have if we met in-person.
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I am Doing Something New!
By John Freund, CM
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Most of us can see a number in the image above. Some may need some help to focus on the greenish circles. Then they may see the number 21. Others may never see the greenish circles since they will blend with the other circles. (For the record, unless you are afflicted with various degrees of color blindness, you should be able to see the number 74.)
The exercise reminded me that, for a variety of reasons, we sometimes cannot see what is right before our eyes.
A young student at St. John’s University over 50 years ago taught me a lesson. It was a lesson about what it means to proclaim the word of God… and how powerful it is when God’s word is truly “proclaimed” rather than simply read. Read more...
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Systemic Change and Voice of the Poor |
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The Systemic Change Committee and the Voice of the Poor Committee are joining together to launch VIEWS, a Vincentian Initiative to Empower our Work through Systemic Change. This is a joint initiative to align our Systemic Change and Voice of the Poor efforts.
You are invited to the inaugural meeting on April 17, 2021 at 10:00am. We will explore ways to support the work of our Conferences to produce longer-term solutions for the individuals, families, and communities we serve.
The meeting will be virtual, but you must register to attend. To register click here.
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Matt Pogor represented the Society of St. Vincent de Paul during a webinar event hosted by RAISE Texas this week. The purpose of the event was to raise awareness of alternatives to high cost payday loans. Matt talked about our Predatory Loan Conversion Program and how it is helping our neighbors facing major debt due to payday loans. |
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City of Austin RENT Assistance Program |
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The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is partnering with the City of Austin and the Housing Authority to assist eligible Austin residents, impacted by COVID-19, with applying for rental assistance through the Relief of Emergency Needs for Tenants (RENT) Assistance Program. The RENT Application Portal is now open and will remain open through December 2021 or until funds are spent.
Applicants are welcome to use our computer lab at the Vincentian Family Center
Tuesday - Friday from 9:00am - 12:00pm. Mondays are by appointment only. Email info@ssvdp.org. We will assist applicants with creating an account, completing the online application, and uploading the required documents.
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FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance |
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Families who lost loved ones due to COVID-19, could get financial assistance to help with funeral expenses.
FEMA is offering support to families that incurred funeral expenses from deaths due to COVID-19 after January 2020.
To learn more and to find out if you are eligible, click here.
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Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion
March 28, 2021
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Gospel Reading: (John 12:12-16)
When the great crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, they took palm branches and went out to meet him, and cried out: “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, the king of Israel.” Jesus found an ass and sat upon it, as is written: Fear no more, O daughter Zion; see, your king comes, seated upon an ass’s colt. His disciples did not understand this at first, but when Jesus had been glorified they remembered that these things were written about him and that they had done this for him.
Vincentian Reflection:
The essence of discipleship is that we carry his cross. Disciples go wherever the Master goes. Coming to understand who Jesus is, his mission, and how that relates to us his disciples is not an easy task; it takes a lifetime. Like Jesus, to be faithful followers by taking up our cross means we will feel this in the depths of our humanity: we will suffer, we will lose heart, we will cry out to God to take life’s miserable lot away from us. But also like Jesus we have divine life which gives us the strength to carry our cross. It is divine life pulsating within us – which we first receive at our baptism – that raises up our humanity enabling us to be faithful disciples carrying our crosses. (Living Liturgy, p.98)
Vincentian Meditation:
Jesus’ dying love gives meaning to the many “crosses” his followers are called to bear…the cross today may take the following forms especially:
- laboring daily, and perseveringly, in the service of the poor
- sharing the helplessness and pain of the marginalized
- standing in solidarity with the abandoned and suffering
- accepting painful events, that we can do nothing about
- bearing sickness, our own and that of others
- coming to grips with aging
- enduring the death of friends and family
The following of the crucified Lord is the supreme act of faith; it is a surrender in hope and love into the incomprehensible mystery of God.
(Maloney, He Hears the Cry of the Poor, p. 46-47)
What “crosses” have you carried in being Jesus’ disciple?
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The Diocesan Council office will be closed on Holy Thursday and Good Friday.
The Client Services Center will be closed on Holy Thursday and open on Good Friday. The Food Pantry will we be open on Holy Saturday.
The St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store will be open on Holy Thursday and closed on Good Friday. The Thrift Store will resume its business hours on Holy Saturday.
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St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store |
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The St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store is open every Thursday - Saturday from 10:00am - 5:00pm. You are invited to come, explore, and shop for great items at affordable prices. We receive new donations weekly, so you never know what treasures you will find.
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. The Thrift Store is sprayed with disinfected spray weekly.
The Thrift Store is in need of volunteers to assist with many tasks including: sorting, organizing, and pricing. Are you interested in volunteering? You can sign up by clicking on this link.
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Poverty in America and Our Communities:
Using Census Data to Serve and Advocate More Effectively
The stories we hear on Home Visits give us an intimate insight into the challenges faced by neighbors in need. Statistics can provide a broader picture of trends in our communities. Combined, these sources of information can help us increase the impact of our assistance and inform our Systemic Change efforts.
Come hear from Census Bureau officials about how to use their tools and resources to gain a deeper understanding of poverty in your state and community.
Can’t Make the Webinar? Register Anyway! All registrants will receive a follow-up email when the recording and materials have been posted.
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Health officials have moved Austin-Travis County back into stage 3. You are reminded to continue wearing your masks and practice social distancing to slow the spread of the virus. |
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National Gazette Questions and Answers
Q: We recently received a company-matching gift from a member's spouse who is a non-member. Under what category do we record this contribution?
A: Company matching gifts should be reported under other income, whether the company’s employee is a Conference member or not.
Preguntas y Respuestas de la
Oficina Nacional
P: Recientemente recibimos un regalo de contrapartida de empresa del cónyuge de un miembro que no es miembro. ¿En qué categoría registramos esta contribución?
R: Las donaciones de contrapartida de empresa deben declararse en otros ingresos, ya sea que el empleado de la empresa sea miembro de la Conferencia o no.
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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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Contact Us:
Rick Bologna, Stores Director, rick.bologna@ssvdp.org
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