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National Council Trustees Approve Position Statement on Human Trafficking

September 2010 - The Society of St. Vincent de Paul reaffirmed its adherence to Catholic Social Teaching, whose foundation is the inviolable dignity of every person from the moment of conception to natural death.  The National Council Trustees unanimously approved the Voice of the Poor position statement on Human Trafficking at the Society's national meeting in New Orleans.  The statement calls for care and protection of victims of trafficking and for rigorous local, national and international efforts to identify and punish individuals and businesses that trade in persons. 

Make us be responsive to the Christian calling to seek and find the forgotten, the suffering, and the deprived so that we may bring them your love...

August 2009 - The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has expressed its concern for the US Congress to deal with the urgent need for health care.  We do not support any provision or amendment that fails to uphold the sanctity and dignity of human life.   The Society released a press release on health care reform in July.  The Society's Health Care for the Poor position statement was approved by the National Council Trustees in 2004.  Information on health care reform including letters from Bishops, action alerts and news releases are found on the US Conference of Catholic Bishops website.

Voice of the Poor Stand Together at the Catholic Social Ministry Gathering

February 22-25, 2009 - Vincentians attended the annual Catholic Social Gathering (CSG) in Washington, DC and together with other attendees, marched to the Hill.  They visited with their elected Senators and US Representatives offices as a Voice of the Poor.  During CSG a VOP meeting was held.  There were around 60 in attendance with VOP representatives from seven of the eight regions of the USA.  The VOP meeting agenda covered a range of topics with VOP members reporting on the news from their regions.  The meeting was led by Lucy Howell, (Phoenix, AZ), VOP National Committee member and Western Region chair.  National President Joseph Flannigan noted that Vincentians are "the boots on the ground" in the war on poverty, telling of needs.   This is an important role of the Society -- providing local stories of need at the National level. The VOP meeting provided an opportunity for members to share experiences, discuss objectives for 2009, and talk about issues related to the condition of those who are poor and disenfranchised for the purpose of helping Vincentians to live their faith.  Prayer (by Father William John Fitzgerald, VOP Phoenix) and minutes

       Theme: "Christ Our Hope:  Healing a Broken World." 

http://www.usccb.org/sdwp/projects/csmgindex.shtml

       This yearly gathering sponsored by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)

       and 19 Catholic organizations, including the Society of St. Vincent de Paul,

       is devoted to social justice issues.  SVDP's Voice of the Poor representatives

       have attended this gathering for the past five years. 

Sean Carroll, S.J. was a guest presenter.  He spoke about the newly inaugurated Kino Border Initiative in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. Two years ago, in response to the immigration issue, Jesuits of the California Province discussed the idea of a ministry on the border between CA and AZ. After a time of reflection and discernment with Jesuit Refugee Services in Washington, D.C., the initiative was planned with three components: (1) Offer humanitarian assistance to deportees – currently 200-300 meals are served daily to deportees as well as clothing and pastoral support offered. The initiative has a very small apartment which is a shelter for women and unaccompanied minor children at risk of abuse (2) The education component offers education and advocacy efforts for high school, college, pastoral leaders and visiting scholars. (3) The effort is bi-national between the two countries consistent with who we are as a church family. The initiative is a binational effort between the Jesuit Order of the California Province, the Diocese of Tucson, the Diocese of Hermosillo, Mexico and two orders of sisters.

Voice of the Poor Resources
VOP resources for use by Councils and parishes is available at the SVDP's National Council website www.svdpusa.org (click on "shop")  In addition to the VOP guide and DVD, two new publications, "Faces of Holiness" and "Seeds of Change," may be of interest to VOP. 

As a reminder, Vincentians are encouraged to sign up for Capwiz, an easy way for members to get the SVDP-VOP message out when it counts.  Go to www.svdpusa.org and click on "Voice of the Poor" then scroll down to "Capwiz."  Sign up for this important action.

Voice of the Poor Included in USCCB Breakfast Hosted by SVDP

November 12, 2008 - The National Council of the Society hosted a breakfast for Bishops at the US Conference of Catholic Bishops meeting in Baltimore.  The breakfast provided an opportunity to share the Society's work of service, formation and advocacy.  A copy of the Society's Voice of the Poor formation guide along with annual report, Rule of the Society, Serving in Hope, and Society manual were included in a packet provided to each of the Bishops at the breakfast.  DVD, Poverty in America was shown at the breakfast meeting.  Voice of the Poor formation guide (left) is available from the Society's National Office, catalog #1300 (guide) and #1301 (DVD); go to http://www.svdpusa.org/Store/tabid/177/ItemId/397/language/en-US/Default.aspx

Arizona VOP Vincentians Recognized

October 2008 - Vincentians Lucy Howell and Inge Casey are being recognized by Catholic Charities Office of Peace and Justice in Arizona at their annual luncheon this month.  The Bishop Edward A. McCarthy Awards will be presented by Bishop Thomas Olmsted.  Inge Casey's recognition is for Excellence in Social Justice Education - in addition to her dedication to Voice of the Poor, Inge is a member of Pax Christi and has worked as a facilitator of JustFaith.  Lucy's is being recognized for Outstanding Contribution to Enhancement of  Human Life and Dignity for her work in Voice of the Poor.  Congratulations Lucy and Inge!  We are thankful for the wonderful work.

SVDP Council in Atlanta:  Keynote Address by Rev. Dennis Holtschneider, CM

October 4, 2008 - Rev. Dennis Holtschneider, CM, president of De Paul University was the keynote speaker for the Society's Atlanta Council at their Evening of Hope 2008 gathering.  His address is available at http://famvin.org/en/archive/fr-dennis-holstschneiders-address-to-the-society-of-st-vincent-de-paul

Society Celebrates 175th Anniversary in Louisville

September 24-27, 2008 - In honor of the Society's 175th anniversary, a Voice of the Poor formation guide was introduced.  We appreciate the work of Sister Kieran Kneaves, DC of the Society's National Council office in helping to make this possible.  Copies are available through the National Office ($2.50 each, catalog # 1300 or for a $10.00 DVD catalog #1301).  The supply catalog is available from the National Council online at www.svdpusa.org
    Supply catalog: http://www.svdpusa.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=HFQgwcT9Jl8%3d&tabid=177&mid=841&language=en-US
    Order form: http://www.svdpusa.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=WJZ6JsLSONc%3d&tabid=177&mid=841&language=en-US

The National Council Trustees approved an updated legislative agenda for the Society as well as a position paper on Hunger.  VOP Western Regional Representative, Ron Meyer (Phoenix,)  gave a presentation on what it means to be a Voice of the Poor to attendees.  We had our National VOP meeting which was led by Barb Slaven (Omaha) and Dotye Sue Stanford (Shreveport).  Members of the VOP National Committee held two workshops on Voice of the Poor, one that introduces VOP and a second that focuses on members who are already involved in VOP.  A featured speaker at the National conference was Jack Jezreel, founder of Just Faith. 

Second Letter to US Presidential Candidates

August 29, 2008 -- In a second letter to US Presidential candidates, Senator John McCain and Senator Barack Obama, President Joseph Flannigan, National Council of the United States once again requested answers from candidates on behalf of the 130,000 members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and those served by the Society saying,  "We believe it is the responsibility of candidates for our nation’s highest office to speak out for those who are unable to do so for themselves."

>>How would your administration address the gap between wages earned and cost of living, particularly in urban areas? 

>>Homelessness continues to be a distressing reality across the USA. How would your administration address this problem?

>>What would your administration do to increase the supply of affordable housing in this country?

>>What is your position on SCHIP (healthcare for low-income children)?

>>Aside from strengthening our borders, what specific proposals do you support in addressing the immigration and labor needs in this country?

>>With only six out of 10 of those eligible for Food Stamps participating, even fewer amongst the working poor, how do you propose to make nutrition assistance more accessible to America’s Poor.

>>What would your administration do to address the skyrocketing cost of incarceration and high rate of recidivism in this country?

>>The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has joined with Catholic Charities USA to call for a reduction in poverty in the U.S. by 50% by 2020. Will you commit to making this a reality?

>>How will you work to develop a viable national health care network, particularly, primary health care, for every person regardless of ability to pay?

>>If you were President of the United States, what would your administration do to meet the Millennium Challenge Goals to assist the most poverty-stricken countries in our world?

US Consolidated Annual Report Shows Vincentian Services in 2007 Topped Half a Billion Dollars

August 1,  2008 -- The 2007 Consolidated Annual Report of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul for the year ended Sept. 31, 2007, is now available and can be accessed via the National Council webpage (www.svdpusa.org).  Look for the announcements section on the homepage.  (The total value of Vincentian services in 2007 is reported at $526,278,761.)

Vicentian Family in New Orleans

April 2008 -- This year's Vincentian Family Gathering was the largest held in the United States and focused on "Solidarity in Action...bringing hearts to love and hands to serve...by praying, listening, learning, understanding, sharing and gardening..." Fr. Manuel Ginete, CM (Rome, IT), delegate of the Superior General to the Vincentian Family, joined 215 members from all over the United States, Canada, England, Australia and Colombia, SA in this special gathering.    Vincentian family members came from the following branches: Ladies of Charity (12), Congregation of the Mission (16), Daughters of Charity (72), Sisters of Charity (19), Society of St. Vincent de Paul (63), Trinitarian (1), Vincentian Young Adults (10), Vincentian Service Corp (12), Affiliates/Former DC/other (10).    

The following  is from VOP's Vin Reilly, SVDP New York.

To those who last saw the travails of New Orleans three years ago you may be impressed at how clean the vacant lots are now.  The weeds are sprouting fine on vast stretches of what once had been vibrant residential neighborhoods.  Katrina's scour has persisted all the way to Biloxi.  Remarkably the casinos have all been rebuilt.

Our meetings were stimulating, the opening session went to 10PM Eastern time on structural change.  The attendance was about 200, a record: mostly elderly nuns then about 60 SSVP, 15 Congregation of the Mission priests including Bishop Alfonso Cabezas of Columbia, S. America, 17 young adults and nine Ladies of Charity, 5 were from Utah! The closing featured our past President, now  Deacon Gene Smith, pleading for all to join him in a fund raising ministry by pledging $1,000.00 each, which St. Louis would then divide by thirds and forward intact to:  The Congregation of the Mission for their downtown New Orleans St. Joseph's parish homeless ministry, another third to the SSVP New Orleans Central Council's low income pharmacy, and the final third to the Daughters of Charity for their mobile homeless health care bus which also works at St. Jo's. (all of which we visited on the bus tour).  Remarkably the Master of Ceremonies, Roger Playwin, our National SSVP Executive Director, was first to volunteer that he actually had $1,000.00 which he had gotten by mistake, at an expensive ATM machine which charged $4.95 for the single transaction, at Harrah's Casino next door to the Doubletree.

The heart of the day had been volunteering at various sites, mostly landscaping although there were reports of a Sister of Charity of New York who needs to be a carpenter.  The town was celebrating French Quarter weekend with various & sundry mostly Dixieland bands saved by some zydeco performers on bandstands along the Mississippi riverfront walk extending from the Aquarium past the Quarter to the French flea market downriver.  All the while snow was falling and melting upriver and the 200 foot deep Mississippi was at 17 plus feet in a bowl shaped city whose river walls flood at 18 feet.  It was tempered by opening a diversion canal to Lake Ponchatrain, storing some of the brown waters above the town.  A short ride up that way saw waters 2-3 feet below the highway surface.  Pulling off on the steeply sloped shoulder would be risking all.  God bless them and all who work to help them and may it stop raining upriver quick.

Note:  Additional information is found at http://www.icatholic.org/indstory/2008/200819p10.html

Make Your Voice Count:  Take Action Using the VOP Capwiz Advocacy Page!

The newest addition to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s national website is the Voice of the Poor Capwiz Advocacy Page. Capwiz is an online advocacy tool that allows members of the Society to act as voices of the poor and communicate directly to elected officials via email on poverty-related issues. Capwiz allows the national office to create “action alerts” and makes it easy for Vincentians to contact federal, state, and local elected officials.

THREE EASY STEPS:

1.  Go to the SVDP National website at: http://www.svdpusa.org/

2.  Along the top bar right under President Joe Flannigan’s photo, select "Voice of the Poor"

http://www.svdpusa.org/VoiceofthePoor/tabid/167/language/en-US/Default.aspx

3.  Click on the big red "Capwiz" lettering and you are in!

Capwiz will let Vincentians know how senators and representatives voted on the congressional bills selected by Voice of the Poor. It will provide up-to-date information about current key legislation, allowing us to take action while we can still make a difference. Capwiz also makes it easier to contact the media on issues of importance and to send original and prepared messages to reporters, talk show hosts, and commentators.

If you would like to invite your friends to join our Capwiz Action Alert list, click on “Voice of the Poor” in the horizontal navigation bar at the top of our homepage, then click on the Capwiz link at the top of the Voice of the Poor page, scroll down to the bottom of the Capwiz page and click on “Tell A Friend.” Fill out the form, click "Send Now," and your friend will receive an email invitation to join our Action Alert email list.

Faithful Citizenship: Promoting Life and Dignity, Justice and Peace

February 24-27, 2008 – Catholic Social Ministry Gathering, Washington, DC

Members of the Society’s Voice of the Poor joined an estimated 700 participants representing 19 Catholic organizations at the Annual Catholic Social Ministry Gathering in Washington, D.C. There was time for celebration and prayer along with briefings and workshops on poverty and social justice issues both at home and abroad during the conference, now in its fifteenth year.  Hill Visits around the issues of Affordable Housing, concerns over cuts to poverty programs in the Federal 2009 budget, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), and peace in the Middle East.  The Capitol Hill message and Hill Notes are available on the US Conference of Catholic Bishops website at http://www.usccb.org/sdwp/projects/csmgindex3z.shtml

During the Washington, DC gathering, National Voice of the Poor held a meeting facilitated by national chair, Deborah Payne.  The meeting began with prayer and a spiritual reflection on the Rule of the Society led by Rev. Pedro Villarroya, CM. 

An estimated 60 Vincentians attended the meeting representing the Society from the East and West, North and South.  There were representatives from 17 States and the District of Columbia:  Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Montana, Missouri,  Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Washington, D.C., Wisconsin. 

National President Joseph Flannigan explained that the strength Vincentians bring to the table is knowing and sharing the situation of real people.  “Your value is that you are in the parishes,” he said, while emphasizing the importance of collaborating with like-minded people and establishing a network.

"Who is going to represent the poor?  Who is going to speak for Mary, John, Phyllis, and all those we serve in our home visits," asked Ron Meyer (Arizona) in a presentation that emphasizes why Voice of the Poor is critical to the Vincentian mission.  "The Voice of the Poor does," he stated. 

Paul Heidemann (Florida) expressed the need for both charity and justice in Vincentian work.  Barb Slaven (Omaha) shared answers to difficult questions about Voice of the Poor.  Rita Canestra (Milwaukee) led the sharing sessions for VOP. 

National Executive Director, Roger Playwin, showed the CD on poverty made for the Society by students at DePaul University and now available from the national office and shared that Catholic Charities USA is helping SVDP to establish an interactive internet Action Alert webpage known as CapWiz.  This will provide a means for Vincentians to take action on important issues coming before Congress. 

Lucy Howell, Voice of the Poor Western Region Chair, distributed a Basic VOP Workshop outline as a training tool for regional meetings.  As the State Captain for Arizona at the Catholic Social Gathering, she is a helpful resource in helping Vincentians making their Hill Visits. 

Guided by the Holy Spirit may the light of hope in each heart burn bright!  May Vincentian voices of truth about the situation of their friends, the Poor, pour forth.  May Vincentians seek to be a Voice of the Poor in their Conferences, Councils, region, country and the world!

Follow Up Note to CSG:

A story run in The Georgia Bulletin, the Catholic Newspaper of the Atlanta Archdiocese (March 6, 2008) includes mention of SVDP Executive Director, John Berry, Atlanta Council, as part of the Georgia delegation that went to visit legislators on the Hill during the Catholic Social Gathering along with Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory. http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2008/03/06/csmw/  Quoting Archbishop Gregory in the Georgia Bulletin on his presentation to the entire group of delegates the day before the Hill visits:

“When we approach the steps of the Capitol, we will bear witness in all we say and do,” Archbishop Gregory said. “Whether we meet with our congressmen or their legislative assistants, we are ambassadors, sharing the love of Christ because we are a community of faith. We are not another lobby, but a community that serves the poor and vulnerable every day. We are not an interest group, nor are we advocating our own narrow interests, but speaking for the voiceless and standing up for the common good. We go not to serve our own needs, but to serve the ‘least of these’ who we believe to be Jesus in their persons.”

He continued, “We believe human rights come from God and do not depend on where you came from, how you got here, or when you arrived.”

He encouraged the delegates to remember they have “a right and a duty” to speak on behalf of those in need.

“We may not know the ins and outs of Washington, who’s up and who’s down, the details of every amendment,” said the archbishop, “but we do know this: the lives of unborn children need protection; poor children need justice; families need affordable health care; immigrants need to be treated as sisters and brothers, not enemies; the hungry of the world need food; those living and dying with HIV/AIDS need compassionate care; the people of the Holy Land need a just peace; and the unending war in Iraq requires a responsible transition.”

Coalition of Imokalee Workers (CIW) were featured at the Catholic Social Gathering.  CIW is a community-based worker organization whose members are largely Latino, Haitian, and Mayan Indian immigrants working in low-wage jobs throughout the state of Florida.  The website is found at http://www.ciw-online.org/ and a description of the tomato workers' campaign is at http://www.ciw-online.org/images/BK_Campaign_Analysis.pdf

Letter to US Presidential Candidates Seeks Answers

January 2008 -- In a letter sent to US Presidential candidates including Senators Hilary Clinton, John McCain and Barack Obama, President Joseph Flannigan, National Council of the United States says:

I write to you as president of the largest direct service charitable organization in the United States, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.  With over 100,000 members in almost every state, volunteers called to be Vincentians offer “… a hand up” to those who come to us as a last resort for emergency assistance.  Last year Vincentians donated five million hours of time to aid 17 million neighbors in distress, offering services valued at more than $400 million.

Members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, volunteers relying on church donations, can only do so much to help those who are left behind. We recognize that a key to changing lives for the better is to raise the visibility of the 13% of our population made poor by a combination of circumstances. The majority of people who come to us for assistance are working but simply do not earn enough to sustain themselves.

We believe it is the responsibility of candidates for our nation’s highest office to speak out for those who are unable to do so for themselves.  If Society of St. Vincent de Paul members were able to speak directly to presidential candidates, we would ask the following questions for those we serve:

Just Wage

How would your administration address the gap between wages earned and cost of living, particularly in urban areas?

Homelessness

Homelessness continues to be a distressing reality across the United States. How would your administration address this problem?

Affordable Housing

What would your administration do to increase the supply of affordable housing in this country?

Health Insurance for Children

What is your position on SCHIP (healthcare for low-income children)?

Immigration

Aside from strengthening our borders, what specific proposals do you support in addressing the immigration and labor needs in this country?

Food Stamps

With only six out of 10 of those eligible for Food Stamps participating, even fewer amongst the working poor, how do you propose to make nutrition assistance more accessible to America’s Poor.[1]

Restorative Justice

What would your administration do to address the skyrocketing cost of incarceration and high rate of recidivism in this country?

Reducing Poverty in the USA[2]

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has joined with Catholic Charities USA to call for a reduction in poverty in the U.S. by 50% by 2020.  Will you commit to making this a reality?  How?

Affordable Health Care

How will you work to develop a viable national health care network, particularly, primary health care, for every person regardless of ability to pay? [3]

Addressing Extreme Global Poverty[4]

If you were President of the United States, what would your administration do to meet the Millennium Challenge Goals[5] to assist the most poverty-stricken countries in our world? 

To increase public awareness about the nature and extent of poverty in our country the Society of St. Vincent de Paul has produced and is mass-distributing the enclosed 4.5-minute video, Poverty in America.  Please take a moment from your very busy schedule and watch this short, incisive video. We would also request that you let us know how you intend to address the problems of the poor during your presidential campaign—and, if elected, during your tenure as President of the United States, by providing responses to the questions posed above.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is committed to ending poverty in America, one person at a time.  Won’t you help us?  Now is the time to “lay a bold hand on the core of poverty” in the United States.  Let us as a Nation bind up the broken hearted and proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to those bound by the chains of ignorance, low wage jobs, lack of affordable health care, lack of opportunities, without hope of restorative justice, lack of comprehensive immigration reform.  May we work together as a nation so that those in the chains of poverty will see the light again! 

We eagerly await your response. 

[1] Source:  FRAC. State of the States 2007 report, p 7, www.frac.org

[2] Information on the campaign is found at http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/poverty/campaign.cfm )

[3] People cannot adequately survive if they are sick and suffering. Providing proper health care should work in conjunction with any government poverty reduction program. 

[4] The US government promised to increase U.S. aid to eradicate extreme global poverty to 0.7% of our Gross National Product.  We currently give less than 0.2%.

[5] In September 2000, a set of international development goals, in the United Nations Millennium Declaration, was affirmed by 189 nations, including the United States, at the UN Millennium Summit.  These Millennium Development Goals (MDG) focus energy and resources of nations of the world on a common strategy to address the issues of poverty, hunger and health.  Targets for the year 2015 have been set.

US Catholic.  Catholics Without Borders, February 2008. 

This interview article on immigration features Bishop Jaime Soto who is described as a "voice of reason trying to rally the Catholic community to actively support our immigrant brothers and sisters in need as well as to advocate for comprehensive immigration reform."

Society of St. Vincent de Paul Celebrates 175 Years

Ozanam Sunday is April 20, 2008.  This is a special time to remember Founder, Blessed Frederic Ozanam and the first Conference of the Society. 

On the evening of 23 April 1833,  Frederic Ozanam’s twentieth birthday, six students from the Sorbonne: Augustine Le Tallandier, Francois Lallier, Felix Clave, Jules Devaux, Paul Lamache, Frederic Ozanam-and their mentor, Emmanuel Bailly, met in the offices of the Catholic Tribune. The previous week they had been confronted by a fellow student in these words: “We agree that at one time your Church was a great Church and was a source of good.  But what is your Church doing now?  What is she doing for the poor?”   Ozanam had accepted the challenge, and he said to his friends: “We must do what is agreeable to God.  Therefore, we must do what our Lord Jesus Christ did preaching the gospel! Let us go to the poor!” On that night the Conference of Charity, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, was born.  Frederic Ozanam was the primary founder, inspiration, and soul of the Conference.    

These young men sought out Sr. Rosalie Rendu, a Daughter of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, for her assistance and suggestions in ministering to God’s poor.  Sr. Rosalie taught them how to minister to the suffering with gentleness and kindness and to respect their God-given dignity.  It was she who mentored them in the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul.

During the first five years, membership increased to more than two thousand in fifteen centers throughout France.  Although the Society was still composed principally of students, by 1838 others had joined the Society.  Several of these were men in high places.  Most of the expansion of the Society took place when students would return home from school and encourage others to join them in establishing local Conferences of the Society.  The Society took fire from the spark within its membership.

Members of the Society refer to their individual groups as Conferences and to themselves as Vincentians.  From the beginning the key to their ministry to the poor and needy was home visitation.  Members would always go in pairs to the homes of the poor after the exhortation of Jesus who sent his Apostles and disciples two by two to continue the mission.

No form of charity was foreign to the Society.  Not only did Frederic and the others take care of the physical and material needs of others (food, shelter, clothing, firewood), they also involved themselves with tutoring, even setting up libraries for members of the military.  During the bloody skirmishes, Vincentians attended to the wounded and the dying.  In every work, members of the Society were solicitous to the spiritual and moral welfare of others.

Frederic, during his lifetime, witnessed the establishment of the Society in Italy, Belgium, Scotland, Ireland, England, Germany, the United States, Holland, Greece, Turkey, Jerusalem, Switzerland, Austria, Mexico and Canada.   Today, the Society is the largest organization of lay Catholics, consisting of 690,000 members serving in 142 Countries world-wide. In the United States, there are 115,000 members serving in 4,600 Conferences, mostly based in Catholic Parishes.

Source:  National Office, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Sister Kieran Kneaves, DC  (Liturgy and commitment ceremony information is available to Councils and Conferences by contacting the National Council, Society of St. Vincent de Paul in St. Louis)

• October 27, 2007 - Point7Now, San Francisco

Vincentians from the San Francisco Bay Area were invited to join the San Francisco Archdiocese at this second annual conference on global poverty.  There were over 500 participants at the event.  Details at: http://www.sflifeandjustice.org

• October 26-27, 2007 - Society of Catholic Social Scientists

St. John's University, School of Law, 8000 Utopia Parkway, Jamaica, Queens, New York. 

 Three SVDP Vincentian presentations were scheduled at this 15th Annual Meeting.  Pat O'Dea of the Rockville Centre Diocesan Council shares that there will be a presentation centering on the position papers developed by the Voice of the Poor Committee and adopted by the National Council.  Vincentian Ray Sickinger presented a paper titled, "Service, Democracy, and the Common Good in 19th Century France:  The Example of Frédéric Ozanam."  Plus Rockville Centre Vincentians gave a presentation on conference work entitled, "Embracing All Works of Charity: Blessed Frederic Ozanam's Legacy."  This year's theme:   “Just and Moral Society: From Ideal to Reality”     

Opening Session News (10/25/07): http://www.stjohns.edu/academics/pr_aca_071025d.stj

“Man has the right to live.

He has the right to the means necessary for the proper development of life,

particularly food, clothing, shelter, medical care, rest

and, finally, the necessary social services.”

— Pope John XXIII

• Fall 2007 - Bella, the Movie! 

During the SVDP midyear meeting in St. Louis, attendees had the opportunity to view the move, Bella.  In September, the Most Reverend George H Niederauer, Archbishop of San Francisco, hosted an exclusive screening of Bella.  Parish leaders and Catholic groups were invited to the pre-screening at a local movie theater in San Francisco.  From Archbishop Niederauer’s invitation letter:

The recent meeting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops featured the showing of a movie that presents Catholic values positively and in a way that resonates with viewers. “Bella” has won accolades in the Hollywood community and it won the Toronto Film Festival’s highest honor – “The People’s Choice Award”....“Bella” is the story of a celebrity (soccer player) who discovers what is really important in life through an unforeseen set of incidents.  He is ‘thrown from his horse’ and experiences an epiphany in his own life and witnesses positive changes in the lives of those around him.

Starring Mexican star Eduardo Verastegui and Emmy award winner Tammy Blanchard, the movie is about how one person can change your life forever. It is a story about life, relationships and our capacity for love in the face of the unexpected.  Bella received the top prize at Toronto’s International Film Festival in 2006 winning the People’s Choice Award." 

Objective:  Encourage movie attendance and help to send a message to Hollywood that positive messages about positive actions and values -- stories of goodness -- are needed.  To do this, the movie needs to garner attendance – its all about consumer interest, box office numbers...  http://www.Bellathemovie.com/   (click on “The Film: and then “videos” for previews)

    August 27- September 1, 2007 – SVDP National Meeting, Austin, TX

Members of the Society from across the United States attended the SVDP National meeting in Austin.  The Voice of the Poor Committee met and there were an estimated 50 in attendance.  The interest in VOP is heartening and also an indication that there is interest in speaking out on the needs of the Poor and that Conferences and Councils are seeking information.  During the gathering, National President Joseph Flannigan signed an agreement with the Society in Mexico represented by Vincentian Alberto Gonzales (Consejo, Mexico).  A variety of workshops was provided including a special workshop on systemic change as well as a presentation on the campaign initiated by Catholic Charities, "Poverty in America: A Threat to the Common Good."   During the National Business meeting the National Council made up of Trustees from across the country approved the Society's Position Paper on Homelessness as well as the 2007 Legislative Agenda.

• July 2007 -  Society Theme:  "Starting Over"

“Our story is the story of the Poor, and it’s a story of triumph over adversity,” says Joe Flannigan, national president of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.  “Vincentians are uniquely qualified to tell this tale, because we visit the Poor in their own homes and become their friends, hearing their stories from their own mouths. The public needs to know that the poor are still with us....They need to know the nature and extent of the problems faced by the Poor. They need to know about the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and how we help the Poor. They need to know these things, so they can help too.”

The Society’s 110,000+ U.S. members donated nearly 6 million hours of their personal time in 2006, aiding more than 20 million of their neighbors in distress and offering services valued at nearly $500 million. “As the facts and figures in this Consolidated Annual Report confirm, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is committed to ending poverty in America, one person at a time,” says Roger Playwin, the Society’s national executive director. “We have the will, we know the way, and we invite everyone in America to join us in this great undertaking.”

The largest lay Catholic organization in the world, operating in 142 countries, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is best known for its thrift stores and food pantries, and for the personal visits of its members to the homes of the poor and needy. Established in France in 1833 by a college student named Frederic Ozanam, the Society began its existence in the United States 12 years later, in 1845, in St. Louis.

 The theme of the Society’s 2006 Annual Report, “Starting Over,” focuses is on recovery and renewal, both physical and spiritual. The Society’s commitment to renewal was evidenced with the approval of a new Rule for its members in 2006 which for the first time included a section on working for social justice .  That section of the Rule can be found at http://www.voiceofthepoor.org/info/Rule%20part%207%20vertical.pdf   Updated and approve bylaws of the Society were also completed in 2006. 

    May 2007 – National President Speaks on Reauthorization of the 2007 Farm Bill From Field to Table

In a letter to members of Congress National President Joseph Flannigan spoke for ensuring the welfare of individuals and families from field to table  including: growers, farm workers, the general public, and America’s most vulnerable.  He urged support of the following provisions in the 2007 reauthorization of the Farm Bill:

   1. Protect growers and their families, farm workers and their families, and local farming communities. 

+Funding to test the safety of fields after pesticide applications to prevent pesticide exposure and provide medical treatment for those subjected to overexposure,

+Funding longitudinal studies of growers, farm workers and their children, and local farming communities,

+Expanding the pesticide-recordkeeping program of the 1990 Farm Bill by requiring agricultural pesticide users to keep records of all pesticides they use. 

+Modifying labeling requirements for toxic pesticides in agriculture to include information disclosure on long-term health effects.  Including long-term health effects information on labels of pesticides so that growers and their employees are properly informed about the long-term health affects of pesticides being used.

+Funding research to develop new, inexpensive medical tests to enable clinicians to diagnose overexposure to pesticides.

  2.  Protect the well-being of the American public.

+Funding safer alternatives to agricultural pesticides which have been associated with causing cancer, birth defects, adverse reproductive effects or severe neurological disorders in animal studies or epidemiological research.

   3.  Protect the nutritional well-being of America’s most vulnerable.

+Maintaining Food Stamp eligibility and extending eligibility to more single adults and more working families. 

+Allowing families to participate without forfeiting the opportunity to save.

+Providing adequate funding for Food Stamps and other nutrition programs that serve the needy.  In the 1996 welfare debate, Food Stamps lost $28 billion over six years according to the Congressional Budget Office and only 1/3 of that funding has been restored.  Yet the number of needy in the USA continues to increase.

+Basing monthly benefits on an updated measure of what families need.  Provide families with access to quality food options and a variety of foods

+Providing adequate outreach and educational efforts (e.g., based on the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and current infant feeding practice guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics). 

+Food Stamps need to be easily accessible to those who qualify.  Reduce the complexity and stigma in the application process.  Promote outreach efforts at national, state and local levels.  Provide education regarding eligibility, along with simple registration procedures to use Food Stamps, must be encouraged.  

Providing proper checks and balances will go a long way towards assuring the safe conditions of workers and communities, as well as the safety and security of our country’s food production.  Those most in need must be protected and provided with the ability to access quality food options.  The welfare of children, single mothers, the elderly, those with special needs living in poverty demands this.  Please support these provisions in the 2007 reauthorization of the Farm Bill.

    May 2007 – National President Asks Congress for Earned Income Tax Credit for Low-Income Americans

In a letter to all US Senators and the House of Representatives, National President Joseph Flannigan urged members of Congress to improve and expand refundable tax credits for low-income Americans including support of Earned Income Tax Credit for low-income families and Earned Income Tax Credit for low-income childless workers. 

With 37 million Americans living in poverty in our country and 16 million living in deep poverty (US Census Bureau), we cannot forget those workers who struggle day-to-day for basic survival.  The cost of shelter, food, utilities, transportation, and health care continue to escalate.  Please provide a hand up for the millions of working poor in our country who have received little benefit from recent tax cuts despite hard work. 

1. Please expand and improve the refundable Child Tax Credit for low-income families so that America’s poor are given the opportunity to claim the benefit.  Rising thresholds to quality for the tax credit, based on inflation, harms the least by increasing the tax burden on the poor because their earnings are too low to qualify.  Those in greatest need for Child Tax Credit assistance are left out.  The millions of low-wage families with children should be able to quality for at least a portion of the Child Tax Credit. 

2. Please expand and improve the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for childless low-income workers.  Adults without children are the only group of working tax filers who begin to owe federal income taxes before incomes reach the poverty line.  Increasing the EITC for this group will provide relief for millions of Americans who work in low-wage jobs.

As Congress considers tax legislation this year, please include the nation’s lowest-income households on your list of priorities and substantially improve and expand the refundability of the Child Tax Credit and the EITC for childless adults.  The working poor need hope.  They need our government’s support.  They should be allowed the opportunity to claim tax credit. 

    May 2007 – Circle of Solidarity:  Vincentian Family Gathers

The Vincentian Family Gathering, the third in a series, was held in Burlingame, California.  The gathering drew attendees from across the country representing the following family groups:  Congregation of the Mission, Daughters of Charity, Daughters of Charity Affiliates, Companions of St. Vincent, Vincentian Volunteers, Ladies of Charity, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity, Sisters of Charity, Vincentian Marion Youth, Vincentian Service Corps.  Details and keynote presentations are available on the FamVin website.  Following are links provided by Father John Freund, CM.

+ Magic Back - 3rd Annual Vincentian Family Gathering:  http://famvin.org/en/archive/magic-back-3rd-annual-vincentian-family-gathering

+ Keynote Presentation Elicits Standing Ovation at Vincentian Meeting in USA (Father Manny Ginete, CM) http://famvin.org/en/archive/keynote-presentation-elicits-standing-ovation-at-vincentian-meeting-in-usa

+ Text of Fr. Ginete's Presentation http://famvin.org/en/archive/text-of-fr-ginetes-presentation (His text is available for download in Word format.  http://www.famvin.org/Ginete%202007%20SF%20VF%20%20Final.doc )

+ Vincentian Family Letter (English and Spanish) and Study Guide on Systemic Change (English and Spanish)

+ Systemic Change and the Vincentian Family - Patricia de Nava http://famvin.org/en/archive/systemic-change-and-the-vincentian-family-patricia-de-nava

    April 2007 – SVDP Midyear Meeting, St. Louis

Among the highlights for the Midyear meeting:  Mass at the Old Cathedral, home of the first Conference of the Society in the USA in 1845 and seeing a copy of the first minutes; meeting Vincentians from around the country; tailgate lunch served by local Vincentians (showing a HOPE trailer and bus that is used to serve those in need); meeting of the Voice of the Poor (VOP) and learning about all the good activities in regions; approval of the VOP "Position Paper on Predatory Lending" by the National Council.  Approved position papers may be found at http://www.voiceofthepoor.org/position_papers.htm

How Can We Be Beggars to the Rich in the Name of the Poor

VOP members were reminded of the words of Blessed Frederic Ozanam, founder of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and our call to action, during the spiritual reflection led by Rev. Pedro Villarroya, CM. 

Only one means of salvation remains to us, that is, that Christians in the name of love, interpose between the two camps of rich and poor passing like beneficent deserters from one to the other communicating mutual charity to all, until this charity paralyzing and stifling the egotism of both parties and everyday lessening the antipathies, shall bid the two camps arise and breakdown the barriers of prejudice, and cast aside their weapons of anger and march forth to meet each other not to fight but to mingle together in one embrace, so that they may form but one fold under one pastor.

                                                                                                                  Blessed Frederic Ozanam

Father Pedro noted that Blessed Frederic warned of the need for economic justice.  Blessed Frederic's early warnings in France in the mid 1800s went unheeded.  The communist manifesto was born leading to decades of fear, pain and suffering.  In the world today, are we ready to control the enemies of poverty and money or ignore the situations that can lead to violence, asked Father Pedro.  He noted, when you are poor you have nothing to lose. 

St. Vincent knew how to reach the rich, and to speak without offending.  St. Vincent was able to make the rich part of the solution.  "How can we be beggars to the rich in the name of the poor," asked Father Pedro.  Vincent knew how to beg, how to tell the story of need and solve problems in France.  We are called to use imagination, to communicate need without offending, and to seek solutions to systemic problems.  We are called to be a voice of the poor, to proclaim the Good News of the Lord with charity and justice.

A March 29, 2007 article in the New York Times (US Income Gap is Widening Significantly, Data Shows by David C. Johnston) notes an analysis of 2005 Internal Revenue Service data.  The data "shows that the top 300,000 Americans collectively enjoyed almost as much income as the bottom 150 million Americans.  Per person, the top group received 440 times as much as the average person in the bottom half earned, nearly doubling the gap from 1980." The article is found at:  http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/03/29/163/

    March 2007 – SVDP and Poverty in America Campaign

The following is from a letter to Catholic Charities USA President, Rev. Larry Snider, from Joseph Flannigan, President of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul:

I want to thank Catholic Charities for taking the initiative to design and implement the "Poverty in America" campaign to make the needs of the poor visible and to call for action.  These materials will be helpful in education efforts.

There is much that can be done.  In "Tools for Reflection and Action," I was delighted to find mention of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac (page 16).  The reflections can be used as a tool for spiritual reflection by local Conferences and Councils of the Society.  Increased awareness of the depth of the situation will encourage justice activities in addition to charity....  I will also encourage Councils to collaborate with Catholic Charities on this important and critical topic at the Diocesan level. 

Note:  Further information on the poverty campaign is found at http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/Poverty/CampaignLaunch.cfm

    February 11-14, 2007 – Catholic Social Gathering a Time to Speak as a Voice of the Poor

The Catholic Social Gathering drew over 500 participants from around the country for four days of prayer and reflection, witness and celebration!  Members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul were a visible presence.  Around 50 members attended and had an opportunity to learn about issues first hand from experts on a number of subjects.  Mass was celebrated each day and it was awesome!  There were a multitude of presentations to choose from and many opportunities for sharing.  The main focus of the gathering was on issues identified by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops:  Iraq, Farm Bill (Food Stamps, WIC), HIV/AIDs, immigration.  The Voice of the Poor Committee met during the gathering, and there was a VOP commissioning ceremony led by SVDP President Joseph Flannigan.  In addition the group had a chance to share with one another about what was going on in their Councils.  It was such a time of blessing to hear the stories shared of Vincentians being a voice of the poor.  As a finale of the Catholic Social Gathering, attendees went to the Hill and visited with their US Senators and Representatives.  There was a reception on the Hill for attendees with speeches to the group by two US Senators.  All in all, it was an exciting and memorable time to stand together and speak as a unified body asking decision makers to remember those who are poor and vulnerable, to care for the environment, to act with charity and justice. 

The Catholic Social Ministry Gathering, 2007, is sponsored by:  The US Conference of Catholic Bishops Offices of: Social Development and World Peace; Catholic Campaign for Human Development; African American Catholics; Hispanic Affairs, Migration and Refugee Services and The Society of St. Vincent de Paul with The Roundtable Association of Diocesan Social Action Directors; Catholic Relief Services; Catholic Charities USA; National Catholic Rural Life Conference; National Catholic Partnership on Disability; Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities; National Council of Catholic Women; Catholic Health Association of the United States; The Conference of Major Superiors of Men; Ladies of Charity of the United States; Catholic Daughters of the Americas.

Vincentian Hot Topics - Issues of importance to members of the Society.  Handout during Catholic Social Gathering.

    January 11, 2007 – National President asks Congress to Help the Most Vulnerable

In a letter to members of Congress, National President Joseph Flannigan asks that they remember America's most needy in the 2007 Farm Bill and FY 2008 Budget.  "Please give those who are poor in America a chance," he said.  "Remember children and their caregivers, the elderly and the disabled who live in poverty.  Their needs are simple yet urgent -- sufficient food to eat day-to-day, basic cleanliness, shelter from the elements.  These needs should not be an option.  If we are to be a strong country, every American must be free from fear of want with hope for a better life and the tools to make this possible."  He asks Congress to:

· Invest new resources to make food stamp benefit allotments sufficient to meet real world needs.

· Extend eligibility to vulnerable populations.

· Connect more eligible people with benefits.

· Adequately support emergency feeding programs.

"An estimated 80 percent of food stamp benefits go to families with children and much of the balance goes to seniors and the disabled.  Please provide adequately for their food needs."  He added,  "Sanitation is necessary for health and wellbeing, yet currently the Food Stamp Program does not cover basics such as laundry soap, bath soap, toilet paper and supplies -- items often taken for granted in day-to-day life.  Please help to take care of the neediest."

January 10, 2007 – Campaign to Reduce Poverty

National President Joseph Flannigan represented the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at the Catholic Charities USA press conference on the Campaign to Reduce Poverty in Washington, DC.  (press release)  Catholic News Service carried a lead story ( http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0700187.htm )on the briefing, which was held as the "U.S. House was debating a bill to change the minimum wage from the current $5.15 an hour -- a rate unchanged since 1997 -- to $7.25 an hour by 2009."  The briefing introducing the Campaign to Reduce Poverty was attended by media, legislators, legislative aides and leaders of other Catholic organizations, such as the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, engaged in social service and advocacy for the poor. 

The aim is to reduce poverty in America 50 percent by the year 2020.  Information on the campaign is found at http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/poverty/campaign.cfm

Catholic Charities USA represents more than 1,500 local Catholic Charities agencies nationwide.  In December the group urged members of Congress to protect health coverage for the most vulnerable.  http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/news/content_displays.cfm?fuseaction=display_document&id=893&location=3

November 6, 2006 – McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance Grant

National President Joseph Flannigan sent a letter in support of the McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance grant.  After the election, funding for this bill will be considered in Congress. (Note:  As of December 2006, the Library of Congress {www.thomas.gov} shows the following regarding S. 1416:  "7/18/2005 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs." 

In the letter President Flannigan writes:

Please support the appropriation of $1.536 billion in FY2007 for the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Homeless Assistance Grants to help prop up efforts by local and state government and community, faith-based and non-profit organizations to end homelessness.  Funding for McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grants for affordable housing for FY 2007 is needed.  

HUD information on McKinney Vento is found at http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/homeless/rulesandregs/laws/

SVDP 2006 Legislative Agenda is found at http://www.voiceofthepoor.org/Legis%20Agenda%20Approved%20Sept-06.pdf

October 27-28, 2006 – Point 7 Now

Catholics from around the country and world gathered at St. Mary’s Cathedral in San Francisco for the conference “Point7Now,” which “refers to the commitment made by developed countries to increase foreign aid to poor countries to 0.7% of a developed country’s national income.  At the same time, poor developing countries promised reforms to improve transparency, democracy and anti-corruption efforts to ensure that increased foreign aid would reduce poverty,” explained the program agenda.  Point 7 of 1% is equal to $220 billion per year from rich to poor countries.  This aid is a contract for mutual responsibility and solidarity.  During the conference, Economist Jeffrey Sachs noted that 0.7% of GNP was the amount stated in the Monterrey Consensus (paragraph 42).   It  may be viewed online at http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/documents/Monterrey_Consensus.htm Jeffrey Sachs' TIME magazine article on "The End of Poverty" is located at http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1034738,00.html

Note:  SVDP's National President, Joseph Flannigan, and Executive Director, Roger Playwin, were presenters at the Point & Now gathering.  

October 15, 2006 – Stand Against Poverty

On Sunday, October 15, Vincentians were encouraged to STAND UP to let the world’s leaders know that poverty is not acceptable and to remind governments of their promises to help the literally hundreds of millions living in extreme poverty around the globe by standing together.  Promises to create positive change by 2015 must be kept.   STAND UP against poverty was launched by the United Nations Millennium Campaign.  http://www.standagainstpoverty.org/about/mdg

1.      Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger

2.      Achieve universal primary education

3.      Promote gender equality and empower women

4.      Reduce child mortality

5.       Improve maternal health

6.       Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases

7.       Ensure environmental sustainability

8.       Develop a global partnership for development

October 2, 2006 – Vincentian Nominated for Award of Excellence

Phoenix Vincentian Lucy Howell was recently nominated for the Bishop Edward A. McCarthy award for Excellence in Mobilization of Communities to Enact Systemic Change. “Your many years of ministry with the St. Vincent de Paul Society and your advocacy work with the Voice of the Poor have earned you the respect and admiration of many, as evidenced by your nomination… your tireless efforts to help Vincentians to understand the need to address the root causes of poverty, of your appointment to the National Voice of the Poor Committee, of your work in legislative advocacy known to and admired by so many,” said Tricia Hoyt of the nominating committee. “The nomination was flattering but truly a reflection of the hard work by many Vincentians to create Voice of the Poor as a vehicle to address the underlying causes of poverty,” said Lucy. Congratulations Lucy on the nomination!

September 21, 2006 – Keep Comprehensive Immigration Reform on the Front Burner

SVDP President Joseph Flannigan emphasized the need for action to key decision makers in Washington, DC urging them to make comprehensive immigration reform a priority. “As citizens and elected officials of the United States, members of the Legislative Branch of our government and the White House must dialog and come together for the common good.  We cannot allow this issue to tear our country apart.  I urge you to work for just and comprehensive immigration reform.”    The letter was sent to President George W. Bush; Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R); Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D); Speaker of the House J. Dennis Hastert (R); and, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D),

September 21, 2006 – WIC Program and Better Nutrition

On behalf of the members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, who visit those who are poor in their homes and provide emergency assistance, President Joseph Flannigan wrote a letter to Patricia N. Daniels, Director, Supplemental Food Programs Division, Food and Nutrition Service, USDA and to key decision makers in Washington, DC stating, “Better nutrition is needed in low-income areas, and it is important that women and their children in the WIC Program have choices in addition to the juice, eggs, cheese and milk currently in the program.  US dietary guidelines (Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005 http://www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines/ ) recommend a variety of nutrient dense foods…. Please provide women and their children with the ability to meet these requirements.  Healthy mothers and healthy children need to have access to fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains.”

Note; This proposed rule would revise regulations to align WIC food packages with the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and current infant feeding practice guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and provide WIC participants with a wider variety of food. The Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC) provides people whose income is around the poverty level with vouchers or food checks. The Food Nutrition Service (USDA) is proposing WIC’s first significant update in over 25 years. Under proposed changes, fruits, vegetables and whole grains will be added to the program.

August 29- September 3, 2006 – SVDP Annual Meeting, Indianapolis

(Photos left to right: National President Joseph Flannigan addresses National Council; members of the National Council listen carefully; Episcopal Advisor to the Society Bishop John M. Quinn of Detroit with President and Mrs. Flannigan)

National President Joseph Flannigan welcomed the members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul to the 92^nd National Meeting of the Society, “Our Journey Together the Vincentian Way.” This year’s meeting focused on the Rule of the Society. Keynote Speaker Rev. Dennis H. Holtschneider, CM and President of De Paul University in Chicago, spoke on The Living Rule describing how the “living Rule” and the “printed Rule” each should line up. (One’s life should be a reflection of the written Rule.) He told the story of his grandfather, a member of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and his beautiful work and influence on his life -- “a living Rule.” He also told a story that demonstrated the importance of getting at root causes of injustices rather than being content to provide emergency assistance in explaining the section of the Rule titled, “Work for Social Justice.” Also unveiled at the National Meeting was the latest approved Rule just out in print as well as module five of Serving in Hope entitled, “Our Vincentian Rule.” (Note: Module four of Serving in Hope and section seven of the Rule focuses on advocacy.) For copies, contact the National Council of the United States.

(Photos left to right above: Father Dennis with VOP’s Lucy Howell and Deborah Payne; Indianapolis President Jake Asher with Vincentians in front of the SVDP National HOPE emergency vehicle, which was on display at the National meeting site and christened by Bishop Quinn during the gathering; San Mateo’s Lorraine Moriarty and Deborah Payne with Sr. Kieran Kneaves, DC, author of the Serving in Hope series at the National SVDP Office.)

Voice of the Poor National Meeting Activities

VOP Committee Meeting - The VOP national committee met during the National meeting and covered a range of topics and regional VOP representatives shared the activities in their regions. (Examples are found on this website at http://www.voiceofthepoor.org/legislative_updates.htm.) The VOP Committee also reviewed “to do” items for making those who are poor visible. During the regional meetings that followed VOP representatives were encouraged to place emphasis in their regional reports on getting a network of VOP established so that as a Society we can effectively speak in one voice.

VOP Workshop – The workshop covered what the voice of the poor is and what can be done. Examples were provided as well as a variety of handouts including a Hot Topics sheet. The workshop was led by Rita Canestra along with Joe Hubbard, and Bonnie Davis. Lucy Howell and Dennis Miricle also pitched in. VOP’s Lucy Howell reports, “The workshop went well…. although the change in title and room was somewhat confusing to attendees (There was a stream arriving but Rita was patient and kept going while others made sure seats were found).  The room was packed…and would think that if there had not been confusion, there would have been more.”

Resolutions Approved – During the National Council Business meeting two VOP related resolutions were approved. These included a resolution (7-7-2005/6 18) to approve the Legislative Agenda for 2006 and a Framework for the National VOP Committee. A second resolution (7-7-2005/6 19) approved was the adoption of the Voice of the Poor Position Statement on Restorative Justice.

August 2, 2006 – SVDP Annual Report Online

In an email release today, it was announced that the Consolidated Annual Report for 2005 is in the mail and a pdf version is posted at http://www.svdpusa.org or via http://www.svdpusa.org/Portals/0/Final%20Proof.pdf

July 24, 2006 – SVDP President Conveys Need for “Housing First” to End Homelessness

SVDP President Joseph Flannigan wrote a letter to US Senators on behalf of the 120,000 SVDP members nationwide and those the Society serves regarding the need for “housing first,” which includes supportive services to address chronic homelessness. In the letter he says:

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is the source of last resort for emergency assistance in many communities across this land. We serve the homeless in shelters and dining rooms, on the street, and through homeless help desks operated by the Society. Because of the Society’s mission, the plight of the homeless is all too familiar to us.

Please support two important pieces of legislation and help to prop up efforts by local and state government and community, faith-based and non-profit organizations to end homelessness.

1. 1.  Increase funding for McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grants for affordable housing for FY 2007 by $209 million for a total of $1.536 billion.

2. Support the Services to End Long-term Homelessness Act (SELHA), which provides $55 million in FY 2006 to fund supportive housing through the Department of Health and Human Services (S 709 and HR 1471). SELHA would authorize funding for a flexible array of services in permanent supportive housing, focused on helping people move toward recovery and self-sufficiency.

There is no simple solution to homelessness. Moving to self sufficiency requires step-by-step professional assistance and ongoing support. Through SELHA services could be provided including mental health, substance abuse, health education and referral, self-sufficiency, and case management along with special consideration for geographic diversity, including rural areas; funding multi-year, renewable grants based on performance criteria, including the outcome of ending long-term homelessness; and require a match to leverage partnerships with states and local governments and links to mainstream systems.

Your support is needed. To date, there are 92 House sponsors and 16 Senate sponsors of SELHA. Please add your name to the list of sponsors in support of this important legislation and support the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grants.

July 21, 2006 – VOP’s Carole Lorenceau – In Memorium

President G. Brian Brodeur of District Council South Miami sends the following news. Carole will be missed.

“Our beloved CAROLE LORENCEAU, North East District, President, Society of St. Vincent De Paul has passed away and joined our Lord in Heaven on Thursday, July 20th 2006.... Carole served for five years as District Council President, NE Miami serving unselfishly at home and help in supported Hurricane victims in Miami and Haiti.”

June 21, 2006 - Minimum Wage

The Senate voted on an amendment to increase the federal minimum wage to $7.25.  Senator Menendez, a longtime supporter of increasing the federal minimum wage, joined Senator Kennedy in offering this amendment to the Defense authorization bill.  Although the amendment failed on a 52-46 vote (the amendment needed 60 votes to pass), SVDP National President Joseph Flannigan in a note to Senator Menendez’s office said, “We thank Senator Menendez for his leadership in trying to increase the minimum wage. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul strongly supports increasing the minimum wage.”

June 17, 2006 – Seeing Jesus Face in the Poor

The headline of the June 17, 2006 Journal Star (Lincoln, NE) reads, “They See Jesus Face in the Poor.” The story about the Society of St. Vincent de Paul contains an interview with National President Joseph Flannigan and Executive Director Roger Playwin. In addition to providing direct service to the needy the article explains that the Society advocates on issues affecting the poor. The recent debate on immigration reform is an example. National President Flannigan explains that the Society has voiced support for a comprehensive approach that protects American borders while also treating immigrants fairly and providing a path toward citizenship. “We see a lot of exploitation (of immigrants) because they have no one to turn to,” Flannigan said. The story is found on line at: http://www.journalstar.com/articles/2006/06/17/values/doc44930d3a495f9831589481.txt

April 6-9, 2006 – VOP Meets at SVDP Midyear in St. Louis

The newly organized VOP Committee under National President Joseph Flannigan’s term met in St. Louis for the first time during the Society’s midyear meeting. After spiritual reflection and introductions, the group got right to work. Attendance at the meeting was good with around 30 attendees and committee members. Some highlights included:

· Review with additions and changes to the Legislative Agenda,

· Review and input to a framework for VOP which provides VOP operating procedures,

· Sharing of activities within the eight regions,

· Discussion of upcoming position papers that need development,

· Viewing of a CD developed by the Phoenix Council which is being taken to each of the 90 conferences in the area to educate Vincentians about VOP (National Council is in process of developing a generic version that can be used by other Councils),

· Washington, DC Catholic Social Gathering sharing of stories.

(Left: St. Louis Arch and the Old Cathedral, location of the first Conference of SVDP in the USA. This is where we celebrated Mass daily.)

March 22, 2006 –Letter from Pope Benedict XVI on the Church’s Role in Being a “Voice for the Voiceless”

The contents of this letter may be found at http://www.famvin.org/en/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4514 (Father Pedro Villarroya, CM referred to this letter during the spiritual reflection of the VOP National Committee during the midyear meeting in St. Louis.)

“God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong’ (I Corinthians 1:27). May this criterion of divine action, still in vigor today, encourage you not to be surprised, and less still to become discouraged, in the face of difficulties and misunderstandings. In fact, you know that through them you authoritatively participate in the prophetic responsibility of the Church, which strives to continue speaking up in defense of man, even when state politics or the majority of public opinion moves in the opposite direction. The strength of truth, in fact, is found in truth itself, not in the number of approvals it receives.” --- Pope Benedict XVI

February 24, 2006 – Comprehensive Immigration Reform

In an urgent letter to US Senators asking that they support comprehensive immigration reform National President Joseph Flannigan states:

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul joins Catholic Charities, the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops and other faith-based organizations in urging you to support comprehensive immigration reform as found in the Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act (S. 1033) introduced by Senators McCain and Kennedy including:

· Measures addressing the undocumented population now living and working in the U.S.

including an opportunity to earn legal residency and citizenship.

· A guest worker program that is safe, orderly and secure and meets growing labor needs.

· Facilitation of family reunification.

· Allow undocumented students to complete higher education paying in-state tuition.

· Enforcement strategies that are effective and uphold human dignity.

· U.S and international policies that encourage populations to stay and work in their home countries.

February 12-15, 2006 – Vincentians Join Catholic Social Gathering in Hill Visits

Members of the Society were a Voice of the Poor at the recent Catholic Social Gathering in Washington, DC. The group had an opportunity to meet, learn and network with Catholics who seek to bring the needs of the poor and disenfranchised to the attention of their elected repreentatives. Dan Misleh of USCCB met with the VOP attendees and shared how we can work together. The Phoenix VOP debuted the CD that they are using to spread the word about VOP amongst conferences. VOP committee members from across the country shared highlights from their regions. Father Pedro shared Pope Benedict’s encyclical, “God is Love’ which provides important guidelines for VOP.

January 24, 2006 -- Hill Issues Set for Upcoming Catholic Social Gathering

"We will have an overarching message on the budget and poverty issues," said Kathleen Curran of USCCB.  Issues will be: Comprehensive Immigration Reform (background); Streamlined Protection Act eroding habeas corpus rights of prisoners (background); Iraq (background); and Foreign Aid (background).  If you are attending this gathering be sure to bring your local stories of service related to these issues to share with your elected representatives and their staffs.

January 23, 2006 -- President Flannigan Addresses Immigration Legislation

In response to passage of HR 4437, The Border Protection, Anti-Terrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005, by the US House of Representatives President Joseph Flannigan in a January 23, 2006 letter to Vincentian Leaders said, "Since the House Bill is clearly not balanced and places the Catholic Church, The Society of St. Vincent de Paul and its members in jeopardy, it is important that our leadership become informed on the subject, so that we can educate our membership of this threat now.  This is important because a call to action with the Senate will have to be done quickly and effectively."

Of particular concern are the punitive damages to those who provide emergency services to the needy.   Section 202 of HR 4437 with reference to amending section 274 of the US Immigration and Nationality Act, applies criminal penalties to individuals who assist the undocumented.

References:

President Flannigan's letter and attachment

Bishop Gerald Barnes, USCCB Migration Committee Chair, statement in opposition to
The Border Protection, Anti-Terrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005, dated 12/14/05 (http://www.usccb.org/mrs/hr4437.shtml)

HR4437 passed by the house (http://thomas.loc.gov/)

Find out how US Representatives voted on HR4437 (http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2005)

SVDP Position Paper on immigration

Immigration is listed in the SVDP 2005 Legislative Agenda approved by the US Trustees.

Pastoral statement, "Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope" (Bishops of Mexico and the United States together released the pastoral statement.)

January 2006 -- Vincentians Prepare to Head for the Hill -- Capitol Hill!

Jim Woods, Eastern Region Chair and a member of the planning committee for the annual USCCB Catholic Social Gathering in Washington, DC provides an update on the gathering when Vincentians join forces with other Catholic groups in February.  He indicates that three time segments (Monday 2/13 and Tuesday 2/14) have has been specially allocated to the Society during the gathering.  "We will have breakfast for all Society attendees on Monday and Tuesday a.m., just prior to our 8 to 9;30 a.m. meetings."  One evening meeting is also planned Monday evening from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m., just after dinner on your own.  Wrap around segments are for all Vincentians.

There's still time to register for the Catholic Social Gathering.  St. Vincent de Paul has a special rate for the Feb. 12-14 time period!  Go to http://usccb.org/sdwp/ (click on the registration button).  Join the team.  Make your voice heard!

January 4, 2006 - President Joseph D. Flannigan interviewed LIVE ( 8 pm EST) by EWTN host, Fr. Mitch Pacwa, SJ.

SVDP National President Joseph Flannigan spoke on the issue of justice and the need for advocacy, giving examples from his own experience in Metuchen (NJ).  Interview contents also covered the history and nature of the Society and ongoing hurricane relief efforts.  Questions from the studio and television audience were integrated into the show's one-hour format.  (http://www.ewtn.com/tv/prime_wednesday.asp).

Stay tuned for a  rebroadcast of the interview on Sunday, January 8, at 10 pm EST.  Additional information will be available on the National Council website at http://www.svdpusa.org/

For photos and the story go to the online issue of Ozanam News at http://www.svdpusa.org/Portals/0/ozanews-winter06.pdf

December 25, 2005 - "Urbi et Orbi" message from Pope Bendict XVI calls for a "united humanity." Some highlights:

"A united humanity will be able to confront the many troubling problems of the present time: from the menace of terrorism to the humiliating poverty in which millions of human beings live, from the proliferation of weapons to the pandemics and the environmental destruction which threatens the future of our planet."

"Do not fear; put your trust in Him. The life-giving power of His light is an incentive for building a new world order based on just ethical and economic relationships."

"The modern age is often seen as an awakening of reason from its slumbers, humanity's enlightenment after an age of darkness.  Yet without the light of Christ, the light of reason is not sufficient to enlighten humanity and the world."

November 8, 2005 - National SVDP President's Letter on Affordable Housing Fund Placed into the Congressional Record by Representative Barney Frank

"Mr. Speaker, a couple weeks ago the majority in the House narrowly imposed on the bill creating an affordable housing fund with funds from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac severe restrictions to keep insidious left-wing organizations from undermining the stability of this country. I have a letter here from one of the organizations that was so targeted. It is that radical group known as the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a set of groups in local communities that, to quote them, ``pray at each meeting that families and those who have no home quickly may find a place in which they can live a decent and happy life,'' said Representative Barney Frank (Massachusetts) in an address to the House of Representatives.  "Here is what this subversive organization of deeply religious people dedicated to trying to help the poor have to say:  'Our members live in communities across the country. They serve individuals and families with no homes, families on the verge of homelessness. We see what they are going through. Many Councils of the Society provide shelter and housing for the poor. The poor need a voice just as much as Americans who have the financial ability to own their own homes. They, too, should be allowed the privilege to register to vote, regardless of where they live; and nonprofits should not be penalized for providing them an opportunity to do so."

Congressional Record: November 8, 2005 (House)], [Page H9992-H9993], From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov], [DOCID:cr08no05-108]

November 4, 2005 - Housing Trust Fund Passed by House Includes Restrictions Aimed at Non-Profit and Church Organizations 

(Note: National President Joseph Flannigan in a letter to members of the House of Representatives (see Oct. 24, 2005 below) spoke in support of non profits having the rights to conduct voter registration and to have freedom of affiliation.  The Roll Call Vote 541 is found at http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2005/roll541.xml Take a look at the listing and find out how your elected Representative voted.)

In legislation passed by the House of Representatives, October 26, non-profit and Church organizations who seek to provide families with decent homes would be prevented from conducting voter registration and would be denied the right to freedom of affiliation, if they intend to apply for Housing Trust Fund grants.  The vote, reported in a November 4 email written by USCCB's Thom Shellabarger, was 331-90 in support of H.R. 1461, the Federal Housing Finance Reform Act of 2005.  While the legislation requires non-profit organizations to have affordable housing as their primary objective in order to apply for funds, it also stipulates that non-profit organizations that have "engaged in any federal election activity, including voter registration, or are affiliated with an organization that engages in any federal election activity would be prohibited from receiving grants." Non-profit organizations would be prohibited from engaging in these activities for a period starting 12 months before applying for a grant and would end when all grant funds are expended. The provision does not apply to for-profit organizations. 

 "There were two (unsuccessful) attempts to strike the offensive language from the bill. The first vote on 'the Manager's Amendment' was the closest: 209-206 with 19 Members not voting. Thirteen Republicans and 1 Independent join(ed) all but one of the voting Democrats in this attempt to change the offensive language," according to Shellabarger. 

"The battle is not over," says Dan Misleh of USCCB.  Shellabarger concurs saying, "This vote by the full House is not the end of the debate. The Senate version of this legislation (S. 190) which has passed through Committee does not contain the Affordable Housing Fund and is not scheduled to go to Senate floor for debate."

October 26, 2005 - Urgent SVDP Appeal to Help Councils in Hurricane Ravaged Region

In a letter to Vincentians across the country National President Joseph Flannigan writes of the need for added resources by those Councils and Conferences working to provide direct assistance to the poor in the hurricane damaged south. He writes:

It is now apparent that in the next two weeks we could deplete this fund. For example, the Council of Dallas is spending $170,000 weekly to provide basic furniture for 200 families per week who are leaving shelters and moving into apartments. Houston has helped more than 32,000 evacuees. Baton Rouge has served more than 43,000 meals and provided more than 150,000 articles of clothing to those made homeless by the hurricanes. We are at the point where we may not be able to provide furniture funding for Dallas evacuees and, at the same time, continue supporting other recovery efforts in Baton Rouge, Houston and other councils that have a large evacuee population and are providing a broader array of services and struggling with funding.

Your help is needed.  For details on how to make a contribution go to www.svdpusa.org

October 24, 2005 - National President Speaks in Support of Access to Voter Registration and Freedom of Affiliation 

National President Joseph Flannigan in a letter to members of the House of Representatives urged legislators to:

1. Support the Affordable Housing Fund in the Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSE) legislation (HR 1461), but without restricting an organization's right to engage in voter registration.

2. Oppose any language that restricts voter registration and freedom of affiliation by non-profit and public organizations when using their own funds.

3. Tell House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL) and Financial Service Chairman Mike Oxley (R-OH) to reject these restrictions and bring the bill to the floor for a vote without this language.

Note: Members of the House of Representatives reached a compromise that would bring the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (HR1461) to the floor, but in the process the compromise includes prohibition of non-profit organizations--including religious organizations--that do voter registration from applying for and receiving grants from the Affordable Housing Fund to build or preserve affordable housing.  More information on this subject is found at http://www.voiceofthepoor.org/poverty_news.htm#HOUSING

October 2005 - National President Signs onto Interfaith Statement In Support of Comprehensive Immigration Reform

National President Joseph Flannigan has endorsed the addition of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul to the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Interfaith Statement in Support of Comprehensive Immigration Reform.  The statement "calls upon President Bush and our elected officials in Congress to enact comprehensive immigration reform legislation that establishes a safe and humane immigration system consistent with our values.  Our diverse faith traditions teach us to welcome our brothers and sisters with love and compassion."  Covered in the statement:

· An opportunity for hard-working immigrants who are already contributing to this country to come out of the shadows, regularize their status upon satisfaction of reasonable criteria and, over time, pursue an option to become lawful permanent residents and eventually United States citizens;

· Reforms in our family-based immigration system to significantly reduce waiting times for separated families who currently wait many years to be reunited;

· The creation of legal avenues for workers and their families who wish to migrate to the U.S. to enter our country and work in a safe, legal, and orderly manner with their rights fully protected;

· Border protection policies that are consistent with humanitarian values and with the need to treat all individuals with respect, while allowing the authorities to carry out the critical task of identifying and preventing entry of terrorists and dangerous criminals, as well as pursuing the legitimate task of implementing American immigration policy.

· In September 2004 the Society of St. Vincent de Paul adopted a Position Statement on Immigration at its national meeting ( http://www.voiceofthepoor.org/position_papers.htm ).  The Society’s  statement is based on recommendations for immigration reform contained in  “Strangers No Longer,” the 2002 pastoral letter from the bishops of the United States and Mexico.

There are currently three proposals for immigration reform on the table. The McCain/Kennedy bill (S. 1033) and its House companion bill (H. 2330) are the only reforms including a pathway to legal status for qualifying workers and their families.  The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Campaign Justice for Immigrants has endorsed the McCain bill.

Vincentians see firsthand the needs and day-to-day struggles of immigrant individuals and their families. The time has come for reform in the system.  We pray for an immigration system that will facilitate legal status and family unity.

October 20, 2005 - Archbishop Commends SVDP Work in Western Oregon

"It was St. Vincent de Paul who stated that 'there is no charity which is not alongside justice.' The founder of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Frederic Ozanam, wished 'charity to do what justice cannot do on its own.' Whereas justice has its limits, charity has none. I commend to your prayerful and financial support the work of the many councils and conferences of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul here in western Oregon. Thank you, good Vincentians, for your labors of love in the service of justice," wrote Archbishop John Vlazny in "Vincentians give themselves in service to the church, justice" published in the Catholic Sentinel. The article is found online at http://www.sentinel.org/articles/2005-42/14251.html

October 2005 - Hurricane Survivors Need Emergency Health Care Relief Assistance

"We believe that access to health care and emergency assistance is vital to all whose lives have been uprooted by Katrina.  We urge you to support the passage of S. 1716, The Emergency Health Care Relief Act," stated National President Joseph Flannigan in a letter to US Senators.  In the letter President Flannigan urges the following action:

>> Provide health care coverage to all low-income Katrina survivors.

>> Ensure full federal funding of health care services for all Katrina victims, wherever they may be.

>> Streamline eligibility and enrollment procedures to facilitate access to care for many Katrina victims.

>> Allow Katrina survivors to receive TANF benefits without being subject to time limits or work requirements.

>> Extend emergency unemployment compensation benefits for at least 13 weeks, preferably 26 weeks.

>> Urge Congress to make all Katrina-related emergency benefits available to non-citizen victims of Katrina, as well as citizens.

Food Stamp Program Must be Protected!

"The primary goal of food and agriculture policy must be to provide basic food and nutrition for all.  We cannot ignore the households with incomes below the poverty line in the United States.  Let us find ways to help people survive.  Let us encourage training that enables individuals and families to become self sufficient so that every person can live the American dream.  Please do all you can to protect the food stamp program," stated National President Joseph Flannigan in a letter to US Senators on the Food Stamp Program.

September 2005 - Milwaukee Vincentians Team Up with Wisconsin Catholic Conference to Oppose "Rent to Own" Legislation

The September 16, 2005 issue of, Capitol Update reports, "At a press conference on September 12, Rita Cannestra and Ronald Muchenberger, representing the St. Vincent De Paul Society Milwaukee and WCC Executive Director John Huebscher joined other opponents of legislation to loosen state regulation of Rent-to-Own businesses.  The WCC press statement may be found on the WCC website.  The Senate is likely to take action on Senate Bill 268 in October."

SVDP 2005 National Meeting -- Chicago

Top: National President Eugene Smith is recognized during the installation ceremony of President-Elect Joseph Flannigan (left) presided by Cardinal George.  Bottom (left to right): President Smith and wife, Nina; Vincentians celebrate Mass, President-Elect Joseph Flannigan; Frederic Ozanam (aka Gentry Ficke) with Vincentians; Cardinal George during Mass.

VOP Happenings

>>The Trustees approved the VOP position paper on "Fair Wages." It is found along with others at http://www.voiceofthepoor.org/position_papers.htm

>> VOP Committee members and guests reviewed activities to date and reported on a variety of  subjects including immigration, food stamps, medicaid, and human trafficking. 

>>Hot Topics was the focus of the VOP workshop led by Lucy Howell (Phoenix, AZ) with participants Father Pedro Villarroya (LA, CA), Vin Reilly (NY, NY), Bart O'Leary (Jacksonville, FL) and Rita Cannestras (Milwaukee, WI).  Also covered was the International Rule as it relates to being a voice of the poor and Listening to the Stories from Milwaukee. 

>>Spirituality with Sr. Kieran Kneaves on Frederic's Vision (embracing the world with charity and justice) including a brief presentation from the Voice of the Poor as well as Bread for the World.

>>Presentation by John Carr, Secretary, US Conference of Catholic Bishops, on Frederic Ozanam and how our faith is one with our service to the poor.

>>Presentation by Very Rev. G. Gregory Gay, CM, Superior General with a question and answer session.  Included in the Q&A: how can the Vincentian Famiy work together to be a voice of the poor.

>>Introduction to Module IV of "Serving in Hope" on advocacy with Sr. Kieran Kneaves.

>>There was Mass with Cardinal George of Chicago and the installation of Joseph Flannigan as National President of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul beginning October 1, followed by dinner, introductions and official greetings by President Gene Smith, and a "visit" by Frederic Ozanam (played by Vincentian, Gentry Ficke) on the goals of the Society with emphasis on the importance for every Vincentian to be a voice of the poor.

August 2005 - Upcoming SVDP National Meeting

The 91st annual Society of St. Vincent de Paul meeting will be held in Chicago, August 30 - Sept. 4.  Following are scheduled activities related to Voice of the Poor.

> Thursday, September 1, 9 - 11 am

   Spirituality with Sr. Kieran Kneaves, DC (The subject is charity and justice)

> Thursday, September 1, 6:30 pm

Voice of the Poor National Committee meeting.  Check for the room location on arrival. 

> Saturday, September 3, 10 am

   Voice of the Poor workshop

National Vincentian Family Gathering Scheduled for 2006!

The second Vincentian Family Gathering for North America is scheduled for April 27-April 30, 2006, St. Joseph's Seminary, Princeton, NJ.  Go to www.vfg2006.org for more information and to register.  Note:  Registration is limited!  Take look at the first gathering below under April 2005 informatoin.

June 2005 - Move Over Blogs, the Vincentians are into Wikis

Father John Freund, CM introduces us to an exciting phenomenon called the wiki, an interactive Vincentian page that lets visitors do more than read what's on line but also add their own input.  An entry for Vincentian Advocacy including Voice of the Poor is found in the "Vincentian Encyclopedia" at:

http://famvin.org/wiki/index.php?title=Vincentian_Advocacy

This collaborative venture allows the Vincentian family to share their advocacy experiences.  Think of the possibilities!

June 2005 -- Vincentians in Hawaii for the SVDP Western Region Meeting

Included on the agenda was an introductory Voice of the Poor Workshop given by Father Pedro Villarroya, CM (National VOP Committee member) and Vincentians Walt Gray (VOP Phoenix) and Deborah Payne (National VOP Chair).  Thank you to Walt for sharing these photos with us!

May 1 -- St. Catherine Laboure's Birthday (1806)

Most powerful Virgin, Mother of our Savior,
keep us close to you every moment of our lives
so that like you we may live and act
according to the teaching and example of your Son.

                                           From the Prayer from Our Lady of theMiraculous Medal

http://www.amm.org/prayers/prymm.htm

 "...our Lady explained that the globe represented the whole world...The times were difficult... especially for the poor who were unemployed and often refugees from the many wars of the time...Streaming from rings (on) Mary's fingers as she held the globe were many rays of light. Mary explained that the rays symbolize the graces she obtains for those who ask for them. However, some of the gems on the rings were dark, and Mary explained that the rays and graces were available but did not come because no one had asked for them." (Source: Association of the Miraculous Medal http://www.amm.org/medal.htm and   http://www.amm.org/catherine.htm)

April 2005 -- National Vincentian Family Gathering

The first of three planned National Vincention Family Gatherings was held at Our Lady of the Snows (Belleville, IL), April 23-25, 2005.  There were three focus areas -- advocacy, formation and youth.

The venue provided an opportunity for members to begin to look for opportunities to work together to make the poor and the needs of the poor visible.  Vincentian Family members came from across the country to remember our shared history, tell our stories, educate one another about what we do, plan for the future, and celebrate our oneness as followers of Jes

Highlights:

Sr. Kieran Kneaves, DC  presented a historical timeline of the Vincentian Family showing its growth and development along with bell curves depicting periods of growth, stabilization, decline, and regeneration. 

Fr. Dennis Holtschneider, CM and president of De Paul University in Saturday's keynote, "Expanding the Circle of Solidarity," described the poor as "invisible" in the last election.  He urged the Vincentian Family to work together to get the poor into the public eye.  "Let's make the poor visible again," he said.  "Let's do it together."  Fr. Holtschneider reminded attendees of the responsibility we each have saying, "It is not enough to give food and shelter if we do nothing to change the structures that make people poor.  God wants us to stop the bleeding...to go up river to fix the problem....advocates are important and when people come together they create energy...strength in numbers... if we make changes to our laws and government programs many more people can be helped."  Fr. Holtschneider offered to put resources behind getting the poor back on the national agenda if the combined Vincentian Family agrees together to do this work.  He stated, "De Paul will not start or lead this initiative.  It must be a national initiative supported by all the Vincentian Family."  Get the full presentation at

http://www.famvin.org/en/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=3877

One area group (Maryland and Pennsylvania) pledged together to be a "voice for and with those who are poor."  A photo of the group with their pledge is shown at left.  Each member of the group signed the pledge. The West (California, Colorado and Utah) suggested the creation of a resource national directory of the Vincentian Family.  (How can we collaborate if we do not know who is out there and what is being done.)  We learned that Fr. Freund is in process of putting together a directory linked to census data. 

Br. Loughlin Sufield, ST in Sunday's keynote described the Vincentian charism as one of collaboration.   Collaboration involves gift, ministry, and mission.  "100% of people are gifted and called to ministry," he said.  "Every person we advocate for is a gifted person."  When discussing youth involvement he asked, "Do we acknowledge and affirm to youth their gifts?"  We need to identify the gifts, release the gifts, and unify the gifts.  (It is important for us to identify what gifts we have, be willing to share our gifts, and then find ways to put our gifts together.)  The four C's of collaboration (clarification, conviction, capability, and commitment) as well as obstacles to collaboration (low self esteem, arrogance, burnout, hostility, failure to deal with loss, failure to deal with conflict, failure to share faith, lack of integration, lack of knowledge of gifts) were presented.

Seeds for Thought:

--Balance is needed in the doing and in the being. 

--"Give me persons of prayer and they will be capable of anything."  (Vincent)

--Take time to listen.

--We need to be fully alive.  We must be joyful and hopeful.  We need to be serving in hope. 

--Burnout is not the result of how much work we do.  It comes about by having unrealistic expectations. 

--What youth see in us must match what they hear.  Invite them along.  Mentor to them.  Give them authority (responsibility for a task) and allow them to succeed or fail.

--Global problems require global solutions.

--Institutional issues are systemic and require institutional solutions. 

--The major obstacle to collaboration is low self esteem.

--We must organize to bring about power.  [Teach people how to do politics and how to participate (engage) in the process.]

--Politics is local and involves "trust, trust, trust"

--We have to get to the table to be part of the discussion. We need to be willing to engage people different from us...but we cannot allow others to define who we are. 

--Let us stand together.  We are one body of Christ -- we must be one voice of the poor. 

--We can make a difference. 

Reports, photos, and presentations may be found at http://www.nvfg.org/ and at

http://www.famvin.org/en/

February 2005 -- Catholic Social Gathering

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul united with the US Conference of Catholic Bishops and 13 Catholic organizations in solidarity, to support each other, and to speak as a voice of the poor and vulnerable in difficult times during the annual Catholic Social Gathering in Washington, DC, February 20-23.  "None of us can do this task alone, but united we can make a difference," said Dan Misleh, Director of Diocesan Relations for the US Conference of Catholic Bishops.  With a new Congress and a re-elected administration, the gathering provided an opportunity for members of the Society to lift their voices on behalf of the poor and forgotten at home and abroad.  Together the groups visited the offices of their elected representatives to remind Congress that the the needs of the poor and most vulnerable must be taken into consideration during the budgeting process.  The gathering provided a valuable opportunity for Vincentians to gain skills through presentations designed to advance the social mission of the Church.  The Gathering celebrated the 40th Anniversary of the landmark encyclical Gadium et Spes with a focus on  being "Church in the Modern World." 

Wealth of Information from the Catholic Social Gathering Available

Plenary addresses, downloadable power point presentations, speakers' presentations (i.e., John Carr, Sr. Carol Keehan, Sr. Margaret Scott), links to priority issues and the four campaigns introduced at the meeting, plus a like to AVER Associates for ordering audio CDs from the meeting. may be found. 

Go to: http://www.usccb.org/sdwp/2005asmg.htm

Photos (left to right):  SVDP National President Gene Smith meets with representatives from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's Washington, DC office, Lucy Howell (Phoenix) shares VOP information, Ladies of Charity with Father Ron, President Gene Smith presents to the gathering (icon of Frederic Ozanam is shown on the podium).  www.usccb.org/sdwp

January 2005 -- Special appeal for tsunami aid (1/6/05) from National President Eugene Smith and press release issued by the National office (12/30/04).

SVDP International website, OZANET, has a tsunami report from SVDP India.  Included is a letter addressed to Vincentians from T. Joseph Pandian the SVDP National President of India.  Also enclosed are reports from the councils/conferences describing the needs and the work they are doing on the front lines. There is a message from the International President on OZANET.

Information Links:

Red Cross survivor locator www.familylinks.icrc.org

National Weather Service, Pacific Tsunami Warning Center http://www.prh.noaa.gov/ptwc/

Relief Web http://www.reliefweb.int/w/rwb.nsf

Southeast Asia Earthquake and Tsunami Blog http://tsunamihelp.blogspot.com/

Please pray for those directly touched by this devastation...for orphans, widows and widowers...for those who hunger and thirst for safe food and drinking water, those who are without shelter, children and elderly, mothers and fathers, for the injured....Pray for relief workers charged with bringing aid, order, and hope.  Pray that the leadership of the affected countries and of the world have the wisdom to provide necessary and appropriate help in a timely manner.  May God open the hearts of the citizens of the world to hear the cry of the poor.

December 2004 - The website of the Madison, WI Council reminds us of our connectedness with Southeast Asia, recently hit by devastating earthquakes and tsunamis.    The National Council of the Society has issued a call for disaster relief fund contributions (HTML: http://newsroom.eworldwire.com/wr/123004/11081.htm).

According to the website, http://www.svdpmadison.org/history.htm the Society's history in the region dates back to the early 1900's when "

Nov. 3, 2004 - Ron Ramson, CM shares the following news on the Frassati Project.

The Vatican News Agency says that the Archdiocese of Turin, Italy has started a series of meetings to help young people understand politics through discussion & leadership, following the example of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati (a member of SSVDP). They call it The Frassati Project. It is the initiative of the Office of Social & Labor Pastoral Care.  In light of the activities of the School of Formation for Social & Political Commitment, set up in 1988, Father Gianni Fornero was the director and worked with youth. He died, and another priest has become Director of the Office of Social & Labor Pastoral Care.

Four meetings focus on principles of the social teaching of the Church: the centrality of the person, the common good, solidarity, & subsidiarity.  The planned activities will allow the active participation of those attending.  The main objective of Frassati Project: to make participants understand that to be involved in politics is a daily attitude of inquiry, formation & participation rather than a formal commitment in parties or associations.

Sept. 30, 2004 - The following regarding SVDP and the Samaritan Initiative in the Interagency Council on Homelessness e-newsletter:  "..the Council of the United States Society of St. Vincent de Paul, representing 100,000 members across the country who engage in person-to-person ministry to the nation's homeless and poor, voiced its support for the Samaritan Initiative. In a letter to members of the Senate, Society National President Eugene Smith stated, "We believe that the $70 million funding stream created by the Samaritan Initiative for permanent housing linked to supportive services will help thousands of chronically homeless individuals rejoin society, and we enthusiastically ask you to support this measure." He continued, "Our members are painfully aware that the cost in human suffering, emotional and physical, for homeless individuals and families, cannot be measured."

Sept. 29, 2004 - In his first letter (9/11/04) addressed to the entire Vincentian Family, G. Gregory Gay, C.M., Superior General of the Congregation of the Mission emphasized the importance of working together as a family.

"I consider one of the greatest challenges facing us is learning to work together as a Family for the good of the poor, for their evangelization.  While respecting the autonomy of each and every one of the branches of the Family, we should not lose sight of the fact that we are born of the same charism.  That same love of God that inspired St. Vincent to serve the poor has been entrusted to us all." 

                                                                     -- G. Gregory Gay, C.M.

To view the  Superior General's letter in its entirety go to famvin or  http://www.famvin.org/en/

Sept. 27, 2004 - Happy St. Vincent de Paul Feast Day!

Manuel A. Sánchez, Youth/Young Adult Conference Coord., Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Council of Los Angeles  shares the following: 

"A good web site for all things Vincentian would be the Vincentian Center for Church and Society, sponsored by St. John's University, a Vincentian university (run by the Congregation of the Mission's Eastern Province) in New York City.

Go to http://www.vincenter.org/res/word/vdplife.html for a short bio, to http://www.vincenter.org/res/word/vdptimes.html for a timeline of his life, and to http://www.vincenter.org/res/word/vdpwords.html for some quotes from the good saint.  A fuller picture of St. Vincent may be found at http://www.vincenter.org/vdp-ldm/biov.html.

You may find excerpts from a book entitled, "Praying with St. Vincent de Paul"

at the Vincentian Family website, famvin.org, by going to http://www.famvin.org/cm/resourcebook/documents/McKennaExcerpts.htm (the famvin website is offered for the extended Vincentian Family, i.e. the Congregation , Daughters of Chaorty, Sisters of Charity, Friars and Sisters of the Sick Poor, Vincentian Service Ciopr etc.). You may also find quotes form Vincent at this site by going to http://www.famvin.org/cm/resourcebook/documents/quotes.htm.

A good source for information on our patron may be found, not surprisingly, at the international web site of the Congregation of the mission. Go to http://cm.famvin.org/en/whovincent.htm to access this info as well as links to other sites giving background on Vincent and his times."

Sept. 20, 2004 - The Interagency Council of Homelessness website reports on the SVDP National in Phoenix saying:

“In the prayer of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul: “that those who have no home may quickly find a place in which they can live a decent and happy life.”

The (Phoenix Diocesan Council) President has called for a new initiative to be created to address the homelessness of those who are disabled on our streets and long term in our shelters in support of his call to end chronic homelessness in the next 10 years. It’s called the Samaritan Initiative and as the name implies, it is targeted to those who have been left behind on our streets. Others have passed by. But this Administration and its partners will stop and ensure that those on the side of the road are moved forward toward housing and services. It’s in the Congress now and needs the support of all Americans. It’s the down payment to end chronic homelessness." Sept. 10, 90th Annual Conference of Society St. Vincent de Paul, Phoenix, Arizona

Sept. 11, 2004 - VOP Workshop, Phoenix National Meeting, moderated by Lucy Howell.  A number of speakers presented various topics related to the Voice of the Poor.  Ron Myer of the Phoenix Council, reminded participants that many large associations have groups that speak for them to government and to other groups.  He said, "If you are going to do the work of the poor on a greater magnitude, you need to be involved with groups that control your destiny."  Three essential goals for having a Voice of the Poor committee were provided.  The first is knowledge.  We need to know what the government is doing and how it affects the Society and those we serve.  The second goal is to provide statistics and facts of what is going on -- to tell the real story of the situation.  Voice of the Poor also provides a presence to say, "I know what goes on," and to say, "this will help us or this will hurt us."  The third goal is advocacy, such as  promoting a statute that will ultimately affect the poor -- to speak as a voice of the poor.  The attendees were reminded that advocacy takes organization, research, thought, discussion, action.  The role of Voice of the Poor is to provide information to the Council so that the Council can make the decision and take a position.  Once the position is taken by the Council, then the Voice of the Poor works with the Council president to contact the legislature; have members write letters to government; put the word out to members to support a position.  The Voice of the Poor also educates members to the next level of Vincentianism and makes members cognizant that there are issues that affect service to the poor.  The objective is to enable members to do more than make the homevisit.  Be prepared for a certain level of disappointment and frustration but know that it is still worthwhile to gain knowledge, to be a presence, and to create awareness.  Myer said that the VOP Committee is not a quick fix.  It needs to be in for the long haul and to be a presence.  Another speaker, Msgr. Ed. Ryle, Spiritual Advisor for the Diocesan Council of Phoenix discussed statistics and looked at trends.  Presenters discussed a range of topics including working with other organizations and utilization of Church approved documents, such as, "Faithful Citizenship."

Sept. 10, 2004 - "Homelessness is wrong.  We should be tolerant to homeless people but intolerant to homelessness,"  said Executive Director of the US Interagency Council on Homelessness, Philip Mangano.  "Save us Lord from  weak resignations from evils we abhor."  In a presentation at the Society's National meeting in Phoenix , Mangano described how "inexhaustable needs"  may be counterbalanced by 'inexhaustable good" as shown by members of  the St. Vincent de Paul Society.  He stated, " I vow I will work with you all across the country to end homelessness."   Other speakers included Secretary of the State of Arizona, Jan Brewer; Phoenix Mayor Gordon; Rabbi Albert Plotkin; and  Family Circle Cartoonist, Bill Keane.

Sept. 9, 2004 - Mass to celebrate the feast day of Frederic Ozanam, founder of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul was held in Phoenix at the Society's annual meeting.  Vincentians were reminded of how Frederic Ozanam found holiness in "doing the ordinary extraordinarily well for the love of God."  Mass was held in memory of Episcopal Advisor, Bishop Edwin Conway.  The National Voice of the Poor meeting was held after Mass and breakfast with committee members  reporting on regional activities and reviewing a range of issues along with the approved position paper on immigration and 2004-2005 legislative agenda.

July 2004 - The Consolidated Annual Report 2003 for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Council of the United States, entitled, "Ordinary People...Doing Extraordinary Things" has been sent to members by the National Office.   The  report describes the scope of the work of the Society -- a useful document for Voice of the Poor.  Following are highlights:

                13.7 million people were served by SVDP in 2003 in the US

                453 SVDP stores/warehouses exceeded $70 million in total volume 

                       Usable clothing, household goods and appliances to needy

                SVDP Domestic and international twinning:  $4.1 million

                Value of Vincentian services -- food assistance,  shelter, homeless

                        housing:  $392+ million

                SVDP Domestic and international disaster relief:  $1+ million

                Value of Vincentian (volunteer hours) of service:  $131.2 million

July 2004 -  Message from national VOP committee member, Vin Reilly on the VOP activities scheduled for the September SVDP National meeting in Arizona.   "The draft agenda on the Phoenix website, (http://www.svdp2004phoenix.org ) has VOP meeting in the "Cowboy Artists Room" on Thursday from 10-11:45 then "Spirit Group Meetings" on "Solidarity with the Poor" from 1:30 to 3:15 is there.  Then, on Saturday, there's a workshop from 10:10 till 11:50 on "Voice of the Poor-What can be done?" in the Sundance room.  A Catholic Charities/VOP Luncheon is in the Sundance room from noon to 1:15.  There's an Advocacy workshop in Phoenix East room from 1:30 to 3:30.  So far it looks great."

June 2004 - Father Pedro Villarroya, CM Western Region Spiritual Advisor and a member of the National Voice of the Poor Committee celebrates his 45th anniversary of ordination on June 7! The week leading up to this special day included a meeting of the District Council of San Mateo (Calif.) with 28 of the 35 conferences represented and more than 60 Vincentians participating including the Spiritual Advisor of the Council Father Dave Ghiroso.  Stopping in at the meeting was Deacon Dan Rosen, Spiritual Advisor for the District Council of San Francisco.   The next morning Father Pedro visited San Mateo's four stores meeting with staff and workers at each location.  He also met with staff at the District Council office as well as the Council's newest project, Catherine's Center, a special works providing shelter and guidance for recently released women from prison.  Trinity Sunday he began the day celebrating the liturgy with  the Poor Claires at Immaculate Heart Monastery in Los Altos.  Some Vincentians took Father Pedro for a San Francisco Bay cruise in gratitude for his Vincentian work.    On his actual anniversary day he will conduct a retreat at Seton Provincialate in Los Altos (Calif.) for the staff of the San Mateo District Council.   Thank you Father Pedro and may the blessings of the Lord always be with you!

June 2004 - This year's Western Region meeting featured a workshop (592 KB) on "How to Form Voice of the Poor and Spirituality Committees" with Father Pedro Villarroya, CM and Thomas E. Finnerty (Phoenix VOP) as presenters.

April 27, 2004 -- Catholic Lobby Day (Sacramento, California)

Catholic Lobby Day provided an opportunity for Vincentians to speak with their elected legislators and/or their representatives as a voice of the poor.  There were Vincentians from both Northern and Southern California -- from Los Angeles and Orange in the south, north to San Mateo, San Francisco, Marin and Sacramento.  The day began with Mass at the Crest Theatre just down the street from the Capitol.  Two Vincentians, Manuel Sanchez (Los Angeles) and Bill Hallerman (Sacramento) spoke to the crowd  of 1,000 (estimate) mentioning the St. Vincent de Paul Society.  Attendees were blessed with water that came from each of the 12 dioceses represented.  We were told that the water of life is a holy reminder of touching and renewing the body of Christ.  As one presenter said, "We've forgotten that we belong to each other.  Today we stand against forgetting. " And we were reminded that "the quality of our community is reflective of the justice in the land...of the (well being of)  widows, the orphans, and the resident aliens.  We were told that with the new administration perhaps there is a chance for a new voice.  The governor wants "action, action, action."  We, too, want "action, action, action."  Key on the agenda was the California budget and the message:  please do not make the poor ... poorer, the hungry ...  hungrier, and the sick ... sicker.  One Vincentian from San Mateo District Council brought a photo of a family that his conference serves to put a "face" on the poor and to tell the story of the family's plight.  Vincentians spoke on the various issues provided by the California Catholic Conference.  They told their stories, provided SVDP statistics and described the service to their friends, the poor.  In addition, some Vincentions served in leadership roles leading small groups in individual meetings with legislative officers.  The group as a whole rallied on the steps of the Capitol.  More information on the event can be found on the California Catholic Conference website.

March 2004 -- Sharing Washington, DC Experiences --

Vincentian, Ann Cole (San Mateo, CA) provided her Council's Voice of the Poor Committee and Board with written reports on her impression of the VOP Committee Meeting and the Catholic Social Gathering in Washington, DC. 

Feb. 22-25, 2004 --SVDP-USCCB Catholic Social Gathering, Washington, DC -- Provides Opportunity for Vincentians to Speak in Solidarity with the Church as One Voice of the Poor.  Immediately following the Society's National Midyear meeting, held in Washington, DC, SVDP joined with the US Conference of Catholic Bishops and more than 10 other Catholic organizations to share, learn, and speak out on behalf of the needy.  The event culminated with Hill visits.  There were 42 state delegations, who made a total of 80 Senate and 150 House visits.  Issue materials for the Catholic Social Ministry Gathering in Washington, DC are available on the US Conference of Catholic Bishops website.  The information includes the following:

                    +  Overall Message to Congress and Summary of Key Issues

                    +  Trade Policy

                    +  Development Assistance

                    +  Housing Choice Voucher Program

                    +  Farm Workers

                    +  Welfare Reform

Feb. 13, 2004 - The Vincentian Family gathered  in San Francisco with a beautiful Mass and liturgy followed by soup supper.   The theme of the liturgy included  words from the poem, "The New Colossus," by 19th century American Poet, Emma Lazarus, inscribed at the foot of the Statue of Liberty.  The group remembered Sister Rosalie Rendu, whose feast day is celebrated on February 14.  Members of the Society's Western Region, in town for a planning meeting on the 14th, also attended.

Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me:

I lift my lamp beside the golden door.The Statue of Liberty was a welcoming sight for immigrants coming to the United States by ship in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.  The sight of this regal woman wearing a crown, holding a torch in one hand and a tablet in the other  made a permanent impression.   This national landmark and treasured American symbol is an important reminder for us today  -- something to reflect on when it comes to immigration policies and attitudes toward newcomers. 

Dec. 30,  2003 - Thom Huellinghorst, Council of the Archdiocese of St. Louis shares the following presentation in adobe acrobat, SVdP Voice of the Poor, 440.65KB (451222 bytes) The presentation provides an invitation for members to be a voice of the poor and includes is an overview of poverty and the mission of the voice of the poor.

Nov. 30, 2003 - See SVDP pilgrimage photos in the FAQ page.  Get news on the beatification of Sister Rosalie Rendu.   (Paris photos just added Nov. 30.)

Nov. 18, 2003 - Josie Cabiglio, Council of Los Angeles, shares the activities of the Council in helping victims of the recent LA firestorm.  The Council provided 110,000 lb. of in-kind donations -- clothing, blankets, shoes, linen, non-perishable food, bottled water and more.  The Council collaborated with Lutheran Social Services.  Click on Council of Los Angeles above for details and photos.

Nov. 15, 2003 - Conference Spiritual Advisors  gathered for formation training and to officially start a spirituality committee in the Council of Oakland (Calif.).  This one-day get together was conducted by Western Region Spiritual Advisor, Father Pedro Villarroya, CM with Ben Vaissade, who represents the central section of the Western Region SVDP.

Nov. 13, 2003 - New Conference formed at UCLA!  "This conference of 14 students is filled with the spirit of Vincent," says Father Pedro Villarroya, CM, a recent guest speaker.  "Their friendship was obvious."  The group reminds Father Pedro of the first conference that was founded by students of the Sorbonne University in 1833.  "Here is the future of our Society," he says.  The Conference meets weekly.  They already have their mission statement and are active in serving the homeless with sandwiches and providing children with toys for the holidays.  Keep up the good work!

Nov. 9, 2003 - The first stone was set for a dining room-school in the name of Sr. Rosalie Rendu  on Sunday, Nov. 9, the day of Sr. Rosalie's beatification, in Guanajuato. Mexico.  The project is a joint effort between the Council of Mexico and the US Council.

Nov. 9, 2003 - News from Hawaii -- While some Vincentians were in Rome for the beatification of Sr. Rosalie, Father Pedro was in Hawaii on a Ozanam School of Charity for the Hawaii SVDP Council.  Hawaii Vincentians are getting ready in the spirit of Frederic and Vincent to welcome Vincentians for the Western Region meeting in 2005.

Nov. 9, 2003 - Beatification of Sister Rosalie Rendu, Daughter of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul in Rome by the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II.  For details visit the FAQ's section of this website.  Photos of the beatification are found here along with the homily by Pope John Paul II, news, and other details!

Oct.  2003 - The US Bishops are appealing to Catholics to practice "faithful citizenship" in the coming election year,  calling for "a new kind of politics—focused on moral principles not on the latest polls, on the needs of the poor and vulnerable not the contributions of the rich and powerful, and on the pursuit of the common good not the demands of special interests."   The US Bishops statement, "Faithful Citizenship:  A Catholic Call to Political Responsibility," may be found at the USCCB website http://www.usccb.org/faithfulcitizenship/index.htm .  A summary may be found on the Famvin website at http://www.famvin.net/en/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=2728 .

Sept. 27, 2003 - Vincentian Family Campaign Against Malaria.  The Vincentian Family united in a common political action in Rome, the eradication of malaria in the world.  The slogan: "Jointly responsible for life, jointly involved against malaria."  The campaign is scheduled to run for a one year period from Sept. 27, 2003 to Sept. 27, 2004.  Details on the Campaign and information sources on the subject of malaria may be found on the famvin website at http://www.famvin.org/malaria/ and a powerpoint presentation  at http://www.famvin.org/malaria/malaria.ppt .

Sept. 2003 -  In the annual State of the Society address US National President Gene Smith described "challenges and turning points." President Smith recalled the challenge of the first Conference of Charity 170 years ago.  Like the first Conference in 1833, the Church is challenged on a regular basis and "Vincentians respond by serving the poor," said Smith.  Last year 14.5 million people were served by the Society.  Our challenge today, said Smith, is to "let our light shine" in what we do and how we do it.  "We are Catholic Vincentians living the call of Christ."  (Note:  The Society has more than 100,000 active, associate and contributing members in the United States.  Last year members made 553,806 home visits.  $93,851,079 was expended by SVDP across the nation to help the poor.  The dollar value of service exceeded $226,000,000.)

Sept 2003 - National President Gene Smith and his wife, Nina, walk through the open-door arch at the Carter Center in Atlanta.  The open-door arch “symbolizes the basic human rights that each citizen holds – freedom of speech, freedom of self government, freedom of safe passage – freedom to choose our paths in life.” Next to the door is a quote from President Jimmy Carter in his Farewell Address to the Nation (January 14, 1981) which says, “America did not invent human rights….Human rights invented America….The love of liberty is the common blood that flows in our American veins.”

Sept. 2003 - "A New Century, A New Charity - Helping the Poor Find a Place at the Table" was presented by Jim Claffey, director of conference operations, Rockville Centre Council (New York) at the 2003 SVDP National meeting in Atlanta .   Providing a response to immediate needs is not enough to solve the problems of the poor.  Does the call of St. Vincent de Paul demand more? 13621.57KB (13948484 bytes)

Aug. 2003 - National Council President Gene Smith addressed TANF reauthorization, legislation that affects millions of Americans, in a letter to members of the US Senate Finance Committee.

April 2003 - Roger Playwin inducted as Executive Director of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Council of the United States.

Feb. 2003 - Vincentians went to Washington, D.C., Feb. 20-25, and participated in the Catholic Social Ministry gathering.  In addition to attending workshops, Vincentians visited elected representatives on the Hill.  Issues included:  reauthorization of TANF (temporary aid for needy families), EITC (earned income tax credit), tax relief for low-income families, aid for developing nations, and the war on Iraq.  The US Conference of Catholic Bishops spearheads the event with 20 other Catholic organizations.  Look for details on the 2004 gathering which will be held in conjunction with the Society's Midyear meeting in Washington, D.C.  Visit the National Council's website at http://www.svdpusa.org/

Jan. 2001 - Voice of the Poor Online Forum.  Visit the online forum where you can post messages for others to view, comment and build upon.  Read what others in the Voice of the Poor community have to say.

Vincentians Push Social Justice at California Catholic Lobby Day