SSVP CANADA NEWS - December 13, 2023

SSVP CANADA - December 13, 2023

NEWSLETTER

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Vincentian Brothers and Sisters,

As Christmas approaches, we are very busy getting things ready to help make Christmas a little brighter for individuals and families in need. Thank you for all you do bringing joy and hope to those you serve.

Hopefully, you can take time to relax and enjoy the holiday season.

Wishing you all a very Merry and blessed Christmas!

Linda Dollard, National President

NEW CONFERENCE

ST. MARGUERITE D’YOUVILLE CONFERENCE, BRAMPTON, ONTARIO

While certain places in Canada saw reduction in conferences during 2023, others witnessed the creation of new ones. St. Marguerite d’Youville Conference created in May 2023 sits in the parish named after Canada’s first native-born saint, also called as “Mother of Universal Charity” for all kinds of homes she founded to help every type of human misery.

VINCENTIANS IN ACTION

SCARE HUNGER

Emmett Cochran, Claire Fancey and their friends decided to do a special 'We Scare Hunger' food drive for the SSVP food bank in St. John's, NL. These High School students, their hockey team and their Community Outreach Program did a food blitz and collected enough food to fill 3 SUV's!

The SSVP food bank invited Emmett and Claire to see first-hand the fruits of their labor. SSVP volunteers Mike Hearn, Don Roberts and Austin Hawley picked up the donation with their assistance.

This initiative is a glowing example of young people involved in social activism. This group plans more social action in the future!

A big Thank You to Claire and Emmett from St. Teresa's Conference!

HOUSING PROJECT UPDATE

LONDON AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT

The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul London Particular Council successfully held the public launch of its Affordable Housing Fundraising Campaign on October 26^th with a presentation of the project by Honourary Co-chairs, Shelley Baker and Mary Michniewicz, and the architect from Cornerstone Architecture, Alison Hannay.

TWINNING PROJECT - GUATEMALA

REQUEST FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE – MEDICAL TREATMENT

Julia Gomez is the President of the Santa Teresa Conference, La Reforma, San Marcos Department, Guatemala. Sister Julia has more than 22 years of service with the SSVP. A few years ago, she began to suffer from health problems which resulted in diabetes. She and members of her family bought medicine when they could to treat her illness. With the development of the disease, she lost sensitivity in her feet, however, she continued visiting the sick and families in need of the Conference. On one of her outings a piece of glass was inserted into the sole of her foot, she did not feel it and when a doctor was consulted, she had an open infected wound needing urgent attention.

REFLECTION

HIS ASSURANCE AND CALL

“Nothing will be impossible for God.” (Luke 1:37)

The Liturgy of Advent exhorts us to be open and welcoming to Christ’s coming, and to foster an awareness of His abiding presence in our lives.

We issue this call to Vincentians Canada-wide who are interested in contributing spiritual reflections. Starting January 2024, the National Spirituality Committee, will post at least two reflection contributions, each month, on the National website for use in Conference and Council meetings. For those interested in writing reflection readings, and receiving Guides to Creating Simple Reflections, please email Jose Torres.

A blessed Christmas season to you and your families.

Msgr. Peter Schonenbach

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you of the death of Msgr. Peter Schonenbach who passed away on December 7.

Mgrs. Schonenbach was the spiritual advisor of the National Council from 2004 to 2018, under the presidencies of Michael Burke, Penny Craig and Jean-Noël Cormier.

Obituary by the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall

IN CONCLUSION

We regularly publish exciting facts about the SSVP. Visit our Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn frequently to find out more about the Society. To promote our publications, please like and share them. Links to our social media can be found at the bottom of this newsletter.

We are always looking for Vincentian testimonials and conference/council activity stories. Send your stories to share with Vincentians across Canada to editor@ssvp.ca.

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