May 2020
"God Does Not Abandon Us..."
Dear Vincentians,

Are you feeling isolated from family, friends, your work at the Society? This pandemic can leave us feeling disconnected from everything and might even challenge our relationship with God. Have you found yourself in prayer asking, “Why, God, is this happening?” 
 
I recently read the comforting thoughts from the United States Council of Catholic Bishops: “God does not abandon us, he goes with us even now in this time of trial and testing. In this moment, it is important for us to anchor our hearts in the hope that we have in Jesus Christ. Now is the time to intensify our prayers and sacrifices for the love of God and the love of our neighbor. Let us draw closer to one another in our love for him and rediscover the things that truly matter in our lives. ”
 
We have the strength to overcome the challenges God gives us, and this time is no different. Again, now is the time to intensify our prayers and sacrifices for the love of God and the love of our neighbor.


John Foppe  
Tidbits from a
Elizabeth Barbieri
Vincentians:

I hope you are staying healthy and well. I know this is so hard for us Vincentians who are used to meeting Neighbors, listening to their stories, maybe even holding their beautiful babies as we visit.

Keep your joy!
Keep your faith!

We have so many things to be grateful for.


Elizabeth Barbieri
SVdP St. Louis Board President
Mobile Food Markets for Neighbors in Need
The St. Louis Area Foodbank is partnering with various churches and organizations to provide Mobile Markets. These are happening on a regular basis. 
Individuals can drive up and food will be placed in the car. The amount given is based on the size of the family.
Celebrating Our Conferences
Creativity. Forward thinking. Joy. These are a few of the words describing how our Conferences are living out the Vincentian Vocation during the pandemic. Because we were inspired, we thought we would share some of these best practices with you:

  • “Because Friendship and connection are so important during times of isolation, we have been meeting regularly on Zoom.” - Last week, the Council Office sent out a letter to Conference Presidents recommending Zoom and providing instructions on its use. Contact Jim Sigillito (jims@svdpstl.org) or Andrew Kassebaum (andrewk@svdpstl.org) for assistance in setting up your video conference meetings.

  • “We encourage our members to participate in our parish’s live-streamed Masses, especially when we can do so as a Conference. There is power in “joining together” for Mass, even if we are in our own homes.” - Contact the priest who will celebrate the live-streamed Mass ahead of time and let him know you will be watching and praying as a group.

  • “We have been calling many of our Neighbors, as well as parishioners who are elderly or isolated, to find out their needs… Click here for the full list.

Thank you for embracing the Vincentian Vocation!

Your Vincentian Services Team
SVdP In The News
Our Director of Programs, Julie Komanetsky, called in to Fox 2 Nows to discuss our increased efforts during COVID-19.
SVdP In The News
Read in the St. Louis Review about SVdP's efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how Catholics across St. Louis are stepping up to help.
REQUIESCAT IN PACE
Rest in Peace

Bill Olwig
St. Joseph Cottleville

Pat Olwig
St. Joseph Cottleville

Joe Hackney
Seven Holy Founders

May the angels lead them into paradise, may the martyrs receive them at their coming and lead them into Jerusalem, the holy city. May the choirs of angels welcome them and, with Lazarus, who was also poor, may they have everlasting peace.

To add a name to the list contact Steve Rupp at stever@svdpstl.org or
(314) 881-6018
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul
St. Louis | [svdpstlouis.org]