July 21

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I recognize that in the summer, the parish tends to slow down a bit. The weather can be blistering hot. People are away on vacation. Priorities are elsewhere for most people. And that’s okay. It usually serves as a good opportunity for the parish staff to catch its breath and plan for the year ahead. However, I’d like to highlight a ministry here at St. Charles that not only keeps going during the summer months, but is also possibly even busier. And that’s our local conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

To remind everyone what the SVdP Society is and what it does, it is an international organization that takes the Gospel principles of charity and serving the least among us as Christ Himself. It is more than a mere charitable organization, as it focuses on growing the spiritual foundation of its members by accompanying our local neighbors as they may find themselves in need. Every conference is unique. Some have food pantries that they operate, others have the capability to store and provide furniture and clothes that have been donated to those in need. Almost all help with financial shortfalls, particularly for utilities and rent. Our parish conference does a lot for those that find themselves in the local hotels and motels in the area, helping those without stable housing to have a place to stay, even if it’s only for a period of time.

Like any ministry, it has its blessings and frustrations. It can be disheartening when there are situations where the conference would love to help an individual, but it’s simply not feasible given the circumstances. Sometimes individuals are so appreciative for the assistance they receive, other times individuals are upset when they don’t get something exactly as they want it. It’s a multifaceted endeavor, and SVdP does it best to walk with every neighbor that reaches out and accompany them as brothers and sisters in Christ. And there’s a distinct process by which each person and their situation is assessed, discussed, and then discerned about until a consensus can be reached. It’s very much led by the Holy Spirit.

But nuts and bolts of the ministry is that it depends on monetary donations to provide for those in need. Since it has been here at St. Charles, the parish has always been generous in giving to it and supporting the fundraisers it undertakes from time to time. But the summer can be especially tough. With the heat, electric bills are higher. With the heat, being without a place to sleep at night can be brutal. It’s important to keep SVdP in mind in the summer. Whereas other ministries may slow down or even go on hiatus, the SVdP society keeps going at full force.

Thanks for the prayers and donations you already give to this vital ministry within our community and your future support as well.

Peace and Goodness,
Fr. Dan