In the Year of our Lord 2012 “The Good News of St Matthew Catholic Parish” |
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Saint Vincent De Paul
Each month, registered St. Matthew parishioners receive a packet of “donation envelopes” which includes a light blue envelop designated for any contributions they wish to make to in support of the work done by the Society of St Vincent de Paul. Perhaps you would like to know a bit more about this organization and just how members of our own St. Matthew’s Conference go about distributing your generous donations. One of the oldest and most effective worldwide charities, St. Vincent de Paul is an international organization comprised of more than 700,000 men and women, known as Vencentians, who join together to grow spiritually while providing person to person aid to the needy and those living in poverty. Here in El Paso, SVDP sponsors programs which assist borderland residents with procuring food, clothing, and furniture through their three local food banks and thrift stores as well as providing direct financial assistance with rent, utilities and medical bills. The majority of Vencentians serve on a volunteer basis, ensuring that a very high percentage of donated funds goes directly to assisting people in need in the El Paso metropolitan area. SVDP is unique in that it is one of only a few charitable organizations that actually makes home visits to those requesting assistance. The positive aspect of this people-to-people connection is that our volunteers are not only able to advise where assistance can best be utilized, but they can also assess other needs such as furniture and clothing, which can be acquired through the local thrift store. Volunteers also have a list of additional resources which might be of service on a long term basis. A volunteer team (often a couple) is assigned on a weekly basis to respond to calls for assistance made to the SVDP Help Line. Callers have been instructed to clearly state their name, address and what type of assistance is being requested. St Matthew’s serves people living in the 79922 and 79932 zip codes areas. Assistance comes in the form of food – either by issuing emergency vouchers which can be used at several participating grocery stores or by sending them to the local food bank. Volunteers can also authorize payment for utilities or rent, payable directly to the utility company or landlord. Assistance is provided on a once a year basis up to a maximum of $250. f you would like to answer the Lord’s call to assist the needy with more than a monetary contribution, please give serious thought to joining the St. Matthew Council of St. Vincent de Paul. Volunteering does not require a major time commitment, and the gratitude given by those you visit will warm your soul and make you even more mindful of the gifts God has bestowed upon you. Those interested my contact Interim President, Joe Zanetell at (915) 833-5108. You may also lend both your financial and physical support by participating in the “Hike for the Poor” on Saturday, September 29 from 9 am to 4 pm. at the Tom Mays Unit of the Franklin State Park Co-sponsored by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the El Paso Times, the “Hike for the Poor” is not a competitive event, but rather it was designed to be a fun filled family outing with healthy activity for all ages. All funds raised will go directly to assisting the needy in the El Paso metropolitan area. Information and registration forms are available on the St. Vincent de Paul website www.svdpelpaso.org. Also look for them in the El Paso Times and in future church bulletins. |