“it is for your love alone that the poor will forgive you ... · me as protectors. there is,...

St. Vincent de Paul Society

NEWSLETTER

Published by and for Vincentians http://www.stvincentdepaul.net/Vincentian-Support June 2020 Diocesan Council of Phoenix, AZ Vol. 21 No. 4

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

Silence is Compliance

Steve Attwood

Diocesan Council President

For the past 2-3 months the news we’ve received each day has been dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic and our response to it; daily counts of those infected and those who have lost their lives to the virus, and heated debates about whether to remain sequestered or reopen our schools, churches, and businesses. That changed very quickly in the aftermath of the senseless and heartless murder of George Floyd. His tragic death is another in a long line of reminders of the systemic racism that has permeated our nation’s culture since its inception. Our Declaration of Independence from Great Britain declared these truths to be self-evident, “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Yet, more than 200 years later, the promise of equality remains largely unfulfilled for many people of color. Failing to recognize the systemic racism in our culture, is a failure to understand the perspective and experiences of others. Recognizing systemic racism and failing speak out against it, enables and perpetuates an unjust social structure. This is morally wrong. Recently, in response to the growing outcry following George Floyd’s death, our Executive Team issued the following public statement:

“The pain and suffering happening in our community and across the country is immense. If one thing is certain at St. Vincent de Paul, it’s the deep respect and love we have for human life. No person, nobody’s humanity goes unacknowledged here. That fact is the core of our work every day. We have always and will always lift up, serve and honor people’s dignity and the gift of life

granted each soul on this Earth.

We mourn George Floyd’s death and all the lives unjustly taken from us too soon for so many societal failings. In honor of him and those people, we will do what we know best - serve and

preserve the goodness and the lives for as many people as we can through the resources and the love we have to give.”

The statement is beautiful, heart-felt, and entirely consistent with our Catholic faith and Vincentian spirituality, but we can do more. Indeed, St. Vincent and Blessed Frederick would both challenge us to do more. Our Rule very clearly states, “Where injustice, inequality, poverty or exclusion are due to unjust economic, political or social structures or to inadequate or unjust legislation, the Society should speak out clearly against the situation, always with charity, with the aim of contributing to and demanding improvements.”

Continued

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Society of St. Vincent de Paul June 2020


It’s not enough to simply not be guilty of racist behavior in our interactions with others. In addition to advocating for policies, legislation, and public behaviors consistent with our professed values, we need to acknowledge the existence of systemic racism and its evil nature, and continue to shine a light on the issue until fundamental changes are achieved. True repentance for our collective and individual sins is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of integrity. How do we as individuals, and collectively as the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, honor our vocation by continuing to shine a light on this issue?

By acknowledging the reality of systemic racism and seeking ways to end it. By refusing to allow the violence and looting that accompanied the

demonstrations to remove the focus from the underlying issue of equal rights. The vast majority of demonstrators peacefully raised a voice in opposition to injustice. Violence is never an appropriate response, but the selfish and harmful acts of opportunists and anarchists are not relevant to the underlying issue.

By not allowing stereotypes, which cause us to devalue or fear black people, to

obscure the fundamental issue of racism. The people we should fear most are those in positions of power who use their authority to dominate and control those without power.

By not accepting as justification for why a black person was not offered a job,

invited to a social event, or asked to join a Conference, “I didn’t feel like he (or she) would fit in.”

By speaking up when we see or hear anything that doesn’t promote dignity,

respect, and love for all people. By talking less and listening more in order to better understand each other’s

perspectives. By teaching our children and grandchildren to respect the dignity of all human

beings, regardless of color, and then make sure our actions and behaviors are consistent with what we profess to believe.

I’m a white man; a man of privilege. I will never be able to fully understand how different it is to be black in this country. Racism, like poverty, will always be with us, but it’s incumbent on all of us, of every color, to minimize its ugly presence.

Continued

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I’m sure most of you are familiar with the quote from our Declaration of Independence that I began with above. You may be less familiar with the words that followed, “whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles . . .”. The reason America has enjoyed such a lengthy history is due in large part to its willingness to address and correct social injustices (e.g. the abolition of slavery, women’s suffrage, etc.). The hope imbedded in civil rights legislation in the 1960s has never been fully realized. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream that black men and women will one day “not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character” remains more of a dream than a fulfilled promise in many American neighborhoods. George Floyd was a child of God. He had a mother; a mother he cried out for when his “I can’t breathe” pleas were ignored. His life was casually and consciously ended by the knee of an authority figure; an authority figure who took an oath to “never betray his integrity, or the public trust.” Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke directly and eloquently to this issue when he said “Power without love is reckless and abusive . . . Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice. Justice at its best is love correcting everything that stands against love.” Consider how we as Vincentians can honor George Floyd by implementing the demands of justice with love and correcting everything that stands in love’s way.♥


Words of Inspiration From Our Founder Bl. Frederic Ozanam

…the loss of my parents left me, aside from the soul’s incurable wound, a singular sensation of moral solitude which the solicitude of my friends could not drive away: they surround me, but they do not protect me. Even more, among them I more willingly attach myself to those whose greater age or eminence of merit strike me as protectors. There is, then, as much a need for me to respect as to cherish, and these two things sometimes come together too powerfully for me to reject them. You see, therefore, …that you will not be able to renounce a right of age whose recogni-tion is an increasing joy to me… “Life in Letters,” April 12, 1840

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As the restrictions issued by our Governor to deal with the threats arising from the pandemic ease, we are faced with new and frightening challenges. Racial tensions, protests, riots, and looting prompted by the death of George Floyd bring up issues of racism, discrimination, and injustice that seem overwhelming. As reports about the increasing number of cases of covid-19 in Arizona flood the news and the Internet bombards us with conflicting information about ways to protect ourselves, it is easy to fall into a state of anxiety, fear, despair and/or indifference. As Catholics, we are called to be a people of hope. As Vincentians, we live out that hope by helping others but current conditions continue to prevent us from the person-to-person character that is at the heart of our ministry and our vocation. Additionally, the majority of Conferences are experiencing lower than normal rates of calls and many of us are frustrated by the fact that we know that there are hundreds of people out there in need that may be unaware that we can help and are unfamiliar with what we have to offer or even how to contact us. Throughout history, the Society has faced war, plaques, famines, discrimination, and even persecution but, through everything, we have not only survived; we have thrived. Our strength and ability to persevere comes from the core of who we are. Our Society is strong because of our spiritual roots and our faith. Our mission is to see the face of Christ in everyone and to bring the mercy and love of God to those whom we encounter. Today, we have the unique opportunity to be the face of love to a frightened and broken world. Our Society is well known for reaching out to everyone regardless of race, religion, creed or status. From the homeless person in

the streets, to families facing unemployment and possible eviction, to the prisoner and his or her family, our doors, arms, and hearts are always open. We are called to serve in humility and with generosity avoiding the temptation to judge those whom we serve. June is the month of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. During this month, all members, Conferences, and Councils of the Society are called to consecrate themselves to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Jesus revealed His Sacred Heart to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque so that the world would know that His heart burns with the love of humanity, offering mercy and salvation to everyone. Created in the image and likeness of God, our hearts are also the center of our capacity for love, mercy, openness, and selflessness. In the Gospels, Jesus’ heart is often moved with pity for all mankind and, in particular, for those who are suffering. There is no doubt that our world, our nation, our state, and our communities are currently suffering from illness, the loss of loved ones, unemployment, financial losses, fear, violence, and racial tensions. Through the Sacred Heart of Jesus, our Society can be an agent of hope and healing. Consecrating ourselves to the Sacred Heart of Jesus fills us with grace and reminds us to treat others as we would treat Jesus himself. By joining our hearts to the heart of Jesus, we not only grow closer to Him but we also increase our ability to love as He loved, to serve as He served, to be a light amidst the darkness, and a sign of hope in a time wrought with fear and despair. In this troubled time, let us turn our hearts and minds to Jesus and let Him help us be a force of compassion, mercy and love.♥ (See the Prayer of Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus below)

Vincentians Love in Union With Christ

Shirley Smalley Chair, Conference Resources Committee

5 Society of St. Vincent de Paul June 2020

Act of Consecration of Conferences and Councils to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Lord Jesus, wishing all people to show love rather than indifference to each other, you have revealed your Sacred Heart as a symbol of your divine love. We bow down before you, members of a world-wide family united under the standard of St. Vincent de Paul in the apostolate of charity. We dedicate and consecrate to your Divine Person and to your Sacred Heart, this (Conference/council) with all its members, auxiliaries and benefactors, those whom we visit or assist and all the works we have undertaken for your glory. We humbly ask you to receive this offering and to fill us with the love you wish to see growing daily in the hearts of all people. With this help, we may learn to have a right attitude to this world, to love our members, to help our neighbor by word and example and, despite difficulties to fix our hearts on the riches and happiness that will never end. Amen.

www.vinformation.org

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Diocesan Council Aid (Twinning)

Diocesan Council Aid comes from funds derived from a portion of food box fees from our Reclamation Center’s monthly food allotments for Conferences. These funds are supplemented from donations received from District Councils and Conferences. Funds are distributed on a quarterly basis usually at our General Membership Meetings (GMM). The program is intended to help provide financial support to Conferences that, through no fault of their own, receive little or no funds from their parish and who serve highly impoverished areas. Conferences approved for funds are evaluated on a yearly and a quarterly basis and must be in “good standing” at the time of each distribution in order to receive funds. These Conferences also depend on the generosity of wealthier Conferences that choose to twin with them. On average, the Conferences approved for Diocesan Council Aid receive on average less than $2,500 a quarter. Their needs far exceed what the Council can provide for them. This year, twenty-six Conferences applied for Diocesan Council Aid and twenty-one were approved. The Conferences that were not approved were in “good standing” and had great needs but were receiving more funds from their parishes than the other applicants. It is important to note that all twenty-six of these Conferences are eligible and in need of twinning from Conferences that have enough funds to share. There are several ways that you, and your Conference can help these, our poorer Conferences. You can twin with them on a regular or one time basis. You can donate funds to the Diocesan Council Aid account or you can help them with direct client aid on a case-by-case basis. If you have questions, please feel free to contact me. I would love to be able to connect you with the Conferences that are in need of financial support. If you are currently twinning with a Conference, know that your support is needed and makes a real difference. If you would like to be a member of the Diocesan Council Aid sub-committee, we would love to have you. Shirley Smalley Conference Resources Committee Chair [email protected] 602-799-3129

mailto:[email protected]


Safe Environment Requirements & Training Update

The Diocesan Safe Environment year begins each year on July 1st. Your file will read

expired beginning on July 1st, however, because of the pandemic, this year’s

renewal video will not be available on that date. Check your file periodically and watch for announcements concerning the video through your parish SET coordinator and/or in the bulletin. As a reminder, all Vincentians regardless of their membership status must complete all of the Safe Environment requirements including a background check through their Social Security number. Background checks will be renewed every six years. Vincentians are not eligible for a pastor approval that bypasses this process. That function is limited to volunteers in non-contact with minors or vulnerable adults ministries. Since all Vincentians have the potential to interact with minors and/or vulnerable adults and have access to confidential information, they may not participate in the functions of a parish-based Conference without a full background check. Individuals without full SET approval may, however, volunteer with any of the SVdP Diocesan Council programs including dining rooms, non-Conference operated thrift stores, ministry to the homeless, Ozanam Manor and/or our medical or dental clinics.

Shirley Smalley

Conference Resources Committee Chair [email protected]

602-799-3129

Articles for Newsletter

If you would like to submit an article, please submit to Sandy:

Email: [email protected] or call Sandy Edwards at 602.261.6803 for more information.

Thank you. Sandy Edwards

mailto:[email protected]


In the last weeks, we have heard and seen many changes in our little world here in Parker. People wearing masks on their face, stay at home orders, scary news of too many bodies for mortuaries to manage, no swimming, fishing, picnics at the river. As of today, there are less than fifty confirmed cases in La Paz County, and fewer than that needed hospitalization, so it’s easy to think that no pandemic will touch us. Well, we do not test people who do not appear to be sick, but the US Navy has tested everyone on some of their ships. Testing revealed that half of the sailors who tested positive did not have any signs of being sick! They are “carriers” of the virus and spread the flu to others. So, you or I could have the virus, but not be sick, but we could make other people ill-even if we don’t ever get sick. I have heard several people say that they are ready to die from the virus, it may be their “time.” It’s not a crime to kill yourself so no harm done by not obeying an ordinance or advice to wear a mask if it only harms you. However, it is against the law to kill or harm others. It is the civil responsibility of each of us to protect others. If I wear a covering over my nose and mouth, and on my hands, I can’t spread the virus to you. When I wear a mask and gloves, I protect YOU, and your neighbor who has diabetes, and your elder friend who had a stroke last year, and your grandchild who has asthma. The advice and ordinance to wear a mask and gloves protects others around you, and their families and their neighbors. Where are the places most likely to contact the virus? Bathrooms-touching wetted faucet handles that turn off the water after washing hands— (so use a paper towel to turn off the

faucet, and to open the bathroom door). Another place is the checkout stand at a store, where a stream of people have been, any one of whom possibly left tiny droplets in my path, or on the debit machine, or on the hands of the clerk—(stay as far away as possible from others and the clerk, wearing a mask and gloves will protect them and you). Take precautions when you visit elderly, those with medical conditions like obesity, asthma, diabetes, etc. Leave items for them outside their door and speak to them by phone and/or video chat. There are some very cool programs like Zoom that allow for video chatting between groups of people. If you work or volunteer at a place where people come and go, use sanitizer or a mix of 5T bleach in a gallon of water, or 75-90% alcohol to clean doorknobs, light switches, bathrooms, kitchen areas hourly. Keep the six-foot distance from those around you, and wear mask and gloves. I appreciate that I live within the boundaries of a reservation where the Tribal Council set down rules that protect me, whether or not I am a Tribal Member. Thank you, CRIT Tribal Council for your courage. None of us want to ever realize that we may have infected someone, that we were the cause of their suffering and lonely death in a hospital ward. Show your love for your neighbor, wear a mask and gloves outside of your home and family. At the minimum, do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Yours, Teresa (Terry) Dock

Love My Neighbor (Reprint)

Article first published in the Parker Newspaper

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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 Tom Margalski Judy Allard Nancy Hackert Veronica Nord Maureen Julian CHURCH OF THE RES-URRECTION Caroline Steele Bob Bruce HOLY CROSS Traci Fay IMMACULATE CONCEPTION James Reed Mike Vize Barbara Reed Lindsey Plas Lynn Treimer Lee Martealer Al and Regina Gilson Pam Willis Diane McCann MOST HOLY TTRINITY Jackie Hennings OLPH SCOTTSDALE John Corcoran Forrest Dougherty Dale Nickekl Mary Zarlengo OUR LADY OF GUADA-LUPE Joe DiGiovanni OUR LADY OF THE LAKE Cindy Smith QUEEN OF PEACE Susan Petrie Mary Kay Dunlevy Martina Bonilla

SACRED HEART—PARKER Karen Rath Mary Gonzales Sandra Woulms Dora

ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA Dennis Orr

SACRED HEART—PARKER Karen Rath Mary Gonzales Sandra Woulms ST. BRIDGET Cheryl Crame Sandra Jarr ST. DANIEL THE PROPHET Bob Rissi Alice Santana ST. JAMES Diane Stofko Abel Noble SACRED HEART—PRESCOTT Richard Howell Herb Bourgault ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE John Winters ST. THOMAS AQUINAS Vince Kempton ST. TIMOTHY Karen Wilson ST. LOUIS THE KING Ed & Esther Escarcega Raul & Elvia Lujan Mario & Mary Fierros ST. CLARE OF ASSISI Kathy Ford

ST. GERMAINE Pat Caldwell Joe Zambito Sue Christian Freda Jeffries Fred Widmer Kathy Ferguson Sandy Smith ST. GREGORY Frank Sano Robert Staten ST. MARGARET MARY-BHC Rev. Peter Dobrowski ST. MARY—KINGMAN Patty Couch Roger and Rita Gaumond Diane Schatz ST. MARY MAGDALENE Nancy Weise ST. JEROME Nancy Barnes Yvonne Hurley ST. MATTHEW Evelyn Guerra ST. JOACHIM & ST. ANNE Gene Harmeling Irene Sosnicki Harry Steckler Mary Taylor Lucia Mastroianni Terry DeYoung Al and Alice LaRocque ST. JOAN OF ARC Paul Parent ST. STEVEN’S Pat Krause ST. THERESA Bill Haugen ST. VINCENT de PAUL Larry Thorne

ST. FRANCES CABRINI Andre Carrillo Rosemary McClair SVDP EXECUTIVE OFFICE Kathi Fidel Jerry Tong Karen Woodhouse Daniel Nepveux Ella Cotroneo Jim Novotny Mark (Anonymous) Frank Barrios Joyce Zabilski Hal Zabilski Jordon Lees Evan Arriola Ray Daoust Cathie Nelson Adam Snavely Mike Pazzaglini Gabriel “Gavin” Rivas Jerry Baily John Mulligan Jayden Southern Jake Doyle Aleena Who Dr. David Goldfarb Barbara Cabin Don Meis The Delbrocco Family Dick Hannon Alice Ehmann Arden O’Connor Michelle Small Jerry Simmons Catherine Mulhern John Jakubczyk Cindy Coons Peter McQuaid Kathleen Nageotte Sharon Ehmann Paul Joseph DeMuro Daniel Mark "Bear" Johnson Thomas Bugai Bryce Yarbrough Mary Raymond Betsy Adams Gabrielle Chung

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Larry Thorne St. Vincent de Paul

Requiescat In Pace

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.

Bill Haugen St. Theresa

LuAnn Muzio St. Mary - Chandler

John Chilcott St. Francis Xavier

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“it is for your love alone that the poor will forgive you ... · me as protectors. there is,...

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