SSVP CANADA - May 10, 2023 | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Hello everyone, I am thrilled and humbled to join such a wonderful organization, one that touches so many Canadian lives every day. My approach for this role is one of evolution, not revolution. A lot of great work has already been done and my intent is to persevere in a spirit of continuity so that together, we can ensure the Society’s long-term viability. | | While I am still in the learning phase, my main focus will be on 2 key tasks: - Increasing the Society’s visibility to ensure that the great work being done is recognized and well-funded, and to attract new people in our midst.
- Renewal and rejuvenation: adjust and refine the Society’s communication process to the standards expected from a modern organization, to engage and inform all interested parties.
I will be focusing on adding value and looking for ways to facilitate the work done by our most important contributors, the volunteers who act tirelessly on behalf of their community every day. I look forward to meeting you face to face soon. If you have a comment or suggestion, I am always interested in hearing from you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out by email at exdir-dirgen@ssvp.ca. Philippe E. Blain, Executive Director
National Council | LES PANIERS DU BONHEUR (HAPPINESS HAMPERS) These hampers, loaded with foodstuffs and small gifts, are well named. They are the joy of the Saint-Marc women’s and mixed conference, under the presidency of Mrs. Jocelyne Mailloux and Mr. Gilles Gaudreault, as well as of the women's and mixed councils of La Baie-Bas Saguenay, presided by Mrs. Doris Tremblay and Mr. Réal Lemire. However, these Vincentians are not alone in this beautiful initiative. Indeed, they benefit from the generous contribution and excellent collaboration of the 3rd Wing of the Bagotville Base Control Tower in Saguenay. READ MORE | | TESTIMONIAL Greetings from Good Shepherd Conference in Edmonton, I have rejoined SSVP after many years away due to care-giving for my mother. Since rejoining I have been embraced with fellowship that words cannot describe! I go on wonderful home visits to people from all over the world who are so grateful for whatever we can offer them. My fellow Vincentians are truly living saints, living out holy moments on a daily basis. A shout out to Rita, Delores and Jeff whose calling to be true Vincentian home visitors is a gift from God! Actually, all the Vincentians in our parish are amazing individuals! From the prayerful and reflective meetings to the genuine and affirming fellowship, I feel I have again found my calling within the church. Many blessings, Angela Vitale | TWINNING WITH COLOMBIA – ABEJORRAL York South Particular Council, Richmond Hill, Ontario, is twinning with Conferencia de Abejorral, Antioquia Department, Colombia, since July 2022. This is a very active conference with many members engaged in a variety of charitable activities. One of the main activities is housing for families in need. The Conference runs 45 homes that benefit the same number of families, for a total of 95 people. In March 2023, the Canadian twinning partner received a report from their Colombian twin detailing the renovation of a residence that was in decrepit shape. READ MORE | | REFLECTION ON BEING IN NEED Jesus said to the Pharisees, “Have you never read what David did, when he was in need and was hungry, he and those who were with him? (Mark 2:25) Auxiliary Bishop of Toronto Robert Kasun in his Daily TV Mass homily on January 19, 2023 sums up Jesus’ defining works in this world - healing, preaching and casting out unclean spirits - all anchored in other peoples’ needs. As the Lord came to give hope to those in need, we must humbly approach Him and ask for what we need for ourselves, he added. READ MORE | | COUNCIL GENERAL INTERNATIONAL | LATEST ISSUE OF ‘OZANAM NETWORK’ DIGITAL MAGAZINE The Issue nº 01/2023 of ‘Ozanam Network’ digital magazine, translated and edited by Council General International’s Communications Department, is now available. One of the highlighted news is “SSVP is celebrating 190 years of its fountation”. READ MORE | | QUESTION Should there be an election for a Regional Council or National Council President, who gets a vote? | ANSWER Instituted Regional Council, Central Council and Particular Council Presidents and Aggregated Conference Presidents get a vote for the election of a National Council President. Instituted Central Council and Particular Council Presidents and Aggregated Conference Presidents get a vote for the election of a Regional Council President. | | 2.17.2 TWINNING Twinning is a special work of the Society. It is a fraternal sharing of the Society’s prayers, relations and resources with less fortunate conferences and councils in other countries. Twinning has been an informal part of the Society since its creation because conferences and councils have always tried to assist one another. It became more firmly established when the 1979 Plenary Session of the Council General International stated that “all monies collected in the name of the Society anywhere, belong, in principle, to the poor of the world”. Canada started to develop a formal twinning program in the 1980’s. For any questions about Twinning, please contact Clermont Fortin. | 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. If you received this from a friend, you can subscribe to receive our newsletter directly. SUBSCRIBE HERE | Society of Saint Vincent de Paul - National Council of Canada 2463 Innes Road Ottawa, ON K1B 3K3 | | | | |
