The St. Vincent DePaul Conference of Saint Bernadette would like to thank our parishioners for their donations which totaled $1,560 for the month of August. During that same period, we spent $1,530 assisting those in need with rent and utilities.
Last month your support helped 9 families. Of the families, there were 9 adults and 9 children. Four of these families are struggling due to their work hours being cut and the other 5 families are suffering medical conditions that prevent them from working. These families will continue to have a roof over their heads and food on their tables. A portion of your donations, $120, was used to sponsor a tutor for school-age children living in shelters for a year. We also spent $100 to purchase underwear for the St. Vincent de Paul downtown campus men’s shelter.
In honor of the Feast Day of St. Vincent de Paul (September 27), members of the SVDP Conference of Saint Bernadette were in the Narthex after Masses on 9/21 and 9/22 and collected over $2,500! See a few of the witness talks below.
We do have a small reserve for those months when our expenses exceed our donations but it’s your continued support that sustains our mission and makes ALL of the difference in the lives of the most vulnerable in our community. The Conference can only give what it receives so it’s only with the generosity of our parishioners that we can create such a positive impact in people’s lives.
We are also very grateful to Bruce and Cindy Davis who’s donation in honor of their son, Paul, enabled the purchase of 2 new votive candle stands in the church. Candle offerings above the cost of the candles are also given to the St. Vincent De Paul Conference of Saint Bernadette.
Last month your support helped 9 families. Of the families, there were 9 adults and 9 children. Four of these families are struggling due to their work hours being cut and the other 5 families are suffering medical conditions that prevent them from working. These families will continue to have a roof over their heads and food on their tables. A portion of your donations, $120, was used to sponsor a tutor for school-age children living in shelters for a year. We also spent $100 to purchase underwear for the St. Vincent de Paul downtown campus men’s shelter.
In honor of the Feast Day of St. Vincent de Paul (September 27), members of the SVDP Conference of Saint Bernadette were in the Narthex after Masses on 9/21 and 9/22 and collected over $2,500! See a few of the witness talks below.
We do have a small reserve for those months when our expenses exceed our donations but it’s your continued support that sustains our mission and makes ALL of the difference in the lives of the most vulnerable in our community. The Conference can only give what it receives so it’s only with the generosity of our parishioners that we can create such a positive impact in people’s lives.
We are also very grateful to Bruce and Cindy Davis who’s donation in honor of their son, Paul, enabled the purchase of 2 new votive candle stands in the church. Candle offerings above the cost of the candles are also given to the St. Vincent De Paul Conference of Saint Bernadette.
PARISHIONER WITNESS TALKS FROM 9/22/19
I’m Helen Nicolas and I am a member of the St Vincent de Paul Society. I’d like to tell you what I’ve learned about the Societies’ work and how it’s work has touched me
- I found that one accident or injury, or loss of a job, or death in a family, or divorce can throw anyone into an emergency situation.
- I found that St Vincent de Paul can step in and offer help and comfort to these people in need.
- And I found out that St Vincent de Paul people are dedicated and caring people of God who are willing to help.
- I personally feel very blessed and honored to be welcomed into the client’s home and find ways to improve the situation and pray with them if they wish.
- Finally I have found that the people here at Bernadette are such a loving, caring, and generous community and very concerned for the wellbeing of others.
Hi, my name is Rebecca Najewicz, and I am a member of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul here at St. Bernadette.
I recently attended the Society’s National Conference in Denver, CO. One of my favorite speakers was Bishop Hying, the Bishop of Madison, Wisconsin. He advised us to pay close attention on our home visits because our clients may tell us their Secret Sorrow. He said everyone has one and to make sure we didn’t just gloss over it.
So I have been thinking about this...Have I experienced this on a home visit? How did I respond? And as I reviewed the cases over in my mind I came to a different place. What I have heard many more times from clients on a home visit are their Secret Hopes and Dreams. “I hope to go back to school”. “I want to start saving for a house”. “I hope my daughter will be able to live with me soon.”
Our clients are hopeful people and on a home visit we try to listen, empathize and encourage while addressing their immediate needs. When the stress is relieved, we quickly see hope and dreams return.
And that is what your donations do. They allow us to bring God’s hope and love to people in our community. Vincentians are in the Narthex today collecting donations. We only do this once a year around St. Vincent de Paul’s Feast Day which is September 27. Thank you so much for your continued support. We couldn’t do it without you.