Vincentian Community News
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"Let us love God, but let it be with the work of our hands and the sweat of our brows."
-St. Vincent de Paul
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4th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Sunday, January 31, 2021
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Gospel Reading: (Mark 1:21-28)
Jesus entered the synagogue on the Sabbath and began to teach. The people were spellbound by his teaching because he taught with authority and not like the scribes. There appeared in the synagogue a man with an unclean spirit that shrieked: “What do you want of us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” Jesus rebuked him sharply: “Be quiet! Come out of the man!” At that the unclean spirit convulsed the man violently and with a loud shriek came out of him. All who looked were amazed. They began to ask one another: “What does this mean? A completely new teaching in a spirit of authority! He gives orders to unclean spirits and they obey him!” From that point on his reputation spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.
Vincentian Reflection:
From that point on, they “remembered” and told the story and “his reputation spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.” “Remember” is a word that is often on our lips when we pray and when we speak to our friends. Sometimes we also feel ourselves to be better people when we remember the goodness of others to us, their generosity, their unselfishness, their tenderness, their thoughtfulness. This word “remember” is important, for Jesus has also done great things for us.
(Living Liturgy, p.42)
Vincentian Meditation:
The little word “remember” is at the heart of our greatest prayer, the Mass. The Mass is the great prayer in which along with Jesus we ask God the Father to remember the life, sufferings, death and resurrection of His only Son. Christians gather together and offer Mass, renewing again and again the great act of “remembering,” while at the same time making present again the offering that Jesus made of Himself on the cross. In doing so, we are bringing down upon the entire world, whether we know it or not, an uncountable number of graces, favors and blessings. Every day we hear some frightening things about the cruelty and wickedness of men. What would the world be like if it did not have the Sacrifice of the Mass? Always remember that there is no grace, no joy, no good thing in this world that has not come to us through Jesus Christ.
(McCullen, Deep Down Things, p.587-588)
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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. You are invited to join the "Be Present" Art and Mindfulness series each Sunday, February 21 - May 16, 2021. The first session explores Music, Poetry, and Movement. The second session is Virtual Art. The classes are a fun and engaging way to learn more about mindfulness practice, while expanding your artistic skills.
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.
For more information on how to register, call 512-454-9912.
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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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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: Are we still keeping records on those friends "that we cannot help" due to low or no funds on hand at time of their need? Do we report these numbers in some fashion?
A: Case records should be made whether we help an individual or not. A Home Visit may still offer spiritual and emotional support even if no funds are provided. Although the Conference may not be able to help financially at the point in time asked, a need may arise in future weeks or months. If so, there is a file already established and may or may not require some updates. The visit should be recorded on the annual report. Many visits do not include giving funds, but a visit was made and thus should be counted.
Preguntas y Respuestas de la
Oficina Nacional
P: ¿Seguimos manteniendo registros de esos amigos "a los que no podemos ayudar" debido a que los fondos son bajos o nulos en el momento de su necesidad? ¿Informamos estos números de alguna manera?
R: Se deben hacer registros de casos ya sea que ayudemos a una persona o no. Una visita domiciliaria puede ofrecer apoyo espiritual y emocional incluso si no se proporcionan fondos. Aunque es posible que la Conferencia no pueda ayudar económicamente en el momento solicitado, puede surgir una necesidad en las próximas semanas o meses. Si es así, hay un archivo ya establecido y puede que requiera o no algunas actualizaciones. La visita debe registrarse en el informe anual. Muchas visitas no incluyen donaciones de fondos, pero se realizó una visita y, por lo tanto, debe contarse.
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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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