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Contemplation: Mercy Triumphs

Contemplation: Mercy Triumphs 1080 1080 admin

By Timothy Williams, Senior Director of Formation and Leadership Development 

In the earliest days of the first Conference, members read passages from The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis for the spiritual reflection at their meetings. [175, to Lallier, 1838] The second-best selling book of all time, save for the Bible, The Imitation of Christ is sometimes referred to as a “fifth gospel.”

For Vincentians, our “imitation” means that, even as we see Christ in the neighbor, we also “try to be Jesus for others.” [Manual, 54] Indeed, our very founding began with Frédéric’s declaration that “we must do what Our Lord Jesus Christ did… Let us go to the poor.” [Baunard, 65] Blessed Frédéric pointed out that, while St. Vincent “is a model one must strive to imitate”, that is primarily because “he himself imitated the model of Jesus Christ.” [175, to Lallier, 1838]

We are called in both the Old Testament and the New to be holy, as God is holy, to be merciful, as God is merciful, and even to be perfect, as the Father is perfect. Certainly, then, our Corporal Works of Mercy, in direct response to Christ’s teaching, are the beginning of our imitation. In doing as He asked, as He calls us to do, as He did Himself, we participate in and receive God’s grace, which fills our hearts with joy even in the midst of our work. To imitate Christ is not only to do these works, but to do them “for love alone, without thinking of any reward or advantage for [ourselves].” [Rule, Part I, 2.2]

Yet in imitating the Divine Goodness we do not put ourselves in the place of God. Time and time again, the Prophets, the Apostles, and Christ Himself tell us imitate God’s mercy, His holiness, and His love, but not once does it tell us to imitate His judgment. Instead, Christ promises that it is God who will judge us as we judge others. “The measure with which you measure,” Jesus says, “will be measured out to you.

And so, we do not judge those we serve. [Rule, Part I, 1.9] This can be difficult at times, because it is easy to judge others by the standards of our own lives; it is difficult at times, for us to understand how others fail to make the same choices that all of our personal experience counsels against. How difficult must it be for our Lord, who wants us to be like Him, to see us fall short time, and time, and time again? Our judgment is not equal to God’s judgment, so He promises that His judgment will follow ours, but, as St. James tells us, “mercy triumphs over judgment.”

The way to salvation is not the broad road and the wide gate, but the narrow path and the narrow gate. Perhaps, in calling us to “go to the poor”, Bl. Frédéric shows us that the narrow path can be found on the broken sidewalks and dimly-lit stairways that lead us to the door of our neighbor in need.

Contemplate

Do I seek to choose the mercy I wish to receive over the judgment I am sometimes quick to make?

Recommended Reading

The Imitation of Christ

 


Contemplación : La Misericordia Triunfa 

Traducción de Sandra Joya

En los inicios de la primera Conferencia, los miembros leían pasajes de La Imitación de Cristo de Tomás de Kempis para la reflexión espiritual en sus reuniones. (175, a Lallier, 1838) La Imitación de Cristo, el segundo libro más vendido de todos los tiempos después de la Biblia, a veces se le llama el “quinto evangelio”

Para los Vicentinos, nuestra “imitación ” significa que, así como vemos a Cristo en el prójimo, también “tratamos de ser Jesús para los demás” (Manual 54) De hecho, nuestra fundación comenzó con la declaración de Federico; ” Debemos hacer lo que hizo nuestro Señor Jesucristo….. Vayamos a los pobres”, (Baunard, 65) El Beato Federico señaló que, si bien San Vicente ” es un modelo que hay que esforzarse por imitar”, esto se debe principalmente a que ” él mismo imitó el modelo de Jesucristo”. (175 a Lallier, 1838)

Tanto en el Antiguo como en el Nuevo Testamento estamos llamados a ser santos.como Dios es Santo; a ser misericirdiosos, como Dios es misericordioso; e incluso a ser perfectos, como el Padre es perfecto,. Ciertamente, entonces, nuestras Obras Corporales de Misericordia, en respuesta directa a la enseñanza de Cristo, son el comienzo de nuestra imitación. Al hacer lo que El pidió , como El nos llama a hacer, como El mismo hizo, participamos y recibimos la gracia de Dios, que llena nuestros corazones de alegria incluso en medio de nuestro trabajo, imitar a Cristo no es sólo hacer estas Obras, sino hacerlas ” sólo por amor, sin pensar en ninguna recompensa o ventaja para (nosotros) (Regla, Parte 1, 2.2)

Sin embargo, al imitar la Bondad Divina no nos ponemos en el lugar de Dios. Una y otra vez, los profetas, los apóstoles y Cristo mismo nos dicen que imitemos la misericordia de Dios, su santidad y su amor, pero ni una sola vez nos dicen que imitemos su juicio. En cambio, Cristo promete que es Dios quién nos juzgará como juzgamos a los demás. ” Con la medida con que midan” dice Jesús ” se les medirá .

Por eso no juzguemos a quienes servimos (Regla Parte, 1, 1.9) Esto puede ser difícil a veces, porque es fácil juzgar a los demás segun nuestros propios criterios, a veces nos cuesta comprender cómo otros no toman las mismas decisiones que nuestra experiencia personal nos desanconseja. Que difícil debe ser para nuestro Señor, que quiere que seamos como El, vernos fallar una y otra vez! Nuestro juicio no es igual al de Dios por eso promete que su juicio seguirá al nuestro, pero, como dice Santiago, ” la Misericordia triunfa sobre el juicio”

El camino a la salvación no es el camino ancho ni la puerta ancha, sino el sendero angosto y la puerta angosta. Quizás , al llamarnos a “ir a los pobres” el Beato Federico nos muestra que el camino angosto se encuentra en las aceras deterioradas y las escaleras tenuenente iluminadas que nos llevan a la puerta del prójimo necesitado.

Contemplar 

¿Busco la Misericordia que deseo recibir en lugar del juicio que a veces me apresuro a emitir?

Councils And Their Conferences

Councils And Their Conferences 1198 1198 admin

Councils And Their Conferences

(Excerpted From Vincentian Life: Council)

This document is about Councils; yet, the starting point of this document is Conferences. Why is that? As you will see below, Councils don’t exist without Conferences and the Council’s primary role is to support the Conferences.

CONFERENCE PARTICIPATION IN THE COUNCIL

This is an important principle to keep in mind: Conferences that do not want to participate with the Council have not been convinced they receive anything of value from the Council and its activities.  Councils should never be formed simply for the sake of forming a Council.  Councils have a particular purpose and the Conferences must understand what that is.

In the Rule that was in effect prior to 2003, there was a statement that was a clear definition of the purpose of any Council.  This statement was in Part II of the Rule, Article 15:

  • Councils are responsible for animating and coordinating the work of SVdP units within their respective jurisdictions.
  • They serve the Conferences.  All Councils are first and foremost at the service of the Conferences with a view to furthering charitable activities.  Because every Council gathers information about human needs and services from a variety of sources – the community at large, as well as the Conferences – it keeps Conferences in touch with changing social problems and new programs for helping people.
  • … each year, each Council obtains and compiles a consolidated annual report of all the Conferences and Councils attached to it.  The Council’s report is then forwarded with any comments to the next higher Council for the preparation of the annual report of the (National) Council of the United States.
  • Councils encourage initiatives and strive to bring about the establishment of Conferences, Councils and new works, and the revival of dormant or defunct Conferences.
  • A Council reviews and evaluates applications for aggregationand institution that are submitted by its affiliated SVdP groups.  If approved at District and Diocesan Council levels, the application is forwarded to the National Council for transmittal to the Council General (International).
  • Councils organize, to the fullest possible extent, training and formation sessions for members and potential members on spiritual themes, the Vincentian vocation, and problems of social action and justice.
  • To coordinate Vincentian work, Councils keep in regular contact with their Conferences and Councils and inform them of the activities of the Society.
  • The Council represents its constituent units in contacts with religious and public authorities.
  • Each Council determines the expected contribution (solidarity) from attached Conferences and Councils in order to meet its necessary expenses and assist needy Conference and Council groupings attached to it.
  • Special works of the Society conducted by the Councils must rely on the Conferences for support, personnel and funds.

In the current Rule, these responsibilities have not changed.  They are also spelled out but not in so compact a form.

The fact of the matter is that all Conferences should be aware of what the Council is doing for them.  Conferences should be receiving benefits from the Council that clearly provide value to them.  It is the responsibility of the Council to ensure that Conferences understand this clearly.  Ultimately, it is the Conference members themselves who make up the Councils and who make the decisions in support of the Conferences.

STRONG CONFERENCES

Strong Conferences make a strong Council!  It is the Council’s responsibility to assist and guide Conferences in fulfilling the mission of the Society.  The best way to do this is to ensure that Conference leadership and members understand what the Society is all about, what the role of the Conference is and what is expected of members.

When Conferences get into trouble (begin to decline or get into some other difficulty), it is far better to be proactive rather than reactive.  It is recommended that each Council form a Conference Resources and Concerns Committee to:

  • Promote understanding and compliance with the Rule, Bylawsand Manual;
  • Develop resources that will help Conferencesto understand and fulfill their roles in the Society;
  • Provide trainingmaterials for Conference leadership;
  • Monitor Conference activityand act to assist Conferences who are in trouble;
  • Promote and assist in establishing new Conferences;
  • Assist in revitalizing existing Conferences, where needed; and
  • Mediate Conference concerns where needed.

A well-formed Conference Resources and Concerns Committee can monitor Conference activities and offer many aids to make a Conference more effective.

MONITOR SPECIAL CONDITIONS

The following special conditions should be monitored regularly and addressed as necessary:

  1. Conference President’s term of office is limited to two consecutive three-year terms.  After the two terms, the President must be out of office for at least three years before being elected once again.  Technically, as soon as the six years expires, the President is no longer in office and the Conference operates under the leadership of the first Vice President until the election of a new President.  In the case of violation of this rule, the Council must ensure that an election is held to replace the outgoing President as soon as possible.
  2. Each Conference is to have at least four officers: President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.  Each office must be held by a separate person.  No one person may hold multiple officer positions.  In addition, Statute 12 of Part III of the Rule indicates that a President must not appoint his/her spouse or other closely related individual to an officer position.
  3. Service area comes into conflict often within the Society.  The District Council should ensure that Conferences provide service only to those people living within the boundaries established for the Conference.  These boundaries should be established as a formal agreement between the Conferences in the Council.  In some cases, the boundaries will simply be the parish boundaries.  In other cases the boundaries may be more extensive, as long as they are agreed upon by the Council. This way, people seeking service cannot simply go from Conference to Conference seeking help.  The Conference covering the area where that person or family lives is the one that makes the decision as to help or not help.

 VOICE/VOTE IN THE COUNCIL

Conferences should have a voice in every major decision.  No Voice, no Vote, no Vincentian will be at the meeting or activity.  It is important that every Conference is represented at the District Council and that the Conference President (or his/her designated representative) is there to speak for them.

Most Council bylaws have a clause that will remove a Conference President from Council membership/voice/vote if the President misses a certain number of meetings.  This removal is a tragedy for the Council, the Conference and the people we serve.

UP TO DATE

Conferences should be aware of all conditions and circumstances both local and global that will impact them or the Council.  Conferences should be especially aware of any major situation that threatens the well-being of the Council.  Therefore, it is an obligation of the Council to keep the Conferences well-informed and in a timely manner.

The Council should strive to develop a fabric of communication.  One that goes up and down the normal channels but also goes sideways from Conference to Conference and from Vincentian to Vincentian.  A strong fabric of communication will strengthen the Council and avoid the problems of it relying on a few people to make it run.  If those few leave the Council for any reason it can take weeks or months to learn all that needs to be known on how the Council operates.  A fabric of communications creates an informal communications network that helps keep the members informed.

HELP IN COUNCIL EFFORTS

Conferences should be involved on a regular and frequent basis in the operation of the Council.  This can be accomplished by involving them as Council Members, as volunteers, as committee members, on special projects, on fundraising, in special works, in general membership meetings and in every other way that may be appropriate.

FORMATION/TRAINING

The Council should provide formation and training to all members of the Council especially new Vincentians.  The National Formation and Spirituality Committee has developed formation/training programs that are available across the country.  The National website (https://members.ssvpusa.org/)  has many documents, presentations, etc. available that should be used to form and train Vincentians.

By a resolution of the National Council, all new members of the Society have to attend an Ozanam Orientation within their first year as a member.  Also, any member, who is elected to or appointed to be an officer at any level in the Society, must have attended an Ozanam Orientation or must attend one within the first year as an officer. It is highly recommended that all members of the Society attend the Ozanam Orientation at least once.  Attending the Ozanam Orientation every three to four years as a refresher is recommended for all members.

This places a burden on the Council.  The Council must provide the Ozanam Orientation formation program within the Council area as often as is necessary to fulfill the requirements for training prescribed by the National Council.  If the District Council lacks the resources to provide the Ozanam Orientation on an as needed basis, it should seek assistance from the next higher Council to provide this training.

CONFERENCE/COUNCIL VISITATION

Conference visitation by a District Council (District Council visitation by a Diocesan Council) is an extremely important responsibility of the Council.  The Officers and Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director should each attend one Conference (Council in case of Diocesan Council) meeting each month to facilitate communications and solidarity with them.  That means that five meetings a month could be attended if the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director each participate.  In many District Councils, this would mean that each Conference is visited at least twice a year.  For Diocesan Councils, coverage depends on the frequency of District meetings.  A staff person should come along on some of the visits to explain what that department or special work does and how they can assist the Conference/Council.

YOUTH INVOLVEMENT

A planned program for youth involvement is very important.  Many aids are available for recruitment, involvement and understanding how we can utilize one of our greatest assets.  There are so many aids now available, such as brochures, outlines of how to start a youth conference, Power Point recruitment and many more.   There are Regional Youth chairs you can contact that are eager to offer ideas and assistance.  With no intent to overuse an old cliché, “youth are our future.”

DIVERSITY

The United States is a melting pot of race, creed, language, and culture.  It is important that our Conferences reflect the diversity of our local community within its membership.  Councils should emphasize awareness of community demographics and assist Conferences to build their membership based on who comprises their community.  Councils should also strive to develop diverse leadership both within the Conferences and Councils themselves.

 

Does your store have a Safety Committee?

Does your store have a Safety Committee? 1200 628 admin

Does your store have a Safety Committee?

By James Conley, National Store Support Manager

The safety of not only our employees but also our customers should be top of mind for every store, every day. Safety is a culture that must be created within each individual store for it to be a priority. Does your store have a Safety Culture? Does your store have a Safety Committee? Does your store have monthly safety focuses? Does your store have safety classes?  Below we are going to discuss the importance of every component of these and by combining all of them, you too will create a safety culture within your store!

What is the importance of having a Safety Culture?

  • It creates an atmosphere of empowerment for everyone to make safety a priority.
  • It improves employee and customer well-being.
  • It allows employees to speak up about safety concerns without fear of retaliation.
  • It drives communication in your store by talking about safety issues.
  • Finally, IT HELPS TO REDUCE ACCIDENTS!!!!

What is the importance of having a Safety Committee?

  • It brings together employees and management in a safe environment where they can discuss current and potential safety issues.
  • It creates employee engagement by giving your employees a platform to discuss issues.
  • It helps to make new policies that will help reduce the issues by identifying them and then figuring out how to prevent them in the future.
  • It creates an avenue to determine what safety training you need in your store.
  • Cost reduction!!!! Less accidents = Less Cost

Does your store have monthly safety focuses?

  • Alertmedia.com/blog is a great website to find topics for your safety meetings, morning huddles, etc. Check out their most recent safety article here: https://www.alertmedia.com/blog/winter-workplace-safety-tips/
  • Talking everyday about safety helps to reinforce the culture around safety.
  • Throughout the year different months can create different safety issues. By addressing those within the month it helps to prevent accidents.
  • It will reinforce the training programs you have put into place and identify where more training is needed.

Does your store have safety Classes/Training?

  • It gives your employees the knowledge to create a safe environment for all.
  • It allows employees to see potential hazards before they become an issue.
  • It gives employees knowledge on how to operate equipment safely.

As you can see safety is an important facet in every store. We want our employees and customers to go home the same way they came in! By giving employees, a voice through safety programs, safety committees, and the monthly safety focus topics, it helps to create safety awareness every day.

REDUCING ACCIDENTS = HIGHER MORALE = HIGHER SALES = REDUCED TURNOVER

If you have questions, please email our Director of Stores Support-Jeff Beamguard at jbeamguard@svdpusa.org.

 

1-2-25 Weekly Questions & Answers

1-2-25 Weekly Questions & Answers 1200 628 admin

Q:  Can a husband and wife belong to the same Conference?

A: Husbands and wives can indeed belong to the same Conference. This is not against the Rule. As Vincentians, we are encouraged to increase membership by extending an invitation to all of our family members to join.

 Q:  Our Conference record minutes differently than shown on the form in the Secretary Minutes’ Handbook.  We follow “Robert’s Rules.” Is it essential that I use your form?

A: It is not necessary to use the form provided in the Secretary’s Minutes Book as long as appropriate minutes are taken. Minutes can be taken in any format.

P: ¿Pueden un esposo y una esposa pertenecer a la misma Conferencia?

R: De hecho, los esposos y las esposas pueden pertenecer a la misma Conferencia. Esto no va en contra de la Regla. Como Vicentinos, se nos anima a aumentar la membresía extendiendo una invitación a todos los miembros de nuestra familia para que se unan.

 P: Nuestra Conferencia registra las actas de manera diferente a lo que se muestra en el formulario en el Manual de Actas de la Secretaria.  Seguimos las “Reglas de Robert”. ¿Es imprescindible que utilice su formulario?

R: No es necesario utilizar el formulario proporcionado en el Libro de Actas de la Secretaría, siempre y cuando se tomen las actas correspondientes. Las actas se pueden tomar en cualquier formato.

 

12-19-24 Weekly Questions & Answers

12-19-24 Weekly Questions & Answers 1200 628 admin

Q: If you have a pantry in your Conference, are you allowed to change the shopping list, for example, in the past a family of 6+ could receive 10 canned goods and then reduced to eight; plus, other items were also reduced on the sheet?

A:  This is a local issue and should be addressed to local leaders.  However, the reality is that, when you are providing food to individuals, you want the meals to be nutritious and well-balanced; and it doesn’t hurt to customize the manner in which food is given to families in need.

 Q: The President has appointed an assistant pantry manager who is not Catholic.  This manager has virtually become the main person in this operation which is, by far, the biggest activity of the Conference.  Is it okay for an associate member to take such a position?

A: It is not a problem for an associate member to become a pantry manager.  An associate member can do a lot in Conferences, but it does not give them extra authority for Conference decision making.  Decision making is done by active Conference members only.  Also, keep in mind that associate members do not vote as do full members who must be Catholic.

P: Si tiene un almacén de alimentos en su Conferencia, ¿les es permitido cambiar la lista de compras?, por ejemplo, en el pasado una familia de 6+ podía recibir 10 productos enlatados y luego reducirlos a ocho; Además, ¿también se redujeron otros elementos en la hoja?

R: Este es un problema local y debe ser dirigido a los líderes locales.  Sin embargo, la realidad es que, cuando se proporciona comida a las personas, se quiere que las comidas sean nutritivas y bien equilibradas; Y no está de más personalizar la forma en que se da la comida a las familias con necesidades.

P: El Presidente ha nombrado a una persona que no es católico, como asistente del administrador del almacén de alimentos.  Esta persona se ha convertido prácticamente en la persona principal de esta operación que es, con mucho, la mayor actividad de la Conferencia.  ¿Está bien que un miembro asociado ocupe esa posición?

R: No es un problema que un miembro asociado se convierta en administrador de despensa.  Un miembro asociado puede hacer mucho en las Conferencias, pero eso no le da autoridad adicional para la toma de decisiones de la Conferencia.  La toma de decisiones la realizan únicamente los miembros activos de la Conferencia.  Además, tenga en cuenta que los miembros asociados no votan como lo hacen los miembros de pleno derecho que deben ser católicos.

 

Haiti Daughters of Charity Thank You

Haiti Daughters of Charity Thank You 289 269 admin

Dear Benefactor Friends,

We are entering a new liturgical year, inviting us to reflect on the great mystery of God, who leans toward humanity by sending His Son, Jesus, made man, to give us the fullness of true life. Pope Francis is proposing a year of prayer and a journey of hope for the Holy Year 2025. The Advent season is a time of Hope, grounded in faith in God, who is love. The most beautiful proof of this love is the Father sending Jesus and Jesus’ self-gift on the cross for the salvation of humanity. Let us be pilgrims of hope, following in Christ’s footsteps and, in imitation of Him, proclaim to our brothers and sisters the boundless love of His heart.

This past year has brought many blessings and challenges to our land of Haiti, where we are witnessing the exodus of a people sinking deeper into social instability. Yet, this people lives in hope, believing that one day the light will shine brightly!

Let us pray for all the children, youth, adults, and elderly who live in suffering and uncertainty. Our presence among them is a sign of hope, supporting their daily efforts. Let us be attentive to our brothers and sisters around us, offering them a word, a gesture of closeness, or material aid. For them, these are manifestations of God’s tenderness, bending to hear the cries of the afflicted.

Your timely contributions in aid of Haiti are not in vain. On the contrary, they are drops of water that increase the sea of solidarity with this people.

Dear Benefactor Friends, be assured of our prayers for you and for all your loved ones. Receive the best wishes of our brothers and sisters living in poverty for the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

May God fill you with grace and blessings forever.

The Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul

https://members.ssvpusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Haiti-Thank-You-Images.docx

COMPAGNIE

Chers Amis bienfaiteurs.

Nous voici à une nouvelle année liturgique qui nous invite à réfléchir sur le grand mystère de Dieu qui se penche sur l`humanité en envoyant son Fils Jésus fait homme pour nous donner la plénitude de la vraie vie. Le Pape François nous propose une année de prière et un parcours d`espérance pour l`année sainte 2025. Le temps de l`Avent est le temps de l’Espérance fondée dans la foi en Dieu qui est amour. La preuve la plus belle de cet amour est l`envoi de Jésus par le Père et le don de Jésus sur la croix pour le salut des hommes. Soyons pèlerins d`espérance, mettons nos pas dans ceux du Christ et à son imitation, annonçons à nos frères et sœurs tout l`amour de son cœur.

Cette année qui s’achève, nous a porté pas mal de choses bonnes et moins bonnes dans notre terre d`Haïti où nous sommes en train de vivre un exode d’un peuple qui va de mal en pire dans une instabilité sociale ; et pourtant ce peuple vit dans l’espérance qu’un jour on verra briller la lumière !

Prions pour tous les enfants, les jeunes, adultes et personnes âgées qui vivent dans la souffrance et l`incertitude de vie. Notre présence au milieu d`eux est un signe d’espérance les soutenant dans leurs efforts quotidiens disant nos frères et sœurs qui vivent autour de nous. Leur offrir une parole, un geste de proximité, une aide matérielle est pour eux la tendresse de Dieu qui se penche aux cris des malheureux.

Votre apport ponctuel d’aide en faveur d`Haïti n`est pas vain, au contraire ce sont des gouttes d’eau qui font augmenter le volume de la mer de solidarité avec ce peuple.

Chers Amis bienfaiteurs, soyez assurés de nos prières pour vous et pour tous ceux qui vous sont chers ; Recevez les souhaits les meilleurs de nos frères et sœurs les pauvres pour les festivités de Noel et du nouvel An.

Que Dieu vous comble de grâce et de bénédictions à jamais.

Les Filles de la Charité de St Vincent de Paul

 

12-12-24 Weekly Questions & Answers

12-12-24 Weekly Questions & Answers 1200 628 admin

Q: Some of our Conferences receive donations in the form of gift cards to supermarkets and places like Target which they then distribute to friends in need during Christmas. These gift cards have cash value, and so I am thinking the Conference treats them as such. Should they be reported under 5E: Other-Misc. Receipts?

A: No. The gifts cards received as donations would be treated as in-kind. When they are distributed, they have a specific value for the purpose for which you give them (food, clothing, etc.). They are not cash so they would not be treated as 5E. They cannot be deposited to your account and show up in the balancing of your accounts.

 Q:  Can a person be registered in one parish and belong to a SVDP conference of another parish?

A: Yes, a person can be registered in one parish and belong to a SVdP Conference at another. The Rule does not require Vincentian members to belong to the parish in which they worship.

P: Algunas de nuestras Conferencias reciben donaciones en forma de tarjetas de regalo para supermercados y lugares como Target, que después las distribuyen a los prójimos en necesidad durante la Navidad. Estas tarjetas de regalo tienen un valor en efectivo, por lo que creo que la Conferencia las trata como tales. Se deberían de reportar bajo la sección 5E: Otros-Misceláneos. ¿Ingresos?

R: No. Las tarjetas de regalo recibidas como donaciones se tratarán como en especie. Cuando se distribuyen, tienen un valor específico para el uso que usted lo entrega (comida, ropa, etc.). No son en efectivo, por lo que no se tratarían como 5E. No se pueden depositar en su cuenta y no aparecen en el saldo de sus cuentas.

P: ¿Puede una persona estar registrada en una parroquia y pertenecer a una Conferencia SVDP de otra parroquia?

R: Sí, una persona puede estar inscrita en una parroquia y pertenecer a una Conferencia de SVdP en otra. La Regla no exige que los miembros Vicentinos pertenezcan a la parroquia en la que practican su culto.

Helping Others Serve the Poor

Helping Others Serve the Poor 1198 1198 admin

Helping Others Serve the Poor

Excerpted from Vincentian Life: Conference

When someone considers reaching out to help the poor and calls the parish office for a contact person or organization, the name given is usually someone involved in the St. Vincent de Paul Conference.  Why?  It is because they are active, visible and available.  They are the ones to contact who will channel the desire to serve or volunteer in the right direction.  For it is by our visibility within the parish community, not our anonymity, that we help others come to serve the poor.

AT THE CONFERENCE LEVEL

BEING ACTIVE

Active Members of the Society are actively involved in the works of the Conference, and at least knowledgeable if not involved in the work of the District and Diocesan Councils.  We’ve all heard the phrase, “If you want something done, ask a busy person.”  That busy person may not be able to help, but he or she usually will know where to send someone to get help.

BEING VISIBLE

Each of us, regardless of the talents God has given us, can be a leader.  We lead by example.  Even the most introverted among us can lead by doing – doing the Conference food and clothing drives, bundle Sundays, Christmas programs and all the other activities that the parish Conference is involved with.

Through the parish bulletin let your fellow parishioners know what you are doing and how you are serving the poor.  This gives others’ ideas on how they can help.  Monthly news items in the parish bulletin about Conference activities are recommended.  Monthly news items, consistently appearing over several years, begin to make a lasting impression.

Give the people in your parish a name (a person to contact) or a telephone number (office or Conference number – not a member’s personal number) and repeat that often.  If you have a good thing going (and we do), tell the world.  People like to join an organization that is active, with lots of things happening.

You also need to make known the needs of the Society as well as the Conference, along with the opportunity to help the poor.  We have a message of hope for the poor.  We also have a way to help, for those who aren’t poor.

BEING AVAILABLE

To be available is to make a great gift – the gift of your time.  The work of the Society is, according to the Rule, subordinate to your commitments within your family and job.  So, your “available” time comes out of your recreation or “fun” time, and that’s the sacrifice.

Many Conference members are available to the poor but aren’t willing to talk about what they do for others.  Some of us aren’t instinctively saleswomen and salesmen, but we must all become communicators.  There are people in the parish and outside world who want to know what, why, where and how of what we do.  We need to tell them.  Everything we do requires volunteers to make it work and enthusiasm to make it happen.  Once others hear about these things, they too can be a part of it.

AT THE UPPER COUNCIL LEVEL

The work of the Society often meshes with the objectives of other groups, even commercial organizations.  Mutually beneficial activities can be scheduled that serve the needs of these groups and the poor at the same time.  Even activities which appear self-serving (e.g., the professional athlete showing up to serve in a charity dining room) can have many beneficial effects.  The poor can thrill to see the star, and the athlete can have his heart touched by what he sees and begin to take a deeper interest in the poor and the work of the Society.

Other community groups, such as those dealing with domestic violence, can find their efforts flower when they join with the Society to serve those who are suffering.  In a synergistic effect, Vincentians are able to do their work better and more productively while the other groups can extend their assistance into more troubled homes.

Contacts with CEOs or large business interests are probably out of the reach of the average Conference.  However, if that CEO or business executive is a member of your parish community or a personal friend, who knows what can be achieved?

Who knows what initial contact got Eddie Basha (owner of a food store chain), Bill Keane (popular cartoonist), Joe Garagiola (baseball player and commentator) or Mohammed Ali (champion boxer) involved with the Society?  Perhaps it was simply a Vincentian enthusiastically talking about our work with someone they knew only as a friend or neighbor.

Leadership by example.  Active.  Visible.  Available.   You can do all four.

12-5-24 Weekly Questions & Answers

12-5-24 Weekly Questions & Answers 1200 628 admin

Q: I have a store committee that wants to fundraise in the community, so they can have a Christmas party for employees and volunteers. It does not sound right to me, but I want to make sure that I am not being too conservative, and I say no to something that is not against any Rule or standards. I need guidance. 

A: As long as the community knows that the fundraising is for a Christmas party for employees and volunteers it is okay to do so, so long as funds are not collected for another purpose and then used for a Christmas party.  We must be very careful with this because then it looks like SVdP is collecting money to serve ourselves (employees & volunteers). No fundraising is acceptable under false pretenses.  As always, use your best judgement.

 Q: We are getting ready for a small fundraising campaign and in our advertising, we want to use the SVdP logo in a special way.  What restrictions are there on its use?

A: In 2006, the National Council passed Resolution number: 12-2-2005/6 11 assigning its Chief Executive Officer with the task of approving special uses of the SVdP Logo.  The National Council’s Brand Guidelines document describes the preferred uses and color for the Logo.  Basically, the logo design itself can’t be changed, and nothing else in a larger design can touch the logo. We recommend you draft how the logo will be used and submit it to the national Chief Executive Officer for review and approval.  This should not significantly delay the project.

P: Tengo un comité de tienda que quiere recaudar fondos en la comunidad, para los que los empleados y voluntarios puedan tener una fiesta de Navidad.  No me parece correcto, pero quiero asegurarme de que no estoy siendo demasiado conservador y digo que no a algo que no va en contra de ninguna regla o pauta. Necesito orientación.

R: Siempre y cuando la comunidad sepa que la recaudación de fondos es para una fiesta de Navidad para los empleados y voluntarios, está bien hacerlo, siempre y cuando los fondos no se colecten para otro propósito y luego se utilicen para una fiesta de Navidad.  Debemos tener mucho cuidado con esto, porque daríamos la impresión de que SVdP está recolectando dinero para servirnos a nosotros mismos (empleados y voluntarios). Ninguna recaudación de fondos es aceptable bajo pretensiones inciertas.  Como siempre, use su mejor criterio.

 P: Nos estamos preparando para una pequeña campaña de recaudación de fondos. En nuestra publicidad, queremos utilizar el logotipo de SVdP de una manera especial.  ¿Qué restricciones existen para su uso?

R: En 2006, el Consejo Nacional aprobó la Resolución número: 12-2-2005/6 11 asignando a su Director Ejecutivo la tarea de aprobar los usos especiales del Logotipo de SVdP.  También hay un documento que proviene de la Oficina del Consejo Nacional titulado “Manual de Identidad” que describe los usos preferidos y el color del Logotipo.  Básicamente, el diseño del logotipo en sí no se puede cambiar, y nada más en un diseño más grande puede tocar el logotipo. La recomendación es redactar el borrador de cómo se utilizará el logotipo y presentarlo al Director Ejecutivo Nacional para su revisión y aprobación.  Esto no debería retrasar significativamente el proyecto.

Donation Acquisition

Donation Acquisition 1200 628 admin

Donation Acquisition

By Bryan Engel-Director of Operations – Mid-Atlantic Region, Diocesan Council of Pittsburgh

Do not tell anyone, but at one time, I worked for another thrift store organization. My title was Donations Acquisition Coordinator. I only worked there for two years before seeing the light and coming over to St. Vincent de Paul. But, during that time, I was able to raise their donations from 300,000 pounds of donations to 1.2 million pounds of donations in that timeframe. How did I do it?

  1. Fun-raising … To get their name out there, we reached out to other non-profit organizations, schools, churches, and sporting organizations. For two hours, we would show up with a truck and collect donations on site. After that two-hour period, the truck closed. The donations were weighed, and we paid 10 cents per pound to the non-profit hosting the drive. No need to sell cookies, candy, hoagies … just donate to a non-profit and feel good about raising extra money for your school, church, or sports team.
  2. Promote on Social Media … To book a fundraiser, non-profits were required to promote the event for at least 3 weeks (anything less did not help them or the charity). That got their logo out to the community without us having to do anything (other than create a flyer). If you can get other organizations to promote your brand for free … that 10 cents per pound also includes FREE advertising.
  3. Word of Mouth … At EVERY event, I would print out flyers with a QR code on how to schedule a donation drive. You would be surprised by how many people on the softball team have family members at another school in the band. Eventually, the word spread. I went from doing ONE event to THREE every Saturday. At some drives, we would schedule two trucks because they would fill them. It became a contest. “Let’s make more than the other school!”

If paying for donations is not for you, here are some other options:

  1. More donations bins in high traffic areas.
  2. Extended Hours. In Pittsburgh, we just opened our stores on Sundays from 11am-5p. Guess what? We got donations on Sundays too! More people donate on the weekend, so we are making it convenient for them.
  3. Email your donor database.
  4. Discount Coupons for Donors.
  5. Partner with Real Estate Agents … pre-Covid, we saw a spike in furniture donations by reaching out to local Agents … you would be surprised how many of them need to clean out a house quickly and will pay to do so (win-win).
  6. Use social media – it is FREE!

I hope this helps you get more donations for your stores or your friends in need. If you want to see how SVdP Pittsburgh promotes our donation drives, click the link https://svdppitt.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/donation_drive_video.mp4 … check me out as a cartoon.

If you have questions or have a topic for a future Stores Corner article, please email our Director of Stores Support-Jeff Beamguard at jbeamguard@svdpusa.org.

 

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