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 my travels around our Society, I have observed a general weariness and discouragement about the future of our Society in Southwest Texas. This general melancholy is a direct result of dealing with the virus and its demands on our services.
I ask you to consider what Winston Churchill said when England was faced with challenges in the Second World War, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal; It is the courage to continue that counts.” In our time with the virus, these words ring true to us. We all must have courage more than ever in our Society’s life.
Where do we get that courage Churchill spoke about? I believe it is our faith in God. A faith that we can only acquire in our hearts through holiness. At this time, renewing and growing holy is key to going forward. I urge everyone to help dedicate this Council’s year to this work of holiness. Our programs and spiritual life will be directive toward this end. Fr Kevin is committed to helping us on this journey through inspiration and activities.
Let’s all now begin on this journey together!
Frank
|
|
Meet Our Neighbor,
Mr. Ramos
|
“I didn’t ask for this situation. I have always been a hard working man.”
Mr. Ramos was referred to SVdP SWTX by the City of San Antonio. His battle with cancer led to the loss of his job of over 20 years. With little financial resources and in the middle of a pandemic, Mr. Ramos and his wife found themselves evicted and homeless.
SVdP SWTX helped the Ramos' pay for hotel accommodations while we searched for an apartment he could afford.
Now, Mr. Ramos can continue his cancer treatment in a safe environment.
|
|
|
Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church SVdP Conference recently made the news!
"In the last 12 months, we've helped over 3,200 people, said Beach. We're a small organization, but we reach out to thousands of people." Rivas, L. (2020, September 28). Helotes: Close-knit community continues to flourish. Retrieved October 21, 2020.
You can find the whole article at the link below.
|
|
IMPORTANT: New Council Office Location
We live in a world of constant change, which provides us opportunities for flexibility and for growth. We are excited to share about a new temporary location for the Council office. The owners of 2815 W Southcross will be doing some extensive inspections of the building starting this week.
Due to the nature of the work and the hours required, they have asked us to temporarily move out of the Southcross location. Staff currently at Southcross will be moved to Holy Redeemer, 230 Vargas Valley (corner of Nevada & Vargas) starting Monday, October 5. Thank you Father Kevin for opening your doors for us, so quickly and for being so welcoming! We will have yard signs out this week to identify where we are at.
|
|
IMPORTANT ACCOUNTING ANNOUNCEMENT
Just a reminder that if you haven't turned in your September report to please do so as soon as possible. Six Months will be going out soon, please keep an eye out for them, and to review and sign once received. More information to come on annual reports.
Thanks, SVdP Accounting Depatment.
|
|
Register for Assembly 2020 |
|
Archbishop Gustavo invites clergy, consecrated women and men, Catholic school teachers
and lay people from across the Archdiocese to unite on a virtual platform at Assembly 2020.
Assembly Keynote Speakers include Sr. Teresa Maya, CCVI, discussing The Dance of Discipleship: Accompany, Welcome, Encourage, and Bishop Michael Boulette, D. Min, V.G, discussing Missionary Disciples of Jesus: Living our Timeless Vocation in the Present Age.
Learn more about Assembly and have a special interactive opportunity
with Archbishop Gustavo!
|
|
IMPORTANT
Family Independence Initiative (FII) and the City of San Antonio Department of Human Services are partnering to distribute $2 million in direct financial relief to residents facing financial hardship because of COVID-19.
Eligible families will receive $500.
The process will be on a first-come, first-served basis and to be eligible families must:
- Meet Income Eligibility (Under 150% of the FPL. Must Have Income Verification Documents Ready)
- Live In City of San Antonio Limits. (Have Valid I.D.)
- Experience hardship related to COVID-19.
- Must Have Smartphone or Mobile Phone That Takes Photos.
- Application Must Be Completed Within 60 Minutes.
|
|
Thank you to all our Conferences who have welcomed our contract photographer out to your sites to take photos. He has done a tremendous job capturing the compassionate work of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Southwest Texas Council Conferences and our Vincentians.
Below please find a few photos from his shoots.
We will be sharing more with you as they come in.
|
|
Food Distribution- John F. Kennedy High School
San Antonio, TX
Thursday, July 30, 2020
|
|
HOW TO SUBMIT CONFERENCE PHOTOS AND STORIES
If you would like to share photos of what your Conference is doing OR you would like us to send a photographer to your Conference to capture the work you are doing in the community, reach out to Rosie at [email protected].
|
|
All Conferences of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Southwest Texas Council are listed in SACRD. Please use SACRD to find help and opportunities for our brothers and sisters in need, when you need it and where you need it. SACRD is a great tool to use if you’d like to know the hours of operations, phone or address of a specific conference so you can get in contact with them. |
|
|
|
Remembering Our Departed Brother and Sister Vincentians
Our Council Program
Since 2011 our Council has organized activities to recognize our deceased Vincentians.
|
|
Charity Tracker Intake Form
A new Spanish Intake form is now on the SVDP website
|
|
COVID-19 RESOURCES
In an effort to keep everyone safe and informed,
You can find this information and more on our page.
|
|
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Southwest Texas Council is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2021. More information to come! |
|
|
Run For Thy Neighbor
SVdP Kerrville/Notre Dame Conference is the
2020 Trophy Winner!
A special thank you to everyone who participated in the 2020 Run For Thy Neighbor Virtual 5k on September 26, 2020.
We had more participants than last year and raised more money thru the RunSignUp platform than last year!
A very special thank you to Lorrie Tijerina and A's Unique Designs for being our T-Shirt sponsor!
Below please find some pictures of the event.
You can see more photos HERE.
|
|
CAR DONATION PROGRAM!
Every vehicle donation helps the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
feed, house, and clothe individuals in need.
We accept most running and non-running cars, trucks, trailers,
boats, RV's, motorcycles, campers, off road vehicles, heavy equipment
and most other motorized vehicles.
|
|
Our Mission Statement
"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."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
