January 1 - Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

From past homily of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI on Solemnity of Mary (click text to read entire homily):

On the first day of the year, divine Providence brings us together for a celebration that moves us each time because of the riches and beauty of its correspondence: the civil New Year converges with the culmination of the Octave of Christmas on which the divine Motherhood of Mary is celebrated, and this gathering is summed up felicitously in the World Day of Peace.

Gaudete

What is "Gaudete" Sunday? 
Click the word "Gaudete" (above), or click here for more information.

Emmanuel - God With Us (reflection)

The Miraculous Medal

View a video about the Miraculous Medal

Read about the Miraculous Medal

Subsidiarity

Subsidiarity is a key principle of Vincentian attitude. It is explained here, with reference to the current healthcare debate:
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Subsidiarity is that principle by which we respect the inherent dignity and freedom of the individual by never doing for others what they can do for themselves and thus enabling individuals to have the most possible discretion in the affairs of their lives. (See: Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, ## 185ff.; Catechism of the Catholic Church, # 1883) The writings of recent Popes have warned that the neglect of subsidiarity can lead to an excessive centralization of human services, which in turn leads to excessive costs, and loss of personal responsibility and quality of care.

Pope John Paul II wrote:
“By intervening directly and depriving society of its responsibility, the Social Assistance State leads to a loss of human energies and an inordinate increase of public agencies, which are dominated more by bureaucratic ways of thinking than by concern for serving their clients, and which are accompanied by an enormous increase in spending.” (Pope John Paul II, Centesimus Annus #48)

And Pope Benedict writes:
“The State which would provide everything, absorbing everything into itself, would ultimately become a mere bureaucracy incapable of guaranteeing the very thing which the suffering person -every person -needs: namely, loving personal concern. We do not need a State which regulates and controls everything, but a State which, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, generously acknowledges and supports initiatives arising from the different social forces and combines spontaneity with closeness to those in need. … In the end, the claim that just social structures would make works of charity superfluous masks a materialist conception of man: the mistaken notion that man can live ‘by bread alone’ (Mt 4:4; cf. Dt 8:3) - a conviction that demeans man and ultimately disregards all that is specifically human.” (Pope Benedict XVI, Deus Caritas Est #28)

While subsidiarity is vital to the structure of justice, we can see from what the Popes say that it rests on a more fundamental principle, the unchanging dignity of the person. The belief in the innate value of human life and the transcendent dignity of the human person must be the primordial driving force of reform efforts.

Source: pastoral statement on healthcare reform

Just for fun . . .

We've added some "Catholic humor" at the lower right of this page. Check out the links to "the Catholic Guy" and more.

Happy All Saints' Day

All Hallows' Eve

"This holiday [Halloween], properly understood and celebrated with all of its fun trappings, can be a way for us to deepen our understanding of our faith. The key to this understanding is close at hand for Catholics in our love of the communion of saints."

Read more.

Holiday Donation Opportunities

Throughout the holidays, we will try to keep you posted on charitable donation opportunities for the poor and homeless. These will be posted under the NEWS & UPDATES section, above.

Reflection on St. Vincent de Paul

The Vincentian Year ends with the Feast of St. Vincent de Paul. We reflect on the opportunities over the last 12 months to meet Christ in the poor we serve.

FEAST OF ST. VINCENT de PAUL

September 27

Gospel:

When Jesus saw the crowds he went up on the mountainside…his disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them: “How blest are the poor in spirit: the reign of God is theirs. Blest too are the sorrowing; they shall be consoled. Blest are the lowly;they shall inherit the land. Blest are they who hunger and thirst for holiness; they shall have their fill. Blest are they who show mercy; mercy shall be theirs. Blest are the single-hearted, for they shall see God. Blest too the peacemakers; they shall be called children of God…”

Reflection:

For Vincent, love is always very concrete, very practical. It is love in practice. “Let us love God, my brothers and sisters,” he urges, “let us love God, but let it be with the strength of our arms and the sweat of our brows.” We are called to follow Christ as servants of the poor. Servants get their hands dirty. They labor long and hard. They engage in difficult tasks, visiting the sick and elderly in their homes, feeding street-people, serving the hungry, helping the widow and orphan. They are on the front lines ministering to the poor. As St. Vincent says, we must first do and then teach.

Vincentian Meditation:

St. Vincent tells us that “Love is inventive to the point of infinity.” I encourage you today to be very inventive. Because you are on the front line in laboring for the poor, you will be among the first to know their real needs. It will not be psychologists or economists, who study the needs of the poor by examining the data they receive. You will know ahead of them because the poor will tell you directly. Be inventive in meeting those needs. (Maloney, Go! On the Missionary Spirituality of St. Vincent de Paul, p.133-4)

Journal: (Write down your thoughts on the readings after a moment of silence)

In what ways can you become “inventive to infinity” in serving the needs of the poor that come to you?

Closing Prayer:

O God, your son Vincent preached the Good News to the poor,

-may we continue to be effective instruments of Christ

to those most in need.

O God, give us the strength and creativity we need to stand in solidarity with those who suffer,

-may our hearts be filled with compassion and love.

O God, you call us to be followers of St. Vincent de Paul,

-grant us the grace to be “inventive to infinity” in serving the poor and suffering! Amen

Blessed Frederic

FEAST OF BLESSED FREDERIC OZANAM

September 9

Gospel: (Luke 10: 25-37)

“And who is my neighbor? Jesus replied: “There was a man going down from Jerusalem to Jericho who fell in with robbers. They stripped him, beat him, and then went off leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road; he saw him but continued on. Likewise there was a Levite who came the same way; he saw him and went on. But a Samaritan who was journeying along came on him and was moved to pity at the sight. He approached him and dressed his wounds, pouring in oil and wine as a means to heal. He then hoisted him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, where he cared for him. The next day he took out two silver pieces and gave them to the innkeeper with the request: “Look after him, and if there is any further expense I will repay you on my way back.” Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the man who fell in with the robbers?” The answer came, “The one who treated him with compassion.” Jesus said to him, “Then go and do the same.”

Reflection:

Frederic heard the call of Jesus –to be merciful. He saw the works of mercy as calls to action. He believed that if he genuinely wanted to serve the poor and others, he had to direct his works of mercy to the moral and spiritual betterment of individuals, not only to the alleviation of their physical distress.

Vincentian Meditation:

“Help honors when to the bread that nourishes it adds the visit that consoles, the advice that enlightens, the friendly shake of the hand that lifts up the sinking courage; when it treats the poor man with respect, not only as an equal but as a superior, since he is suffering what perhaps we are incapable of suffering; since he is the messenger of God to us, sent to prove our justice and our charity, and to save us by our works.” Frederic Ozanam (Ramson, Praying with Frederic, p. 93)

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

How are you in your Conference living the spirit of Frederic?

Closing Prayer:

A Litany in Honor of Blessed Frederic Ozanam

Frederic Ozanam, defender of faith, pray for us.

Frederic Ozanam, promoter of hope, pray for us.

Frederic Ozanam, apostle of charity, pray for us.

Frederic Ozanam, exemplary husband and father, pray for us.

Frederic Ozanam, lover of poverty and the poor, pray for us.

Frederic Ozanam, advocate of the dignity of the human person, pray for us.

Frederic Ozanam, servant of the truth, pray for us.

Frederic Ozanam, model for Catholic teachers and professors, pray for us.

Frederic Ozanam, disciple of St. Vincent De Paul, pray for us.

Frederic Ozanam, faithful son of the Church, pray for us.

Frederic Ozanam, our intercessor at the throne of God, pray for us. Amen

Mary's Seven Sorrows

Throughout September, we continue to honor the Blessed Virgin. September 12 is the feast of the Blessed Name of Mary and September 15 is the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows.


Mary’s heart is pierced:

• at the prophecy of Simeon;
• at the flight into Egypt;
• having lost the Holy Child at Jerusalem;
• meeting Jesus on his way to Calvary;
• standing at the foot of the Cross;
• Jesus being taken from the Cross;
• at the burial of Christ.

Children in Poverty in California

More than 5.3 million Californians had incomes below the federal poverty line in 2008, a substantial increase from the previous year. The share of California’s children living in families with incomes below the poverty line jumped above 20 percent for the first time since 1999.

Source: California Budget Project

Annual Report

The Sacramento District Council reports 5,847 home visits. Learn more. See SVdP Annual Report.

Mary, Queen of Heaven

"A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and on her head a crown of twelve stars."

Rev 12:1

On the octave of the Feast of the Assumption, we celebrate the crowning of Mary, Queen of Heaven. (Click photo to learn about the artwork.)

Feast of the Assumption

ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

August 15

Gospel: (Luke 1:39-56)

Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.

Reflection:

Mary’s “yes” unleashed a unique relationship with Jesus. This is why all generations will call her blessed: without knowing how and why, she believed that God would raise her up to be the Mother of God. For nine months she would nurture in her womb the Life that would bring life to all. For nine months she would give her body so that the Bread of Life might be born. Mary is blessed because she believed in God’s word. Mary is blessed because her body gave life to the Word incarnate. This is why we believe that her body is assumed into heaven: hers was a blessed body. Body and soul, she was assumed into heaven to enjoy eternal life with the divine Word, her Son. And, this because she believed and trusted in God! (Living Liturgy, p.190)

Vincentian Meditation:

Mary is the ideal disciple, the model listener. She hears God’s word and acts on it. Mary as the Listening Disciple, lies at the core of New Testament spirituality: all disciples, like Mary, are called to listen to the word of God attentively and act on it. There is almost nothing more important that Mary can teach us than to learn to listen. At root, being a disciple means being a hearer of the word. The whole of Christian life can be summed up in the phrase: “She listened to the word of God and acted on it.” (Maloney, Go! On the Missionary Spirituality of St. Vincent de Paul, p.110-111)

Journal: (Write down your thoughts after a moment of silence)

How can we better live our Vincentian devotion to Mary?

Closing Prayer:

Mary responded with joyful faith to your call,

-Lord, open our hearts to do your will.

Mary listened to the Word of God and acted on it,

-Lord, grant us the grace to follow her example.

Mary assumed into heaven, you are the Mother of the Church,

-Mary, full of grace, pray for us.

Mary lived the mystery of Jesus and followed him to Calvary,

-Mary, give us the grace to find God in all of the events of our lives.

Amen

SVDP Position on Healthcare Policy

Message on Healthcare from the National President

“The Society of St. Vincent de Paul does not support nor will it support any legislation, provision or amendment that fails to uphold the sanctity and dignity of human life. Further, we will continue to work with Catholic Health Association and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and Catholic Charities USA to ensure that any legislation will continue to support the conscience clause protection to health care workers and that the Hyde exception continues to ensure no abortion can be funded with federal funds.”

Joseph Flannigan National President

Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA

The Society’s Position on Health Care

The National Council of the United States, Society of St. Vincent de Paul has worked with its Voice of the Poor Committee to develop a sound and thoughtful position for health care reform which was adopted by its national membership in 2004. This work is based on and guided by the Church's social and moral teachings and informed by pastoral letters prepared by the United States Bishops as well as through the guidance of Papal Encyclicals. The basis for this vision of health care reform was captured recently in a letter to Congress on behalf of the United States Bishops written by Bishop William F. Murphy of the Diocese of Rockville Center: "The Bishops' Conference believes health care reform should be truly universal and should be genuinely affordable. ... Health care is not just another issue for the Church or for a healthy society. It is a fundamental issue of human life and dignity."

Click here to read the Society’s national position paper on health care issued in 2004

Caritas in Veritate (Charity in Truth)

His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI offers another opportunity for reflection on social justice in his encyclical letter, Charity in Truth, Caritas in Veritate

An excerpt from the introduction of the encyclical letter:

2. Charity is at the heart of the Church's social doctrine. Every responsibility and every commitment spelt out by that doctrine is derived from charity which, according to the teaching of Jesus, is the synthesis of the entire Law (cf. Mt 22:36- 40). It gives real substance to the personal relationship with God and with neighbour; it is the principle not only of micro-relationships (with friends, with family members or within small groups) but also of macro-relationships (social, economic and political ones). For the Church, instructed by the Gospel, charity is everything because, as Saint John teaches (cf. 1 Jn 4:8, 16) and as I recalled in my first Encyclical Letter, “God is love” (Deus Caritas Est): everything has its origin in God's love, everything is shaped by it, everything is directed towards it. Love is God's greatest gift to humanity, it is his promise and our hope.

Year for Priests

Pope Benedict XVI has declared a “Year for Priests” beginning with the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 19, 2009. The year will conclude in Rome with an international gathering of priests with the Holy Father on June 19, 2010.

With the announcement of this Year for Priests, the Pope has declared St. John Vianney the Universal Patron of Priests on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the death of the Curé d’Ars. (Source: USCCB)

Corpus Christi

THE SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST

June 14, 2009

(Source: Vincentian Reflections, National Conference)

Gospel: (Mark 14: 12-16)

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many. Amen, I say to you, I shall not drink again the fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” Then, after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Reflection:

Jesus’ identity as the suffering servant who obtained redemption for us “with his own blood” is truly the same as his mission – to give of himself without counting the cost, even if its cost is his very body and blood. Self-giving unites identity and mission into the same reality. This solemnity brings us once again to Jesus’ self-giving on the cross and to continued self-giving in the Eucharist, and challenges us to take up Jesus’ mission of self-giving. The Eucharist is the centerpiece of our lives, challenging us: our identity is our mission – self-giving.

Vincentian Meditation:

The Eucharist plays a major role in Vincentian spirituality. This is seen in the lives of St. Vincent and Blessed Frederic.Vincent spent one hour each morning before the Blessed Sacrament before celebrating Mass. He would frequently make short visits to the chapel before leaving and upon returning from his responsibilities. Frederic attended Mass daily whenever possible. Also, with every day, Frederic would make a short visit to the Blessed Sacrament in one of the churches in Paris as he made his way to an appointment. Both Vincent and Frederic discovered what the Church teaches today: the Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life; it augmented their union with Jesus, strengthened their charity and committed them to the poor. (US Manual, P.31-32)

Discussion/Journal Entry: (Share your thoughts after a moment of silence)

How can we make the Eucharist play a prominent place in our lives, as it did in Frederic and Vincent’s?

Closing Prayer:

Christ Jesus, your Eucharist is a sign of love,
-may the poor and outcasts find a place at your table.

Christ Jesus, your Eucharist is a sign of unity,
-may we embrace diversity with reverence and open hearts.

Christ Jesus, your Eucharist is a bond of charity,
-may we be living signs of your presence in our midst.

Christ Jesus, your Eucharist is a pledge of future glory,
-may you welcome home all who have died believing in you.

Amen.

Bread of Life

Reflection on the Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus

Jesus is the bread from Heaven, the new manna. Jesus said: I am the bread of life, whoever eats this bread shall have eternal life.

When we eat this bread, and drink your blood, we proclaim your death, Lord, Jesus, until you come in glory.

The bread is given from above. Jesus took the bread and said, this is my body, broken for you. Jesus is our daily bread, given to us by the Father.

Give us this day our daily bread.

The bread sustains us. We are God's desert people, lost, looking for the Promised Land. How do we get there? Jesus said: I am the way; Follow me; Love my father, love one another; Do you love me, Peter? Feed my lambs, feed my sheep.

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us, grant us your peace.

The bread strengthens us to feed others. When did we see you, Jesus? When I was hungry, and you fed me. Jesus said: For whatever you have done for the least of my brothers, you have done for me.

Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed.

We are one bread, one body.

Through Jesus, the bread of life, with him, in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, forever and ever. Amen.

(Source: original reflection inspired from meditation on morning of June 9, 2009)

Fighting Poverty

On this web page, we've created a new area. called "Fighting Poverty," for links that relate in general to the issue of poverty. Our first link is PovertyUSA, the site sponsored by the U.S. Catholic Bishops.

Pentecost

Come Holy Spirit

Live within our lives.

And strengthen us by your love.

Send forth your spirit and

New life will be created.

And the whole face of the earth will be renewed.

Holy Spirit, help us to hear the cry of the poor.

The Feast of the Ascension (Reflection)

THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD

May 24, 2009

Gospel: (Mark 16:15-20)

Jesus said to his disciples: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature…These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover. So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God. But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs.

Reflection:

Jesus expects his disciples to walk in his footsteps. But Jesus always invites us to share in his ministry, never forces us. At the Ascension, Jesus commissioned his disciples to proclaim the gospel. At first this might seem an impossible commission: how can we expect to fill Jesus’ footsteps? On our own authority we cannot preach the gospel, we can fill Jesus’ footsteps only when we hear “the instructions given through the Spirit.” What an awesome honor it is to be disciples of Christ – by returning to his rightful place at the hand of God, Jesus entrusts his mission to us. (Living Liturgy, p.136)

Vincentian Meditation:

“No work of charity is foreign to the Society.” Accordingly, the possibilities for Vincentian action are almost without limit. Being poor does not always, or necessarily, consist of being short of material goods. Being poor can also mean being physically and mentally handicapped, sick, crippled, old, ugly, or illiterate. They are poor who are or are made to feel alone…immigrants, transients, orphans, the abandoned or rejected, and all those who find themselves among others who are indifferent or hostile. Being poor may mean wanting to cry when others are laughing …being physically or morally chained, as prisoners, shut-ins, alcoholics, drug addicts - being defenseless against attacks, insults or accusations – being an innocent victim of crime or quarrels. The more the Society grows, the more it will reach the lonely and troubled who have need for care and friendship. US Manual, P.45-46)

Reflection:
Are we being called to carry the mission of Jesus in new ways, meeting new needs or creating new works of charity?

Closing Prayer:

Jesus is ever present with God, and ever present with us, and so we pray,
-Jesus is Lord of heaven and earth.
We ask for strength to continue as your faithful disciples,
-may we seek to speak your word and your healing presence.
“No work of charity is foreign to the Society”,
-may we be aware of the weak among us and seek to assist them.

Amen.

(source: Vincentian Reflections, US Council)

Our Lady of Fatima

During Eastertide, the Angelus is replaced by this prayer, "Queen of Heaven" (below). Today, May 13, we recall the Feast Day of Our Lady of Fatima.

Regina Coeli

Queen of Heaven rejoice, alleluia:
For He whom you merited to bear, alleluia,
Has risen as He said, alleluia.
Pray for us to God, alleluia.

V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia.
R. Because the Lord is truly risen, alleluia.

Let us pray:
O God, who by the resurrection of Your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, granted joy to the whole world: grant, we beg You, that through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, His Mother, we may lay hold of the joys of eternal life. Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Ozanam Sunday Sending Out Blessing

On Sunday, April 26, 2009, known as Ozanam Sunday, the members of OLG Conference at the 10:30 a.m. Mass received from Fr. Nicholas a special prayer and blessing for the work of the conference and the Society. That blessing is re-printed below:

Almighty God and Father,

Through your Son, Jesus Christ,

And with the Holy Spirit,

We ask that you bless the work of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul

In our parish, in our community, and throughout the world.

Guide your Vincentian servants, gathered here,

And help them to see the Most Holy Face of Jesus, your Son,

In each person they meet.

Let them be our hands, and let them be our hearts,

As they reach out to the least of our brothers and sisters in need.

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the virtue of charity.

Help us everyday to be open and generous.  Help us not to judge.

Almighty God,

who called your servant Vincent de Paul

to serve you in the person of those in need:

Grant that we, following his example,

may fulfill your commandments

by defending and supporting the poor,

and by loving you with all our hearts,

and we ask that you strengthen and encourage

these members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul

today and in the months ahead, in their ministry to the poor,

through Jesus Christ our Lord,

who lives and reigns with you

and the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

District Council Stats

This report from the Sacramento District Council on the work of St. Vincent de Paul in the Sacramento Diocese:

People served: 136,196
Expenditures in service to the poor: $1,507,767

In-kind value (food, clothing, furniture): $1,489,675
In-kind professional services: $8,900
Estimated value of service hours: $1,695,735

Total value of Vincentian services: $4,702,078

Source: Sacramento District Council, Annual Dinner Report (April 2009)

Homelessness: Update

Information from West Sacramento Press story, April 22, 2009, re 2009 homeless survey:

237 total homeless in West Sacramento. 16 were families with children: 26 of the children were under age of 18.

West Sacramento population of homeless men about DOUBLE that of Woodland (137 to 75).

92 more homeless in West Sacramento than 2007.

Homeless in West Sacramento NOT in shelters jumped from 107 to 201.

Resources:
Homeless and Poverty Action Coalition, Janice Critchlow, 924-0534
Housing and Community Investment, West Sacramento, Louise Collis, 617-4555
West Sacramento, Police Department Liaison, Lt. David Delaini, 617-4912

"The Church Herself Begins"

"The Church Herself Begins"

HOMILY OF THE MOST REVEREND TIMOTHY M. DOLAN
TENTH ARCHBISHOP OF NEW YORK
MASS OF INSTALLATION
ST PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL
NEW YORK
15 APRIL 2009

"The Resurrection, Easter, is the very foundation of our faith, our hope, our love. Everything in the Church commences when, like those two disciples on the road to Emmaus that first Easter, we recognize Jesus as risen from the dead. The Church herself begins."

Read the full text of the homily here.