Vincentian Community News |
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“Your health is a gift of God; use it therefore with pleasure and joy for this life in the service of the poor.”
– St. Louise de Marillac
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We are excited to announce that we will have a full virtual Ozanam Orientation next month. The event will be held on Saturday, April 10, 2021 from 9:00am - 2:30pm. Registration is open now.
Ozanam Orientations are designed to set up our new Vincentians for success and re-energize those Vincentians who have already served. During the Ozanam Orientation, Diocesan Council and conference leaders help prepare volunteers by offering insight into the Society's history and legacy, home visits, and Vincentian spirituality.
All new Vincentians are asked to attend an Ozanam Orientation within their first year in ministry; current Vincentians should attend an Ozanam refresher every 3-5 years. The virtual Ozanam Orientation will count towards your requirement, because this is the same presentation you would have if we met in-person.
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Systemic Change and Voice of the Poor |
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The Systemic Change Committee and the Voice of the Poor Committee are joining together to launch VIEWS, a Vincentian Initiative to Empower our Work through Systemic Change. This is a joint initiative to align our Systemic Change and Voice of the Poor efforts.
You are invited to the inaugural meeting on April 17, 2021 at 10:00am. We will explore ways to support the work of our Conferences to produce longer-term solutions for the individuals, families, and communities we serve.
The meeting will be virtual, but you must register to attend. To register click here.
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City of Austin RENT Assistance Program |
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The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is partnering with the City of Austin and the Housing Authority to assist eligible Austin residents, impacted by COVID-19, with applying for rental assistance through the Relief of Emergency Needs for Tenants (RENT) Assistance Program. The RENT Application Portal is now open and will remain open through December 2021 or until funds are spent.
Applicants are welcome to use our computer lab at the Vincentian Family Center
Tuesday - Friday from 9:00am - 12:00pm. Mondays are by appointment only. Email info@ssvdp.org. We will assist applicants with creating an account, completing the online application, and uploading the required documents.
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St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store |
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The St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store is open every Thursday - Saturday from 10:00am - 5:00pm. You are invited to come, explore, and shop for great items at affordable prices. We receive new donations weekly, so you never know what treasures you will find.
We are taking every precaution to ensure your safety. Everyone is required to wear a face mask and practice social distancing. Hand sanitizer is also available when you enter the store. The Thrift Store is sprayed with disinfected spray weekly.
The Thrift Store is in need of volunteers to assist with many tasks including: sorting, organizing, and pricing. Are you interested in volunteering? You can sign up by clicking on this link.
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Poverty in America and Our Communities:
Using Census Data to Serve and Advocate More Effectively
The stories we hear on Home Visits give us an intimate insight into the challenges faced by neighbors in need. Statistics can provide a broader picture of trends in our communities. Combined, these sources of information can help us increase the impact of our assistance and inform our Systemic Change efforts.
Come hear from Census Bureau officials about how to use their tools and resources to gain a deeper understanding of poverty in your state and community.
Can’t Make the Webinar? Register Anyway! All registrants will receive a follow-up email when the recording and materials have been posted.
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2nd Sunday of Easter - Divine Mercy
April 11, 2021
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Gospel Reading: (John 20:19-31)
Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace, be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God.” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”
Vincentian Reflection:
The remarkable thing about belief is that it always has room for unbelief. Like mystery itself, belief isn’t something we have and that’s it. There is always room to grow in our belief, just as there is always room for our unbelief. We call Thomas “doubting Thomas” and so he was. Truth be told, so are all of us. There come times in our lives when we are simply overcome with emptiness and absence—perhaps the death of a loved one, the painful illness of a small child, loss of a job. At these times doubt or unbelief are natural. This doesn’t mean we have lost our faith, it means that at these times we need to keep our eyes focused on the risen Christ and, in due time, we know the Lord is with us inviting us to belief. (Living Liturgy, p.116)
Vincentian Meditation:
Blessed Frederic Ozanam wrote“… the poor we see with the eyes of flesh; they are there and we can put finger and hand in their wounds and the scars of the crown of thorns are visible on their foreheads; and at this point incredulity no longer has place and we should fall at their feet and say with the Apostle, Tu est Dominus et Deus meus (You are my Lord and my God!). You are our masters, and we will be your servants. You are for us the sacred images of that God whom we do not see, and not knowing how to love Him otherwise shall we not love Him in your person?”
Share a time when you moved from unbelief to belief.
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We will offer them up in prayer weekly.
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Health officials have moved Austin-Travis County back into stage 3. You are reminded to continue wearing your masks and practice social distancing to slow the spread of the virus. |
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National Gazette Questions and Answers
Q: To what extent to a Conference does the Rule Part 1, 7.6 apply, if at all? Our thinking is that this Rule would most likely apply at the Council and National level. If not, what are some examples of how Conferences might abide by the spirit of this Rule?
A: That part of the Rule is one of the bases for the formation of Voice of the Poor (VOP) Committees at both Council and Conference levels. Members are encouraged to participate in VOP. Individual members can join VoterVoice and advocate on behalf of the people they serve by making contacts to legislators. To sign up to join VoterVoice click here. Our National President regularly informs our members of opportunities we should take advantage of to speak for the poor. Councils should inform their members of like opportunities at state and local level.
Preguntas y Respuestas de la
Oficina Nacional
P: ¿En qué medida se aplica a una Conferencia la Regla Parte 1.7.6? Nuestro pensamiento es que esta Regla probablemente se aplicaría a nivel del Consejo y Nacional. Si no es así, ¿cuáles son algunos ejemplos de cómo las Conferencias podrían acatar el espíritu de esta Regla?
R: Esa parte de la Regla es una de las bases para la formación de los Comités La Voz de los Pobres (VOP) en el nivel del Consejo y también de la Conferencia. Es bueno que los miembros participar en VOP. Los miembros individuales pueden unirse a VoterVoice y abogar en nombre de las personas a las que sirven al hacer contactos con los legisladores. Para registrarse a VoterVoice, haga clic aquí. Nuestro Presidente Nacional informa periódicamente a nuestros miembros sobre las oportunidades que debemos aprovechar para hablar en nombre de los pobres. Los Consejos deben informar a sus miembros sobre oportunidades similares a nivel estatal y local.
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Call 1.888.317.SVDP
visit www.ssvdp.org
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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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