The Southwest Texas
VINCENTIAN VOICE
A monthly newsletter for all members of the
Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Southwest Texas Council
A Message from Your Servant Leader...

In the writings in the Letter to the Romans, Chapter 13, Paul states “Love” in the essence and fulfillment of the law. It is our sole occupation in life. It replaces the old commandments of “Thou shall not” with “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” In C. S. Lewis's book “The Four Loves,” He defines the greatest form of love as Charity or in today’s theological terms “Agapic Love.” It is a love that is totally giving and not expecting anything in return. It is the essence of God and his relationship with us, which Jesus lived and taught during his human life.

For us, as Vincentians, the above description is the essence and call for us to achieve our Essential Element of Charity and Advocacy.

During the pandemic, we more than ever are called to live this loving relationship with our brothers and sisters we serve. As we grow weary in carrying on or doing extraordinary outreach to the very vulnerable and abandoned, we must embrace our work as truly the greatest of virtues – Charity. I will stand by you and hope you realize I am that “Foot Step in the Sand” carrying and supporting you.

This time as Vincentians and Society staff is our finest hour and our true legacy of the Society of St Vincent de Paul in Southwest Texas.


Frank
Meet Our Neighbor, Ms. Penny Sue

“I never had so much support. It gave me the will to live. Not just survive but to experience all the beauty that comes with living.”

After months of working with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Southwest Council, Ms. Penny Sue transitioned from homeless to a beautiful place she can call home. She describes that journey in a detailed account on our website.       
                       
Decades of bad choices and a series of violent relationships had not only damaged her but also her relationship with her now adult children. Her main goal was to create stability in her life. 

Penny Sue describes the help that the Society of St. Vincent de PauI gave her was compassionate, supportive, and empowering. You can read more about Ms. Penny Sue at www.svdpsa.org/Why-Your-Support-Matters.
CONFERENCES IN ACTION
Missions District
Senior Plant Distribution
September 6, 2020
COUNCIL UPDATES
In an effort to keep everyone informed,
we have added pages on our website to provide updates on Disaster Resources, COVID Resources, and Community Updates.
September the 30th is the end of the fiscal year! 
 
Remember to regularly check your emails, and keep in touch with your district presidents for important updates.
 
Thank you,

SVdP Accounting
COMMUNITY INFORMATION
In an effort to keep everyone informed,
we have added pages on our website to provide updates on Disaster Resources, COVID Resources, and Community Updates.
COVID CURRENT RISK LEVEL AND PREVENTION

The City of San Antonio (COSA) is currently showing our Risk Level to be "SAFE". This designation comes from the community's assistance in wearing masks and social distancing. COSA is asking residents to continue to practice these prevention measures.

The least exposure comes from avoiding get-togethers with people from other households, including family and friends. If you are going to host or socialize with people outside of your household, below are some simple strategies to reduce potential exposure.
EVENTS AND CAMPAIGNS
Inspired by Gospel values, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Southwest Council a Catholic lay organization, leads women and men to join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to those who are needy and suffering in the tradition of its founder, Blessed Frédéric Ozanam, and patron, St. Vincent de Paul.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Southwest Council https://svdpsa.org/donate