President's November 2020 Report

(posted: November 2, 2020)
Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Conference Presidents, please share this monthly news with your members to keep everyone connected with what is happening at all levels of the Society. Particular and Central Council Presidents, please share this monthly news with your Vincentian members who may not belong to a Conference.

SPIRITUAL MATTERS
The November spiritual reflection reminds us to be thankful during covid.
Denise also shares a way to prepare during Advent while we cannot come together in person as a family. Please share this program with your Spiritual Advisors to consider using for Advent preparations. Reach out to denise@ssvp.on.ca if you have questions.

A spiritual reflection from National Spirituality Committee. Français: réflexion spirituelle.

BISHOP MEETING Vincentians met virtually with Bishop Fabbro, Diocese of London, on October 13 to share information about the works of the Society within the Diocese of London - helping people in need through visits in different ways, community meals, prison ministry, North of 60 program, On the Street program coordinated by our youth, SSVP stores and Camp Vincent. We requested the Bishop’s support in encouraging priests within his Diocese to support local SSVP Conferences as requests are made.

We encourage Councils to reach out and arrange a meeting with the Bishop within your Diocese sharing the good work you are doing to raise awareness and requesting the Bishop’s support.

NOMINATION INFORMATION
Reminder about the call out for nominations for Ontario Regional Council Board members. Review the mandate and prerequisites and send nominations to nomination@ssvp.on.ca by November 30. Election of the new Board members will take place at the April AGA.

The responsibility to nominate potential Board members for Ontario Regional Council lies with all Vincentians across Ontario.

ANNUAL REPORTS The 2020 Annual Report forms are now available on the National Council website. Français: formulaires rapport annuel

The report has been designed into the THREE parts listed below.
9.3 Sections A-B (Statistics – to be completed by conferences and councils)
9.3 Sections C-D (Statistics – to be completed by councils only)
9.3 Section E (Finance – to be completed by conferences and councils)

Supplementary document: The supplementary document has been created to assist with the revenue portion of filling the annual financial report. SSVP financial report follows the Canada Revenue Agency Form T3010.

Please forward your report to your next higher council:
Conferences: SECTION A-B1 and E1 - Before January 30th
Particular councils: SECTION A-B2, C-D1 and E2 (Consolidated Report) - Before February 20
Central councils: SECTION A-B2, C-D2 and E2 (Consolidated Reports) - Before March 10
Regional councils: SECTION A-B2, C-D2 and E2 (Consolidated Reports) - Before March 31


ONRC SPRING MEETING/AGA The spring meeting/AGA will be held April 17, 2021. A decision will be made in January as to whether this will be a virtual or in-person meeting depending on the pandemic situation.

YOUTH AT WORK A great presentation developed by youth in the Halton PC community for a YPI project. YPI is an organization that partners with schools for students to do research and create a pitch for a charity of their choice, and the winning charity receives $5000. This video featuring the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul made it to the last 4 submissions out of 47. The winning charity was Halton Women’s Place who provide support and shelter to women fleeing abusive relationships. Congratulations to the youth in the Halton community who did an amazing job creating this video!

WORLD DAY OF THE POOR The fourth World Day of the Poor is on November 15, 2020. This year’s theme is “Stretch forth your hand to the poor”. National Council has developed English materials and French materials to be used.

Please email linda@ssvp.on.ca your stories/photos of what you did in your community to raise awareness of World Day of the Poor.

SOCIAL JUSTICE
Pope Francis is one of many strong voices beginning to unite with Indigenous voices in speaking out for the care of the environment.


News release on Reports of Human Rights Violations and Systemic Racism in Prisons.
Rapport français

NATIONAL COUNCIL
National Council Board virtual meeting was held October 17. Some highlights of this meeting include:
  • ONRC revised by-laws have been approved by National Council.
  • Digital campaign will be held the month of November around World Day of the Poor, and a digital campaign for Giving Tuesday on Dec. 1.
  • National Housing Action Plan and Campaign will be launched Feb. 7, 2021.
  • Annual National Formation and AGA scheduled in June 2021 will not be an in-person meeting due to covid-19 and will be a Zoom meeting. Working with the Formation Committee, National Council will determine how best to continue with the formation of members using the different collaboration tools available and possibly having webinar type of sessions on a regular basis.
  • Discussed the need to have different avenues of fundraising as can no longer rely on donations through parishes as a result of covid-19.
  • Canada Helps on websites offers one time or monthly donation option.
  • People can donate through National website www.ssvp.ca (one time or monthly donation option) selecting the Conference or Council their donation is to be directed to. National then facilitates an EFT to that Conference or Council; currently National has 96 Conferences/Councils set up on EFT.
October Vincenpaul newsletter:
English Français


INTERNATIONAL NEWS
PowerPoint presentation of Amélie Ozanam.
A story of Vincentians thinking outside the box.
Second Alleged Miracle of Blessed Ozanam Delivered to the Vatican.
First Annual Meeting held by Council General International.

TY-Merci
Thank you to everyone for your dedication and passion and all the amazing work you continue to do serving our friends in need. Stay safe and healthy.

Feel free to contact linda@ssvp.on.ca at any time should you have questions.

Linda Dollard, President

President's Message