Dear Vincentians,
This past 4th of July many families, friends, and neighbors had gatherings to celebrate our independence. Communities hosted parades, festivals and fireworks shows. It was a day of celebration for the biggest blessing we all share, our freedom.
The United States of America is a mix of many different races, colors and religions. The United States of America has offered immigrants, both past and present, the opportunity to begin a new life. An opportunity to learn a trade, get an education. An opportunity to live in this amazing country.
Many Vincentians in the past and today have served or are still serving our country so that we can enjoy this blessing. On this day, let us be thankful for the opportunities that were given to our ancestors who came here years ago to begin a new life. Let us be thankful for those who have fought for our freedom. Let us be thankful for living in this great country.
Please take some time today to pray for continued peace and freedom not just for our country, but for those countries who are in turmoil. God Bless America.
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Harry Ohde
CEO/President SVdP Chicago, ADC
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"Ask Mike" - Our Q&A series addresses common questions Chicagoland Vincentians may have as they go about their work for the Society. Have a question? Email us at teresa@svdpchicago.org
Q: I have a question about nomination and voting on president. I looked at the Rule and I can't seem to find anything about how long they should be a Vincentian? Currently this person they're looking at, this candidate is not a Vincentian. I know they have to be a Vincentian and a Catholic before they take that office. I just didn't know if there were any other restrictions.
A: The Rule says only Active members of the Society can be officers at any level. An Active member must be Catholic, attend meetings on a regular basis, and participate in the works of the Society. The question of how long a person needs to participate in the above in order to be considered Active can only be answered by the Conference as a whole. However, there is the consideration of Resolution 93 which the National Council passed in 2011. It requires all new members to attend the Ozanam Orientation. Resolution 93 also states: The Ozanam Orientation should be taken before taking office, for all Council and Conference officers and Spiritual Advisors, but must be taken within one year after taking office.
Here is the real meaning. The Society does not want people in place as Vincentians who do not know what the Society is about, thus the requirement of the Ozanam Orientation. It especially does not want people in Officer roles who don't understand the way the Society works. That's why we don't recruit simply to get a new President or officers.
Q: Why are our chapters called conferences? In informal discussion with those not privy to our bureaucracy, we call ourselves a chapter. That avoids any confusion.
A: In the French usage, the members of the first Conferences referred to each other as "confrere" which is associated with the word "confraternity." The Society is more of a fraternal organization than a simple membership organization. The word "Conferences" is a derivation. Nobody should use a different name for the Conference.
by Mike Syslo
ADC Vice President
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There Is Still Time to Register for Monday, July 18, Webinar: Invitation to Serve - Recruiting New Members
All Conference and Council Members who will be responsible for recruiting new members either for existing Conferences or new Conferences are invited to attend a one-hour webinar on an Invitation to Serve (ITS) - Recruiting New Members. This one-hour training session will help you organize your recruitment effort.
Three dates are available for these one-hour sessions: July 18, August 16 and September 22.
To make your reservation to attend one of these webinars or for more information, please email Mike Syslo or call him direct at (602) 625-1078.
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Our next Ozanam Orientation is scheduled for August 13 & 20, 2022. This is a 2-Part Webinar.
For additional information or to register, contact Mike Syslo at (602) 625-1078 or email Mike at mike.syslo@outlook.com.
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The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Chicago Celebrates our Very Own Spiritual Advisor, Father Gerald Kelly, in Honor of 40 Years as a Vincentian Priest
June was a big month for SVdP’s Spiritual Advisor, Fr. Kelly. He celebrated a birthday along with 40 years in the Priesthood.
Fr. Kelly grew up on the Northwest Side in the St. Bart’s parish. He has two brothers and one sister, with him being the second oldest. His father was involved with SVdP and since an early age he heard alot and knew alot about Frederic Ozanam. Growing up on the Northside, his favorite sports team is the Chicago Cubs. He shared a story from his youth of the time he had a day off of school and he was “hanging out” at the Cubs Parking Lot, specifically for the players. Ernie Banks came up to him and told him to “stop playing hooky”. He tried to explain to him that it was “record day” at school and he was off, but Ernie Banks didn’t seem to be buying that excuse. Ernie Banks had told him that he had to stay in school. At the end of their discussion, Fr. Kelly got his autograph!
He attended St. Vincent’s High School Seminary and from there went to Santa Barbara, CA, where he was a novitiate in 1972. In 1973 he went to Saint Mary’s Seminary in Perryville, MO. This was a college seminary and was the motherhouse. In 1977 he came back to Illinois and went to the Seminary in Lemont, which is now the Lithuanian Culture Center. He taught at High Schools and the College Seminary since 1982. He was assigned to a parish in Missouri in 1994 for 4 years, then in 1998 he went to work for Catholic Charities.
He attended many meetings with Father Grace and Monsignor Boland. As the Monsignor’s calendar became full, Fr. Kelly became more involved. Those who were on the board would be able to contact him anytime if there was a problem, idea, etc.
Fr. Kelly began attending SVdP Chicago Council meetings leading the Prayers and Reflections in 1998. Fr. Kelly offers Mission Reflections and does not deal much with the business end of the meetings. But he is always there to lend his thoughts and is honored to be with such wonderful people in this very Vincentian work.
All are welcome to attend a 40th Anniversary of Ordination Celebration for Fr. Kelly. Mass will be offered on Sunday, August 7, 2022, at 11:30 am, at St. Alexander Church, 7025 W 126th Street, Palos Heights, IL 60463. A reception will be held immediately following in the Parish Hall. No reservations are required.
Many Blessings Fr. Kelly from your friends at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Chicago. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for the Society.
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SVdP Orland Park Store Gets a Fresh New Look! |
Earlier this week, the SVdP Orland Park Thrift Store was blessed to have the help from 17 high school students and 3 adults who are part of the "Alive in You" Catholic Ministry program.
This week the store had the floors cleaned and waxed and with the help of this wonderful organization, it couldn't have come at a better time. Their help with moving racks, store items, cleaning up, etc., made what could have been a daunting task into a doable task. Their help was sincerely appreciated by all!
Sarah Daszczuk has been involved on and off for 6-7 years with the program and involved 10 years total with youth ministry. "Alive in You" travels around the country doing community service and are in the Chicago area this week with 200 people from the Wauwatosa, WI, area. They arrived Tuesday evening and will be going back home to on Sunday. Some of these students expressed interested in working with Boys Clubs, YMCA, Cleaning at Cemeteries and helping at Catholic Schools.
"Alive in You" believes in going into communities and partnering with organizations such as SVdP that helps and serves the community. Their parishes have an active SVdP as well so they knew about us and what we have to offer.
During one of groups evening discussions earlier this week, the students shared stories about helping out at the store and did not realize how much it helped others. This experience they will take back with them when returning home at the end of the week. They were also impressed with Kelly's (our Store Manager) story and Harry's dedication to SVdP.
Thank you Sarah and the "Alive in You" group of students who came to spend a few days with us and learn a little bit more of what SVdP has to offer.
May God Bless You All.
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North Central Region Meeting - Waukesha, WI
This year's NCR 2022 Waukesha event was filled with learning, friendship, and prayer.
There were 400 people in attendance making this one of the largest events in many years. Seeing familiar faces and sharing of ideas and stories made for a very informative event.
Several Vincentians from the Chicago Council were attendees with others as Guest Speakers. At the end of the event, we were all able to gather for dinner and support our Volunteer President/CEO as he announced next year's NCR will be held at University of St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein.
Thank you to all who were able to attend Waukesha this year and we look forward to seeing everyone in 2023!
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We Want to Hear from YOU!
The SVdP-Chicago Newsletter is a highly anticipated monthly eblast that many look forward to receiving. With all the good work that our Vincentians are doing throughout Cook and Lake Counties, I am sure you have some stories to share and some pictures as well.
I am looking for material from you to showcase the amazing work you are doing with your Conference. Don't hesitate sending over articles (with or without pictures) whether it be a food pantry, clothing drive, back to school drive, etc. Do you have a "feel good" story? Send those over as well!
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Save the Date: June 14-17, 2023
North Central Region Conference
University of St. Mary of the Lake - Mundelein, Illinois
The North Central Region 2023 Conference will be held at University of St. Mary of the Lake, June 14-17, 2023, at 1000 E Maple Avenue, Mundelein, IL.
As details become available, they will be shared in our monthly E-Newsletter, E-Gazette and our website.
We are excited to be hosting the conference next year and we look forward to seeing everyone there!
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How Can You Help?
There are a number of ways that you can support SVdP Chicago this month!
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AmazonSmile
If you already use Amazon.com for online shopping, you can link your account to AmazonSmile and support SVdP Chicago!
You will make a .5 percent donation with every Amazon purchase by using AmazonSmile.
Here are 3 simple steps to start donating today:
Step 1: Go to smile.amazon.com log in using your email and password as if you were at amazon.com.
Step 2: Search for the Society of St Vincent de Paul-Chicago and select us as your charity.
Step 3: Shop, Amazon Smile, and Amazon will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to SVdP!
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SVdP Chicago Prayer List
Visit our website to offer prayers for those on our list or submit an intention for others to pray for. The power of prayer is very strong. We thank you for your prayers for our members while the Holy Spirit guides us in our work.
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Vehicle Donation Program
Have a car, truck, boat, motorcycle, or RV that is past its prime? The National Vehicle Donation Program is coordinated by The National Council of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul and all donations can be made to SVdP Chicago!
Contact our Office Manager Elvia at elvia@svdpchicago.org with any questions or call 773-779-6700 x 107 to start your donation today!
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Let's Get Social
One of the easiest ways to be involved with SVdP Chicago is liking us on Facebook (or Twitter, Youtube, or Instagram) and sharing our posts! We have accounts for each of the Thrift Stores also that you can follow, like, and share from.
This simple action has a big impact in helping to make others aware of the work we are doing to help those in need and how they can get involved!
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Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to the mission of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul! We are working together to build a better tomorrow for those in need. “Let us love God, but let it be with the work of our hands and the sweat of our brows.” - St. Vincent de Paul
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SVdP Chicago has been reaching out in our local communities throughout Cook and Lake counties for over 169 years. We have the experience of being a force of good throughout times of war, global pandemics, economic crises, and social changes. Our volunteers serve with hearts full of love and compassion and the Society helps anyone regardless of race, religion, political association, or gender. Learn more about what we do and who we help at our website.
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