Vincentian Community News |
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"Our membership in such a union will bear silent and humble witness to the faith that is in us - a faith that has always inspired its more devoted adherents to work for the good of those the world despises and neglects."
–Blessed Frederic Ozanam
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Feast of Blessed Frederic Ozanam
September 9, 2021
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Blessed Frédéric, pray for us
That we may seek holiness
By imitating the model you gave us
Of serving Christ in the poor
Of serving Christ in your friends,
Of serving Christ in your work,
Of serving Christ as a citizen,
Of serving Christ in your family;
In sickness and in health, serving Christ.
Amen
National Council of the United States of St. Vincent de Paul
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You are invited to join us for our Serving in Hope Virtual Benefit on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at 6pm. This is our largest fundraiser of the year! Serving in Hope is an opportunity for people in the community to learn more about the works of the Society and to raise funds to support our mission. Please share with your family, friends, and network. Register now at www.ssvdp.org/serving-in-hope.
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The Diocesan Council and the St. Albert the Great Conference are hosting the 2021 Friends of the Poor Walk on Saturday, September 25 at 11am at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church. This annual event raises awareness of the challenges faced by our neighbors in need. It is also a fundraising opportunity for Conferences to raise funds to further their mission to provide financial assistance, food assistance, and other basic essentials to those in underserved communities.
Conferences are encouraged to participate and create a team to walk on September 25 in person or virtually. When walkers register to walk, they can designate their funds to the Conference of their choice. To register click on this link.
Volunteer opportunities are available for the Friends of the Poor Walk. To sign up, click on this link.
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Thrift Store Helps Hurricane Evacuees |
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A Louisiana family turned to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul after evacuating due to Hurricane Ida. Betty and Daniel, of Houma, evacuated with their daughter, three young grandchildren, Betty's parents, and their neighbor and took shelter in Round Rock with Betty's sister. Betty reached out to the St. William Conference seeking food, personal care items, and clothing for her family.
The food pantry team at St. William's provided the family with plenty of groceries. With the help of Rick Bologna, the Stores Director for the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, clothes were provided to Betty and her entire family.
Please continue to keep this family and those impacted by Hurricane Ida in your prayers.
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COVID-19 Stage 5 Risk Guidelines |
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New COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Central Texas. Austin-Travis County entered Stage 5 of the risk-based guidelines. Austin Public Health officials are making the following recommendations:
Fully vaccinated individuals should:
- Wear a mask.
- Avoid large gatherings where masks are not required if you are high-risk with underlying conditions.
- Help us get the rest of the population vaccinated by talking with your loved ones.
Partially or unvaccinated individuals should:
- Get fully vaccinated.
- Stay home and avoid gatherings or travel. Choose curbside and delivery options.
- Wear a mask when conducting essential activities if you must go out.
- Choose establishments that are protecting their customers and staff with mask wearing, social distancing and measures to stop the spread of COVID-19.
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New SVDP Online Thrift Store! |
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The St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store has launched its new Online store. The new website will offer one of kind treasures that will only be available online! Visit svdptreasures.org and check out the unique treasures that are available now! Purchases made online will be picked up at the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store.
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St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store
Now Open on Wednesdays!
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The St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store is now open Wednesday - Saturday from 10:00am - 5:00pm. You have an extra day to explore and shop for great items at affordable prices.
We are taking every precaution to ensure your safety and to stop the spread of COVID-19. Everyone is required to wear a face mask and practice social distancing in the Thrift Store. Hand sanitizer is also available when you enter the store.
The Thrift Store is in need of volunteers to serve as greeters, cashiers, donation sorters, taggers, and to assist customers in various departments. Are you interested in volunteering? You can sign up by clicking on this link.
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You can make a difference by sharing your time and talents. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Diocesan Council of Austin has new volunteer opportunities available in the Thrift Store, Client Services, and Council Office. We now have a new and easy way for you to sign up. Visit the volunteer page on ssvdp.org/volunteer, complete the form, and submit it. You will be contacted by a Council staff member.
Ready to volunteer? Click on this link to sign up!
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Feast of Blessed Frederic Ozanam
September 9, 2021
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Gospel Reading: (Luke 10: 25-37)
“And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied: “There was a man going down from Jerusalem to Jericho who fell in with robbers. They stripped him, beat him, and then went off leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road; he saw him but continued on. Likewise there was a Levite who came the same way; he saw him and went on. But a Samaritan who was journeying along came on him and was moved to pity at the sight. He approached him and dressed his wounds, pouring in oil and wine as a means to heal. He then hoisted him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, where he cared for him. The next day he took out two silver pieces and gave them to the innkeeper with the request: “Look after him, and if there is any further expense I will repay you on my way back.” Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the man who fell in with the robbers?” The answer came, “The one who treated him with compassion.” Jesus said to him, “Then go and do the same.”
Vincentian Reflection:
Frederic heard the call of Jesus –to be merciful. He saw the works of mercy as calls to action. He believed that if he genuinely wanted to serve the poor and others, he had to direct his works of mercy to the moral and spiritual betterment of individuals, not only to the alleviation of their physical distress.
Vincentian Meditation:
At Frederic Ozanam’s beatification ceremonies, August 22, 1997, Pope John Paul II told the world: “Frederic observed the real situation of the poor and sought to be more and more effective in helping them in their human development. He understood that charity must lead to efforts of justice…that charity and justice go together. Frederic had the clear-sighted courage to seek a front-line social and political commitment in a troubled time in the life of his country.” (Memorial of the Beatification of Frederic Ozanam, p.82)
How are you living the spirit of Frederic in “justice and charity”?
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Patriot Day
September 11, 2021
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Tomorrow, we remember all those who lost their lives in the 2001 attacks. We pray for the victims and their families. |
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We will offer them up in prayer weekly.
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National Gazette Questions and Answers
Q: Can a neighbor in need served also become an Active Member of a Conference?
A: A neighbor can indeed become an Active Member of a Conference so long as the requirements for an active member are met: 1) They are Catholic; 2) They attend meetings regularly; 3) They participate in the activities, works and life of the Conference. All three are important to be an Active Member. If #1 or #2 is missing, they are Associate Members. The Rule, Part III, Statute 3 identifies clearly the membership types. Experience shows that it is best to accept them into membership after their situation stabilizes.
Preguntas y Respuestas de la
Oficina Nacional
P: ¿Puede un vecino con necesidades que recibió ayuda convertirse en miembro activo de una Conferencia?
R: De hecho, un vecino puede convertirse en miembro activo de una Conferencia siempre que se cumplan los requisitos para ser miembro activo: sea católico, asista a las reuniones con regularidad y participe en las actividades, trabajos y vida de la Conferencia. Los tres son importantes para ser un miembro activo. Si falta el número uno o dos, son miembros asociados. La Regla, Parte III, Estatuto 3 identifica claramente los tipos de miembros. La experiencia muestra que es mejor aceptarlos como miembros después de que su situación de vida tiene más estabilidad.
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Partner Programs
An easy and free way to support the work of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is to join our partner programs. Sign up for one or both of the programs, and our partner agencies will donate a portion of their proceeds from your purchases to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. You can find more information by clicking this link.
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Council Office:
Monday - Friday
9:00am - 5:00pm
Client Services:
Tuesday - Friday
9:00am - 12:00pm
Food Pantry:
Saturday
9:00am - 12:00pm
St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store
Thursday - Saturday
10:00am - 5:00pm
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Contact Us:
Rick Bologna, Stores Director, rick.bologna@ssvdp.org
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*Deadline submission for the eNews is Wednesday at noon. |
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