Seeing Christ through Personal Encounter
Why did I join the Society of St Vincent de Paul, and why am I still a member?
Fifteen years ago, I was retiring from paid work and a friend of mine asked if I would consider joining the Society. I had “new” free time, felt I had been blessed by God and wanted to give back in some small way – so I said “yes.” Little did I realize at the time how profoundly my life would be graced by that decision.
Most people join the Society for similar reasons as mine, but most stay because of the friendships they develop and how the Society helps us to grow spiritually. That spiritual growth is fostered in the prayer and discussion during our conference meetings, and at gatherings with other Vincentians. I recently returned from the Society’s annual National Assembly. More than 800 Vincentians from around the country joined for several days of keynote presentations, workshops, and uplifting liturgies. My soul is always refreshed by these gatherings.
Over the past 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of serving in local, regional and national servant leadership roles for the Society, but our home visits touch me the most. Over the years, I have visited hundreds of needy individuals and families in my local community of Peoria, Ill. Each case is unique, but beyond just helping people to pay a bill that keeps them housed, I am most touched by the personal encounter which brings us to see Christ in the faces of those we serve.
In one case, we visited a mother of two young boys. She called for help with a utility bill. We sought to understand how she got behind. She worked as a night security watchman monitoring industrial properties in her car. However, her tires were bald and kept getting flats which she had to repair. It was winter, and her utility couldn’t be shut off for several months. Since she had regular income and children, her tax refund would enable her to get fully paid up on her utilities, so we offered to instead put new tires on her car. This more sustainable solution would never have come to light without spending time in a home visit.
More recently, a visit partner and I met with a 66-year-old woman with several emotional and physical disabilities who needed help with a part of her monthly rent. She’s lived in the same apartment for over 11 years, a remarkable achievement for her situation. She lives on fixed income and must walk or pay friends for a ride to get food or go to doctor appointments. While discussing how she got behind and what we might be able to do to help cover the small remaining rent she owed, it quickly became apparent that her greatest need was to be seen and heard. We spent time talking about how she had become estranged from her out-of-state children, about her faith life and her church; and she took time to show us her small apartment and told us where each of her wall and table decorations came from. We prayed together for the grace to get through this immediate crisis and to thank God for the blessings she had.
It is these personal encounters that touch me most and keep me serving as a Vincentian.
Blessings,
Tom Pelger
National Vice President, Regional & Council Support
I joined several years ago, looking for something i could enjoy and do my part to help our neighbors in need. I started with grocery pick-up and deliveries! Then I was asked to help with the food pantry, whenever I could. This was rewarding in it’s own way too! As I got older my legs started started hurting, lifting and carrying groceries, I then started working in our office. I was overwhelmed by the amount of people that needed assistance.. It didn’t help when landlords were able to raise rents as high as they want. Now Nipsco is talking about a rate hike, that’s going to make that much tougher for all. Now that I’m better off financially I help. with several personal charities and SVDP!