Dear friends,

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul essential values of Gentleness, Selflessness, Simplicity, Humility and Zeal guide us to serve our neighbors every day. I know we share these values and I thank you for your dedication to caring for our neighbors in need. Take a look at the impact of your support and know that each number, each data point represents a real family or individual.

During this season of Lent, I’m intentionally taking daily time to pause and reflect on my faith journey. My Catholic tradition asks me to particularly use prayer, fasting, and almsgiving to build my relationship with God.

• Prayer… I’ve built prayer into my daily life for a long time. I pray for you and for our Members, staff and volunteers every day. I pray for our neighbors in need, that their burdens may be eased by people like you and by changes in our society that will help them thrive. I hope you pray for me too!
• Fasting… When our kids were young, one Lent we did a water “fast,” meant to be in solidarity with children around the world who have to carry water for their families instead of going to school. I don’t think we lasted a week! But fasting done right helps us differentiate needs and wants. Fasting reminds us of those who live without basic essentials, and prompts us to order our decisions accordingly.
• Almsgiving… During Lent, my husband and I try to be more generous. To find ways to say “yes” to the needs before us every day. You have been generous already. Thank you! I hope you’ll be generous again this season, perhaps in a new way.
  • Will you make an extra gift, knowing that so many more people need help?
  • Will you become a quarterly or monthly donor? This helps stabilize our budget year-round and might be a way for you to give a little more.
  • Will you consider a legacy gift by including us in your will, as a beneficiary for an insurance policy, or making a gift of appreciated assets like stock or bonds?

This is my prayer today:

May the good you do for neighbors in need return to you in joy and fellowship. May others follow your lead in compassion, kindness, and generosity to make our community better for all, particularly those most in need. May this time be one of outward focus; seeking to give ourselves to those the world often ignores. And may you be blessed beyond measure for your goodness. Amen.

Julie Bennett
CEO & Executive Director