SSVP CANADA - April 24, 2024 | MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT | I am thrilled to share that National Council now has a Spiritual Advisor, Most Reverend Yvan Mathieu, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Carlton. Mgr. Mathieu was a plenary speaker at the 2023 ANF in Ottawa and made a lasting impression on those who heard him speak. | | Thank you to Clermont Fortin for all his work and efforts in developing twinning relationships and finding partners to support twinning projects as the National Council Twinning Chair for the past 11 years. Thanks to Clermont, there are now 196 twinning relationships between Canadian Conferences and Councils and international Conferences and Councils helping people in need. We have been blessed to have Clermont dedicate his time and energy to this role. You can read more about Clermont in the interview here. | | Welcome to our new Twinning Co-Chairs, Joan and Michel Tisi, who have taken on the role effective April 1, 2024. Thank you to Joan and Michel for accepting the invitation to take on this role. We look forward to working with them as they raise more awareness of the need for twinning relationships helping our friends in need abroad. Linda Dollard, President
National Council of Canada | You are being introduced to some new Committee Chairs in this month’s newsletter. Thank you to all Vincentians across Canada carrying out our mission of serving people in need. Feel free to reach out to me at linda.dollard@ssvp.ca should you have comments on how we can support you. Linda Dollard, President
National Council of Canada | Joan Tisi Torres
Twinning Co-Chair Joan Tisi became a member of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul 13 years ago when she moved with her husband, Michel, and her youngest son, Christian, to Newcastle, Ontario from Oshawa. She became a member of St. Francis of Assisi Newcastle Conference. Her involvement was delayed due to health issues with Michel. READ MORE | Michel Tisi
Twinning Co-Chair Michel Tisi while travelling throughout Central America with his wife, Joan, encountered a young lady at Hermano Pedro Hospital, the only non-profit hospital in Guatemala. He knew instantly after being hugged by this resident that they were being asked to assist these wonderful people. God’s love through this young lady touched his soul and propelled them to seek an answer to this calling. READ MORE | Shelby Mulder
Youth Rep My roots are planted in the heart of Ontario’s Garden, Norfolk County. I have been an active member of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul for over 16 years, starting when I was in elementary school. Learning the value of volunteering at such a formative age played an integral role in becoming the person I am today. READ MORE | | Great news! Ozanam Place in Halifax is the first Canadian supportive housing project to be recognized by the 13 Houses Campaign of the Famvin Homeless Alliance (FHA). What is the 13 Houses Campaign? An FHA initiative to promote collaboration among the Vincentian Family branches on projects focusing on one objective: ending homelessness. Thanks to the joint effort of many Vincentians across the world, the 13 Houses Campaign has achieved a significant milestone by transforming the lives of 10,256 homeless people through the implementation of 106 projects in 68 countries. This landmark stands as a testament to the commitment and dedication of the Vincentian Family to this important cause. Looking ahead, we aim to see 13 Houses projects in each of the 156 countries where the Vincentian Family works, aiming to support an additional 13,000 individuals in need. READ MORE | | | | We are thrilled to announce the full programme of the 2024 Annual National Formation Meeting taking place in Calgary from June 20 to June 22, 2024. We have a diverse and inspiring lineup of keynote speakers like John Foppe and a set of intriguing educational workshops, guaranteed to advance your awareness and enrich your Vincentian experience. The list of presentations and workshops will continue to be updated on the Annual National Formation section of our website as details are finalized. So don’t delay, register today before the early bird price expires! REGISTER HERE Follow Paul Nazareth’s advice! | | | | The SSVP National Advocacy Circle will be hosting a Webinar entitled: Basic Income Discussion featuring Senator Dr. Wanda Thomas Bernard on Saturday April 27 2024. Senator Wanda Thomas is a dynamic speaker who will hold an interactive discussion regarding Basic Income and Bill S-233, A National Framework for a Guaranteed Livable Basic Income Act. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about Basic Income on April 27, 1pm EST. Register for the one hour webinar and discussion: REGISTER HERE After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. | | | SAINT LOUISE DE MARILLAC YOUTH CONFERENCE
Holy Family Parish, London, ON
On the Street – Street Ministry Program Our SSVP Saint Louise de Marillac Youth Conference started our “On the Street” Events in 2017, first starting with one event and finding out there was such great needs out there we decided to try doing this event three times a year. Since we are a Youth conference, money is in less supply, so we had to figure out how to partner up with those with common goals and mission. READ MORE | | NICARAGUA – COMMUNITY PROJECT 2024
STOVES & WATER PURIFYING FILTERS A new community project is proposed for 2024. The objective of this project is to improve the health conditions and quality of life of peasant families by the installation of improved kitchen stoves and donation of water purifying filters to families of the “Los Limones” and “La Danta” communities, municipality of Somotillo, Nicaragua. READ MORE | | BEING GUIDED IN PRAYER LIFE Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4.6-7) READ MORE | | TONY BARRY Western Regional President 2018-2022 We are saddened to share with you the news of the passing of our Vincentian brother, Anthony (Tony) Barry. Tony took his last breath in one of his favourite places in the world, Fernie, BC on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. 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. If you received this from a friend, you can subscribe to receive our newsletter directly. SUBSCRIBE HERE | CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA | | | | |
