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  • 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

 

  • Pam Hudson

Multicultural Diversity Committee Recognizes Disability Pride Month
Multicultural Diversity Committee Recognizes Disability Pride Month 150 150 Pam Hudson

By Jean Rearick, Multicultural Diversity Committee Member

During Disability Pride Month consider how Persons with Disabilities (PWD) who have a heart for serving can be welcomed and given roles where they can fulfill their Vincentian Vocation. We are creative in solving problems for our Neighbors; let’s use some of our creativity to make adaptations and accommodations that make it possible for PWD to participate as leaders and volunteers in The Society. Inclusivity may mean that a job will not be done as efficiently as before and that more effort may be required of some able-bodied members; however, Vincentians are called to serve one another as Friends in addition to serving our Neighbors.

As we implement our National Membership Recruitment Campaign themed “See the Face of Christ. Be the Face of Christ”, the Multicultural Diversity Committee of St. Vincent de Paul USA challenges you to seek out those in your parish and community who would increase the diversity of your Conference.

Reflection:

You may want to share your reflection with your Conference members at a meeting.

  1. How can we include persons of all abilities in our Conferences?
  2. What changes need to be made to our mindset in identifying roles for our volunteers?
  3. Do we prejudge the ability of new members or those we invite to join us?

 

  • Pam Hudson

Attending Meetings of National Committees
Attending Meetings of National Committees 152 152 Pam Hudson

All members of the Society are welcome to attend the regular working meetings of our National Committees, either in person or via Zoom. Only the appointed members of the committees participate in the discussions and work – all others attend as observers.

In order to attend, please follow the link below each committee description to register in advance for Zoom Meetings. In person meetings will be listed in the agendas for the National Assembly or Midyear Meeting.

Vincentian Spirituality Committee

The National Vincentian Spirituality Committee is focused on the spiritual dimension of formation, in order to encourage and support personal growth in every Vincentian’s relationship with God. The Committee provides active nourishment to all members in :

  • Personal spiritual formation
  • Devotion
  • Prayer life

The Committee supports and encourages Spiritual Advisors and leaders by:

  • Developing materials for use in Councils and Conferences
  • Establishing direct channels of communications

Register (all dates through September 2025 are listed)

Vincentian Formation Committee

The National Formation Committee supports the formation of members and leaders in the Society in the interconnected human, spiritual, intellectual, and ministerial dimensions of formation, as defined in the Society’s Foundation Document, and reflecting the fullness of Vincentian tradition. The Committee creates and provides:

  • Printed and digital materials
  • Presentations
  • Guidelines
  • Active nourishment to all members and leaders in the Society

Register (all dates through September 2025 are listed)

Hispanic-Latino Formation Subcommittee

The National Hispanic-Latino Formation Subcommittee defines priorities to properly support the Hispanic-Latino community in all aspects of Formation. The Committee will:

  • Create effective documentation, materials, and tools to ensure the intercultural expression of faith and language is reflected and emphasized.
  • Developing a plan at an accelerated pace
  • Defining the necessary resources

Register (all dates through September 2025 are listed)

Formation Renewal and Delivery Committee

The National Formation Renewal and Delivery Committee defines new and effective means, methods, and channels for the use of Formation materials and tools.

The Committee supports Regions and Councils by

  • Developing plans for teams, partnerships, and schedules.
  • Training those teams to make effective use of Formation materials

Register (all dates through September 2025 are listed)

Membership and Leadership Development Committee

The Member and Leadership Development Committee of the National Council Board of Directors is charged with defining best practices for membership growth, onboarding processes, spiritual enrichment, identifying and advancing Vincentian leadership in a society and Catholic church that is changing rapidly.

Register (all dates through September 2025 are listed)

  • Jill Pioter

See the Face of Christ. Be the Face of Christ.
See the Face of Christ. Be the Face of Christ. 439 244 Jill Pioter

Dear Fellow Vincentians,

We’ve been teasing this idea for awhile, and are proud to announce that today is the day!

Titled “See the Face of Christ. Be the face of Christ”, the National Council is kicking off a membership marketing campaign aimed at adding 10,000 new members to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul nationwide. Ten thousand may sound like an ambitious, even audacious, goal, but it really breaks down to about 2.5 new members per Conference. That sounds pretty achievable, doesn’t it? (Maybe not the .5 part, but you get the idea.)

To help make it as easy as possible for you to attract and welcome new members into the Society, we’ve created a wealth of resources aimed at making it easy for you to invite your family, friends, and fellow parishioners to join us in spirituality, service, and friendship.

Here’s a quick overview of your toolkit:

  • Digital Advertising on Facebook and Instagram from now through October. When you see the ads, like and share them to help our audience grow!
  • Organic posts, including videos and static posts, on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. We’ll have content highlighting both our campaign theme and all the everyday ways Vincentians serve others to See the Face of Christ, and Be the Face of Christ. Don’t forget to Like and Share!
  • Online campaign merch store. Been looking for just the right shirt or hat to show your SVdP spirit? Check out our new campaign store! A variety of sizes, styles, and colors are available, allowing you to put your personal spin on SVdP and become a walking billboard for who we are and what we do.
  • Digital downloads. Need yard signs, banners, posters? How about flyers and prayer cards to share at your next parish ministry fair? We’ve got you covered! Visit our online merch store and download the items you want for free, then take them to your local printer. You get only the items you need, saving you time and shipping costs.
  • An updated Invitation to Serve. Now known as Creating a Culture of Welcome, this updated resource includes valuable ideas for how to invite new members into your Conference, including updated Pulpit Talk examples!
  • New videos are coming! A few short videos are already available on our campaign landing page, and you’re welcome to share these on your local social media or parish events. At National Assembly this year, we will also premiere a new brand video that can be shown locally and nationally to inspire new members.

While our aim for you is to run this campaign nationally through October 2024, remember that you can use many of these resources any time of year! We should think of welcoming new members to the Society year round, not just during parish fair season or when the workload gets too heavy. Every day is a good day to invite someone to join us!

Yours in Christ,
Dave Barringer
National CEO

  • 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.

  • Jill Pioter

Serving With Compassion: The Inspiring Work of 103 Saints Korean Catholic Center Vincentian Conference
Serving With Compassion: The Inspiring Work of 103 Saints Korean Catholic Center Vincentian Conference 225 169 Jill Pioter

In April, the PR and marketing team of the Los Angeles Council interviewed a local District President and posted the interview in their blog site. As we begin the celebration of Asian/Pacific American History month, the Multicultural Diversity Committee is sharing the work of Ken Lee, President of 103 Saints Korean Catholic Center Vincentian Conference. Thanks to Gabriel Perez and Katti Fernandez for sharing this story with us.

In the heart of Los Angeles lies the 103 Saints Korean Catholic Center Vincentian Conference — a beacon of compassion and service to those in need. Led by individuals like Ken Lee, this Conference exemplifies the spirit of charity and outreach, making a tangible difference in the lives of their neighbors in need throughout the local community.

As President of the 103 Saints Korean Catholic Center Vincentian Conference, Ken Lee oversees and coordinates all of their charitable activities. His role involves planning their outreach efforts, mobilizing volunteers, and ensuring that their resources are used effectively to help those in need in the community. Lee has actively served within the Vincentian Conference for six years. Throughout this time, he has had the privilege of collaborating with dedicated conference members and contributing to various community service initiatives.

Lee notes that the Conference focuses on providing essential support to their unhoused neighbors, including preparing and distributing meals like sandwiches and hamburgers to the hungry. Additionally, they offer essential goods and clothing based on seasonal needs, ensuring that their assistance addresses the most pressing concerns of those they serve.

Since involving young people in the activities of a parish is a challenge, Lee includes the middle and high school students from their parish in their charitable projects. He observes that they play a vital role in preparing and distributing meals, learning firsthand the value of service and the joy of helping others. This involvement fosters a sense of responsibility and charity from a young age, nurturing compassionate individuals within the community.

Lee is motivated to make a difference — even if the effort is small — to those around him. Seeing the grateful expressions on their faces each time reassures him that he needs to keep going.

Lee notes that each time he and his team deliver meals or essentials, the thankful expressions and gestures from each recipient really stick with him. He explains that it is also incredibly moving to see them step up to help other neighbors who are even more in need. This chain of kindness not only supports the community but also strengthens the bonds within it, making each act of service profoundly impactful.

    

Reflection

You may want to share your reflection with your Conference members at a meeting.

  1. What does this story about Ken Lee and the members of his Conference inspire in you as a Vincentian?
  2. Did you notice that Ken Lee attempted to meet the needs of his neighbors without judging their circumstances or predicaments? Can you and I say the same when we go on Home Visits or serve in our pantries?
  • Kristen Blacksher

April Advocacy Update: Child Tax Credit, Affordable Connectivity Program, and a Supreme Court Case
April Advocacy Update: Child Tax Credit, Affordable Connectivity Program, and a Supreme Court Case 1600 615 Kristen Blacksher
Please read the April Adovocacy Update below by Voice for the Poor Chair, Bobby Kinkela:

 

Fellow Vincentians,

I wanted to share what we are working on and what we are watching.

First, as a member of the Circle of Protection, a broad faith-based coalition, President John Berry signed a letter to members of the U.S. Senate urging them to pass the Child Tax Credit.  The House passed their bill with an overwhelming majority. The Senate is bogged down over politics and not on the merit of the issue.  Thank you to the 2,700+ Vincentians that have sent emails to Congress on this issue.  If you have not weighed in, you can still send your message!  Because the legislative calendar is compressed due to the November election, if the Senate does not act soon, the bill will die.

We are monitoring the Affordable Connectivity Program.  The Affordable Connectivity Program provides a $30 discount on internet bills to income qualified households.  This is one of many programs that helps to reduce the internet costs for individuals. While funding for this program is in jeopardy, several similar programs remain including programs that provide cell phones to people who meet certain requirements.

The Supreme Court is hearing a case this week regarding criminalizing homelessness – Grants Pass v. Johnson.  The city argued that the ordinances merely bar camping on public property by everyone, while the challengers contended that the laws effectively make it a crime to be homeless in the city and therefore violate the Constitution’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment. Monday’s arguments mainly focused on a 1962 Supreme Court ruling Robinson v. California which held that the 8th amendment forbids states from making laws punishing those addicted to drugs. The current challengers to the Oregon case likewise contend that the city’s ordinances, like the state law in Robinson, punish people who are involuntarily homeless.  We anticipate a decision will be made in late June.

Thank you for your advocacy and prayers.

In Christ,
Bobby Kinkela
Chair, Voice for the Poor Committee

  • Jill Pioter

National Twinning Commission
National Twinning Commission 1080 1080 Jill Pioter

Purpose

To support and promote twinning with other superior councils and to work collaboratively with other twinning partners (e.g. Superior Council of Canada)

Reports To

National President

Twinning Is

Fulfilling the preferential option for the poor, Twinning is the mutual exchange of resources, both spiritual and material, between Conferences and Councils — domestically, nationally, and internationally, so as to fulfill the vision of our Founders — that a network of charity, in fraternity and solidarity, encircle the whole world.

It is the awareness of acute poverty in a great number of countries and the Vincentian preferential option for the poor, spurs Conferences and Councils to assist others with fewer resources. The activity between two Conferences/Councils, a fundamental activity of the Society, is the expression of Vincentian fraternity and solidarity.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Promote and monitor twinning activities in the United States and in Superior Councils within America 1.
  • Work collaboratively with the International Territorial Vice President for America 1.
  • Maintain a database on all twinning activities in the U.S.
  • Provide semi-annual reports on twinning activities to the National Board of Directors.
  • Provide semi-annual reports to the International Twinning Commission.
  • Assure compliance with the U.S. government and other countries where funds are electronically transferred.
  • Prepare and maintain a Twinning Policies and Procedures Manual consistent with that of the International Twinning Commission.
  • Meet periodically, as needed(via ZOOM, Mid-year and National).
  • Prepare an annual budget for the Twinning Commission.
  • Keep our twinning partners in our prayers.
  • Any other appropriate matters that may be requested by the National Board of Directors.
  • Jill Pioter

2024 Committee Charges
2024 Committee Charges 1080 1080 Jill Pioter

Development & Communications Committee

The Development & Communications Committee is charged with raising the national profile of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul by leveraging the ideas, resources, and best practices of its members in fundraising, marketing, and communications. Through collaboration and learning, the Committee will develop the resources necessary to grow the Society’s works and pave the way for future growth.

Membership & Leadership Development Committee

The Membership and Leadership Development Committee is charged with defining best practices for membership growth, the onboarding process, spiritual enrichment, identifying and advancing Vincentian leadership in a society and Catholic church that is changing rapidly.

Multicultural Diversity Committee

The Multicultural Diversity Committee is charged with prayerfully creating an inclusive culture by means of researching, developing proposing ideas, and leading projects that will give each member of the Society the opportunity to contribute and express their charisms.

Vincentian Spiritual Growth and Enrichment Committees

Formation Committee

The Formation Committee supports the formation of members and leaders in the Society in the interconnected human, spiritual, intellectual, and ministerial dimensions of formation, as defined in the Society’s Foundation Document, and reflecting the fullness of Vincentian tradition. The Committee creates and provides:

  • Printed and digital materials
  • Presentations
  • Guidelines
  • Active nourishment to all members and leaders in the Society.

The Hispanic-Latino Formation Subcommittee defines priorities to properly support the Hispanic-Latino community in all aspects of Formation. The Committee will:

  • Define the necessary resources
  • Develop a plan at an accelerated pace
  • Create effective documentation, materials, and tools to ensure the intercultural expression of faith and language is reflected and emphasized
Formation Renewal & Delivery Committee

The Formation Renewal & Delivery Committee provides training and Formation, in partnership with local Councils, using existing methods, and finding new effective means and channels for the use of Formation materials and tools. The Committee supports Regions and Councils by:

  • Developing plans and schedules for teams and partnerships
  • Training those teams to make effective use of Formation materials
Spirituality Formation Committee

The Spirituality Formation Committee is focused on the spiritual dimension of formation, in order to encourage and support personal growth in every Vincentian’s relationship with God.
The Committee provides active nourishment to all members in:

  • Personal spiritual formation
  • Devotion
  • Prayer life

The Committee supports and encourages Spiritual Advisors and leaders by:

  • Developing materials for use in Councils and Conferences
  • Establishing direct channels of communications

Vincentian Programs & Services Committees

Poverty Action Committee

The Poverty Action Committee is charged with the coordination and collaboration among the National poverty programs and committees, the development of National poverty programs identified by the National Council Board, and with disseminating systemic change mentality among Society members to engage more Councils and Conferences in transformative initiatives that empower those we serve to make their way out of poverty to self-sufficiency.

National Voice For the Poor Committee

The National Voice For the Poor Committee is charged with advocating on behalf of people in poverty, and with education and information-sharing to strengthen and grow Council and Conferences’ involvement with advocating for policy solutions to local, state, and national leaders and legislators. The committee reports to the National Council President.

Homelessness Prevention Committee

The Homelessness Prevention Committee is charged with providing guidance and best practices in homelessness prevention and shelter diversion to Councils and Conferences, strengthening efforts to stop homelessness before it starts for those most at risk of losing their home.

Stores Committee

The Stores Committee is charged with helping paid and unpaid personnel to develop and maintain successful thrift stores, and with providing consulting services to Councils and Conferences that desire to start thrift stores.

Youth, Young Adults, and Emerging Leaders Committee

The Youth, Young Adults, and Emerging Leaders Committee is charged with growing young Vincentian leaders while ensuring that the spirit of our young founders is always present within the Society. This committee seeks to promote the formation, recruitment and engagement of young people, and the constant rejuvenation of the Vincentian Conferences both locally and nationally.

YYAEL will play a crucial role in identifying and developing individuals capable of leading with compassion, innovation, and dedication. Helping to support Youth, Young Adults, Emerging Leaders, and their coordinators, YYAEL will create opportunities, programs, and resources to support, connect, and train Youth, Young Adults, Emerging Leaders, and their coordinators, preparing them to integrate into the Society to lead, serve, and inspire generations to come.

 

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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.

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