Vincentian Community News
|
|
Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of St. Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
St. Joseph, pray for us!
“Being a guardian is the distinctive trait of Joseph: Being the guardian is his great mission... We look to Joseph as the model educator, who watches over and accompanies Jesus as he grows ‘in wisdom, age and grace,’ as the Gospel says. He was not Jesus’ father: the father of Jesus was God, but he was a father to Jesus, he was a father to Jesus in order to help him grow. And how did he help him grow? In wisdom, age and grace.”
—Pope Francis, March 19, 2014
|
|
St. Thomas More Service Day
|
|
The St. Thomas More Conference volunteered at the Vincentian Family Center on Saturday, March 6th as part of their annual Service Day. Twenty members participated. Half of the group worked in the Food Pantry and the other half worked in the Thrift Store. Many thanks to the Conferences, like St. Thomas More, who support the Diocesan Council by the arduous works of their hands.
|
|
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.
|
|
City of Austin RENT Assistance Program
|
|
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.
|
|
The SVdP National Disaster Services is urging you to start now preparing for severe weather season. Severe Weather Week is March 21 - March 27 and the purpose is the raise awareness about the importance of being prepared. Click on this link for information and tips on how to stay safe in the event of severe weather.
|
|
Special thank you to the Austin Emergency Supply Foundation for providing the Society of St. Vincent de Paul with additional face masks. The masks will be distributed to those in need during Client Services hours at the Vincentian Family Center. Clients Services is open Tuesday - Friday from 9:00am - 12:00pm.
|
|
5th Sunday of Lent
March 21, 2021
|
|
Gospel Reading: (John 12:20-33)
Jesus answered them, “Amen, Amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit…Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.”
Vincentian Reflection:
Serving means following; following Jesus means serving. Also, serving means entering into Jesus’ death – like Jesus we must also be the grain that dies to produce much fruit. When we follow Jesus into his service, we, too, have the pledge of receiving the same honor that the Father bestows on Jesus. We see Jesus by being Jesus. It’s that simple! And that challenging. We see Jesus in those who lay down their life in servanthood and others see Jesus in us when we are servants. (Living Liturgy, p.94)
Vincentian Meditation:
In the Manual of the Society, we read: If Jesus stands at the center of Vincentian spirituality, the poor stand next to him. Jesus’ words, “You always will have the poor with you,” are the reason for being for Vincentian existence. Blessed Frederic said: “Sons of Saint Vincent de Paul, let us learn of him to forget ourselves, to devote ourselves to the service of God and the good of men. Let us learn of him that holy preference which shows most love to those who suffer most.” Mercy is a facet of charity that calls us, first to identify in spirit with our suffering brothers and sisters. Mercy calls also for outward signs and actions. We weep with those who weep, we rejoice with those who rejoice. We empathize; we reach out in compassion. (US Manual, P.16-17)
How do we see Jesus in those who lay down their life in servanthood and how do others see Jesus in us when we are servants?
|
|
St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
National Gazette Questions and Answers
Q: Who is the official spokesperson for the Society? Where will I find this in the Rule?
A: This is not specifically in The Rule, it is found in the National Council Resolution 5, dated Sept 1, 2006. The National President is the only spokesperson of the Society on national issues. The President may elect to delegate this responsibility to another Board member and/or Executive Director, especially in times of crisis communications.” In the old Manual is a statement under the duties of the Council President to "make the work of the Society known." It specified that the Conference President "represents the Conference in contacts with religious and civil authorities." In our model bylaws, it states the president "ensures that links and communications are effectively maintained" and "develops working relationships."
Preguntas y Respuestas de la
Oficina Nacional
P: ¿Quién es el portavoz oficial de la Sociedad? ¿Dónde encontraré esto en la regla?
R: Esto no está específicamente en la Regla, se encuentra en la Resolución 5 del Consejo Nacional, fechada el 1 de septiembre de 2006. El Presidente Nacional es el único portavoz de la Sociedad en asuntos nacionales. El Presidente puede optar por delegar esta responsabilidad en otro miembro de la Junta y/o Director Ejecutivo, especialmente por comunicaciones del tiempos de crisis. En el antiguo Manual hay una declaración bajo los deberes del Presidente del Consejo de "dar a conocer el trabajo de la Sociedad." Precisó que el presidente de la Conferencia "representa a la Conferencia en los contactos con las autoridades religiosas y civiles." En nuestros estatutos modelos, establece que el presidente "asegura que los vínculos y las comunicaciones se mantengan de manera efectiva" y "desarrolla relaciones de trabajo."
|
|
Call 1.888.317.SVDP
visit www.ssvdp.org
|
|
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.
|
|
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
|
|
Contact Us:
Rick Bologna, Stores Director, rick.bologna@ssvdp.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
|