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Pam Hudson

  • Pam Hudson

Good Stewardship
Good Stewardship 150 150 Pam Hudson

By Greg Pope, National Foundation Board

A good definition of stewardship is ‘economic behavior influenced by spiritual direction.’ Economic behavior is simply a reflection of our deepest beliefs and commitments. If every check you’ve written and credit card transaction of the past year or two were to be scrolled like the ending credits on a motion picture, the audience would have a good idea about your story — and certainly, your priorities.

Financial stewardship is far more than annual gifts given to good causes. It should extend beyond our lifetime, influencing and encouraging the next generations.One of the greatest gifts we can give our children and grandchildren is a well-planned estate. This includes pre-arranged funeral plans, an up to date last-will-in-testament, and an organized, comprehensive list of investments and assets.

Many neglect this important work because, frankly, we don’t often think about death, plus it can be cumbersome work. Conversely, it also brings immense satisfaction and joy as we make plans which will benefit family, friends, and causes that are close to our hearts.

How can we encourage our fellow Conference members and Parish faithful to consider these important acts of stewardship?It’s as simple as asking a question. In our requests for support and letters of thanks to current donors we can simply ask, “Have you considered remembering our Parish and the good work of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in your estate plans?”

“But what if someone leaves us a large sum of money?” The National Council can help. We have a Foundation which can steward funds on behalf of Diocesan Councils and local Conferences. The funds and investment returns can be held exclusively for local benefit.

Those who support the Society do so not out of obligation, but because they truly wish to lift up the most vulnerable and help those who Jesus called out as blessed! The satisfaction which comes from sharing this joy with our family through a gift from their estate is something many would treasure, but something (or someone) must first prompt them to consider the opportunity.

  • Pam Hudson

DISASTER SERVICES UPDATE
DISASTER SERVICES UPDATE 150 150 Pam Hudson

Dear Vincentians,

 

We are all familiar with the startling and isolating dread that can overwhelm us when the unthinkable happens, and our Vincentian principles call us to action. In the wake of a Midwestern tornado, Vincentian friendship, and service shines in the story of a neighbor in need of a place to rest.

 

As an aging member of the Seminole tribe, living alone in a rented house in Shawnee, Oklahoma on a fixed income, Jane was getting by. But disaster struck in 2023, when a spring tornado blew out her bedroom window, bringing devastating damage to the house and everything inside.

 

Although her landlord repaired the damage to the house itself, Jane had no renter’s insurance, so she couldn’t replace the furniture and personal items destroyed by the tornado. With FEMA funds exhausted on temporary housing and personal funds spent on other clean up, Jane had no way to obtain a new mattress, and she was left sleeping fretfully on her couch.

 

Thanks to support from donors, and a collaboration between an SVdP Disaster Representative, the Oklahoma City Archdiocesan Council, and disaster case managers at Oklahoma City Catholic Charities, Jane connected with the St. Andrew Conference in Moore, Oklahoma. The OKC Council purchased a new mattress using funds from a SVdP Long-Term Disaster Recovery Grant and mobilized St. Andrew Vincentians to deliver the mattress to their neighbor in need.

 

Jane was delighted to receive the final item necessary to put her home back in order and comfortably rest again, thanks to the help of dutiful Vincentians in collaboration with their community partners.

 

Identifying and fostering relationships with other local organizations empowers your Conference to better serve your neighbors when disaster strikes. Who do you know in your area involved in emergency management? Where are the gaps in community response that your Conference can help fill?

 

When Vincentians pursue these collaborative relationships, we strengthen our community bonds to the benefit of our Conferences, our neighbors, and our community partners.

 

In Christ,

The SVdP USA Disaster Services Corporation Team

  • Pam Hudson

Stores Corner: Donation Partnerships
Stores Corner: Donation Partnerships 1200 628 Pam Hudson

Stores Corner: Donation Partnerships

By Mike McClanahan, Mountain Region: Diocesan Council of Phoenix

Every so often, we review donations coming into our thrift stores. We compare quantity and quality month by month, versus the previous year’s data. After a recent review, we noticed that we were trending in a negative way on thrift store donations, especially in furniture. Numbers were down versus last year’s collections. What’s causing this trend? Is it the economy, inflation and people hanging onto their furniture and clothing longer because of the economy?

How can we improve our current trend?

Then I remembered a former mentor from my corporate retail days, who had great wisdom. One of his favorite sayings was, “think like a customer.” I thought about it and decided to go to the nearest furniture store with some business cards. I talked to the store manager and I was surprised to learn what their customers ask all the time, “Will you take my old furniture once you deliver my new furnishings?” Of course, this furniture store doesn’t and therefore the customer has to either take their stuff to the dump or donate it.  I asked the store manager if I could place St. Vincent de Paul business cards by the register in a little stand-up frame with our pickup flyer with information for their customers. The store manager approved and was thrilled to be able to give to his customers an option for their old furniture.

With that win in our pocket, I proceeded to have my team of store managers go to various furniture and appliance stores to see if we could display our pickup information and business cards at their store. My team was pleasantly surprised to see every business embrace this concept and let us display our flyer and cards.

Our furniture donations have turned around in a positive way with this strategy.

Creating a win-win situation is always a great thing. We found a way to improve a negative trend and resolve an issue.

Our mission to support St Vincent de Paul will never end; sometimes it just needs a little innovation.

——-

We hope you are planning to attend the National Assembly in August in Phoenix, AZ.

The National Stores Committee has planned a GREAT program for you.

On Wednesday, August 14, 2024, the program will include presentations from Dr. Ken Snyder with the SVdP Phoenix Dental Clinic, an update on the 2nd National Store, a Store/Conference testimonial, learn about Recycling Dilemmas, and what’s happening at SVdP in Eugene, OR.

Following our daylong program, there will be two opportunities to visit the National Store in Avondale, AZ.  Transportation will be provided, but reservations are required due to space limitations.

Workshops are planned for Thursday afternoon.  Topics include merchandising and store layouts, making a simple budget, how to increase customer count, how to measure productivity, Point of Sale (POS) and training new employees.

We encourage you to talk to your store managers and leadership about attending the National Assembly.  It is a wonderful opportunity to network with and meet others around the country to share best practices.

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.

—-

  • Pam Hudson

So, You’ve Been Elected President…
So, You’ve Been Elected President… 1198 1198 Pam Hudson

Thank you for sharing your time and talents with fellow Conference and Council members as well as those in need.  As with all involvement in the Society, we hope your work as a Vincentian servant leader will lead you to greater faith, an increased desire to serve and stronger friendships.

Do you feel some anxiety about taking on a Vincentian leadership role?  Let’s take a look at a few common myths behind that anxiety.

Myth #1:  You need to know everything now.

No Vincentian has taken a leadership role already knowing everything; to be honest, no current Vincentian leader knows everything now.  What most Vincentian leaders do learn is where to look to find information, where the resources are and who in the Society has experiences and wisdom to share.

Truth #1:  You will learn and grow during your time as a Vincentian leader.

 Myth #2:  You are now in charge of everything.

A Vincentian leader is a servant leader who understands the role of God’s providence.  Your ultimate role is to harness the gifts and spirit of your members and direct them to growth in holiness and increased love for one another, and in ways of service to others.  To do this you will need to allow God to direct you.

Truth #2:  God is in charge of everything.  You are called to discern where God is leading and to follow through – and help your members do the same.

Myth #3:  You are all alone in figuring things out.

This myth could not be further from the truth.  The Society is truly a global network of charity.  Fellow Vincentians in more than 150 countries are serving those in need, as you are, and desire to do so with love and in an effective manner.  As you attend regional and national gatherings, or reach out to other Vincentian leaders, you will find that many people are more than willing to share their knowledge.  You will only feel all alone if you do not participate in such interactions and relationships.

Truth #3:  Most Vincentian leaders love to talk about their experiences and help each other.

 Reach out to other Vincentians – even if they are not from your area – for advice and support.  We will share useful information relevant to your new responsibilities in these Frederic’s e-Gazette articles throughout the year.  Thank you for being willing to serve through leadership, and may you be blessed through your witness of following God’s lead in your Conference’s/Council’s service while encouraging others to do the same.

We remind you of the valuable resources on the National website and urge you to review the Governance Page (https://members.ssvpusa.org/governance/) where the Governance Training DVD and the other material the National Governance Committee has prepared can be found.  Then make plans to use these tools.  Your Conference and Council will be better off if you do so.

 

 

  • Pam Hudson

06-06-24 Weekly Questions & Answers
06-06-24 Weekly Questions & Answers 1200 628 Pam Hudson

Q:  Does the newly elected Conference President need to be inducted into office by the Council President to make it official?

A:  There is no formal requirement for the Council President to induct a newly elected Conference President.  There are liturgies/ceremonies that are available for newly elected Presidents that can be found in the book “Vincentian Celebrations” available through the National Office.

 Q:  Our District President resigned recently.  Instead of electing a new President, three Conference Presidents agreed to take part of the responsibilities.  So far it is working well.  Are we in compliance with the Rule or do we have to have an election?

A:  Within the structure of the Society, each District Council must have one, formal President and a full slate of officers.  Each of the Conference Presidents who accepted the specific roles you identified are effectively Vice-Presidents or Committee Chairs in their roles.  Only one person may be District Council President and fulfill those responsibilities.  An election will be necessary.

P: ¿Es necesario que el Presidente de la Conferencia recién electo sea investido por el Presidente del Consejo para hacerlo oficial?

R: No existe un requisito formal para que el Presidente del Consejo incorpore a un Presidente de Conferencia recién electo.  Hay Liturgias/Ceremonias que están disponibles para los Presidentes recién electos que se pueden encontrar en el libro “Celebraciones Vicentinas” disponible a través de la Oficina Nacional.

 P: Nuestro Presidente de Distrito renunció recientemente.  En lugar de elegir un nuevo Presidente, tres Presidentes de Conferencia acordaron asumir parte de las responsabilidades.  Hasta ahora está funcionando bien.  ¿Estamos cumpliendo con la Regla o debemos tener una elección?

R: Dentro de la estructura de la Sociedad, cada Consejo de Distrito debe tener un Presidente formal, y una lista completa de funcionarios.  Cada uno de los Presidentes de Conferencia que aceptaron las funciones específicas que usted identificó son efectivamente Vicepresidentes o Presidentes de Comités en sus funciones.  Solo una persona puede ser Presidente del Consejo de Distrito y cumplir con esas responsabilidades.  Será necesaria una nueva elección.

  • Pam Hudson

God’s Call To Servant Leadership
God’s Call To Servant Leadership 1198 1198 Pam Hudson

Message From Bishop John Quinn

I believe God has a special place in His heart and in His kingdom for those Vincentians who heed His call to servant leadership in our Society.  Such service is a consummate example of following in the footsteps of St. Vincent, Blessed Frederic and Jesus Christ Himself.  The spiritual rewards of doing so are many and meaningful.

Our mission says we lead men and women to join together to grow spiritually.  Serving in a leadership role is a wonderful way to become closer to Jesus, the ultimate servant leader.  And we can be sure He will bless our efforts.

God wants us to utilize the unique talents He has given us to assist those in need.  If we have been gifted with the ability to lead as well, He expects that we will do so as part of our commitment to our Vincentian vocation.

Serving as the president of a Council or Conference provides an ideal platform from which to enhance one’s own spiritual life.  And a great privilege of leadership is the priceless opportunity to nurture the spirituality of fellow Vincentians while inspiring them to be ambassadors of the mission of St. Vincent de Paul in our communities…to bring the love and mercy of Christ to His suffering children.

Council and Conference presidents have told me that their years as a servant leader have been the richest part of their lives in terms of personal spirituality and appreciation of the eternally valuable gifts God had bestowed on them.  Their uplifting experiences changed them in many ways that strengthened their relationship to God and acquainted them intimately with the innate goodness and generosity of the human spirit.

Each of us has been chosen for a purpose.  That is evident in the day-to-day reality of our beautiful vocation.  Our Lord will happily help us discern that purpose…the special way He wants us to support the magnificent mission of St. Vincent de Paul.

Since our founding, Vincentians have been bolstered by an unwavering trust in the providence of God who has demonstrated during the past 190 years that He attaches a high priority to the success of our Society.  As we continue our grace-filled journeys to our heavenly homecoming, I am sure He is smiling down on us, cheering us on and clearing our path.  We have, after all, said “yes” to His call – and He wants us to succeed, whatever role we play in His plan for our personal ministry of love and compassion.

May God continue to bless you abundantly in your exceptional service to His beloved poor.

  • Pam Hudson

Donation Partnerships
Donation Partnerships 1200 628 Pam Hudson

Every so often, we review donations coming into our thrift stores. We compare quantity and quality month by month, versus the previous year’s data. After a recent review, we noticed that we were trending in a negative way on thrift store donations, especially in furniture. Numbers were down versus last year’s collections. What’s causing this trend? Is it the economy, inflation and people hanging onto their furniture and clothing longer because of the economy?

How can we improve our current trend?

Then I remembered a former mentor from my corporate retail days, who had great wisdom. One of his favorite sayings was, “think like a customer.” I thought about it and decided to go to the nearest furniture store with some business cards. I talked to the store manager and I was surprised to learn what their customers ask all the time, “Will you take my old furniture once you deliver my new furnishings?” Of course, this furniture store doesn’t and therefore the customer has to either take their stuff to the dump or donate it.  I asked the store manager if I could place St. Vincent de Paul business cards by the register in a little stand-up frame with our pickup flyer with information for their customers. The store manager approved and was thrilled to be able to give to his customers an option for their old furniture.

With that win in our pocket, I proceeded to have my team of store managers go to various furniture and appliance stores to see if we could display our pickup information and business cards at their store. My team was pleasantly surprised to see every business embrace this concept and let us display our flyer and cards.

Our furniture donations have turned around in a positive way with this strategy.

Creating a win-win situation is always a great thing. We found a way to improve a negative trend and resolve an issue.

Our mission to support St Vincent de Paul will never end; sometimes it just needs a little innovation.

——-

We hope you are planning to attend the National Assembly in August in Phoenix, AZ.

The National Stores Committee is actively planning for a great program for you.

In addition to our daylong program on Wednesday, we will have opportunities to visit a store and have workshops planned for Thursday.  Topics may include small and large store issues like merchandising, budgeting, POS, advertising, training, store layouts, budgeting, staffing, volunteers, productivity, vehicle tracking, E-Comm, loyalty cards and voucher processing, vehicle tracking.

We encourage you to talk to your store managers and leadership about attending the National Assembly.  It is a wonderful opportunity to network with and meet others around the country to share best practices.

—-

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.

  • Pam Hudson

REFLECTIONS ON NATIONAL CELEBRATION OF GAY PRIDE AND JUNETEENTH
REFLECTIONS ON NATIONAL CELEBRATION OF GAY PRIDE AND JUNETEENTH 156 148 Pam Hudson

In this month the nation celebrates Gay Pride Day and Juneteenth Day, the day the last enslaved Africans were emancipated. Let us take this moment to celebrate the openness of Pope Francis to begin the dialogue of welcoming all of God’s people at the table of God’s salvation and mercy.

In the book of Genesis, we read in the first chapter of God’s creation of the world and all the species that God had created in six days. We read that God saved the creation of humans on the sixth day, and we read that God created all humans in God’s image. All of us reflect the image of God, and Jesus commanded us at the Last Supper to have and show love for one another. St. John and St. James in their letters warn us that if we say we love God whom we cannot see and yet hate our neighbor whom we can see, then we are liars and hypocrites.

Love is of God, and Jesus was the perfect lover. Jesus welcomed sinners, the marginalized, those whom no one could love or were worth the time to show them God’s love. Jesus healed, rose those who were dead, and took time to speak of the mercy and love of God to all. Everyone was included at the table.

As Pope Francis states, “When I meet a gay person, I have to distinguish between their being gay and being part of a lobby. If they accept the Lord and have goodwill, who am I to judge them? They shouldn’t be marginalized. The tendency [to homosexuality] is not the problem … they’re our brothers.”

He who raised the dead to life with no regard to status or station in life, commands us to do likewise—raise those who are dead in real prisons and prisons of isolation and loneliness, those who are oppressed because of differences of sexuality, those living in poverty, victims of unjust racist systems and those without homes or even countries and bring them to life in the community of God whose love is infinite and life giving.

So, in this month that celebrates differences while also challenging and questioning the true liberation of each person, we pray that we remain open to all of God’s people and their gifts and welcome all at the table of God’s community.

  • Pam Hudson

05-30-24 Weekly Questions & Answers
05-30-24 Weekly Questions & Answers 1200 628 Pam Hudson

Correction to last week’s Q&A, use of member home address:  We have always discouraged the sharing of personal information of our members.  We do not share them with those we serve, and we should not share them with donors unless our official address is that of the President of the Council or Conference.

Q: I am member of a Conference and I have heard that 5th Sunday 2nd collection of the church should be for St. Vincent de Paul. However, it became apparent that our church is not following that. I would appreciate it if you could send me in writing when and how it was voted in by the USCCB.

A: The 5th Sunday collection is considered traditional, but it is not a formal collection throughout the Church. Any collection held on behalf of the Society is at the option of the pastor. You will find many instances throughout the country where there is NO 5th Sunday collection for the Society.

  Q:  Our Council has not been successful in identifying candidates for an election this September for various reasons. My second three-year term is ending but I am available to serve an additional year as president.  Is this allowed?

 A:  There is no extension of terms.  This is defined in the Nationally Approved Bylaws.  You will have to be out of office for three years before you are eligible to run again.

Corrección a Preguntas y Respuestas de la semana pasada, uso de el domicilio privado del miembro: Siempre hemos desalentado el compartir la información personal de nuestros miembros.  No la compartimos con aquellos a quienes servimos y no deberíamos compartirla con los donantes a menos que nuestro domicilio oficial sea el del Presidente del Consejo o de la Conferencia.

P: Soy miembro de una Conferencia y he oído que la colecta del 5º Domingo y la 2ª de la iglesia debería ser para San Vicente de Paúl. Sin embargo, se hizo evidente que nuestra iglesia no está siguiendo eso. Le agradecería que me enviara por escrito cuándo y cómo fue votado por la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos (USCCB, por sus siglas en inglés).

R: La colecta del 5º domingo se considera tradicional, pero no es una colecta formal en toda la Iglesia. Cualquier colecta que se lleve a cabo en nombre de la Sociedad es a opción del párroco. Encontrará muchos casos en todo el país donde NO hay colecta del 5º Domingo para la Sociedad.

 P: Nuestro Consejo, por varias razones, no ha tenido éxito en la identificación de candidatos para las elecciones de septiembre. Mi segundo mandato de tres años está terminando, pero estoy disponible para servir un año más como Presidente.  ¿Es esto permitido?

 R: No hay extensión de plazos.  Esto se define en los Estatutos Aprobados a Nivel Nacional.  Tendrá que estar fuera del cargo durante tres años antes de ser elegible para postularse nuevamente.

  • Pam Hudson

Good Stewardship
Good Stewardship 1198 1198 Pam Hudson

By: The National Governance Committee

What does stewardship look like in your life?  The National Governance Committee suggests you think of this through the prism of a Vincentian lens which should have a spiritual and biblical foundation.

Then ask yourself what stewardship means to you, to members of the Society, and to your respective Councils and Conferences.

Certainly, as good stewards we need to give thanks for all the gifts we’ve received.  This means thanks to God, thanks to our bishops and pastors for allowing us to serve within their dioceses and parishes, thanks to our volunteers and employees, and thanks to every person who has helped us by donating goods and money.

Good stewardship involves, among other things, accepting and acting on the following principles:

  1. The principle that everything we have is a gift from God who has given us the ability to serve others
  2. The principle of responsibility
  3. The principle of accountability.

Let’s examine these further:

First, stewardship includes recognition that it is God who created everything and through whose grace and blessing we have been given the ability to serve others and to receive the funds needed to do so effectively.  It is God who has given us the graces we need to discern how best to help people.

With this comes the principle of responsibility to use the gifts bestowed on us wisely.  This may mean helping other Conferences and upper Councils as well as those who come directly to us.  We help those who come to us or who we have sought out and found because they are God’s children.  We help other Conferences because we know the people coming to them also need help. We help upper Councils mainly, but not exclusively, through solidarity dues so they can animate and promote our Essential Elements of Spirituality, Friendship and Service.  Responsibility also means not hoarding funds but rather honoring donor intent that those in need be helped in whatever way is prudent and will alleviate material, spiritual and emotional need and anxiety, and that the help be delivered by men and women who are well formed in what it means to be a Vincentian.

The principle of accountability also needs to be considered when discussing stewardship.  When we as Vincentians become stewards of resources and money given to us, we have an absolute responsibility to give an accounting to all of our stakeholders – they were discussed in recent articles.  This includes filing annual reports which have information that is shared with bishops across the country and helps the National Council fulfill its obligation to account to the greater church.

In short, we all have an obligation to be faithful stewards of all God has bestowed upon us and to see that in the end we are serving the common good and furthering God’s Kingdom.

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