• Search the Site

news

  • Kristen Blacksher

Feature: Young Vincentian Excellence Awards
Feature: Young Vincentian Excellence Awards 2160 1440 Kristen Blacksher

Young People in the Spotlight for the 2025 Young Vincentian Excellence Awards

By Linda Roghair, National Vice President of Youth, Young Adults & Emerging Leaders 

 

A Society-wide search for young people doing amazing work in their community is happening now.

Vincentians from across the U.S. are invited to nominate emerging young Vincentian servant leaders from their Conferences, Councils, and Special Works for two Young Vincentian Excellence Awards which will be presented at the National Assembly in Louisville, KY in August.

We are asking Vincentians to nominate a young person who serves the Society in their community, embodies servant leadership, and has a passion towards the Vincentian Charism. Nominations are open now until May 15, 2025.

Submission Requirements

  • Nominees must be involved in the Society of St. Vincent de Paul USAin some capacity (ie. Youth Conference, Youth University Conference, Adult Conference, Special Works, etc.).
  • Age groups: Youth 16-18 (High School) or Youth University (18-University age), and Young Adults (18-40)
  • Include photos, volunteer logs, etc. if possible
  • Nomination Form must be submitted via email to: YYAEL@svdpusa.org by May 15, 2025. Please include your Conference President, Council President, NCM & Regional Vice President when submitting a nomination.

Award recipients will be gifted a paid trip to participate in the 2025 National Assembly in Louisville, KY (August 28 – 30). Award recipients must commit to attending the National Assembly in order to receive the award.

Last year’s award winner Sarah of the Madison Wisconsin St. Vincent de Paul Youth Service Council had this to say:

“For me being a Vincentian means actively growing in my faith through allowing the grace of incarnational charity to fuel impactful service and beautiful friendships. Winning the Young Vincentian Excellence Award allowed me the opportunity to attend the National Assembly and connect with the Society on a larger scale. I am especially grateful for becoming a member of the YYAEL Team since this amazing group of passionate young people keep me connected to the Society while I am at a college with no current SVdP presence.”

Last year’s award winner Zoie Roghair of the Sioux Falls St. Michael Conference had this to say:

“I am grateful for what this award represents—opportunity, future growth, and community,” said Zoie Roghair of the Sioux Falls St. Michael Conference. “The award and Society have opened many doors for servant leadership, advocacy for the voiceless, friendships, and increasing the involvement of Youth and Young Adults. It is something I will cherish forever.”

Do you know a young person who serves the Society in their community, embodies servant leadership, and has a passion towards the Vincentian Charism? Please submit a completed form and any supplemental material to YYAEL@svdpusa.org by May 15, 2025.

 

  • Kristen Blacksher

Feature: Weaving Bonds and Building Community
Feature: Weaving Bonds and Building Community 1906 1071 Kristen Blacksher

Weaving Bonds and Building Community

By Pam Matambanadzo, SVdP Chicago area

We “make no distinctions in those we serve because, in them, Vincentians see the face of Christ.”

We follow in the footsteps set by Blessed Frédéric so many years ago, journeying towards holiness and building on generations before us. Now that we have accepted the baton, we need to pass it on to others so that we can reinforce the strength of the baton. Our challenge is that the world has changed and evolved but our ways have lagged. Our parish communities no longer look like they did 20 or 40 years ago. We hold on to the ways we have been operating even when our efforts are not bearing fruit.

Change is hard. How do we make sure that as we journey together our legacy, like Blessed Frédéric , will inspire diverse Vincentians for generations to come?

Striving for diversity within the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is not just a reflection of societal values, but also a strategic approach to better fulfill our mission. By mirroring the diversity of both Catholic parishioners and the communities they serve, SVdP ensures a more inclusive, culturally competent, and effective response to the challenges of poverty.

Our efforts need to reflect the diversity of both those in the pews, as well as those attending Mass at different time slots to ours. Our awareness should also be inclusive of the broader communities we serve, extending beyond ethnicity and encompassing age and economic diversity. We need to ask ourselves this: Are we “enabling each person to participate actively in the Church’s mission according to his or her own charism and vocation”? Here are four areas that we should contemplate:

Inclusivity and Representation

  • Fellow Parishioners: The global Church is a community that spans a rich tapestry of cultural, linguistic, and ethnic backgrounds. Mirroring this diversity ensures that we, as an organization, are inclusive and representative of the broader Catholic community, fostering a sense of belonging among parishioners.
  • Communities Served: Those who seek assistance from us come from various backgrounds, reflecting the diversity of the broader society. By embracing diversity within our own ranks, the Society ensures that our members can better relate to and understand the unique needs of those we serve, fostering trust and creating a more empathetic and effective support system.

Cultural Competence

  • Understanding Different Perspectives: A diverse membership brings a range of perspectives, experiences, and cultural competencies. This diversity allows us to approach issues with a more nuanced understanding, ensuring that our services are culturally sensitive and relevant to the diverse needs of the communities we serve. Encountering them where they are. When stocking our pantries, are we providing food for the communities we are serving, or are we guided by our own lived experience? Culturally, we each have different comfort foods.
  • Communication and Outreach: We have always prided ourselves on our ability to tailor services based on the needs of the person in front of us. Different communities will have unique challenges and require tailored approaches. Having a diverse membership allows us to communicate effectively and engage with a wider audience, breaking down potential cultural and linguistic barriers that might hinder outreach efforts. Have we explored growth potential locally — even if we may need to accommodate other languages?

Young and Economic Diversity

  • Attracting a New Generation of Vincentians: Embracing young members ensures the longevity and sustainability of the Society’s mission. By involving younger members, the organization can benefit from fresh perspectives, technological savvy, and a passion for social justice, helping to adapt and evolve its services to meet changing community needs. Are we open to changing our meeting times to accommodate younger members with work and family commitments?
  • Economic Diversity: Economic challenges affect individuals and families across various demographics. A diverse member base, including individuals from different economic backgrounds, can bring a more comprehensive understanding of the issues related to poverty and inequality. This can lead to more effective strategies for addressing these challenges at both the individual and systemic levels.

Building a Stronger Community 

  • Collaboration and Unity: A diverse group of members fosters collaboration and unity within the organization. When individuals from diverse backgrounds work together towards a common goal, it strengthens the sense of community within community and society as a whole.
  • Inspiring Others: Seeing a diverse group of members actively engaged in service to the People of God can inspire others to join our chosen vocation. This can lead to a snowball effect, encouraging more people from various backgrounds to participate, broadening the organization’s impact and reach.

The Multicultural Diversity Committee is committed to “End Poverty Through Systemic Change” with a laser focus on removing all barriers associated with discrimination of any kind through education, awareness, and compassion. The committee holds a monthly Zoom call to encourage Vincentians to advocate for justice in their local community. Learn more information at https://members.ssvpusa.org/diversity. 

  • Kristen Blacksher

Ozanam PR Corp/SVdP Eyedentity Program Celebrates 40 Years
Ozanam PR Corp/SVdP Eyedentity Program Celebrates 40 Years 2321 1807 Kristen Blacksher

Written by Jack Ahern, MagnaliteCatholic.com

In 1985, the SVdP Phoenix Council decided to inform the public that St. Vincent de Paul exists. To help with this, they formed the SVdP Eyedentity Program. Ozanam PR Corp. was created to run it. Under the leadership of Phoenix Council board member, Jack Ahern, it began to operate. Jack ran it out of his company warehouse.

When word got out about the program, it quickly spread from Phoenix to throughout the United States. In 1996, the SVdP National Council contracted with Ozanam PR Corp. to be an official company promoting and producing SVdP logo merchandise.

From a dozen products in 1985, Ozanam PR Corp now produces and warehouses over 100 SVdP items.  This includes apparel, awards, statues, medals, rosaries, lapel pins, prayer boxes, lanyards, name badges and much, much more. Having almost $100,000 worth of products in their warehouse, they can generally ship orders within a couple of days.

With four generations of Vincentians, the Ahern family has a pretty good idea of what items are needed to help us Vincentians with our vocation.  The dedicated staff of Ozanam PR Corp is honored to have served their fellow Vincentians for 40 years.  We hope to continue our service for many years to come. Please visit us at www.MagnaliteCatholic.com for a complete catalog of our products.

  • admin

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

 

National Puerto Rican Heritage Month
National Puerto Rican Heritage Month 624 587 admin

Join us this November as we celebrate National Puerto Rican Heritage Month!

“Had we but one spark of the divine fire that consumed the heart of Jesus Christ, would we remain with our arms folded and abandon those whom we could assist”—St. Vincent de Paul.

We know that we are called to assist our neighbors in need. Yet, if we had that one spark of divine fire that consumed the heart of Christ, could we ignore and be blind to the beauty of the cultural heritages of our neighbors in need. Our neighbors may be caught up in situational or generational poverty, but their culture and history keeps them grounded and sustains them through their difficulties.

In this month of National Puerto Rican Heritage Month, let’s look at two traditional types of Puerto Rican music beyond salsa: the music of the mountains, or jibaro music, and bomba.

Take a listen to this traditional music of the people in the mountainous region of Puerto Rico by Ramito: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHA_30e7eEc&list=PLygGmiBruOlf6Aw7BDr34GWA2eDp6OosP&index=10

Modern jibaro music composed by Fabiola Mendez: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yJjALda0X4

The second traditional type of Puerto Rican music is bomba. Bomba is an umbrella term that refers to a variety of musical styles and associated dances originating in Puerto Rico. It was developed by enslaved Africans and their descendants in sugar plantations along coastal towns, most notably Loiza, Mayagüez, Ponce, and San Juan, during the 17th century.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXRMF2ndL2Y

Take a listen to the vibrant bomba that a group of young people played in a subway in Chicago. This version is a modern interpretation of bomba.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkK68RxqKAE&list=RDQMpRXHg7WufZY&index=7

When we look at the table of St. Vincent de Paul, those of us with eyes to see can almost see the Puerto Rican jibaro and the dancers and players of bomba at the table.

 

 

NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH 1024 512 admin

SEPTEMBER 16 MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY 

Written by: Margarita Galindo – In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which is September 15 through October 15 

The Independence of México was the process in which the former territory of New Spain, part of the Spanish empire, became an independent country. Mexico was part of the Latin American wars of Independence.

Traditionally, the celebration of this national holiday begins on September 15, when, around 11:00 p.m., the President of the Republic of Mexico gave the Cry of Independence from the National Palace and rang the bell of Dolores, the same one that rang during the harangue pronounced by the Catholic priest, Miguel Hidalgo, on September 16, 1810.

We, Mexicans, celebrate this National Holiday with respect and pride.

We love our homeland every day of our lives because those who do not value the place where they were born have no identity.

I am incredibly happy to be Mexican. VIVA MEXICO

Mexico celebrates this national holiday with a military parade. The Mexican president reviews the army and then he leads the parade.

In other countries, Mexicans celebrate September 16 with a parade very different from the one in Mexico.

The United States of America recognizes and celebrates the culture, history, and contributions that the Hispanic/Latino community have made to the American Society and culture.

The celebrations begin in the middle rather than the start of September because it coincides with the National Independence days in different Latin American countries. Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica celebrate their independence on September 15, followed by México on September 16, Chile, September 18, and Belize, September 21.

 

EL 16 DE SEPTIEMBRE DÍA DE LA INDEPENDENCIA DE MÉXICO 

La Independencia de México fue el proceso por el que el antiguo territorio de Nueva España, que formaba parte del imperio español, se convirtió en un País Independiente. México formo parte de las guerras de Independencia.

Tradicionalmente, la celebración de esta fiesta patria empieza el 15 de septiembre, cuando —alrededor de las 23:00 horas— el presidente de la República de México da el Grito de Independencia desde Palacio Nacional y hace sonar la campana de Dolores, la misma que sonó durante la arenga que pronunció el Cura Católico Miguel Hidalgo el 16 de septiembre de 1810.

Nosotros los Mexicanos festejamos las Fiestas Patrias con respeto y orgullo.

Amamos a nuestra patria cada día de nuestras vidas porque aquel que no valora el lugar donde nació, no tiene identidad.  Yo soy muy feliz de ser Mexicana. VIVA MÉXICO

México celebra esta fiesta nacional con un desfile militar.  El presidente mexicano pasa una revisión del ejército y luego encabeza el desfile.

En otros países, los mexicanos celebran el 16 de septiembre con un desfile muy diferente al de México.

Los Estados Unidos de América reconoce y celebra la cultura, la historia y las contribuciones que los hispanos/latinos han hecho a la sociedad y la cultura estadounidense.

Las celebraciones comienzan a mediados de septiembre y no a principios de septiembre, ya que coincide con los días de la Independencia Nacional en diferentes países de América Latina: Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua y Costa Rica celebran la suya el 15 de septiembre, seguida de México el 16 de septiembre, Chile el 18 de septiembre y Belice el 21 de septiembre.

 

 

 

National Council Announces New Friends of the Poor Grant Recipients
National Council Announces New Friends of the Poor Grant Recipients 150 150 admin

We received 92 grant applications totaling $443,850.00.

There were 23 grant awards for this round totaling $66,500.00.

Through a simple application process, SVdP Conferences and District Councils can apply for up to $5,000 from the National Council’s Friends of the Poor® Fund. The Friends of the Poor® funds available to grant is normally limited to the amount raised and/or approved by the National Council budget process. Individual grant award amounts may vary from the application amount but will not exceed $5,000.

Grants are targeted to specific areas of need, above and beyond available Conference resources: assistance for rent/housing, utilities, food, clothing, medical, transportation, and baby/children needs. No systemic change or building projects.

 

Friends of the Poor® Grant Awards – August 2024
 

Conference/Council Name

  

Region

  

City, State

 Award Amount  

Purpose of Grant
Annunciation Mideast Brazil, IN $2,000.00 Food assistance
Corpus Christi St. John Neumann Mideast Cincinnati, OH $2,000.00 Rent and utility assistance
District Council of St. Joseph County Mideast South Bend, IN $2,000.00 Household care and hygiene items, diapers
St. Andrew the Apostle Mideast Indianapolis, IN $2,000.00 Utility assistance, food and gas cards
St. Anthony of Padua Mideast Clarksville, IN $5,000.00 Housing and utility assistance, clothing
St. Genevieve St. Maurice Mideast Livonia, MI $2,000.00 Housing and transportation assistance
St. John St. Patrick Mideast Fort Wayne, IN $2,000.00 Rent and utility assistance, food vouchers
St. Joseph Mideast Hamilton, OH $2,000.00 Rent and utility assistance
St. Julie Billiart Mideast Hamilton, OH $5,000.00 Rent and utility assistance
St. Louis Mideast Owensville, OH $5,000.00 Rent, utility and transportation assistance
St. Martin of Tours Mideast Martinsville, IN $5,000.00 Rent and utility assistance
St. Mary Mideast Franklin, KY $2,000.00 Rent, utility, food and gas assistance
St. Mary Mideast Painesville, OH $2,000.00 Rent and utility assistance
St. Monica Mideast Indianapolis, IN $5,000.00 Housing assistance
St. Thomas More Mideast Troy, MI $2,000.00 Rent assistance
St. William Mideast Walled Lake, MI $2,000.00 Rent assistance, car repairs, food
Cristo Rey Midwest Lincoln, NE $2,500.00 Homelessness prevention, utility assistance
Holy Name Midwest Omaha, NE $2,000.00 Rent and utility assistance
Immaculate Conception Midwest Clarksville, TN $5,000.00 Homelessness prevention
Our Lady of the Lake Midwest Hendersonville, TN $2,500.00 Rent and utility assistance
Sacred Heart Midwest Crystal City, MO $2,500.00 Rent and utility assistance
St. Bridget of Kildare Midwest Pacific, MO $2,500.00 Car repairs
St. John Vianney Midwest Gallatin, TN $2,500.00 Rent and utility assistance
    Total Awards $66,500.00  

Save the Dates! Vincentian Heritage Pilgrimage 2025
Save the Dates! Vincentian Heritage Pilgrimage 2025 293 168 admin

Paris: September 5-13, 2025

Join fellow Vincentians to walk the streets of Paris, visiting the churches of St Vincent, St Louise, Bl. Rosalie, and Bl. Frédéric. We’ll visit the Chapel of the Miraculous Medal, Frédéric’s beloved Sorbonne, the Rue Mouffetard, where Rosalie served the poor for 54 years, Sacré-Coeur, the tombs of all four of these Vincentian founders, and much more.

Lyon & Chatillon: September 13-15, 2025 (Optional Add-on)

In this optional add-on, we will visit the place where the Vincentian Family was born with the founding of the first Confraternity of Charity in 1617, and we will take a walking tour of Lyon, the city of Frédéric’s childhood.

 Your guides will be:

Ralph Middlecamp, 1st Vice President, International Council General

Tim Williams, Sr. Director, Formation & Leadership Development

 Sign Up to Receive More Details:

Send email to Tim Williams: twilliams@svdpusa.org

 

 

  • Pam Hudson

ANNOUNCING OUR NEXT NATIONAL COUNCIL CEO
ANNOUNCING OUR NEXT NATIONAL COUNCIL CEO 964 1102 Pam Hudson

Dear Vincentian Brothers and Sisters,

After an extensive nationwide search led by executive search firm BoardWalk Consulting, I am thrilled to announce that the Society has chosen its next National CEO from our own St. Vincent de Paul USA family.

Michael Acaldo, the CEO of the Diocesan Council of Baton Rouge, is our new CEO of the National Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

A native of Baton Rouge, Michael has been a member of the Vincentian Family since 1990.

In his tenure with the Council of Baton Rouge, Michael has led that group to incredible growth. In 1991, he oversaw the founding of the Bishop Ott Shelter Program, which has since grown to five emergency shelters serving men, women, children, and families, and which provided more than 31,000 guest nights of shelter in 2023. In 1995, he helped establish the St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy, the first SVdP Charitable Pharmacy in the nation. The Baton Rouge St. Vincent de Paul Dining Room served over 300,000 meals to neighbors in need in 2023. And if that weren’t enough, he’s also the creator, host, and executive producer of the SVdP Beacons of Light television show, which has been on the air since 2006.

Michael is well respected within the Society, and within the larger Catholic community. He has received various honors for his work with the Society in Baton Rouge, including receiving the Benemerenti Medal from Pope John Paul II in 2002 for service to the Catholic Church; serving as a John W. Barton, Sr. Fellow for excellence in community nonprofit leadership, also in 2002; being inducted into the Catholic High School Hall of Fame in 2009; and receiving the inaugural St. Joseph’s Cathedral Community Award in 2013.

Of his new role, Michael had this to say: “I feel so blessed and honored to be chosen for this leadership position during such an exciting time in our Society’s history. Our National Board’s launching of VisionSVdP focuses on listening to every voice in our Vincentian Family, which is so powerful! I believe that the Holy Spirit will speak through Vincentians around the country, and provide a roadmap for our bright future. Plus, I cannot wait to join our talented and dedicated National Staff in St. Louis.”

On a personal note, this is a great day for the Society. Michael has been a friend and a colleague for almost 20 years and I can say without hesitation that he is an amazing leader, a consummate professional, and the kind of visionary that the Society needs to help take us into the future. Michael has a deep commitment to the essential elements of spirituality, service, and friendship. The Board of Directors and I look forward to working with Michael.

Michael received both his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and his Master of Business Administration from Louisiana State University. He and Paula, his wife of 32 years, are the proud parents of adult twin daughters. They are thrilled and looking forward to the arrival of their first grandchild this November.

  • Pam Hudson

Announcing Our Next National Council CEO
Announcing Our Next National Council CEO 152 152 Pam Hudson

Dear Vincentian Brothers and Sisters,

After an extensive nationwide search led by executive search firm BoardWalk Consulting, I am thrilled to announce that the Society has chosen its next National CEO from our own St. Vincent de Paul USA family.

Michael Acaldo, the CEO of the Diocesan Council of Baton Rouge, is our new CEO of the National Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

A native of Baton Rouge, Michael has been a member of the Vincentian Family since 1990.

In his tenure with the Council of Baton Rouge, Michael has led that group to incredible growth. In 1991, he oversaw the founding of the Bishop Ott Shelter Program, which has since grown to five emergency shelters serving men, women, children, and families, and which provided more than 31,000 guest nights of shelter in 2023. In 1995, he helped establish the St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy, the first SVdP Charitable Pharmacy in the nation. The Baton Rouge St. Vincent de Paul Dining Room served over 300,000 meals to neighbors in need in 2023. And if that weren’t enough, he’s also the creator, host, and executive producer of the SVdP Beacons of Light television show, which has been on the air since 2006.

Michael is well respected within the Society, and within the larger Catholic community. He has received various honors for his work with the Society in Baton Rouge, including receiving the Benemerenti Medal from Pope John Paul II in 2002 for service to the Catholic Church; serving as a John W. Barton, Sr. Fellow for excellence in community nonprofit leadership, also in 2002; being inducted into the Catholic High School Hall of Fame in 2009; and receiving the inaugural St. Joseph’s Cathedral Community Award in 2013.

Of his new role, Michael had this to say: “I feel so blessed and honored to be chosen for this leadership position during such an exciting time in our Society’s history. Our National Board’s launching of VisionSVdP focuses on listening to every voice in our Vincentian Family, which is so powerful! I believe that the Holy Spirit will speak through Vincentians around the country, and provide a roadmap for our bright future. Plus, I cannot wait to join our talented and dedicated National Staff in St. Louis.”

On a personal note, this is a great day for the Society. Michael has been a friend and a colleague for almost 20 years and I can say without hesitation that he is an amazing leader, a consummate professional, and the kind of visionary that the Society needs to help take us into the future. Michael has a deep commitment to the essential elements of spirituality, service, and friendship. The Board of Directors and I look forward to working with Michael.

Michael received both his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and his Master of Business Administration from Louisiana State University. He and Paula, his wife of 32 years, are the proud parents of adult twin daughters. They are thrilled and looking forward to the arrival of their first grandchild this November.

Please join me in congratulating Michael and praying for his success in this exciting new role!

Peace and God’s Blessings,
John

 

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
CONTACT US
ABOUT SVDP USA

The National Council of the United States, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Inc. is a non-profit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. Donations to the National Council are deductible. The Council’s tax identification number is 13-5562362.

No Surprises Act/Transparency in Coverage information for the National Council is available here.

CONNECT WITH US

© 2023 by National Council of the United States Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Search
the Website
Privacy Preferences

When you visit our website, it may store information through your browser from specific services, usually in the form of cookies. Here you can change your Privacy preferences. It is worth noting that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our website and the services we are able to offer.

Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking code.
Click to enable/disable Google Fonts.
Click to enable/disable Google Maps.
Click to enable/disable video embeds.
Our website uses cookies, mainly from 3rd party services. Define your Privacy Preferences and/or agree to our use of cookies.
Skip to content