The Way Out (of Poverty)

Serving in Hope.  Charity and Social Justice are the two aims of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul.   They are not exclusive concepts, but work together as responses to "the cry of the poor."  The Society is concerned with serving in hope--and bringing hope in Christ to those we serve.  Helping the poor to find "the way out" of poverty requires new attitudes, new approaches, new actions.  "Systemic change" is one way to describe this new approach.  National President Sheila Gilbert describes the new direction in this short video message.

Interview with National President

On September 1, 2010, Joe Flanagan, the President of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in the United States, was interviewed by Father Mitch Pacwa, SJ, on EWTN. The efforts of the Society locally, nationally and internationally, were discussed, as well as the Society's history and spirituality. To view the video please click here


Sacramento District Council President John Hallissy notes, "The interview is very informative for longtime Vincentians as well as those new to the Society or those non-Vincentians who want to learn more about the Society."

Call for Youth Service to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul

From National, the new Vincentian Youth and Young Adult website is now available. This website will help to keep you current on the groups and the activities of young people who are engaged in the works of the Society. It is intended to help engage young people in conference work.


As our Rule states: "Young members keep the Society young ... The senior members assume the responsibility of assisting them along their path of training, respecting their personal choices and their aspirations of Vincentian service." (Rule 3.7)

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.

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.

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.

Annual District Charity Dinner, April 23

3^rd ANNUAL BENEFIT FOR THE POOR

Dinner with Sister Rosalind Moss

http://www.catholic.com/seminars/moss.asp

Radisson Hotel, 500 Leisure Lane, Sacramento, CA

Thursday – April 23, 2009

5:30 p.m. Cocktails

6:30 p.m. Dinner

7:30 p.m. Program

[source: SVDP Sacramento District Council]

Born and raised Jewish, Rosalind Moss converted to Protestantism following a 15-year business careers as a successful executive with corporations in New York and California. After 18 years of Evangelical Protestantism, she entered the Catholic Church at Easter 1995.

She has since traveled the world speaking and teaching about the Church. For the past nine years, Rosalind has been a staff apologist with Catholic Answers and a guest of the radio program, From the Heart on Catholic Answers Live, as well as a co-host of programs on EWTN. Additionally, she has authored a Bible Study book on the Gospel of Luke.

At the invitation of then Archbishop Raymond Burke, Rosalind fulfilled her desire to establish a new community of sisters by forming the religious order, “Daughters of Mary, Mother of Israel’s Hope.” On a prior visit to Sacramento in February 2008, she first announced the formation of the new religious order, vowing to return to Sacramento one day in a habit.

Please help us welcome Sister Rosalind back to Sacramento.

Monsieur Vincent

“Monsieur Vincent”, an award-winning French film (1947) on the life of St. Vincent de Paul. In the film, St. Vincent de Paul models Christian charity by helping the poorest of the poor in the midst of the Black Death in Europe, carrying on his charitable work despite setbacks and obstacles.

Film review by US Catholic Bishops:

Monsieur Vincent -- Lucid, moving account of St. Vincent de Paul's work among the poor and the oppressed in 17th-century France, from his first labors in a plague-ravaged village and his appeals to the conscience of the aristocracy to the founding of an order devoted to charitable works and his death in 1660. Director Maurice Cloche portrays the poverty of the times and the cruelty of the regime in starkly convincing fashion, providing a solid historical framework within which Pierre Fresnay's performance in the title role shines with a warm compassion and spiritual intensity which most viewers will find irresistably compelling. Subtitles. High on the list of great religious movies. (A-I) (br) ( 1947 )

Stations of the Cross

Below are a number of links to help with understanding and praying the Stations of the Cross.

http://www.usccb.org/nab/stations.htm (John Paul II, from 1991)

http://www.catholic.org/clife/lent/station.php (Catholic on line)

http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Lent/Stations-with-Mary.pdf (meditations based on perspective of Mary)

http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/stations-how.html (guide to how to pray Stations of the Cross)

http://www.cptryon.org/prayer/xstations/index.html (about Stations of the Cross)

http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/Stations/face.htm (Mother Angelica, EWTN)

Spring Training - March 7

Half Day Training & Retreat
Saturday, March 7, 2009
8:30 a.m. to noon

Our Lady of Grace parishioners and all interested persons are invited to join us in this Lenten season for a morning of reflection and training on serving the needs of the poor through the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

8:30 a.m. Gathering for the Rosary (First Saturday) (Parish Center)
8:45 a.m. Registration & Welcome
9:00 a.m. Program 9:00 a.m. to noon

General Session: About the Vincentians
>Overview: Spirituality, Fellowship & Service
>About the OLG Conference
>Are You Called to be a Vincentian?

Panels & Discussion: Home Visits: Meeting Christ in the Poor
>Home Visits: The Basics
>Meeting Christ in Serving the Pooer
>Team Building for the Home Visit “Team”

No-host luncheon to follow event

For questions or to attend all or a portion of this event, please contact us by email:
paulstarkey@wavecable.com

Blessed Rosalie

Blessed Rosalie Rendu was born at Confort, France on September 9, 1786. She entered the Daughters of Charity on May 25, 1802, just after the Community was reestablished in France following the French Revolution. Her zeal for the poor drove her to establish the means to educate poor children, to care for infants, to support the elderly unable to care for themselves, and to supervise young working girls. One of her disciples in her mission of service was Frederic Ozanam, founder of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. After fifty years of dedicated service to the poor in the Mouffetard district in Paris, she died on February 7, 1856. Pope John Paul II beatified Sr. Rosalie in 2003.

(for more information, click the picture)

In an era troubled by social conflicts, Rosalie Rendu joyfully became a servant to the poorest, restoring dignity to each one by means of material help, education and the teaching of the Christian mystery, inducing Frédéric Ozanam to place himself at the service of the poor. Her charity was inventive. Where did she draw the strength to carry out so many things? From her intense prayer life and the continuous praying of the Rosary, which she never abandoned. Her secret was simple: to see the face of Christ in every man and woman, as a true daughter of Saint Vincent de Paul and like another Sister of her epoch, Saint Catherine Labouré. Let us give thanks for the witness of charity that the Vincentian family gives unceasingly to the world!

- Pope John Paul II at the beatification of Blessed Rosalie

Conferences do not forget the one who undoubtedly can be called our first Spiritual

Adviser: the Blessed Rosalie Rendu, who knew how to stand by our young founders in the beginning, with her advice and her example, afterwards letting them walk on their own, in response to their lay vocation. She always remained at their disposal for everything they could need from her. She was an example of a mother who dreamed of the formal and responsible independence of those children who sought her help in the first moments of their journey.

--Excerpt from Comment to Rule 4.3 The Vincentian Family

Vatican on You Tube

Vatican on You Tube has been added to our list of resources.

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)

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)

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

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

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)

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.

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