CONFERENCE CONNECTION Update from Nancy Szlezyngier - President

Dear Vincentians,

As the holidays approach, many conferences have planned giving events for their neighbors in need, providing food, gifts, gift cards, and wishes for a season filled with peace, hope, and joy. In turn, we prepare for the season for our family and personal friends, with invitations to our homes, a celebration of dinner, desserts, gifts, and homes decorated for the holidays.

What do we do for those who are homeless, have no decorations, have no way to spend the gift cards, no transportation, no invitation to a Christmas party/celebration, and are lonely and very vulnerable?

SVdP is only one of the organizations that give to those in need. Do we question whether our neighbors have reached out to others for their families? Do we criticize any who have tapped the resources of more than one organization to have the blessings of Christmas for their family?

As we attend the celebration of Mass, do we pray for our own needs, or do we include the poor and vulnerable in our prayers?

Do we resent the time devoted to Vincentian work as it takes away from our personal needs and wants during a busy holiday time?

Vincentian work is a vocation, an integral part of our daily lives. No one asks that you take away from your family, yet, we do ask that you not forget those who struggle alone or those who struggle to care for their families.

Our mission is to serve our neighbors in need. It’s a year-round commitment. Include those in need in your prayers, keep them in your hearts, thank God for what you have and what you can give to others. Remember the three elements of our mission, spirituality, friendship, and service.

I wish everyone a blessed Christmas and a happy New Year.