Updates from the National Council

I hope you are having a Blessed Lenten season filled with 40 days of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. A Lenten journey of the heart is a time for Reflection, Repentance and Renewal encouraging us to look inward and ask the questions:

  1. What in my heart needs to change?
  2. What in my life needs to change so that I can reflect the love of Jesus more fully?

I recently attended Ontario Regional Council assembly in Sarnia, Ontario and its great workshops, and toured the SSVP Sarnia’s special works, 2 Thrift Stores and Food Bank.

The Annual National Formation (ANF) is coming up June 19 – 21, 2025 in Hamilton, Ontario. Be sure to register for this event as it is a great opportunity to learn, network, hear from keynote speakers, and attend excellent workshops taking information back to your home Conference/Council.

A question regularly comes up: “Is it appropriate or does the Rule allow for Conferences and Councils to use their funds to assume the costs for members to attend National and Regional meetings?”

The answer is a definite “YES”! It is a very important and smart way to improve how you serve neighbours in need, make your Conference or Council better and more effective, grow your membership, develop deeper spiritually, and deepen friendship and community within the Society across the country.

What is the ANF? The Annual National Formation is an inspiring and uplifting event bringing together Vincentians from across Canada to learn, network, share experiences of living out our mission of serving people in need, and celebrate common values of spirituality, friendship, and service.

Who should attend? All Vincentians who are passionate about the role they play in their conference or council’s mission to serve people in need with love, respect, justice, and joy.

Why should you attend? A core value of being a Vincentian is to come together as a family. This is a family reunion where we build relationships and strengthen our friendship, learning from the various experiences of our brothers and sisters in active service across Canada.

How will this make a difference? By sharing stories and experiences, listening to acclaimed guest speakers like Dr. Donna Beegle, and learning new information from workshops (in English and in French) on varied topics, you will leave the event richer in knowledge, spiritual growth and new friendships with Vincentians and will have excellent information to share with your Conference and Council members to help carry out our mission.

Vincentians are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to come together!

Support Vincentians to attend the ANF, not just your leadership, but new emerging leaders, Committee leaders, and spiritual leaders, people who will come back and fire up your Conference and Council members.

Wishing you a very Blessed Easter!

Linda Dollard, National President
 

ANF Program Unveiled!
McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario 
From Thursday, June 19 to Saturday, June 21, 2025

The Annual National Formation meeting in Hamilton is just over 2 months away, and we’re excited to present the event’s full program and the workshops list.

As you will see, in addition to unique keynote speakers, we’ve scheduled a very varied and engaging slate of workshops, guaranteed to make you learn and reflect, and we’ve made sure to include plenty of time to connect and grow with fellow Vincentians.

REGISTRATION FORM

“Evolving in today’s world” has ALWAYS been in the Society’s DNA, as the founders foresaw that while the people in need would always remain, their needs would change in time, and the SSVP should adjust accordingly.

Make sure you attend Tim Williams and Ray Sickinger’s keynote presentation about Frédéric Ozanam’s vision at this year’s ANF, they will take us back to the chaos that existed at the beginning of the SSVP, and how that shaped the Society.
 

London PC Launches “St. Vincent’s on Huron”

SSVP inaugurates its first affordable housing project in London Ontario

The outreach and hard work paid off: on April 3, 2025, the London Particular Council of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul held a groundbreaking ceremony of its affordable housing project “St. Vincent’s on Huron”, attended by the nearby community, affordable housing partners, donors, volunteers, and politicians.

READ MORE
 

Maximize your CanadaHelps Presence!

A Guide

A quick glance through the multiple SSVP entries in http://canadahelps.org  shows that many Conferences and Councils have yet to take ownership of their page and are wasting a wonderful opportunity to appeal to their dedicated donors and expand their funding options.

What is CanadaHelps?

CanadaHelps is a registered charity that provides online fundraising tools for Canadian nonprofits. It enables charities to accept donations, run campaigns, and issue tax receipts automatically.

READ MORE
 

What Will Your Legacy Be?

Leaving a legacy gift to the SSVP means that the organization in which you invested countless hours and funds will persevere beyond you in its actions to our neighbours in need. It ensures that your Vincentian spirit remains when you are no longer there.

Did you know that designating a charity as a beneficiary of your qualified retirement plan can also be a tax-smart and effective solution? There can be significant tax advantages to donating retirement assets – either during your lifetime or in your estate plan.

READ MORE
 

Listening Sessions Coming Your Way: Let’s Keep Hearing from You!

In January, the National Strategic Plan Committee launched a nationwide survey for members, volunteers, and employees of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul.

This survey marked the first step in a broader consultation process aimed at reaching as many voices as possible. Its purpose is to spark meaningful conversations across with the Society and to support three main objectives: deepening our understanding of diverse perspectives, building greater awareness of shared challenges and opportunities, and encouraging broader engagement in the work of SSVP.

READ MORE
 

Take Action Now: Guaranteed Basic Income

Canada’s federal election takes place on April 28. We must not let this opportunity pass us by. 

The SSVP endorses Guaranteed Basic Income as an affordable, practical means of alleviating poverty in Canada, an important tool to ensure no one is left behind. The most economically marginalized in our communities must not bear the brunt of current challenges.

We have produced Guaranteed Basic Income resources to help you speak out on behalf of your neighbours in need.

READ MORE
 

Vincentian Life

Vancouver Island PC more active than ever

The Social Concern Office (SCO) is set up to offer emergency assistance for food or clothing, that is, assistance required because of difficult circumstances arising that were perhaps unforeseen and beyond the control of the individual. 

The Food Pantry remains a crucial community resource, serving 746 individuals in January and 636 in February, with March on track to meet or exceed these numbers, ensuring that those in need have access to essential food resources.

Additionally, the free tax program, launched on March 3rd, has already assisted 135 clients. The program is running only 2 days a week, helping folks navigate tax season and access financial benefits.

With these transitions and new initiatives, the SCO remains committed to its mission of supporting the community in meaningful ways.
 

Vincentian of the Month

Cécile Pinard-Prince 
A Pillar of Our Team at SSVP Victoriaville, QC

For over 25 years, Cécile has been an integral part of the St-Alphonse Conference, taking on many roles: receptionist, home visitor, secretary, and archivist. Her experience and deep knowledge of our community make her an invaluable resource. We often turn to her for guidance and insight.

Her unwavering commitment, dedication, and joyful spirit make her an outstanding Vincentian. Cécile is truly a cornerstone of our team, and we are incredibly grateful to honor her today. 

We invite you to submit your nominations to recognize a Vincentian in our community whose work and dedication deserve to be celebrated. 
 

Reflections

April 2025 overlaps both liturgical times. This combined reflection, Hearing Our Neighbour’s Cry during Lent by Jose Torres and Living the Risen Christ in Our Work by Caroline Boerboom touches on the feasts of Lent and Easter.

REFLECTIONS
 

Commission for International Aid and Development - (CIAD) 2024 Annual Report

This vital fund, managed by the Commission for International Aid and Development, enables the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Council General International (CGI) to respond swiftly and to assist our brothers and sisters trying their best to respond compassionately to disasters and other emergency needs around the world. 

CIAD - 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
 

Calling on all Young Vincentians!

Start planning for your future and take advantage of the opportunity afforded by the 2025 Emmanuel Bailly Scholarship. The scholarship amount this year has been increased to $3000!

Applications are now being accepted, find all qualifying and application details on our site:

EMMANUEL BAILLY SCHOLARSHIP
 

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-editeur@ssvp.ca.

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