SSVP CANADA - August 21, 2024 | ANNUAL NATIONAL FORMATION - ANF | MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Thank you to everyone who attended the Annual National Formation (ANF) and Statutory Annual Meeting in Calgary in June. There was a great turnout with 180 registered people. Thank you to Calgary Central Council led by President Evan Strong for hosting the event and organizing the western themed dinner and entertainment on Thursday evening. Thank you to the Planning Committee consisting of Heather Schilling, Joy Morales, Dawn Gray, Pat Lenz, Ken Schwartz, Jean Noel Cormier, Philippe Blain, Josée Lemieux and Nicole Schryburt for all their hard work that went into the planning for this very successful event. | We received great feedback from attendees on the quality of workshops offered on several topics including Safe, Secure and Affordable Housing, Guaranteed Basic Income, Street Outreach, Home Visits, Fundraising, Rejuvenation and Recruitment, Twinning and many more. The workshop presentations can be found on the National Council website at Annual National Formation - Society of Saint Vincent de Paul - National Council of Canada (ssvp.ca) Excellent feedback was also received on our plenary speakers which included Bishop William McGrattan, Bishop Yvan Mathieu, Paul Nazareth and fellow Vincentian John Foppe, who received a standing ovation after his inspirational talk. The majority of attendees who completed the survey were very satisfied with the plenary speakers, workshops and overall content of the event. | This year’s ANF earned an overall 4.2 out of 5 satisfaction rating in our survey results and there were a number of first time attendees. | Our participants’ willingness to recommend the event to a friend or acquaintance came back in the excellent range. | My installation as National Council President was truly a special experience for me, one that I will always remember. I feel honoured and humbled to be your servant leader. I felt blessed to be able to install Bishop Yvan Mathieu as the National Council Spiritual Advisor. The Commissioning Ceremony for those present was also a very memorable experience. Following discussion at the Statutory Annual Meeting on how often the ANF should take place, a motion was made to have the ANF in 2025. These details are still being worked on, and we will confirm the dates and location as soon as the details are finalized. | | On July 29 a survey was sent out asking for feedback on your preferred frequency for the ANF to take place, as this gathering is intended to benefit all members. Decisions stemming from the results of that survey will be implemented starting in 2026. If you have not yet completed this survey, please do so before September 30 so your voice may be heard. Thank you. Linda Dollard, National President | IMPRESSIONS OF MY FIRST ANNUAL NATIONAL FORMATION (ANF) - Calgary, Alberta June 2024 I joined the SSVP at my parish of St. Francis in Newcastle, Ontario three years ago. My wife Susan and daughter Magdelena joined at the same time. Up to that time, we were a family who attended Mass every Sunday but did not participate fully as parishioners. I have recently fully retired after a long career in post-secondary education and my wife suggested maybe I should become a more active member of St. Francis. READ MORE | | LIVING AND SERVING IN HOPE The short essay is inspired by the theme for the 2024 Annual National Formation (ANF), Serving in Hope. My mother used to tell us her World War II stories in their brutality and destruction; in doing so, she hoped my siblings and I would grow more caring for each other and other people, and remain optimistic amid adversities. Those stories also offered us at tender age a glimpse of humanity – bad and good – and an appreciation of the Creator’s larger plan for His every child. READ MORE | | CHANGES TO THE SSVP NATIONAL SCREENING AND DUTY OF CARE GUIDELINES At the National Council Board of Directors meeting in Ottawa on April 12 and 13, several amendments were made to the National Screening and Duty of Care Guidelines. Amendments to the guidelines were made because National received several questions and comments from councils and conferences about aspects of the guidelines which were felt to be unclear or confusing. A review was conducted to gather input and revisions were made to address the realities faced by conferences and councils while continuing to ensure the guidelines help protect children and vulnerable persons. READ MORE | | | THE CROWNING OF MOTHER MARY &
MURDERED AND MISSING INDIGENOUS WOMEN DAY The crowning of Mother Mary and an awareness campaign for Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women Day was held at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, St. Catharines. A procession before the May 5th Sunday Mass consisted of the Catholic Women’s League members, SSVP members and members of the congregation. At the entrance of the Church was a display featuring a Red Dress, resources and information on MMIW. READ MORE | | | | ST. GEORGE CONFERENCE
LONDON, ON
THANKFUL, GRATEFUL AND BLESSED At the end of June, our conference held our annual get together and strawberry social. We gathered in the church for a song "Serve the Lord" and read Psalm 100: 1-5 "Make a joyful shout to the Lord". It’s a psalm that calls us to have a genuine gratitude for the Lord and to praise him. Over the past 3 years, our conference has honoured our past and present distinguished executive. READ MORE | | | COME AND SEE When Jesus turned and saw two of his disciples following, he said to them, ‘What are you looking for?’ They said to him, ‘Rabbi, where are you staying? ’ He said to them, ‘Come and see. (John 1.38-39) READ MORE | | NORA CRISS
BC & Yukon President 2010-2015 We are saddened to share with you the news of the passing of our Vincentian sister, Nora Criss. Nora was a wonderful servant to the poor as a member of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul in BC and Canada. Link to obituary | | 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. If you received this from a friend, you can subscribe to receive our newsletter directly. SUBSCRIBE HERE | CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA | | | | |
