Vincent de Paul Society NEWSLETTER 2018.pdf · Frederic Ozanam, and the other founders of our Society; and, their understanding of ministry to the poor and our call as disciples to

St. Vincent de Paul Society

NEWSLETTER

Published by and for Vincentians http://www.stvincentdepaul.net/Vincentian-Support January/February 2018

Diocesan Council of Phoenix, AZ Vol. 20 No. 1

“It is for your love alone that the poor will forgive you the bread you give them.” St. Vincent de Paul

Face-to-Face

By Shirley Smalley President, St. Bernadette Conference

The wisdom of the faithful who have gone before never ceases to amaze, inspire, and challenge me. St. Augustine and St. Aquinas clearly wrote about God with an understanding that far exceeded the limits of human knowledge of their day. The same is true of St. Vincent de Paul, Bl. Rosalie Rendu, Bl. Frederic Ozanam, and the other founders of our Society; and, their understanding of ministry to the poor and our call as disciples to live out our baptismal promise to grow in holiness through service to one another. Among their insights and foundational teachings, I think the commitment to face-to-face ministry is perhaps the most significant and the one that makes us different from many other charitable groups and organizations. As Vincentians, we are called to minister directly to our brothers and sisters in need. Each one of us has the unique opportunity to look into the eyes of the poor and needy on a regular basis, but this is not necessarily true for most people. Hands down, being able to sit and interact with those in need is one of the most powerful and often life-changing events open to us as people. So, how often do we as Conferences invite others into the beauty of this experience and share with them the joys of encountering Christ face-to-face? Our Diocesan Council does a wonderful job of opening our council level programs and doors to individual volunteers, other organizations, and companies.

People from all walks of life routinely volunteer in our dining rooms, our stores, our ministry to the homeless, Ozanam Manor as well as in our Medical and Dental clinics, but how often do we as Conferences invite non-Vincentians to serve with us? From time to time I encounter a friend or acquaintance that shares with me that they recently volunteered in one of our dining rooms or the Dream Center and how much that experience touched their hearts and even changed their image of those in need. We can offer these same experiences at the Conference level if we just open our minds and hearts to the possibilities of expanding our activities and volunteer base. For example, one conference found themselves short of home visit teams during the summer months, so they reached out and obtained volunteers from another faith community in the area. The volunteers from the other faith community serve as companions or second persons to the lead Vincentian who is in charge of the visit, the decisions and the prayer. For the past several years, St. Bernadette's parish has hosted a Christmas party for the working poor. They do this in collaboration with their own SVdP Conference, two other area Conferences, and the ACS Vibrant Vinnies. This year over 200 children and their families participated in the event that required over 100 volunteers.

The majority of those volunteers, who ranged in age from eight to eighty, were not Vincentians. They were parishioners, students, and people from the community at large. Being part of this event made a real difference in their lives. They could not quit talking about the gratefulness expressed by the attending families, and how much they enjoyed seeing the smiles on the children's faces as they participated in the activities and got to visit Santa. One of the volunteers approached me to share how much he appreciated being able to be part of this event. He shared with me that he had volunteered for programs and activities across the Valley for most of his adult life, but that this event touched him in a way that no other project had. He went on to say that seeing children be so excited to make a simple gingerbread house, to pet a lamb or to get a $25 toy was life altering. In the faces of these children, this volunteer encountered Christ in a real and special way and his life will forever be different. Now when he thinks or prays for the poor and needy, he will see the faces of these families. Because he was invited into our work, poverty to him will never again be faceless or nameless. As Vincentians, we must have the courage and willingness to open our work up to others and by doing so we will all be enriched and blessed.

2 Society of St. Vincent de Paul January/February

3 Society of St. Vincent de Paul January/February 2018

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Jubilarians Honored at St. Maria Goretti

Society of St. Vincent de Paul January/February 2018

On January 14, 2018 Fr. Thomas Hallstem presented five of our Vin-centians with the Jubilarian Cross. Pictured from left to right are: Ann Sespico, Mary McGalloway, Nancy Lepardo, George Pogue Jerry Hackert


Jubilarians Honored at St. Joachim and St. Anne

1) Back Row: Marilyn Cappelli, Toni Gnotta, Maria Bedolla, Fr. John Ebbesmier, Jean Petersen, Terry Martinez, Dolores Witherspoon, Larry Schulz, Jerry Vesnaugh 2) Front Row: Becky Doyle, Carol Ann Specht, Mary Taylor, Mercedes Nolasco

St. Joachim & St. Anne's Society of St. Vincent de Paul Conference had the honor to bestow Jubilarian awards and Crucifixes for 15 Vincentians. Our pastor, Fr. John Ebbesmier, blessed and presented to each the Jubilarian Crucifixes, and the certificates were awarded on December 8, 2017.

Marilyn Cappelli: Marilyn is presently Co-President of St. Joachim and St. Anne Conference.

She has helped at the Santa Teresita Dining Room, and provides a wonderful Christmas that

involves shopping, wrapping and delivering gifts, each year to our adopted families. Another big

project that Marilyn has undertaken is organizing and running our annual Rummage Sale.

Marilyn also is a Eucharistic Minister at our parish. She has been a Vincentian for 5 years.

Toni Gnotta: Toni is our Spiritual Advisor for St. Joachim and St. Anne Conference. Toni gets

involved with Home Visits, office work, Christmas Adopted Families, Rummage Sale, and our

annual Food Drive. With parish ministries you will find Toni as an Eucharistic Minister, a Lector,

Religious Ed teacher, RCIA, and Pastoral Care. Toni has been a Vincentian for 8 years.


Jubilarians Continued

Maria Bedolla: Maria helps with the Santa Teresita Food Pantry and our annual food drive. At the parish level, Maria, enjoys helping at our monthly Hospitality Sundays. Maria has been a Vincentian for 5 years. Jean Petersen: Jean is one of our co-captains in the office on Thursdays. She helps at our annual Food Drive and Turkey Tuesday. Jean is also a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, a member of the Finance Committee, and has had 9 years’ experience working in the Church office. Jean has been a Vincentian for 5 years. Terry Martinez: Terry works in our SVdP office on Mondays. She goes on Home Visits and helps with office activities. Terry has been a Vincentian for 6 years. Dolores Witherspoon: Dolores is our District 3 President. She not only has the duties of being the President, she helps downtown with the Ministry to the Homeless, works at our Surprise Thrift Store, organizes the assembly of the newsletter, helps with Home Visits, Turkey Tuesday, Food Drive, Giving Tree for Nursing Home residents, and computer work. Dolores is also involved in different ministries of the parish which includes being a Eucharistic Minister, Lector, Rosary Maker, and Adoration. Dolores has been a Vincentian for 13 years. Larry Schulz: Larry is one of our winter Vincentians from North Dakota. When he is here in Arizona he gets involved with working in our office, drives our truck to pick up food from downtown, works in our Conference food pantry, helps on Turkey Tuesday, and goes on

Home Visits. He is also involved in our parish as an Altar Server. Larry has been a Vincentian for 5 years. Jerry Vesnaugh: Jerry helps out at our Santa Teresita Dining Room. He works in our office, as well as going down twice a week for bread and meat at the Sun City Olive Branch Senior Center for our Conference Food Pantry. Jerry is very involved with our parish Men’s Club, and helps down at the Olive Branch Senior Center. Jerry has been a Vincentian for 5 years.

Becky Doyle: Becky is presently Co-President of St. Joachim and St. Anne Conference. She is involved with our office computer work, and has worked on Home Visits, Turkey Tuesday, Food Drive, gifts for children of our families that come to us, Adopted Families, Rummage Sale, and organizing our annual School Backpacks for children. Besides the many things for our Conference, she is involved in the parish with being a Eucharistic Minister, Lector, Altar Server, and an office assistant in the parish office. Becky has been a Vincentian for five years.

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Jubilarians

Continued

Carol Ann Specht: Carol Ann has been involved in St. Vincent de Paul for many years. She was a past President at Santa Teresita, Spiritual Advisor at Santa Teresita, Secretary for the St. Clement of Rome Conference, and now works in our office as a co-captain. She was a Past Prefect for the Sodality of St. Joachim and St. Anne parish, and is a Eucharistic Minister for the Homebound. Carol Ann has been a Vincentian for 14 years. Mary Taylor: Mary worked in our Conference office with various office activities. Mary was also a Lector for our Parish. Mary has been a Vincentian for 5 years. Mercedes Nolasco: Mercedes helps in our Conference office. She is also involved with the Parish Rosary Makers. Mercedes has been a Vincentian for 5 years. Not in the group picture, but individual photos are attached for Cecelia and Veva: Cecelia Blatecky: When she is with us she helps out at the Santa Teresita Dining Room. She also has helped with the Rummage Sale and other activities. Cecelia has been a Vincentian for five years. Veva Modesto: Veva has been involved with working at the Santa Teresita Dining Room, work-ing in our office, going on Home Visits, helping at our Food Drive and Rummage Sale. Veva has been a Vincentian for 5 years.

Jubilarian not pictured: Dave Demmer: Dave helps out working in our office. He also drives our Conference truck, whether it is to our St. Vincent de Paul Warehouse for our monthly allotment, or to the Olive Branch Senior Center in Sun City for bread. Dave is also involved being an Altar Server for our parish. Dave has been a Vincentian for 10 years.


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General Membership Meeting

Our next GMM will be on Saturday, March 17, 2018 Mass will begin at 8:30 am

Please invite all your members to attend.


News from St. Augustine

For our Christmas party at St Augustine Conference, Jeannie Ulechong Our Vice President surprised us all by making all of us these beautiful blankets for Christmas. We were all so happy with our beautiful blankets.


This year, we are again going to give conferences the opportunity to participate in a Summer Food Drive. At the Saturday, March 17

th Quarterly Meeting in the Hall of Banners at 420 W.

Watkins St. in Phoenix, we will have Food Drive supplies for all who wish to participate. After the Quarterly Program, conferences and churches may pick up the free supplies which they have ordered for conducting their local food drives. These include grocery bags, holy cards, envelopes, and flyers suggesting appropriate types of food for donation by parishioners. Typically, these materials will be stapled together, distributed to parishioners one weekend, and returned with donations the following weekend. The MEN of OUR LADY of PERPETUAL HELP (Scottsdale) will be available to assist at The Quarterly Meeting. Lucy Meraz (602-850-6761) will be sending out further information asking Conference Presidents to sign up. If you need food supplies for the summer, please consider participating. “Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and passed them out to the people. Afterwards He did the same with the fish. And everyone ate until full!” (John 6:11)

SVdP SUMMER

FOOD-DRIVE


Leo Urias

Queen of Peace Conference

Leo died on November 3, 2017. He was 82 and a member of the Society for almost three years. Leo and his wife, Rita, answered the call to serve in 2015. Despite age and infirmity, Leo did not hesitate to go out on visits with other members of the Conference. All who worked with him felt that Leo experienced both joy in his work and compassion for the clients whom he served. A few weeks before he died, Leo, with other members of the Conference was honored at Mass.

As Leo lay dying in the hospital, Fr.

Timothy Seavey had a special ceremony in which Leo received his Vincentian Jubilarian Cross. Rita had her son take a picture of Leo’s crossed arms – holding in one hand a rosary and in the other his Jubiarian cross. He was later buried with it.

In late October Leo went to the hospital for what was to be a routine visit. However,

he became comatose and was put on life support. Leo lived a short while and then passed from this life into the next. The members of the parish will remember him dressed as a clown, drawing sketches of people at the annual Fiesta.

Leo served in the US Army as an officer during the Korean War. After the war he

worked in California for many years. At retirement, he returned to Arizona and Queen of Peace Parish, where he was minister of Communion at Sunday Mass. At our annual fiesta, Leo could be seen dressed as a clown or a cowboy, sitting at an easel, sketching caricatures of all who wanted. He used his skills as a draftsman for that volunteer job. Leo leaves behind Rita, his wife of 60 years, three sons and a daughter and several grand children and great-grandchildren.

Rest in Peace, Leo

Submitted by Doris Kilroy


News from Queen of Peace

THREE CLERICS WORK ALONG SIDE OUR VINCENTIANS

Queen of Peace Conference covered four stores (including 3 Food City's) on 'Turkey Tuesday' (November 21st). We were stretched to the limit with all our volunteers involved. Some spent the entire day from 6am to 8pm (including setting up and closing down). Fortunately, we were assisted by three of the clergy from our parish. Early on Tuesday morning, Father Timothy Seavey and Deacon Frankie Cicero were at a Food City, dressed in clerical garb. They both got right into action. They spoke to people as they entered. Both were able to use their fluent Spanish. They smiled and thanked people as they entered and when they dropped off a donation. Pastoral blessings were given. At another Food City, Deacon Richard Areyzaga held forth, not the least bit shy about greeting and talking to people as they entered. At one point a young lad coming in with his mother, rushed at the deacon – “Deacon Richard”, he cried out and gave him a big hug. All in all, the three were of immense help and made it possible to man the four stores. Our thanks to them and to all our volunteers, who

worked a long day in the vineyard of the Lord. Our Vincentians (full of smiles and good wishes) were up early again the next morning for our annual distribution of the makings for Thanksgiving Dinner. Of course, the bags of food included the Turkeys we had collected the day before. Fr. Timothy spent the entire day helping load turkeys, 10-lb. bags of potatoes, desserts, and other items for Thanksgiving day dinner into the cars, bicycles and carts of our many very grateful clients.

PRAISE THE LORD !!!

Doris Kilroy, President

Queen of Peace, Mesa

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Helping You Help Others


Where can you get a tremendous bargain on something you need and at the same time feed, clothe, house and heal others? At 2540 W. Apache Trail (across the street from WalMart) you can visit the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, where shopping is always an adventure. Where else can you buy gently used Nike tennis shoes for $4.00? And how about that brand new Columbia men’s shirt for $2.50? Golf clubs for $2.00? Women’s name brand blouses for $2.00 Home décor, kitchenware, furniture and appliances, bedding, books, sports equipment, TV’s, computers and other tech equipment – you name it, the store probably has it! And you will save money, because there is a different sale every day of the week. Celebrating over 70 years of service to the community, the Arizona St. Vincent de Paul currently has 18 thrift stores that provide the major funding for the innumerable projects serving the valley every day. Every donation of unwanted items you give to the store, and every dollar you spend shopping there, helps you help others. From hidden treasures to the most practical items, you are bound to find something that will make you smile. And, in turn, you are giving medical and dental attention to uninsured, working poor; feeding over 4000 people every day; providing transitional housing shelter to homeless men and women; supporting a shelter for adults who are over 50 or have disabilities; hosting children at the Dream Center; offering ministry to the incarcerated, giving aid to stranded travelers and loaning medical equipment when needed. Each year, more than $3.6 million worth of medical and dental services are provided to

uninsured, working poor families. These vital services are made possible by generous dental and medical professionals who donate their services to serve those in need. The supplies they use, on the other hand, come from your purchases at your local St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store. Ozanam Manor is a transitional housing shelter for homeless men and women over 50 or adults who have disabilities, including one-on-one case management for vulnerable neighbors. Your purchases keep that shelter in service. And beginning this year, each night the large dining room in the Phoenix campus becomes a temporary shelter for 250 individuals to have a safe place to sleep. St. Vincent de Paul has a two-acre Urban Farm tended by volunteers growing hundreds of pounds of nutrient dense fresh fruits and veggies to serve in the dining rooms or to distribute from their 83 volunteer-run food pantries. You can actually see your money or donations at work by visiting the Dan O'Meara Campus at 420 W. Watkins Road in Phoenix where you can take a tour to see and learn about all the incredible things volunteers do to feed, clothe, house and heal the people in Arizona who need it most. Besides donating items or shopping at any of the SVdP’s Thrift Stores, if you want to give even further, you can become one of the many people using their tax credit gift to help St. Vincent de Paul. An individual can give up to $400 and subtract that amount from their Arizona State Tax liability.

Continued on Page 13

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Our Apache Junction store welcomes you to shop there and feel the satisfaction of helping others while you enjoy the treasures you take home. Come by and say hello to Joelene, Michael, Nathan and the host of volunteer workers there. Come by and find your treasures at great prices on Monday through Saturday, 9am-6pm and Sunday 11-4. Donations can be left at the back door by driving around the building to the big open door where someone will assist you. By helping yourself get bargains and a fun shopping experience, you will be helping others and, therefore, everyone wins!

Special thanks to THE NEWS by Vera Walters. Vera is retired from Central Arizona College and volunteers every Sunday at the Apache Junction St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store at 2540 W. Apache Trail.

Helping You Help Others


We wish all of you a Happy, Healthy and Blessed 2018

Thanks for all you do.


Vincentian Family Hogan Roof Project

After driving over ruts and rocks, Imelda Torres-San Jose and Sister Catherine, members of the St. Jude Conference, arrived at the Hogan. Though the roof was not the request, the Home Visit revealed the need for a roof, steps and windows. The Hogan construction man began by removing the entire roof. The weather smiled on us and did not become cold until the roof was completed and a fire would warm the interior. *The combined finances of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the Daughters of Charity made the new roof a reality. A true Vincentian Family Project. Article taken from ST. VINCENT DEPAUL N THE REZ, Vol. 1 #2

Submitted by Sister Catherine, Tuba City

Continued on page 15

New

s from

Tu

ba

City

15 Society of St. Vincent de Paul January/

Mr. Larry Lucero, an expert in construction and repair of

Hogans, worked tirelessly.

Cecilia and her grandchildren are enjoying the warmth of the Hogan. Thanks to everyone who

donated to make this dream a reality.

Hogan Roof Project


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Blessed Frederic Ozanam Intercession Prayer Line

O God, our Father, You alone have the power to bestow those precious gifts of Yours which we rightly call miracles. If it be Your will, be pleased to grant such a gift on behalf of...

ALL SAINTS MESA

Geri Adams Veronica Nord Maureen Julian CHURCH OF THE RESURRECTION

Caroline Steele Judy Steele Bob Bruce HOLY CROSS Traci Fay HOLY FAMILY Emily Allaire IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Mike Vize Sally Ochoa Lucy Lucero Linda Lee–Chambon Diane McCann OLPH SCOTTSDALE Mike Herrrmann Pat Hawn Forrest Dougherty Lila Wisdom Barbara Lowman OUR LADY OF THE LAKE Doris Vore QUEEN OF PEACE Karen Rohan Susan Petrie Mary ay Dunlevy Martina Bonilla SACRED HEART—PARKER Karen Rath Mary Gonzales ST. JAMES Diane Stofko Abel Noble SACRED HEART—PRESCOTT Richard Howell Herb Bourgault Hamilton "Smitty" Smith

ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX Dick Norton St. Thomas the Apostle John Winters ST. HELEN Joan Compas ST. LOUIS THE KING Phil & Mary Whelan Ed & Esther Escarcega Raul & Elvia Lujan Mario & Mary Fierros Bob McCarty ST. CLARE OF ASSISI Sarah Moller Kathy Ford ST. FRANCIS XAVIER Margie Charles Gene Gazzola Joan Gazzola

ST. GERMAINE Mary Fiebiger Fred Widmer Gloria Johns Marie Grist Gil Stritar Pat Caldwell Jeanne Kochan Pat Pike Gil Stritar Lucy Vaughn Sean McKeller

ST. MARGARET MARY-BHC Rev. Peter Dobrowski

ST. MARY—KINGMAN Janie Scott Roger and Rita Gaumond ST. MARY MAGDALENE Nancy Weise ST. JEROME Nancy Barnes Yvonne Hurley

ST. JOSEPH—WILLIAMS Theresa Norsworthy

ST. MATTHEW Evelyn Guerra Charles Seps

ST. JOACHIM & ST. ANNE Gene Harmeling Irene Sosnicki Harry Steckler Archie Schiavo Al La Rocque Mary Taylor Lucia Mastroianni Terry DeYoung Al and Alice LaRocque

ST. ROSE PHILIPPINE DUCHESNE Demore Family ST. STEVEN’S Betty Perry Pat Krause

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL Henrietta Cordova SVDP EXECUTIVE OFFICE Jacquie Lehe The Delbrocco Family Dick Hannon Jeff Van Brunt Geri Arriola Frank Labriola Alice Ambrose Alice Ehmann Arden O’Connor Michelle Small Jerry Simmons Catherine Mulhern Esteban Chavez John Jakubczyk Cindy Coons Rosemary Brown Peter McQuaid Kathleen Nageotte Sharon Ehmann Elizabeth Lehe Paul Joseph DeMuro Bob Cox Sophia Promberger Bill Straus

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Requiescat In Pace

Anna Guerre St. Philip the Apostle Payson

May the Angels lead them into Paradise, may the martyrs receive them at their coming and lead them into Jerusalem, the Holy City.

May the Choir of Angels welcome them and, with Lazarus, who was also poor,

may they have everlasting rest.

Mariluz McVay St. Clare of Assisi

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Spirituality Committee Meeting Update The Spirituality Committee Meeting will be held on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 11am. Location varies and rotates between East Valley and West Valley. For location details please contact committee chairperson, Amy Rodriguez 602-725-4452 or email [email protected] Thank you, Amy

Current resident or

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE

PAID SUN CITY, ARIZONA

PERMIT NO. 249

St. Vincent de Paul Society Vincentian Support Services P.O. Box 13600 Phoenix AZ 85003

mailto:[email protected]

Documents

Vincent de Paul Society NEWSLETTER 2018.pdf · Frederic Ozanam, and the other founders of our Society; and, their understanding of ministry to the poor and our call as disciples to