District 3 Conference Updates
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Vincentian Service Throughout North Texas
St. Michael Conference in Garland
The St. Michael Conference in Garland, TX is planning a dinner for prospective volunteers in March. They have had success recruiting new members by attending Mass together as a group, then being available for questions after Mass. St. Michael’s is anticipating to have a 2023 clothing drive to support the SVdP Thrift Stores and looks forward to conducting their Easter Dinner raffle fundraiser.
The Our Lady of the Lake SVdP Conference in Rockwall, Texas strives to be visible in their Parish by wearing blue shirts whenever they gather together for an event. Whether it is conducting a clothing drive to support the thrift stores, or celebrating their generous parishioners by serving a pancake breakfast, they never miss an opportunity to be visible and invite people to serve. SVdP Our Lady of the Lake partners with other ministries in the parish. They join with the Youth Ministry to collaborate on the SVdP “Backpack Buddy Program”, providing food to needy families through a local elementary school.
Our Lady of the Lake Conference in Rockwall
St. William’s Conference in Greenville
Congratulations to the St. William’s Conference in Greenville, TX as they celebrate their two year anniversary as a Conference. Founded in March of 2021, SVdP Greenville has grown in service to those in need in their community. They are famous for their annual bake sale fundraiser, providing homemade bake goods to the parish and significant dollars to their treasury. They post messages regularly in their bulletin, including an invitation to serve, how to request assistance and thanking parishioners for their generous support.
The Sacred Heart Conference in Rowlett, TX held a Giving Drive for the Thrift Stores in February. A Flocknote was sent to individual parishioners announcing the event and the clothing drive was advertised in the bulletin. The Thrift Store truck was parked at the church and Sacred Heart SVDP members collected donations over the weekend. The huge truck was completely filled by Sunday afternoon.
When assisting our neighbors in need with groceries or household items, most often an Aldi gift card is given. SVdP Sacred Heart applied and are most grateful to have received a $5,000 grant of gift cards from Aldi Corp. to distribute to those in need.
The Sacred Heart Conference is famous for periodically celebrating their friendship with a “pot luck” meal, when they gather for their regular meetings.
Sacred Heart Conference in Rowlett
St. Anthony Conference in Wylie
The St. Vincent de Paul conference at St. Anthony Parish in Wylie, TX participates every year in the homeless “point in time” count. This is conducted every year to count homeless people in our community. St Vincent De Paul works with other nonprofits in Wylie. They go out in teams to count and survey homeless people. This information is used by HUD to determine funding for different needs of people experiencing homelessness. Following the count, they send St. Vincent De Paul teams out to the individuals to see how they can help them. SVdP Wiley works very closely with other service and faith based organizations to bring the light of Christ to those in need in their community. Their conference also partners with Amazing Grace Food Pantry in Wylie to deliver food to shut ins every week.
The SVdP Good Shepherd in Garland, TX is currently serving the poor by feeding the hungry in two ways. Together with Catholic Charities, they staff the Mobile Food Pantry on the second Tuesday of every month. They also offer a local Food Pantry at the parish twice a week. It makes a big difference in the lives of those in need to be able to use some of the money, they normally spend on food, to pay other expenses like utilities and rent.
Good Shepherd Conference in Garland
St. Martin de Tours Conference in Forney
The St Martin of Tours Conference in Forney, TX ordered new SVdP shirts to wear at all their events. They attend Mass together on the fifth Sunday of every month, followed by a “meet and greet” along with an Invitation to Serve. St Martin has a very active food pantry, with members serving families in the community, including delivering food to those in need. They have invited all parishioners who want to support SVdP, but may not be able to serve as members, to provide their email address. They send a “flock note”, using this group distribution list and ask if anyone on the list might have a specific item they would like donate to a family in need. They are committed to meeting with their Pastor monthly, sharing their recent activity and thanking him for his support. This year they are planning more spiritual time together including a special Mass on September 9, feast day of Blessed Frederick Ozanam.