New Beginnings and Updates from the National Council | Welcome to the new “Chez Vincent” bulletin. The name, which reflects our Society’s French origin, was chosen after being suggested by a Vincentian leader in response to the questionnaire that went out in an earlier newsletter. Thank you for the great suggestion! We hope you enjoy the modern new look. 2025 is a Jubilee Year with the theme “Pilgrims of Hope” proclaimed by Pope Francis. I love the refrain in the Jubilee song: | | Like a flame my hope is burning, may my song arise to you: Source of life that has no ending, on life’s path I trust in you. | Welcome to Victoria Goldsack, joining the National Council Board as Youth Representative as of April 1, 2025. Her photo and profile are included below. Thank you to Shelby Mulder for her contribution as Youth Representative before she stepped down from the role earlier this year. | I was blessed to have the opportunity to attend Puerto Rico in February for a 2-day America One Region meeting. As an international organization, countries are separated into zones led by a Territory Vice President. America One Region consists of Canada, United States and the Caribbean Islands. There were about 20 people in attendance. We heard about the great work being done in the different countries and islands and talked about the importance of proper governance. Jeff Kucharski, Vice President Governance on the National Council of Canada Board, is also on the International Committee for Special Projects and he gave a presentation on the criteria and process for countries to apply for funding for special projects. It was an informational meeting and a great opportunity to network with fellow Vincentians. | The National Council Board met in Ottawa on March 14/15 for a Spiritual Retreat and Board meeting. Thank you to our many Vincentians for being “Pilgrims of Hope” bringing hope to the people you serve across Canada. Wishing you a blessed Lenten season! Linda Dollard, National President | Victoria Goldsack is thrilled to assume the position as the National Youth Representative of Canada. She is from London, Ontario and has been a member of the Saint Louise de Marillac youth conference for the past ten years. Victoria is a dedicated religious education teacher who has a passion for guiding young people in their learning and growth. She is excited to engage with other Vincentians from across the country through volunteerism and fostering connections that build positive change. Inspired by the Catholic social teachings, especially preferential option for the poor, Victoria looks forward to serving the community in this new capacity. | | Annual National Formation (ANF) | McMaster University, Hamilton
From Thursday, June 19 to Saturday, June 21, 2025 Only 92 sleeps until the 2025 ANF kicks off in Hamilton Ontario, and it’s time to book your spot! The registration form is available here: REGISTRATION FORM | | We’re continuing to build our schedule, SSVP CGI President Juan Manuel B. Gomez will be addressing participants and we will be joined by John Berry, the SVdP USA president. In addition you will be able to take a day trip out to majestic Niagara Falls, with stops in a chocolate factory and a winery. | We are also very excited to announce that Dr Donna Beegle (www.combarriers.com) will captivate you with an informative, inspirational and motivational keynote presentation on June 20th. She will present tools from her own journey from abject poverty to a Doctorate to work more effectively with families who live in the crisis of poverty, and improve communication across poverty barriers. | | We are still accepting submissions to present workshops, the deadline has been extended to March 31 2025. Please complete the on-line submission form. Remember, confirmed workshop presenters will receive a 50% discount on the full event registration fee. Thank you in advance for your interest, we can’t wait to read your topics! ANF WEBPAGE | Basic Income - Where in the World? | We have been touting the potential benefits of a targeted, means-tested Basic Income program in these bulletin articles for several months. We see it as the best, most efficient and economical means of lifting our neighbours and their families out of need and onto a path to healthier, more productive lives. This benefits not only struggling families but entire communities and society as a whole. READ MORE | | 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 | | | | SSVP Hypothermia Kits Save Lives in Niagara Falls! In the Fall of 2023, a representative from Niagara Assertive Street Outreach (NASO), the agency responsible for homelessness in our Region, was invited to speak at our meeting. From the ensuing discussion the SSVP decided that supplying hypothermia kits was the most important way within our means to save lives and reduce the significant harm and impact hypothermia causes to our homeless neighbours. Our members researched and sourced the various items needed for 24 kits, providing them to NASO for the winter. READ MORE | | | | Tea for a Cause: Brewing Connections and Supporting Families in Need In the fall of 2024, the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Brant Thrift store had an abundance of lovely teacups, a budget that was being stretched to its limit, four tables in the lobby, and a shortage of hygiene products for distribution. It was suggested that tea parties were popular, and it gave individuals a chance to socialize. What if individuals could select their teacup and tea and for a donation could retain their teacup? We would hold it every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m at our tables in our lobby during the month of September 2024. READ MORE | | | Vincentians of the Month Since the early nineties, Jim and Sue Bailey have been an outstanding Vincentian couple team. Sue is a long time member of our executive and is currently serving as our secretary. She prepares the weekly food order, writes out the thank you notes, has packed the tea and coffee bags, and helps with the donation collections. Jim assists with the stocking of the food shelves, and provides other Vincentians with humour and good stories. They do a lot of the hidden work and embrace the Vincentian spirit of helping others. | | We invite you to submit your nominations to recognize a Vincentian in our community whose work and dedication deserve to be celebrated. | Reflection - Visiting in Pairs | The Gospel of Mark, Chapter 6:7-13 is the biblical reason for our tradition. “Calling the Twelve to him, he sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits”. Why did Jesus send the disciples in pairs rather than individually? Part of the answer lies in the Jewish tradition of “two witnesses”. Deuteronomy 19:15 stipulated that at least two witnesses were needed to convict someone of a crime. READ MORE | | National Councils of Region America 1 Gather in Puerto Rico The Puerto Rican capital was chosen as the venue for the Territorial Meeting of Region America 1, under the theme “Leading with Integrity, Serving with Love – Governance as Ministry.” The event brought together representatives from the National Councils of North America and the English-speaking Caribbean, with the aim of strengthening governance and leadership within the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SSVP). 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-editeur@ssvp.ca. 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