Simplicity · Humility · Gentleness · Selflessness · Zeal | | | |
Balance
As I approach the three-year midpoint of my term as National President and I look back on what the National Council, the Board and I have accomplished as we implement new systems, policies and programs, I’ve found myself reflecting more and more on a tension that many of us experience as Vincentians. It’s not new, but it does seem to be growing.
On one hand, we are called to a deeply spiritual vocation, one rooted in encounter, humility, friendship and a desire to grow in holiness. On the other hand, we operate in an increasingly complex, regulated and fast-moving world that demands structure, compliance, accountability and administrative discipline.
Some days, it can feel like we are trying to live in two different worlds at once.
The Rule reminds us that we are called to “constantly seek to adapt to a changing world.” That line is both encouraging and challenging. It reassures us that change is not something to resist but something to engage. At the same time, it raises an important question: How do we adapt without losing the very heart of who we are? Read more...
| | NATIONAL ASSEMBLY KEYNOTE SPEAKERS | | |
Brian Goldstone
10:30-11:45 a.m. MT
Thursday, September 10
Brian Goldstone is an award-winning journalist and author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning book "There Is No Place For Us: Working and Homeless in America." His work examines housing insecurity, inequality and social justice, with reporting featured in The New York Times, Harper's and other major publications. A PhD-trained anthropologist, he brings deep insight to stories on global and domestic issues, from incarceration to migration and urban poverty.
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Dr. Ansel Augustine
9-10:15 a.m. MT
Saturday, September 12
Dr. Ansel Augustine, D.Min., is an award-winning author, speaker and ministry leader with more than 20 years of experience serving youth, young adults and multicultural communities. He currently serves as Assistant Director of African American Affairs for The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). A passionate advocate for social justice and youth ministry, Dr. Augustine shares his message for youth and young adults nationwide through workshops, writing and film.
| | | THIS WEEK'S FEATURE: THRIFT STORES | | |
Back-to-School Savings That Make A Difference
By Chad Caligiuri, Des Moines Diocesan Council Deputy Director
With nearly 54 million K-12 students returning to classrooms in the United States this fall — and millions more attending colleges and universities across the country — budget-friendly back-to-school options are more than helpful; they are essential. As families continue to face rising costs, finding affordable clothing, supplies and other school necessities can make a meaningful difference.
Don’t worry. St. Vincent de Paul thrift stores can help families check off many, if not all, of their back-to-school needs. Our stores offer a wide variety of gently used and new merchandise that can provide significant savings on school shopping. Although every location is unique, shoppers can often find affordable clothing, shoes, accessories, backpacks, office supplies, crafting materials and even dorm room essentials. Read more...
| | VISION SVdP CONGRESS PREPARATORY NOVENA | | |
By Bobby Kinkela, VisionSVdP Congress member
and Chair, National Voice for the Poor Committee
“Souls that are truly poor and desirous of serving God should place their trust in the coming of the Holy Spirit within them, believing that, finding no resistance in them, He will give them the disposition necessary to accomplish the Holy Will of God, which should be their only preoccupation. The Holy Spirit, upon entering souls that are so disposed, will certainly remove any obstacle to His divine operations by the fervor of His love. He will establish the laws of holy charity by endowing them with the strength to accomplish tasks beyond their human powers...” (SWL A.25, pg. 802)
We will take this wisdom from St. Louise de Marillac to invite all Vincentians to join in prayer and to call upon the Holy Spirit to guide us along this next stage of the VisionSVdP journey. Let us ask the Lord to continue our interior preparation, all of us, whether as official Delegates but surely as a “true network of friends,” participating as spiritual companions.
We invite you to pray this nine-day novena starting Monday, Aug. 10 through the opening of the VisionSVdP Congress on Tuesday, Aug. 18 in Atlanta. We will unite in prayer to ask for a specific gift. We trust that the Holy Spirit will pack these virtues within our hearts, that we may be attentive to how God moves within and among us. Read more...
| INVITING INTEREST IN THE DIRECTOR OF STORES SUPPORT ROLE | | |
Great Leadership Opportunity at the National Council
As Jeffrey Beamguard prepares for retirement, SVdP USA is beginning the search for a highly motivated leader to serve as the next Director of Stores Support. This is a unique national opportunity for an experienced SVdP thrift store director or SVdP executive with appropriate thrift store experience who is ready to help strengthen store operations, support local leaders and advance the mission of the Society nationally.
The Director of Stores Support serves as a national resource and strategic support leader for SVdP thrift store operations. The role works closely with the National Stores Committee, the Chief Operating Officer, store leaders and regional representatives to help stores strengthen mission impact, improve operational consistency and build long-term sustainability. Key responsibilities include providing hands-on field support through store assessments, new-store development, manager training, troubleshooting and best-practice implementation. The position also supports training store operations, develops and shares best practices, helps organize communications and website content and uses store data and operational feedback to identify opportunities for improvement.
The ideal candidate will bring strong thrift store leadership, excellent communication and organizational skills and a collaborative, relationship-centered approach. Because this position supports stores nationwide, candidates should also have the ability and willingness to travel regularly and work effectively with local Councils, Conferences, store teams, partner vendors and national stakeholders.
How to Express Interest
Qualified individuals who are interested in applying for this position are encouraged to contact
Chief Operating Officer Kevin Pratt ([email protected]) or Chief Executive Officer Michael Acaldo ([email protected]) to learn more about the role and next steps. We are grateful for Jeffrey’s years of service and leadership, and we look forward to identifying the next great leader who will continue building on this important work in support of SVdP thrift stores nationwide.
| | FRIENDS OF THE POOR® WALK | | |
Is your Council or Conference hosting a
Friends of the Poor® Walk?
If your walk is scheduled for Saturday, September 26,
the deadline to order shirts with our vendor is coming up,
and we don't want you to miss out!
The link to order and other information can be found here: https://ssvpusa.org/fop-walk/.
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