SSVP CANADA - October 18, 2023 | MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT | Thank you to everyone who attended the virtual AGM on September 30 when the new National Council Board members were voted in. The Board members are: - Omar Ellis, Vice-President Social Justice
- Jeff Kucharski, Vice-President Governance
- Denise Ouellette, Vice-President Strategic Planning
- Dave O’Connor, Treasurer
- Michelle Finigan, Secretary
- Kerri Abbott, Youth Representative
- Alain Talbot, Quebec Regional Council Representative
- Ann Massel, Ontario Regional Council Representative
- Heather Schilling, Western Regional Council Representative
- Minette Gomez, British Columbia & Yukon Regional Council Representative
Their photos can be found on the website at About - Society of Saint Vincent de Paul - National Council of Canada (ssvp.ca) and profiles will be added in the near future. And the Committee Chairs are: - Social Justice Co-Chairs: Elaine McMurray and Ray Burke
- Spirituality Chair: Jose Torres
- Formation/Training Chair: Liana Rinaldo
- Fund Development Chair: Peter Albano
- Twinning Chair: Clermont Fortin
- North of 60 Chair: Jean-Noel Cormier
Linda Dollard, President
National Council of Canada | PRESIDENT’S ACTIVITIES In August and September, I was able to meet and connect with many Vincentians while in Edmonton and Calgary and then in St. Louis, Missouri, for the U.S. National Assembly. READ MORE | | WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL? | ROLE OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL At the National Council of Canada, we provide Vincentians across Canada with administration, training, and financial support to facilitate their efforts on behalf of our most vulnerable neighbours. Among the National Council’s responsibilities: - National administration
- Coordination of value-adding programs which contribute to councils and conferences’ operational efficiency
- Visibility and communication
- Unity and training
READ MORE | SSVP HOLY REDEEMER KANATA
Settlement of the Kalala's Family On March 5th, 2023, The Holy Redeemer Parish's Refugee Committee in Kanata announced that the Kalala family, a Congolese Refugee family in Burundi that the Parish was sponsoring, were approved to move to Canada and the sponsorship was finalised awaiting the arrival date. The Kalala family consists of four adults, one sister and three brothers; and their 11-year-old niece, Gladys. Unfortunately, Gladys’ parents are deceased, and her aunt and uncles have been caring for her since fleeing the Congo five years ago. READ MORE | | TESTIMONIAL – TWINNING WITH GUATEMALA Good Shepherd Conference in Edmonton, Alberta is twinned with Santa Lucia Conference. El Plantel, Guatemala. El Plantel is located in a poor and remote region in Guatemala and very difficult to access. It has been a humbling experience to see how the Conference members work so hard to help others when they themselves often don't have much. Their Conference has few members but they help as many people as possible with the funds we provide. READ MORE | | LOIS PRESS
The story of a volunteer In 1972, Rev. W. McAnerney a priest at St. Patrick’s Church in Merritton (now part of St. Catharines) saw the need to assist the less fortunate, gathered the women of the parish to enlist their help and started a Society of Saint Vincent de Paul conference to be located in the basement of the church. Lois was his right hand. READ MORE | | UNDERSTANDING THE PARABLES The disciples came and asked Jesus, “‘Why do you speak to the people in parables?...The reason I speak to them in parables is that ‘seeing they do not perceive, and hearing they do not listen, nor do they understand.’…“But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear.” (Matthew 13.10, 13, 16) | | St. Matthew, the evangelist, compiled a large number parables, all masterfully and compellingly told. Storylines include The Sower, Mustard Seed, Lost Sheep, Unforgiving Servant, Wicked Tenants, Wedding Banquet, Ten Bridesmaids and Talents. Behind their brilliance and simplicity, the parables exhort us to reflect on the mystery of God, His intentions for the world and for human life, and the ideals of our discipleship. READ MORE | 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. If you received this from a friend, you can subscribe to receive our newsletter directly. SUBSCRIBE HERE | CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA | | | | |
