Vincentian Community News
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"The example of St. Vincent de Paul encourages us to make time and space for the poor, and to make their worries and troubles our own, because a Christianity without contact with those who suffer becomes disembodied, incapable of touching the flesh of Christ.”
–Pope Francis
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The Serving in Hope Virtual Benefit is available now on www.ssvdp.org and www.facebook.com/svdp. If you missed the premiere of this exciting event, we invite you to watch the broadcast and share it with your network.
We are grateful to the presenters, the neighbors who shared their stories of hope, and those who worked behind the scenes to make this event happen.
Thank you for your support and prayers!
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Free COVID 19 Vaccination Clinic at the VFC
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The Society of St. Vincent de Paul will host its second vaccine clinic at the Vincentian Family Center, 901 W. Braker Lane, 78758, on Tuesday, October 12th from 10:30am - 12:00pm. The second dose will be administered to those who received the first dose at the clinic on September 21, 2021.
You will be required to stay for a 15 minute observation period after vaccination.
Since we will be outside, please consider bringing a hat and water.
Vaccines and their distribution are provided by The University of Texas at Austin.
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COVID-19 Stage 4 Risk Guidelines
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Austin-Travis County is in Stage 4 of the risk-based guidelines. Austin Public Health officials are making the following recommendations:
Fully vaccinated individuals should:
- Wear a mask.
- Avoid large gatherings where masks are not required if you are high-risk with underlying conditions.
- Help us get the rest of the population vaccinated by talking with your loved ones.
Partially or unvaccinated individuals should:
- Get fully vaccinated.
- Stay home and avoid gatherings or travel. Choose curbside and delivery options.
- Wear a mask when conducting essential activities if you must go out.
- Choose establishments that are protecting their customers and staff with mask wearing, social distancing and measures to stop the spread of COVID-19.
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The next Ozanam Orientation is scheduled for Saturday, October 16, 2021 from 9:00am - 2:30pm. This will be a virtual event.
Ozanam Orientations are designed to set up our new Vincentians for success and re-energize those Vincentians who have already served. 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.
To register, click on this link.
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New SVDP Online Thrift Store!
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The St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store has launched its new Online store. The new website will offer one of kind treasures that will only be available online! Visit svdptreasures.org and check out the unique treasures that are available now! Purchases made online will be picked up at the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store.
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St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store
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The St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store is now open Wednesday - Saturday from 10:00am - 5:00pm. You have an extra day to explore and shop for great items at affordable prices.
We are taking every precaution to ensure your safety and to stop the spread of COVID-19. Everyone is required to wear a face mask and practice social distancing in the Thrift Store. Hand sanitizer is also available when you enter the store.
The Thrift Store is in need of volunteers to serve as greeters, cashiers, donation sorters, taggers, and to assist customers in various departments. Are you interested in volunteering? You can sign up by clicking on this link.
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You can make a difference by sharing your time and talents. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Diocesan Council of Austin has new volunteer opportunities available in the Thrift Store, Client Services, and Council Office. We now have a new and easy way for you to sign up. Visit the volunteer page on ssvdp.org/volunteer, complete the form, and submit it. You will be contacted by a Council staff member.
Ready to volunteer? Click on this link to sign up!
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In October, the Catholic Church in the United States celebrates Respect Life Month. We pray that during this Respect Life Month our resolve will be strengthened to cherish and protect the gift of every human life.
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28th Sunday of Ordinary Time
October 10, 2021
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Gospel Reading: (Mark 10: 17-30)
As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus answered, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother.” He replied and said to him, “Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.” Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
Vincentian Reflection:
In reply to the man’s profession that he has kept the commandments, Jesus lovingly says to him, “You are lacking in one thing.” This suggests that, flowing from an undivided heart, dispossessing oneself and following Jesus are one and the same thing. To turn this around: if one is to follow Jesus one must come empty-handed. This doesn’t mean that we literally sell everything; we all have family and social obligations that make having things a necessity. Jesus is saying that we can’t let possessions (or anything else, for that matter) divide our hearts. Too often possessions possess us; we must let go so only God can possess us. It is hard to enter the kingdom of God because too often our hearts are divided-we want to let go and follow Jesus at the same time we want to hang onto our possessions and, indeed our very lives! Divided hearts just won’t do. God wants our all so God can give all in return. (Living Liturgy, p. 224)
Vincentian Meditation:
“Did the young man tend to rely too much on negative goodness? He had not broken the commandments, but how much good had he done for others? Was Our Lord saying to him: “With all your possessions, with all your wealth, with all that you could give away, what positive good have you done to others? Have you gone out of your way to help and comfort and strengthen others as you might have done?” Perhaps Our Lord was saying to him: “Stop looking at goodness as consisting in not doing things. Take yourself: take all that you have and spend yourself and your possessions on others. Then you will find true happiness in time and in eternity.” (McCullen, Deep Down Things, p. 715)
What “possessions”- time, money, talent-are you called to give to the poor?
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We will offer them up in prayer weekly.
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National Gazette Questions and Answers
Q: What are the consequences if a Conference refuses to make Home Visits?
A: No consequences are imposed. However, as Council leaders we must continue to encourage and advocate the fact that Home Visits are what makes us unique and unlike other charitable organizations. The Rule, Part III, Statute 8 clearly states: “Visits to those in need should be made in their environment.” We recognize that personal safety, COVID and other local factors may make such visits at times difficult to achieve. There are also some Conferences organized as Special Works Conferences. Leaders are asked to do their best to help members grow in spirituality though the experience of our basic Home Visit, conducted as “close to the customer” as possible.
Preguntas y Respuestas de la
Oficina Nacional
P: ¿Cuáles son las consecuencias si una Conferencia se niega a realizar visitas domiciliarias?
R: No se imponen consecuencias. Sin embargo, como líderes del Consejo, debemos continuar alentando y defendiendo el hecho de que las visitas domiciliarias son lo que nos hace únicos y diferentes a otras organizaciones caritativas. La Regla, Parte III, Estatuto 8 establece claramente: “Las visitas a aquellos en necesidad deben hacerse en su ambiente.” Reconocemos que la seguridad personal, el COVID y otros factores locales pueden hacer que, en ocasiones, estas visitas sean difíciles de lograr. También hay algunas Conferencias organizadas como Conferencias de Trabajos Especiales. Se pide a los líderes que hagan todo lo posible para ayudar a los miembros a crecer en espiritualidad a través de la experiencia de nuestra visita domiciliaria básica, realizada lo más “cerca del cliente” como sea posible.
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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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*Deadline submission for the eNews is Wednesday at noon.
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