The Southwest Texas
VINCENTIAN VOICE
A monthly newsletter for all members of the
Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Southwest Texas Council
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A Message from Your Servant Leader... |
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Last week Sheila and I and our family commemorated the death of my daughter Jean. She was the “Apple of My Eye.” In the last years of her life, she became a Vincentian. We also buried one of Sheila’s dearest family member after passing away from the virus. He was one of those “Rocks” a family can count on. My grief continues to haunt me. We all have our stories and memories of those we have lost and must treasure them. Grief and loss are part of our human experience. This experience is magnified with fears and uncertainty of the virus. How do find a way to continue to a meaningful life? How do we stay strong physically and mentally with all the life pressures and the strains from helping those in need?
First, we should remember the chaos Blessed Frederick lived in and the challenges he and his friends faced when their faith in God and his Church were challenged. It mirrors in many ways in our lives today. How did he and his friends overcome these challenges? I am sure he went to scripture for clues. I can see Frederic and his friends reflecting on a reading from St Paul’s writing to the Corinthians, “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work.” They also probably reflected on a passage from Matthew’s Gospel. “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work.” These passages reinforced this faith in God and his promises and affirmed His promises would be kept. These passages also confirmed in them to follow what God asked them to do in the person of Jesus. They interpreted these readings to “Go the Poor” and God will provide spiritually, mentally, and physically. The Society of St Vincent de Paul became their legacy and bountifully results became a reality for those in need. We are their reality today!
During these uncertain times and pressures to serve, please realize it is the best way to live our lives and God will provide for our bountiful work. Challenges have occurred and will continue. If you remember living a life filled with charity and justice is the best way to cope and live productive lives. If you are “shorthanded,” look to others to join, they are being called all they need is you to offer the invitation. We should especially look for Vincentians that will call and talk with our brothers and sister in need. Often, this is more important than the commodities we can provide. It not only brings hope but also a way to heal and bolster us. I believe these pathways will enable us to realize what Jesus said to us – “I have come to give you life and life to the full.”
In closing, continue to “Keep Smiling” and ask others you meet to do the same. God is a cheerful God.
Frank
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POP-UP FAITH FOOD DRIVE PHOTOS
In partnership with Catholic Charities, the San Antonio Food Bank, and Edgewood ISD, we were able to help hundreds of struggling families at our July 30th pop up food distribution on the city's Southside.
Here are some photos of the event.
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IMPORTANT ACCOUNTING ANNOUNCEMENT
Friendly reminder that if you have not turned in your 1st Six Month Report, please do soon as soon as possible. Also, the end of the fiscal year is fast approaching! (September 30th)
If you have not turned in your reports, or have been asked to send additional documentation to complete them, please do as soon as possible. We are wanting to finish the end of the year strong. We appreciate all your work in accomplishing this goal.
Thanks, SVdP Accounting Depatment.
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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.
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Divine Providence Catholic Church
San Antonio, TX
Friday, June 25, 2020
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St. Ann's Catholic Church
San Antonio, Texas
Tuesday, July 6, 2020
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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].
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COMMUNITY INFORMATION
In an effort to keep everyone safe and informed,
Below please find graphics shared by the Mayor's office. You can find this information and more on our page.
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WEAR YOUR FACE COVERING CORRECTLY |
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- Wash your hands before putting on your face covering
- Put it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin
- Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face
- Make sure you can breathe easily
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SOCIAL DISTANCING BEST PRACTICES
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1) Practice social distancing. Keep at least 6-8 feet of space between you and other people.
2) People 10 years or older should wear a cloth face covering over their nose and mouth when in a public place where it is difficult to keep six feet away from other people, such as visiting a grocery store/pharmacy or working in areas that involve close proximity with other coworkers.
3) Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry.
4) Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
5) Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
6) Clean all “high-touch” surfaces every day, including counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables.
For updates please visit the Metro Health website.
METRO HEALTH
COVID-19 Hotline: (210) 207-5779
Monday through Friday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
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SACRD is a directory of resources offered by congregations, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and compassionate groups in and around San Antonio. |
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SACRD.org is FREE to use and FREE to be listed in.
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The Find Five Friends campaign is off to a great start! A small group of Catholic students from Antonian College Preparatory, St. Anthony's High School, and Central Catholic High School convened this summer to create a campaign that would encourage people to learn about and get involved with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Southwest Texas Council.
We are proud to see other students and adults getting involved!
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CAR DONATION PROGRAM UPDATE!
A huge THANK YOU to the three wonderful donors that donated
their vehicles to SVdP these past couple of months.
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.
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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. |
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