Updated Thrift Store Hours -
Starting Sunday, November 7!
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Help for Conferences Working with Pregnant Women
We are receiving great feedback from Conferences helping pregnant women through the Pregnancy Care Partnership! The work may often be more complicated than simply paying a utility bill or helping with the rent, but the rewards for mothers and Vincentians can be transformational! Vincentians see the face of Christ in these women and offer them hope for their future.
At times, these mothers need more than Vincentians can provide. To help with that, the Council Office suggests:
- Contact the pregnancy care center that referred the mom initially. They may be able to help.
- Utilize resources such as those in our Program Handbook: pregnancy_care_partnership_0.pdf (svdpstlouis.org)
- Join us for an upcoming zoom session to ask questions, get information, and share your experience with the partnership! We are here to help!
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Informational Zoom Meetings: |
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Wednesday, November 3, 1-1:30 PM
Meeting ID: 844 3197 3603
Passcode: 394524
Audio only: 312-626-6799
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Wednesday, November 17, 1-1:30 pm
Meeting ID: 839 9952 0101
Passcode: 317715
Audio only: 312-626-6799
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Pathways to Progress
Pathways to Progress is a program of Catholic Charities that helps families increase their ability to live safe, productive, sustainable lives. Neighbors work with a case manager to set and meet goals over a period of several years. Pathways to Progress is available in North St. Louis County and for St. Matthew and Sts. Teresa and Bridget in North St. Louis City.
For more information, please email Julie Komanetsky at the Council Office at juliek@svdpstl.org
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Electronic Payments to Spire
Conferences can now make electronic payments to Spire!
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Many Vincentians have contacted the Council Office after reading the National Office’s Newsletter regarding 1099s. Tax filing is the responsibility of the St. Louis Archdiocesan Council, and Conferences should not submit any IRS tax forms or file 1099s. The 1099 tax filing requirement is not new, and the Council Office is identifying strategies to include conference activity in order to maintain compliance. |
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Missouri Medicaid Expansion Eligibility
Vincentians: remember that Neighbors may be eligible for insurance through the Missouri Medicaid Expansion.
For the helpline for St. Louis City and County, call 888-686-1744
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November 2 MARC
Vincentians throughout the Archdiocese attended a MARC (Multi Agency Resource Center) in Farmington to help out Neighbors impacted by the tornadoes that hit the area on October 24.
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Join Us for a Home-Based Advent Retreat! |
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You are invited to join us for our 2021 home-based Advent retreat! It will be held Saturday, December 4 from 9:00 – 11:00 am. You won’t want to miss it. Here are a few testimonials from last year’s retreat:
- “This presentation was something that I really needed right now. I would love to do this again!” – Julie J.
- “Two of the most nourishing hours I have spent in awhile.” – Mike J.
- “Thank you all for this beautiful experience!” – Rita A.
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St. Vincent de Paul Sunday is on November 7, 2021!
It's a great opportunity for creating higher visibility in your parish through:
- Bulletin stories leading up to November 7th
- Having a Vincentian speak from the pulpit
- Ask your pastor to speak about your Conference
- Possible special collection
- Signs and posters signifying SVdP Sunday
- Vincentians in the foyer after all Masses to meet and greet fellow parishioners with handouts.
- Create a one-page flyer about your Conference to hand out.
- Get creative to invite people to join your Conference/Donate to you Conference! You might have donuts and coffee or cookies etc.
- Host a commissioning and Commitment Ceremony for your current/new members at one of the Masses.
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Spring Assembly 2022:
Mark your calendars for the next Spring Assembly!
When: Saturday, March 26, 2022
Where: St. Louis University High School
We had 500 Vincentians at the 2019 Assembly.
Let's do it again... only bigger and better!
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Upcoming Home-Based Formation Opportunities
(Via Zoom)
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Home Visit 101
November 8, 2021
6:30 PM - 8:45 PM
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Vincentian Formation and Support |
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The Vincentian Vocation – 3 Essential Elements
There is a wonderful explanation at the beginning of the Rule of the Society of the Vincentian Vocation. It reads: The vocation of the Society’s members, who are called Vincentians, is to follow Christ through service to those in need and so bear witness to His compassionate and liberating love. Members show their commitment through … Read More
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St. Catherine Labouré – Vincentian Holy Day – November 28th
Vincentians are blessed with a remarkable, perhaps unmatched, legacy of people, organizations and a “family of Vincentian of saints” to draw on for inspiration and strength. A number of saints in our family lived out their faith by serving, in humble obscurity, the less fortunate, disadvantaged, or vulnerable. Among these saints was the Virgin and … Read More
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Miraculous Medal – Vincentian Holy Day,
November 27
To the modern Catholic it may seem a strange thing to have a day devoted to a medal. How can a medal help bring us closer to God? Is this like an amulet, or a charm? The Miraculous Medal is a sacramental, it derives its power not from its material but from the faith, hope, … Read More
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Vincentian Discernment – Formation Resources
In a period where the St. Louis Archdiocesan Council is undergoing a process of strategic planning, discernment is essential. Here are some excellent resources to assist us in discernment at every level … Read More
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iGiveCatholic: November 15 - 30 |
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Wondering how you can make a difference this giving season?
St. Vincent de Paul invites you to join our mission to seek and serve all in need so that people are inspired to grow closer to Christ. SVdP is participating the Archdiocese of St. Louis’ iGiveCatholic campaign.
The campaign will take place on Giving Tuesday, November 30th, but you can start giving as early as November 15th by clicking the link below.
By donating to SVdP you become a part a network building a more just world through personal relationships with and service to people in need.
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Conferences and Vincentians are welcome to use the Conference rooms at the Cool Valley Thrift Outlet.
To schedule a conference room, contact Steve Poppe at
stevep@svdpstl.org or 314-881-6024.
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Dear Vincentians,
There are two words I see a lot these days. The first is “encounter” which Pope Francis uses regularly when speaking about the synod and the life of faith in general. The other is “expectation” which, begins a prayer for vocations that we pray in my house at the conclusion of Evening Prayer. It begins “Oh Expectation of Israel. . .” It is too obvious for me now to reflect on Jesus’ role in encounters and how He is the fulfillment of all expectations. Rather, let me reflect on how expectations get in the way of meaningful encounters.
In 28 years as a priest, I have spent four in parish ministry. During the other 24 I have been a substitute. I like being a sub even though, perhaps especially because, I rarely know whom I will encounter. While I can draw some generalizations about a parish from its location. (Think gritty urban or grassy suburb. What comes to mind?) These thoughts, left unchecked, become expectations.
I have learned that preaching to expectations is a losing proposition. So, when at my best, I challenge my expectations by praying to see and know the people as God sees them, as beloved sons and daughters. Also, I stand at the most popular entrance before Mass so I can greet people. Without knowing how this happens, I am certain the Holy Spirit is helping me edit my homily so I will say what people need to hear. Expectations be gone! Let us encounter!
Fr. Mark Pranaitis, C.M.
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Church Bulletin Announcements: Nov. - Dec. |
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Click below to get church bulletin announcement suggestions for October 2021. Please work with your Parish's bulletin creator/coordinator to submit the copy. Placement in your Parish bulletin will help get visibility and support for your SVdP Conference. Of course, you can always customize these to meet your specific Conference needs. |
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Highlight: Get to Know Phil Schwab,
Board Treasurer
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How long have you been a Vincentian with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul?
Phil Schwab: I have been a Vincentian for twelve years.
What inspired you to join?
PS: I went to an ACTS retreat in 2009 and one of the questions that was asked at the retreat was “what are you doing to serve your community?” I wasn’t doing anything. My wife, Carol, suggested St. Vincent de Paul Society. I have been a member ever since.
How has your spirituality grown with your service to the poor?
PS: Every time I’m able to help a NIN I feel closer to Christ.
What is your home parish?
PS: St. Clement of Rome in Des Peres.
Tell us a little about you, your family.
PS: My wife, Carol, and I have been married for 43 years. We have two children and six grandchildren.
What are your hobbies? What do you like to do in your free time?
PS: My main hobby is golf. I like to spend my free time with my family. I enjoyed watching my grandchildren play soccer and picking them up at school.
Are you originally from St. Louis or grew up elsewhere?
PS: My hometown is Litchfield, Ill. There is one question that no one asks in Litchfield, “where did you go to high school?” There is only one high school in Litchfield.
Any words of wisdom for other Vincentians?
PS: I think Vincentians should always keep in mind our mission statement:
"We are a network of friends, inspired by Gospel values, growing in holiness and building a more just world through personal relationships with and service to people in need."
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Notes from Neighbors in Need |
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The following are some quotes from Neighbors in Need, as featured in St. Anselm Parish's most recent newsletter:
“I can’t thank you enough for the help you gave us. My hours have been cut due to COVID and it’s been hard making ends meet. The bills were overwhelming. I worry about my kids. I have never felt so alone. Please thank everyone who helped us with our electric and electric bills. Thank you for praying for us. May God bless you.”
“You have been an answer to my prayers. We were in deep trouble. Rent, utilities, beds. We called lots of agencies for help. No one even called back. Two SVDP visitors came to my house on Saturday and helped us. They were like angels. God is so good.”
“What with all the bills and so little money, I told the kids that there would not be a Christmas this year. When you visited me, you listened and showed me real love. Thank you for your kindness and generosity. You helped us have a Christmas we could never afford. My kids are so happy. The winter coats you brought for my 6 kids were so unexpected. You brought toys and food and so much more.
We love you. Thank you to everyone who helped us this year.”
Vincentians, thank you for all that you do!
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Reminder... Rosary Every Wednesday Night! |
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Join us --
SVdP St. Louis
Rosary Wednesday
8 p.m.
via Zoom.
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Meeting ID: 989 8066 7271 Passcode: vincent
or dial in: (312) 626-6799
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Please Pray for The Sick:
Torri Anthony
Husband of Varrietta Anthony
Walter Buggs
Father of Varrietta Anthony
Rhonda Lakin
St. Ferdinand
Vickie Rainey
St. Elizabeth Mother of John the Baptist
Deborah Washington
St. Elizabeth Mother of John the Baptist
Please Pray for The Deceased:
Jackie Appel
Queen of All Saints
Barbara Budde
Our Lady of Lourdes
Don Chamberlain
St. Cletus
Marilyn Forsythe
St. Mary Magdalen, Brentwood
Joe Mueller
Mary Queen of Peace
Former National President and International Vice President of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Richard Nix
Mary Queen of Peace
or (314) 881-6018
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The Society of St. Vincent de Paul
St. Louis | [svdpstlouis.org]
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