Society of St. Vincent de Paul Sunday Talking Points

Transcription

1 Talking Points The following talking points can be used for pulpit talks during SVDP Sunday. Hello. I m. I am a member of (your parish name). I want to thank Father for the opportunity to say a few words about the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Let me ask you this: would you raise your hands if you ve heard of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul? [pause for folks to raise their hands] Good. Most of you have heard of the Society, probably through the work of the Vincentians in our parish. As many of you know, we are blessed to have a St. Vincent de Paul Conference in this parish and I am blessed to be a member what we call a Vincentian. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is an international Catholic lay organization of women and men who grow spiritually by helping the needy and suffering. We do many things from providing food, clothing, and beds to people in need, to helping with funerals, medicine, and even cars. Last year, the Society helped almost 300,000 people living in the Archdiocese, without regard for religion, race, or background. What you may not be aware of is that, beyond just meeting basic needs, the Society also works with many individuals and families to break the cycle of poverty what we call creating systemic change. We partner with other organizations around St. Louis organizations like St. Patrick Center and Catholic Charities to ensure that families have all the support, training, and material things they need to live. Let me tell you a brief story. [Without sharing names, or by using fictitious names, share a story about someone the Conference helped in a creative or unusual way.] There are more than 3000 Vincentians In the Archdiocese of St. Louis who belong to 142 parish based conferences (chapters), who do these kinds of things every day. Did you know that this past year, Vincentians made 183 visits to homes of people in need, every single day? 66,830 total visits during the year. Why is this important to you? Because the Gospels call all of us to be the face of Christ to others, especially those who are vulnerable or in need. Hopefully you ask yourself every day: How can I be more of what Jesus calls me to be. o Maybe you would like to learn more about what it means to be a Vincentian. Please talk with one of the Vincentians standing outside after Mass, or contact the Parish and we ll get in touch with you. o Or maybe you can t join the Society right now but through your financial donations you can be part of what we do you can allow us to be your hands and feet. o Or maybe you have some time and would like to volunteer at one of our Thrift Stores. The closest one to us is. I encourage you to pick up the brochure in your pews take it home to read. And if you re so moved, use the envelope inside to make a donation to help someone else. Thank you for your time. Please keep us and our work in your prayers.

2 Announcement Today we are celebrating the wonderful work of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and especially the work of our own Vincentians here at [parish]. In the past year, Vincentians across St. Louis have made almost 70,000 home visits and helped more than 300,000 people of every faith, race, and background including many in our own parish who struggle with the day-to-day challenges that often derail their lives and families. There are brochures in each pew which can answer many of your questions about the Society. You can celebrate with us by using the envelope included with the brochure to make a donation; volunteering your time as a Vincentian, or by simply volunteering in our local thrift store; or by shopping in our thrift stores. This weekend, if you mention [parish], you ll receive a 10% discount on anything you purchase at the store. We d like to invite you to [insert any activity you d like them to join in, e.g. donuts and coffee, barbecue, speak with a Vincentian outside the doors of Church, etc.]. Thank you for helping our Vincentians be the face of Christ to those in need.

3 October 15, 2017 November 5, 2017 is the Third Annual, Society of St. Vincent de Paul Sunday. This day is dedicated to alerting the community about the good works done by your fellow parishioners on behalf of our neighbors in need. That help may come in the form of providing food, clothing, shelter, prescription drugs, furniture, beds, household goods, friendship, help with utility bills, auto repair, auto purchase, spiritual enrichment, rent and more. No act of charity is foreign to the Society. You will be hearing more about the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in the coming weeks. You may be moved to volunteer, donate or even shop in one of our thrift stores.maybe all three! Stay tuned!

4 October 22, 2017 Remember, Society of St. Vincent de Paul Sunday is November 5 th. This may be your opportunity to join our Your Parish Here Conference (Chapter) and serve the poor and needy right here in our neighborhood. Plus, you can donate clothing, furniture, household goods or funds to further God s work in service to our neighbors in need. And, you can shop in our one of our Society of St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Stores. In addition to finding great bargains, your purchases will contribute to the SVDP mission. There are many ways for you to participate in the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Which ones speak to you? For more information contact Your Contact Information Here.

5 October 29, 2017 Society of St. Vincent de Paul Sunday, is almost here! The date is next Sunday, November 5th. We have mentioned in previous bulletins your opportunity to volunteer, donate and shop. And, for SVDP Sunday, when you (or anyone in your parish, family or community) do shop at one of our Society of St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Stores, and mention your parish, you ll get a 10% discount on all of your purchases--which are already bargains! And if that s not good enough, we are going to offer the discount for the entire weekend of November 3rd, 4th and 5th! Your purchases help SVDP, help your neighbors in need and help you! So go out there and shop til you drop!

6 November 5, 2017 Today is Society of St. Vincent de Paul Sunday at Your Parish Here and Parishes across the Archdiocese. We are dedicated to serving our neighbors in need. Today you ll find Society of St. Vincent de Paul brochures either in the pews or in the back of church. You ll also find more information on SVDP in this bulletin. You may also have seen information about our SVDP List your Conferences local efforts here. Please prayerfully consider becoming involved with our Society of St. Vincent de Paul Conference (Chapter) as a volunteer or donor. You may also help our neighbors in need by donating to, or shopping in, our SVDP Thrift Stores. Thank you for your support and may God bless you!

7 November 12, 2017 Thank you. Thank you. Thank you! Your response to Society of St. Vincent de Paul Sunday last week was fantastic! Because you volunteered, donated and shopped at our thrift stores, we are able to help more of our neighbors in need. Thank you on behalf of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. But more importantly, thank you on behalf of the families in need of help. They re the real recipients of your kindness and generosity. Our work to serve those in need continues all year long. If you didn t have a chance to help this time around, you can jump in at any time. Just contact the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at Your phone number here. Thank you again and God bless you!

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