Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Mary in Darkness


As did Mary, we ponder the meaning of this Birth. Even in our darkness, our eyes adjust, the Light illuminates, and we see the world anew.

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

New Year's Day, the octave of Christmas, marks the feast of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.



Here is an excerpt of a homily:

Yet in the midst of all of this, Mary and Joseph are the happiest people to walk the face of this earth. Here in Bethlehem they are teaching us the amazing paradox that it is only when we lose ourselves in the love and service of Jesus do we find happiness. Happiness that this world can never give and no one can take from us. But how can we lose ourselves in the love and service of Jesus? Jesus has made it very simple, “Whatever you do for one of these least brethren you do for me.”



The Gospel reading (below) tells how Mary "treasured these things in her heart."

Gospel
Lk 2:16-21

The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them.

When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.


Sunday, December 21, 2008

December Fire


December Fire

four flames
pierce the darkness
hearts of light

four lanterns
burning brightly
in the night

four fires
signal Hope
a Star so bright



Saturday, December 13, 2008

Rejoice!

On Gaudete ("Rejoice") Sunday, the Third Sunday of Advent, we rejoice in the coming of the Lord. Christmas is just days away. As we prepare our hearts, perhaps we, too, like the baby in Elizabeth's womb, will leap with joy and anticipation at the coming of the Christ Child. (Click the photo to view a presentation of the hymn, Gaudete.)



THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

December 14, 2008


Gospel: (John 1:6-8)

A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. And this is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you?” he admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Christ.” So they asked him…“Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?” He said: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, make straight the way of the Lord.”


Reflection:

John knew how to die. He knew how to speak the truth even when it cost dearly. He knew how to engage in an active public ministry to which crowds flocked, but also how to withdraw into the desert for prayer and penance. John the Baptist makes it very clear that we will live genuinely for Christ only if we are willing to die for him. Only the person who is practiced in the art of daily dying will be able to hand himself over to God in an act of final resignation, as John did. Daily dying consists in pouring out one’s energies in the service of the poor, in listening attentively, in praying faithfully, in living harmoniously with others, in seeking reconciliation, in doing penance, in renouncing anything that is an obstacle to the following of Christ. John the Baptist calls us to prepare the way of the Lord by eliminating from our lives whatever impedes his coming. (Maloney, Seasons in Spirituality, p.48)

Words of Father Robert Maloney, C.M.

“Let me suggest that today, for us members of the Vincentian Family, an asceticism like that of John the Baptist might take these forms especially: rising early to praise God and strengthen our brothers and sisters in daily prayer; employing moderation and a critical sense in using television and other media; withholding divisive words and negative criticism; being disciplined and balanced in what we eat and drink; working hard, as servants do, for our “lords and masters,” the poor.” (Maloney, Seasons in Spirituality, p.48)


Discussion: (Share thoughts on the readings after a moment of silence)

What form of John the Baptist’s asceticism do you feel called to practice this Advent?


Closing Prayer:

As our Advent journey continues, we turn in hope to Christ and ask:

-Come, Lord Jesus, and do not delay.

Watch over all children, that they may know your love,

-Come, Lord Jesus, and do not delay.

Protect all who are abused and neglected,

-Come, Lord Jesus, and do not delay.

Strengthen all Vincentians in their efforts to reveal your love to others,

-Come, Lord Jesus, and do not delay. Amen



(Souce: Vincentian Reflections)

Monday, December 8, 2008

Immaculate Heart of Mary


Holy Card: Immaculate Heart of Mary statue at Fatima Shrine in Russia (click image to learn about Our Lady of Fatima)

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Preparing for the Unexpected

Second Sunday of Advent


Gospel: (Luke 3:1-6)

The word of God was spoken to John in the desert. He went about the entire region of the Jordan proclaiming a baptism of repentance which led to the forgiveness of sins, as is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A herald’s voice in the desert, crying, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord, clear him a straight path. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be leveled. The windings shall be made straight and the rough ways smooth, and all mankind shall see the salvation of God.

Reflection:

John the Baptist urges us to “Prepare the way of the Lord.” Our culture tells us to prepare for the birth of a Baby, an event that evokes wonderful feelings of warmth and happiness. But John’s message of “repentance for the forgiveness of sins” suggests that we must examine our lives in light of the salvation we seek. It is difficult to orient our lives, anticipation, and preparation with balance and vision toward a glorious Christ who is yet to come. It is far easier to prepare for a Jesus who is a sweet, innocent Babe. The gospel challenges us to take the real events of our everyday lives—all the suffering and pain, all the anxiety and hopelessness, all the joy and peace—and see them as means to recognize the presence of Christ to us. This is what Advent is all about—recognizing the presence of Christ in our lives as salvation already come. (Living Liturgy, p. 10)

Vincentian Meditation:

God speaks to us in all sorts of ways: through Scriptures, through his Church, but also through all the events, great and small, that happen to us. Since most of our lives are made up of very ordinary tasks which we must do each day, it is in these especially that the voice of the Lord is to be heard. We make the mistake so often of expecting God to speak to us through some great event or happening when, in fact, all the time He is speaking to us in all the small events of each day. For all of us, it would be a great grace if, in all the circumstances of our lives, in all that we do, in accepting all that happens to us, pleasant and unpleasant, we could say, “It is the Lord.” St. Vincent recommends that “when something unexpected happens to us in body or mind, good or bad, we are to accept it without fuss as from God’s loving hand.” If we could live that ideal of St. Vincent, we would have great peace in our lives. (McCullen, Deep Down Things, p.175)


Discussion: (Share thoughts on the readings after a moment of silence)


What unexpected happenings have you “accepted without fuss as from God’s loving hand?”


Closing Prayer:


Come Lord Jesus, give us the grace to,

- accept all events as “coming from God’s loving hand.”

Come Lord Jesus, give us the grace to,

- “Make ready the way of the Lord.”

As we eagerly await your coming, come to all people

-especially the poor and the forgotten. Amen



(Source: Vincentian Reflections)

Saturday, December 6, 2008

SVdP Nativity Program


Throughout the United States, the St. Vincent de Paul Society conferences, including OLG Conference, are participating in an effort to bring the true Christmas message to those we visit. (Click photo for more information.)

Feast of St. Nicholas


Prayer to St. Nicholas

Loving God, we thank you for
the example of St Nicholas,
who fed the hungry,
brought hope to the imprisoned,
gave comfort to the lost,
and taught the truth to all.

May we strive to imitate him
by putting you first in all we do.



Give us the courage, love and strength

of St Nicholas, so that, like him,
we may serve you through loving
our brothers and sisters. Amen.

--Amy Welborn


Thursday, December 4, 2008

Feast of the Immaculate Conception December 8

Blessed Frederic Ozanam, founder of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, had a great devotion to Mary, the Mother of Jesus. He declared Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception the patroness of the Society. We pray that Mary, the Immaculate Conception, will watch over and guide with her loving hand the work of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in our parish and community. We pray to the Lord.


Monday, December 1, 2008

Advent

In the darkness, there is a Light for the world. Sometimes it's harder to see than others. To see better, it helps to get quiet. To focus. To sit and wonder. Like the stars, the sun and the moon, it's there whether we see it or not. If you don't see it today, perhaps you will later. A long time ago, a very long time ago, the story goes, wise men saw it, and followed.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Papal Blessing on Conferences

THE SECRETARIAT OF STATE

Vatican. 12th November 2008

Sr. José Ramón DÍAZ- TORREMOCHA

Président Général

Société de Saint- Vincent de Paúl

PARIS

Dear President General


On the occasion of the CLXXV Anniversary of the Foundation of the Society of St Vincent de Paul, the Holy Father wishes to spiritually join the action of thanksgiving of this happy commemoration and at the same time to set forward an invitation to passionately renew the commitment of service to the Church in the unselfish love to the most needed brothers and sisters.


Since its birth in Paris in 1833, the Society of St Vincent de Paul with its local Conferences has wonderfully spread throughout the world, always answering the specific needs of poverty and instability, not “with words or tongue, but with actions in truth”, (1 John 3, 18). The pressing impetus of Christian charity, that is already present in the birth of this Society as is maintained as its authentic reason of being, should continue to be a true reflection of the love that God has for each one of His children and is a sure means of continuingly experimenting His merciful presence, as “everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God” (1 John 4, 7).


With the awareness of being living instruments of the Lord, bearers of the Gospel of charity, the members of the Conferences have to always look for the possibility to renew these deep meanings of faith, those that move Christians to perfect acts of charity, and continue to take Jesus Christ as a model of the Good Samaritan, therefore never allowing the acts of charity set forth so eloquently by the first members of this Society to flag; an experience that has always been present within your distinguished tradition.


In today’s world, people that suffer any kind of poverty, whether it is through new or traditional forms of destitution, continue to require the consolation of charity. Unselfish love towards thy neighbor, with sensitiveness developed from a deep spiritual life, will increase the necessary creativity and enough bravery in order to cure the wounds of those that most suffer. Charity, therefore, can not only be limited to material aid, but also goes beyond this and offers support and peace for the spiritual difficulties of humankind. Following the trail of the founder, the Blessed Frederic Ozanam, this anniversary will give new enthusiasm so that faith will neither be separated from action nor from the charity work of the brave and clear apostolate, as “They realize that a pure and generous love is the best witness to the God in whom we believe and by whom we are driven to love. A Christian knows when it is time to speak of God and when it is better to say nothing and to let love alone speak.” (Deus caritas est 31 c).


With these sentiments, the Holy Father invoking the intercession of St Vincent de Paul and the Blessed Frederic Ozanam, conveys a special Apostolic Blessing to all members of different local Conferences of the Society of St Vincent de Paul throughout the world.


I would also like to use this opportunity to manifest the testimony of my consideration and esteem in Christ.


Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone

Secretary of State of His Holiness

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

A Vincentian Family Christmas (meditation)


For a lovely Vincentian "Advent meditation" video, click the picture. The words of St. Vincent and other Vincentians ring true during this holy season of Advent.

First Sunday of Advent

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

November 29, 2009

Gospel: (Luke 21:25-28, 34-36)

Jesus said to his disciples: “There will be signs in the sun, the moon and the stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish, distraught at the roaring of the sea and the waves. Men will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the earth. The powers in the heavens will be shaken. After that, men will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with great power and glory. When these things begin to happen, stand up straight and raise your heads, for your ransom is near at hand. Be on guard… The great day will suddenly close in on you like a trap. The day I speak of will come upon all who dwell on the face of the earth, so be on the watch. Pray constantly for the strength to escape whatever is in prospect, and to stand secure before the Son of Man.

Reflection:

This time of year is filled with anticipation and waiting! The important questions for us are, “What do we anticipate?” and “How do we await?” Stores are filled with Christmas things. Lights and decorations have sprung up. Christmas music on the radio is another harbinger of the day for which we wait. Our work of preparation is busied with card-sending, party-planning and attending, and gift-shopping. The First Sunday of Advent, the Church’s New Year, ushers in a different way of waiting, of heightened anticipation. We Christians don’t wait for a what, but for a Whom. And that changes the character of our waiting! If the followers of Christ are vigilant and have lives “blameless in holiness,” then when Christ comes they can “stand erect” without fear but with joyful anticipation of their redemption. This is the Whom and what of our waiting! (Living Liturgy, p. 2)

Vincentian Meditation:

Waiting in joyful anticipation…if we are to rejoice in the grace of God, we must have eyes that see and ears that hear. That in turn demands a reflecting heart, the sort of heart which Our Lady had and with which, she “pondered all things in her heart.” Our Lady has a marvelous capacity for wonder. There can be no wonder in our lives without silence. We are called to the service of the poor, but our service must come from a heart which resembles that of Our Lady who knew how to be silent, who knew how to wonder, who knew who to marvel at the grace of God, without which we can do nothing.

(McCullen, Deep Down Things, p. 56)


Discussion: (Share thoughts on the readings after a moment of silence)

This Advent how can we help each other to “await” in joyful anticipation, silence and wonder for the true meaning of Christmas?


Closing Prayer:

Lord, as we await the fulfillment of your promise,

-give us a heart that knows how to be silent.

You come as a visible sign of love,

-give us a heart that knows how to wonder.

Strengthen us by your grace,

-give us a heart that lives in joyful anticipation. Amen

Monday, November 17, 2008

Prayer Before Home Visit

Come Holy Spirit,

We ask for your gifts:

• Wisdom to understand the situation, its priorities and the deeper needs;

• Fortitude to persevere, not to give up;

• Counsel to tackle the problem appropriately; and

• Piety to feel, to feel compassion, which is nothing other than feeling what the other feels.


We ask in reverence and awe of God to visit our brothers and sisters with humility.

We beseech Providence for those we visit: For they, like us, are Children of God and Temples of the Holy Spirit, they and we are, therefore, equal in dignity no matter what distress they feel or how much misery surrounds them.

In Jesus' name, we ask,

Amen.

(Source: Vincentian Rule, 1.7, commentary)

Friday, November 14, 2008

Economic Downturn Affects Charities

With the failing economy, the needs of the poor increase.

"In Vallejo, Rene Perryman, past president of the St. Vincent de Paul conference at St Basil Parish and current board member of Catholic Social Service-Solano, notes that in the past two years, the St Basil conference made about 30 food deliveries to households each month. Now the conference averages 30 deliveries a week."

from the Catholic Herald:

Click here for full story.

We Serve in Hope

Serviens in spe - We serve in hope. (Vincentian motto)

In recent days, we have seen the rise of a kind of new persecution against Catholics and others of faith. Intolerance has been demonstrated in ways slight and grave: from misinformed opinions in the media to violence against persons of faith, their businesses, and faith communities. It is wrong in every sense of the word.

In this month of November, we recall the meaning of the communion of saints, those people of faith now living and those who came before us. Catholic tradition is a wonderful gift. It gives us perspective, especially in times of trial. Across the ages, we hear the challenging, yet comforting words of Christ from the Sermon on the Mount:

"Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." [Matthew 5:10-12]

"Blessed are ye when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in like manner did their fathers unto the prophets." [Luke 6:22-23]

We serve in hope.

Advent is the season of hope. In the coming season of Advent, we are reminded that Light will come to disperse the Darkness. The coming of the Christ Child represents hope for the world. That was the Good News 2,000 years ago, a thousand years ago, now, and forever.

In the days and weeks ahead, and especially during Advent, pray, support one another, and continue to serve in hope.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Core Values

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul adheres to a group of core values; these are the principles central to its creed and ministry:

• Identification of Jesus with the poor
• Preferential option of the poor
• Jesus is the Evangelizer and Servant of the poor
• Growth and intimacy with Jesus is a lifelong process
• Poverty and spirit are the primary beatitudes
• The Society is concerned with charity and justice
• Prayer is essential: personal and communal
• The virtue of humility: personal and corporate
• The virtue of charity within and outside the Society
• The virtue of simplicity
• Divine
Providence
• Friendship
• Solidarity
• Community

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Catholic Catechism


The Catechism of the Catholic Church, a basic resource for Catholics, is available on line. The link has been added to our Catholic web library
(side bar, below), or click the photo.

Encountering Christ in the Poor

For Vincent, true holiness meant that all of his decisions, plans, struggles, and actions had to revolve around the person of Jesus Christ. His own relationship with Jesus Christ developed in three stages. During his boyhood, his parents passed on their convictions about Jesus. Vincent believed, but not enough to move mountains. The second stage occurred in his twenties. A string of personal defeats and some sound spiritual direction caused Vincent to look deeply into himself. In was known only to Vincent and God, Vincent’s encounter with Jesus moved him to rearrange the map of his life. Finally, as he became more involved in ministering to the poor, Vincent discovered Jesus Christ in the faces of these humble souls. Vincent’s live then revolved around the person of Jesus, whom he encountered in the poor, sick and homeless people. (McKenna, Praying with Vincent, p.41-42)

Source: Vincentian Reflections

Saturday, November 8, 2008

St. Catherine Laboure & the "Miraculous Medal"



Above, St. Catherine Laboure and the "Miraculous Medal" (click photos)

Prayer to St. Catherine Laboure

Lord, may we who honour St. Catherine,
recognize at all times Your image in the needy, so that,
as we serve them in simplicity of heart,
we may be, in the world, true witnesses of Your love.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.



For more information about the "Miraculous Medal" and St. Catherine Laboure, click here.


“I do not know how to find words for what I experienced and perceived, or for the beauty and the splendor of those magnificent rays (coming from the hands of the Blessed Virgin). Mary told me, “They are the symbol of the graces which I shed on those who ask me for them. Have a medal struck according to this model; all those who wear it, especially if they wear it around the neck, will receive great graces, and these graces will be abundant for those who wear it with confidence.” (From St. Catherine Laboure’s account of the apparitions, November 27,1830)

Saturday, October 4, 2008

October - Pray the Rosary


October is dedicated to the Rosary.

Pope John Paul II concluded his apostolic letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae, as follows:

May this appeal of mine not go unheard! At the start of the twenty-fifth year of my Pontificate, I entrust this Apostolic Letter to the loving hands of the Virgin Mary, prostrating myself in spirit before her image in the splendid Shrine built for her by Blessed Bartolo Longo, the apostle of the Rosary. I willingly make my own the touching words with which he concluded his well-known Supplication to the Queen of the Holy Rosary: "O Blessed Rosary of Mary, sweet chain which unites us to God, bond of love which unites us to the angels, tower of salvation against the assaults of Hell, safe port in our universal shipwreck, we will never abandon you. You will be our comfort in the hour of death: yours our final kiss as life ebbs away. And the last word from our lips will be your sweet name, O Queen of the Rosary of Pompei, O dearest Mother, O Refuge of Sinners, O Sovereign Consoler of the Afflicted. May you be everywhere blessed, today and always, on earth and in heaven."

How to Pray the Rosary (click here).

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Feast Day of St. Vincent de Paul

This weekend, we reflect on St. Vincent de Paul, whose feast day is September 27. We are reminded to follow the example of St. Vincent de Paul to welcome opportunities to help those in need. We pray for those without food, clothes, or shelter, and especially the homeless. We ask the Holy Spirit to help us recognize Christ in the face of the poor. For this we pray to the Lord.

Monday, September 1, 2008

Mortification

Vincentian Reflections

TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME
August 31, 2008

Gospel: (Matthew 16:21-27)

Jesus said to his disciples: “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay all according to his conduct.”

Vincentian Meditation:

“Service to God’s people demands a price. Christians must put aside their own prejudices, comfortable circumstances, and favorite ideas in order to do the will of God. This sort of discipline calls Christians to die to themselves in order to follow Christ. St. Vincent called this discipline mortification. Mortification, or dying to self, has sometimes become confused with self-hate, repression…or co-dependency. However, dying to self is a core value in the Christian Testament. St. Vincent believed that mortification had to be a conscious choice. With the grace of God, people could be willing to make the hard sacrifices that love demands. With God’s help, they could detach themselves from—or die—to all that was not Christ so that they could put on Jesus Christ. (McKenna, Praying with Vincent, p.83, 85)

Day of Recollection

FOR INFORMATION

Day of Recollection
Annual Vincentian Training Day for
Sacramento Council Conferences
September 6,
8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
St John the Evangelist Catholic Church

http://www.sjecarmichael.org/

5751 Locust Avenue 95608
Carmichael, CA

DIRECTIONS
Directions from
Our Lady of Grace

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&f=d&iwstate1=dir:to&daddr=5751+Locust+Ave+Carmichael,+CA+95608&fb=1&geocode=8715728907451569466,38.642544,-121.330162&oi=manybox&ct=16&cd=1&resnum=1

Get Directions from your house:

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&f=d&iwstate1=dir:to&daddr=5751+Locust+Ave+Carmichael,+CA+95608&fb=1&geocode=8715728907451569466,38.642544,-121.330162&oi=manybox&ct=16&cd=1&resnum=1

AGENDA

8:30 AM to 9:30 AM - Mass in the Church
9:30 AM to 9:45 AM - Registration and coffee in Church Hall
9:45 AM to 11:00 AM - Choose between one of the following two workshops:

1. Spirituality for the Spiritual Advisors - Speaker - Dave Lehman, Council Spiritual Advisor. He will concentrate on Vincentian spirituality and the role and responsibilities of
Conference Spiritual Advisors.

2. Spirituality for Conference members - Speaker - Pat Metrick, Manager of Vincentian Support for the Western Region. One element of her talk will be "The Society of SVDP is not out to
serve the poor."

11:00 AM to 11:15 AM Break

11:15 AM to 12:15 PM Choose between one of the following workshops:

1. Advocacy - Speaker - Art Guerrero - Chair of the VOP Committee. "How you can influence legislation with very little effort."

2. Recruiting and retaining members - Speaker - Pat Metrick "Welcome to the Society of SVDP - Here I am, Lord."

12:15 PM to 12:45 PM Lunch

12:45 PM to 1:45 PM Choose between one of the following workshops:

1. Practical helps to make home visits more productive - Speaker - Patricia Metrick. Two of her subjects will cover "Attitude is everything" and "God gave us two ears and one mouth."

2. Vincentian response to disasters - Speaker John Hallissy, First V.P. of the Council. John Knight, Disaster Chair, will also participate. The results of what was learned in this past winter's Northwest floods will be shared along with its application to potential earthquake, fire, or flood disasters in our area

1:45 PM to 2:00 PM Q & A
2:00 PM
Formal closing
2:05 PM
For those that would like to ask further questions, you are invited to stay and ask them and to share ideas with the speakers and one another.

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Legal Help

Free legal clinic
2d and 4th Mondays, 6-8 pm
Senior Center
664 Cummins Way
Drop in legal advice for low income and seniors; topics include: housing and evictions; employment issues, health benefits, Social Security, cash aid benefits, probate and family law.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Retreat & Vincentian Training

We have confirmed Saturday, September 27, the feast of St. Vincent de Paul, to hold our half day training and retreat and year-end celebration.

Here's the tentative schedule:

  • Mass
  • Continental Breakfast
  • Retreat & Reflection
  • Training sessions (we will train on a module from the Serving in Hope program)
  • Luncheon
Details to follow.


Tuesday, July 15, 2008

The True Gift

From the Vincentian Rule:

1.12 Gratitude to those we visit
Vincentians never forget the many blessings they receive from those they visit. They recognise that the fruit of their labours springs, not from themselves, but especially from God and from the poor they serve.

Commentary.-Many Conferences, at the end of their meetings, thank God for the good they receive from those who suffer. It is a great truth that, in our contact with the poor, we receive much more than we can bring them with our poor donations. Only the Lord's help, only His assistance obtained through deep prayer, individual and communal, can make us useful to those we try to serve. "Many times, the member gains more benefit himself from what he hears than is produced by what he says" (F.Lallier, circular to the Conferences, August 1837)

PHOTO ALBUM (below)

Please scroll down this page to view our photo album or find more pictures on our facebook page.

Walk for the Poor 2013

Walk for the Poor 2013

Homeless Strategies Workshop

Homeless Strategies Workshop

Feeding the Hungry

Feeding the Hungry

Walk for the Poor 2012

Walk for the Poor 2012

Homeless Ministry

Homeless Ministry
Our New Banner

Bundle Sunday Fall 2010

Bundle Sunday Fall 2010
Donations help the poor

Marian Retreat

Marian Retreat
Vincentians gather for a morning relecting on Marian devotion.

Hospitality Sunday 2010

Hospitality Sunday 2010
Vincentians thank the OLG parish for its genorosity.

Parish Festival 2010

Parish Festival 2010

Nat'l Vincentian Family Gathering 2010

Nat'l Vincentian Family Gathering 2010
Conference members attend via internet link up

West Coast Walk for Life 2010

West Coast Walk for Life 2010

Spirit of Giving

Spirit of Giving
A donation coin box symbolizes personal sacrifice

Hospitality Sunday

Hospitality Sunday
Donations support St. Vincent de Paul

Bundle Sunday

Bundle Sunday


Invitation to Service

Invitation to Service

Working in the Food Locker

Working in the Food Locker