Vincentian Community News |
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Today, we celebrate Good Friday of the Lord's Passion. As we mark this day on which Jesus was crucified, pray the Stations of the Cross to reflect on Christ's Passion.
Christ became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every other name. (Phil 2:8-9)
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We are excited to announce that we will have a full virtual Ozanam Orientation next month. The event will be held on Saturday, April 10, 2021 from 9:00am - 2:30pm. Registration is open now.
Ozanam Orientations are designed to set up our new Vincentians for success and re-energize those Vincentians who have already served. During the Ozanam Orientation, Diocesan Council and conference leaders help prepare volunteers by offering insight into the Society's history and legacy, home visits, and Vincentian spirituality.
All new Vincentians are asked to attend an Ozanam Orientation within their first year in ministry; current Vincentians should attend an Ozanam refresher every 3-5 years. The virtual Ozanam Orientation will count towards your requirement, because this is the same presentation you would have if we met in-person.
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Systemic Change and Voice of the Poor |
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The Systemic Change Committee and the Voice of the Poor Committee are joining together to launch VIEWS, a Vincentian Initiative to Empower our Work through Systemic Change. This is a joint initiative to align our Systemic Change and Voice of the Poor efforts.
You are invited to the inaugural meeting on April 17, 2021 at 10:00am. We will explore ways to support the work of our Conferences to produce longer-term solutions for the individuals, families, and communities we serve.
The meeting will be virtual, but you must register to attend. To register click here.
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City of Austin RENT Assistance Program |
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The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is partnering with the City of Austin and the Housing Authority to assist eligible Austin residents, impacted by COVID-19, with applying for rental assistance through the Relief of Emergency Needs for Tenants (RENT) Assistance Program. The RENT Application Portal is now open and will remain open through December 2021 or until funds are spent.
Applicants are welcome to use our computer lab at the Vincentian Family Center
Tuesday - Friday from 9:00am - 12:00pm. Mondays are by appointment only. Email info@ssvdp.org. We will assist applicants with creating an account, completing the online application, and uploading the required documents.
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On behalf of the Diocesan Council staff, we want to wish you and your family a Happy and Blessed Easter!
As a reminder, the office is closed today and Easter Monday. Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday.
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Easter Sunday
April 4, 2021
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Gospel Reading: (John 20:1-9)
On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.” So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple also went in…and he saw and believed. For they did not yet understand the Scripture that he had to rise from the dead.
Vincentian Reflection:
We can hardly grasp the joy and glory of Easter Sunday! The disciples didn’t understand, but they came to believe. So can we. Easter Sunday is more than a celebration of the resurrection of Christ. It is also an invitation to each of us to preach the gospel and take our place in the long line of witnesses to Jesus’ resurrected life. This is why we are so awed at the mystery: not only that Jesus was raised from the dead but that God entrusts us with Jesus’ mission and to be witness of God’s mighty deed of resurrection. It appears as though God trusts us a great deal. (Living Liturgy, p.112)
Vincentian Meditation:
St. Vincent wrote: “My friend, you belong to God. Let this reality color your entire existence. Give yourself up to God ceaselessly with every beat of your heart. We are commissioned not only to God, but to cause Him to be loved. It is not enough for us to love God, if our neighbor does not love Him also. Only through the charity of our Lord can we transform the world. The wonderful thing is that in letting His love pass through us, we are ourselves converted. The poor are our masters; they are our kings; we must obey them. It is no exaggeration to call them this, since our Lord is in the poor.”(USA Manual P.40)
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St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store Closed Today |
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The St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store is closed today in observance of Good Friday. Normal business hours will resume on Saturday, April 3, 2021 from 10:00am - 5:00pm. You are invited to come, explore, and shop for great items at affordable prices. We receive new donations weekly, so you never know what treasures you will find.
We are taking every precaution to ensure your safety. Everyone is required to wear a face mask and practice social distancing. Hand sanitizer is also available when you enter the store. The Thrift Store is sprayed with disinfected spray weekly.
The Thrift Store is in need of volunteers to assist with many tasks including: sorting, organizing, and pricing. Are you interested in volunteering? You can sign up by clicking on this link.
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Poverty in America and Our Communities:
Using Census Data to Serve and Advocate More Effectively
The stories we hear on Home Visits give us an intimate insight into the challenges faced by neighbors in need. Statistics can provide a broader picture of trends in our communities. Combined, these sources of information can help us increase the impact of our assistance and inform our Systemic Change efforts.
Come hear from Census Bureau officials about how to use their tools and resources to gain a deeper understanding of poverty in your state and community.
Can’t Make the Webinar? Register Anyway! All registrants will receive a follow-up email when the recording and materials have been posted.
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Health officials have moved Austin-Travis County back into stage 3. You are reminded to continue wearing your masks and practice social distancing to slow the spread of the virus. |
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National Gazette Questions and Answers
Q: Can you provide examples of Vincentian assistance that may be considered as "Other In-Person Visits"?
A: Other In-Person visits includes anytime you meet someone at a location other than their home; for example, meeting someone at the parish office or your Conference pantry. Another example is when someone calls in need of gasoline, and you meet them at the gas station. You may meet someone at a neutral site who calls for help and lives in an area of heavy crime. During the pandemic, telephone, zoom, or other like interviews are considered Other In-Person Visits.
Preguntas y Respuestas de la
Oficina Nacional
P: ¿Puede dar ejemplos de asistencia Vicentina que sean considerados como "Otras Visitas en Persona?"
R: Otras Visitas en Persona incluyen cualquier momento en que se encuentre con alguien en un lugar que no sea su hogar; por ejemplo, reunirse con alguien en la oficina parroquial o en la despensa de su Conferencia. Otro ejemplo es cuando alguien llama en busca de gasolina y te encuentras con ellos en la gasolinera. Es posible que encuentras a alguien en un sitio neutral que pida ayuda y viva en un área de gran criminalidad. Durante la pandemia, las entrevistas telefónicas, de zoom u otras entrevistas similares se consideran otras visitas en persona.
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Call 1.888.317.SVDP
visit www.ssvdp.org
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Partner Programs
An easy and free way to support the work of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is to join our partner programs. Sign up for one or both of the programs, and our partner agencies will donate a portion of their proceeds from your purchases to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. You can find more information by clicking this link.
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Council Office:
Monday - Friday
9:00am - 5:00pm
Client Services:
Tuesday - Friday
9:00am - 12:00pm
Food Pantry:
Saturday
9:00am - 12:00pm
St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store
Thursday - Saturday
10:00am - 5:00pm
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Contact Us:
Rick Bologna, Stores Director, rick.bologna@ssvdp.org
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