Newsletter

SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL

COUNCIL OF TYLER

Systemic Change is the method that the Society is choosing to END POVERTY IN THE UNITED STATES. A lofty goal!  But not impossible with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We know with God all things are possible.  

We are in a unique position to lead this change in our communities because we have the opportunity and the blessing of direct face-to-face contact with those in need. We have the experience, knowledge and ability to establish relationships that make it possible for Vincentians to walk with them on their journey out of poverty. A different service model will begin with meeting a direct need, then go beyond to help a family move out of poverty.  The plan will include new ways to involve your parish and your community in your work, thus expanding your resources.  Some of our conferences have started new initiatives towards this end.  We are taking small steps, but as you can discern in the report below, we are beginning to think "outside the box." 

For more information on Systemic Change view the following links:

1. Sheila Gilbert's presentation to the South Central Region  Http://vimeo.com/user11614493/review/47864339/3122b3b993 

2. Systemic Change Resources from Famvin: 

http://famvin.org/en/about/our-work/systemic-change-study-guides/

 Immaculate Conception Conference, Tyler

Students at St. Gregory Cathedral School collected 14,000 food items for the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception St. Vincent de Paul Conference for our food bank. They also made fleece throws and one of these colorful blankets was given to each family that visited the center the week before Christmas. One student had friends bring toys for St. Vincent de Paul for her birthday and delivered them to the center. We are truly blessed to have these wonderful young people working with us.

The Cathedral Altar Society brought toys for the conference to give to needy families at Christmas. We were able to help many families whose children would not have had gifts with nice toys including basketballs, cars, games, dolls, and a great variety of other gifts.

One of our volunteers has spent many hours tutoring two students who were behind in school work. This wonderful volunteer has (with their mother’s permission) visited with the teachers of the students and worked with them in reading and math. What a wonderful gift for these children.

Our Thrift Store, located at 500 S. Vine Street in Tyler, continues to thrive. We have many new volunteers who staff the store. It is truly a pleasure to visit the store often as there are always different things available for purchase.

 Sacred Heart Conference Texarkana

A special thanks to Tom and Delores Dupree for many years of service to the community and SVDP in Texarkana.  They were the only members for 11 years until about 3 years ago when the conference reorganized and with the support of their pastor recruited more members.  Early on, the Dupree's began a prescription assistance service for those being released from the hospital with very expensive medications. Later they gave the Gabriel project a headstart with a two ton shipment of disposable diapers. Their pharmacy connections were invaluable. Their legacy continues as they have resigned as active SVDP members.

Announcements:

Board Meeting January 26, 2013

Feast Day of Blessed Rosalie Rendue February 7