SSVP CANADA NEWS - August 16, 2023

SSVP CANADA - August 16, 2023

NEWSLETTER

2022-2023 COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT

The Community Impact Report for 2022-2023 is now available.
These statistics only represent a fraction of the difference Vincentians
make every day across Canada, as being present, listening and
ready to help is our greatest impact, and that’s not measurable.

Thank you for everything you do for your neighbours.

COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT

2023 ANNUAL NATIONAL FORMATION

A PROFILE OF SERVANT LEADERSHIP

By Jose I. Torres

Heather Schilling was among the 73 participants at this year’s National Formation. She is currently the President of the Western Regional Council. Over the past 12 years, she has held leadership roles within the Society at the Conference, Central Council and Regional Council, and National Committee levels.

In deeply personal way, she shared her Vincentian stories and insights. Excerpts follow.

Describe how your Vincentian journey has been so far.

My journey as a Vincentian has provided me the opportunity to live my faith animated by the Scriptures which enliven the presence of our Lord Jesus in my life. Through successes and failures, I have learned to listen to and follow Jesus and allowed Him to transform me into an instrument of His peace.

NORTH OF 60

RESTORATION OF HISTORIC PAULATUK BUILDING

Residents of Paulatuk, Northwest Territories, are celebrating the long-awaited reopening of Father’s House, a historical building that has been transformed into a community hub following five years of restoration work.

The Catholic Mission House was built in 1935 and used as a home for the local priest as well as a community gathering place. It had fallen into disrepair and sat empty for the last 20 years.

VINCENTIANS ACTIVITIES

SSVP OF VANCOUVER ISLAND
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CONFERENCE
ST. PATRICK’S PARISH, CAMPBELL RIVER

Visit to Zeballos and Ehatis Band Office June 16, 2023

A long awaited and much anticipated trip to Zeballos and the Band Office on the Ehatis Reserve took place on Friday, June 16^th. The purpose of the visit was to get better acquainted with band staff, volunteers and residents, and to evaluate the food security project, started in January 2022. On the journey that day were three members of Our Lady of Guadalupe Conference: Paul Bertrand (Vice President), Sheila Keats (President), and Secretary Deb Mackay-Mikal. Deb was our photographer for the day.

SPIRITUALITY

BLESSEDNESS AND HOLINESS

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain: and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. … Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (Matthew 5.1-.3, .6-.8)

In his June 12, 2023 homily, Fr. Felix Anthony, O.Carm., Associate Pastor of the St. John of the Cross (Mississauga, ON) parish said: In the full passage, Jesus in nine times used as well as began with the word Blessed. We also often talk about ourselves or others as being blessed. Blessedness is, however, not something we acquire or receive. It is something we already are – bestowed by the Creator at our creation. Some acknowledge they are blessed while others have not recognized their blessedness. Those others need to be deeply aware of such.

IN CONCLUSION

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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Society of Saint Vincent de Paul - National Council of Canada

2463 Innes Rd. Ottawa, ON K1B 3K3