Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Warrenton,Virginia

A Prayer from St. Vincent de Paul

2012-01-03T18:27:00.000-08:00

... God sends each person into this world
with a special message to deliver
with a special song to sing for others,
with a special act of love to bestow.
According to this tradition,
the message may be spoken,
the song sung,
the act of love delivered
only to a few,
or to all the folk in a small town,
or to all the people in a large city,
or even to all the people in the whole world.
It all depends on God's unique plan for each person

I want to say this to you:
Your message has been heard in my heart
Your song has warmed my world
And your love has brightened my darkness.

A Christmas message from St. Vincent de Paul to his friends.

Contributions gratefully accepted

2011-11-27T19:29:00.000-08:00

If you are considering making a charitable donation to a local organization that provides aid directly to Fauquier County residents,
there are several ways to contribute to SVDP:

1. Mail a check
(no cash please) to:
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
PO Box 3539
Warrenton, VA 20188

2. Place an envelope clearly labeled SVDP with a check made out to same into any St. John the Evangelist collection basket.

3. Place check in the church Poor Box

Thank you so much!

Celtic Cross Garden Statue

2011-09-18T18:10:00.000-07:00

This year, SVdP will continue its tradition of finding special garden pieces for the fall raffle. This year, we offer a beautiful reproduction of a Celtic cross – the original is a 9th century sandstone cross in Drumcliffe in County Sligo, still standing on the site of a monastery founded by St Colmcille (Columba) in the 6th century. The original stands 12 ft high, but we opted for a more manageable size. (Note of interest: the burial place of probably Ireland's most favorite son, William Butler Yeats is located about 100 feet from the Drumcliffe cross).

You may see the cross in the rectory’s front garden. Notice the depiction of Adam and Eve, the Tree and the serpent. Tickets will be available from SVdP members at various times before and after Masses and at Octoberfest.
Tickets are $2.00 each/3 for $5.00/7 for $10.00/15 for $20!

As always, we thank you for your support. Winner need not be present for the drawing, which will be held at St. John the Evangelist Octoberfest on Saturday Evening, Oct. 1.

St. Vincent de Paul-Charity's Saint

2011-08-17T19:15:00.000-07:00

Thank you, Mary

2011-05-15T13:16:00.000-07:00

May is the month of Mary. The Central Association of the Miraculous Medal, which has a National Shrine in Philadelphia, has a campaign for people to tell their stories of graces received through the Blessed Virgin Mary and the "Miraculous Medal."

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is closely affiliated with Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal,
as Blessed Frederic Ozanam, the founder of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, had a great devotion to Mary, and declared Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal the Patroness of the Society.

To learn more about the Miraculous Medal and to hear people tell their stories of how they were helped by Our Lady, go to
Shrine of the Miraculous Medal

Operation Rice Bowl Grant Received

2011-03-20T17:24:00.000-07:00

The St. John's Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) has been awarded an Operation Rice Bowl Grant from the Diocese of Arlington, to provide aid to those in need in Fauquier County.

The grant of $1000.00 will go toward providing Utilities Assistance. Our SVDP Society receives many requests from people who are in danger of having their electricity cut-off because they are unable to pay their bills, sometimes for water service shutoffs, or for gas tanks that are empty and they do not have any heat.

As recently noted in local news, fuel bills continue to rise. Some cost-saving measures include filling your propane gas tanks in off months, such as late summer, before prices and demand go up, using energy efficient light bulbs, weatherstripping, setting up a budget plan with the utilities company.

For more ideas, see
Energy Saving Tips

Vehicle Donation Program benefits local groups

2011-02-24T18:52:00.000-08:00

Do you have a vehicle that you no longer need? Perhaps you won't get much on a trade-in for it. Perhaps you would like to use it to help others.

Well, there is now a new national program available that allows donations of vehicles to directly benefit your local SVDP conference. The program is administered nationwide . For more details visit National Vehicle Donation Program of St. Vincent de Paul

It's as easy as calling 1-800-322-8284 to find out more,
or going to the website and filling out a form.

Blesssed Rosalie Rendu

2011-02-06T11:21:00.000-08:00

Monday, Feb. 7 is the feast day of an important Vincentian spiritual leader-
Blessed Rosalie Rendu.
She was born in France in 1786 and became a Daughter of Charity in 1802, just after the community for the Daughters of Charity was re-established in France following the French Revolution.
During the French revolution, she climbed the barricades to help the wounded!
Her zeal for the poor drove her to provide the means to educate poor children, care for infants, support the elderly and assist young working girls.

One of her disciples was Frederic Ozanam, founder of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. She provided guidance and inspiration to him to develop this lay ministry and vocation which spread like wildfire in France.

Here is what Pope John Paul II had to say on her beatification in 2003:
" Her charity was inventive. Where did she draw the strength to carry out so many things? From her intense prayer life and the continuous praying of the rosary which she never abandoned. Her secret was simple: to see the face of Christ in every man and woman...."

Quotations of St. Vincent de Paul

2011-01-30T14:08:00.000-08:00

On Humility:
The most powerful weapon to conquer the devil is humility. For, as he does not know at all how to employ it, neither does he know how to defend himself from it.

Humility and charity are the two master-chords: one, the lowest; the other, the highest; all the others are dependent on them. Therefore it is necessary, above all, to maintain ourselves in these two virtues; for observe well that the preservation of the whole edifice depends on the foundation and the roof.”

On Prayer:
The good thoughts which God gives you in prayer are relics. Gather them carefully together in order to translate them into acts, and you will gladden the heart of God.

On Trust in the Lord:
Free your mind from all that troubles you; God will take care of things. You will be unable to make haste in this (choice) without, so to speak, grieving the heart of God, because he sees that you do not honor him sufficiently with holy trust. Trust in him, I beg you, and you will have the fulfillment of what your heart desires.

Saint who Served the Poor highlighted in the Arlington Catholic Herald

2011-01-13T18:02:00.000-08:00

The January 12 issue of the Arlington Catholic Herald has a wonderful mention of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul by Antoinette Bosco.

Check out The Saint who served the Poor for the more of the story.

Click on the book cover for publication information:

Written by Jane Knuth, it tells the story of how her volunteer work with SVDP in Kalamazoo, Michigan transformed her world.

Although we don't run a thrift shop here at St. John the Evangelist, we are always interested in more helping hands. The need is ever growing in Fauquier County.

Beautiful Garden Statue for Raffle

2010-09-12T10:53:00.000-07:00

This year, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is raffling off a statue of the Risen Christ. Although the woodlike cross looks like real wood in the photo,

it is actually stained cement and would make a stunning addition to any prayer or meditation garden.

Tickets are $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00 and 6 for $10.00 . They will be available for purchase after most masses for the next two weekends, and the raffle will be held at the Oktoberfest. Winners need not be present.

This year, the Society is also pleased to be able to raffle a second prize of a lovely hand-crocheted queen size bed cover, that was made for us as a gift of appreciation by someone the Society assisted during a time of need.

Presidential Community Service Award Received

2010-05-09T11:54:00.000-07:00

The SVDP conference here at St. John the Evangelist received two Presidential Volunteer Service Awards sponsored by the Piedmont United Way Volunteer Center and the Rappahannock-Rapidan Community Services Board/Area Agency on aging.

The award comes with a signed letter from the White House and is a prestigious national award issued by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation on behalf of the President of the United States, recognizing and honoring Americans who have selflessly dedicated their time, skills, and talents to their communities.

On April 22 at the Awards Ceremony held in Culpeper, our SVDP group received the highest award- Gold
Another award went to Brenda, our SVDP Vice-President, who received the highest gold individual award. Congratulations to the Group and to Brenda for the outstanding Community Service provided!

Lenten Prayer

2010-03-02T17:45:00.000-08:00

From the Liturgy of the Hours during this Lent:

In the spirit of this Lenten season, let us pray:

Instruct us, Lord, in the ways of your kingdom.

God of power and mercy, give us the spirit of prayer and repentence,
-- with burning love for you and for all mankind.

Help us to work with you in making all things new in Christ,
-- and in spreading justice and peace throughout the world.

Teach us the meaning and value of creation,
-- so that we may join its voice to ours as we sing your praise.

Forgive us for failing to see Christ in the poor, the distressed, and the troublesome,
-- and for our failure to reverence your Son in their persons.

Annual Report on Activities for Last Year

2010-01-26T17:34:00.000-08:00

The Society of Saint Vincent DePaul (SVDP) thanks our fellow parishioners for their overwhelming generosity in 2009.
In 2009, the St. John Conference helped 3,372 people – some with rent or utility bills, some with medical or transportation needs. Many others were helped with referrals to other agencies and resources or with finding employment.
To accomplish this, our 14 active members (we need more) volunteered 2,779 hours.
This time included fielding 3,769 phone calls and making visits to 603 homes (an average of 50 per month). We were very busy!

In addition, Society members logged 8,270 in-service miles.
Your financial support has been strong and greatly appreciated.

Parish contributions to the Poor Box and our fundraising activities amounted to $37,552.00.
Our Conference applied for and won grants in the amount of $6,000.
SVDP members contributed $4100.00.
Total income for the year was $47,652.

We will need your help to continue this good work in 2010. The number of people in need continue to increase; your generous contributions will assist us in our mission.

As always, we welcome new members and your prayers.

Thank you again for your support and please remember that EVERY PENNY you give is direct aid - - there are NO ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS removed from your donation!

O Come Let Us Adore Him

2009-12-31T06:47:00.000-08:00

From the Canticle of Daniel, read throughout the Octave of Christmas :

Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord.
You Heavens, bless the Lord.
All you waters above the heavens, bless the Lord.
All you hosts of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Sun and Moon, bless the Lord.
Stars of heaven, bless the Lord.

Every shower and dew, bless the Lord.
All you winds, bless the Lord.
Fire and heat, bless the Lord.

Cold and chill, bless the Lord.
Dew and rain, bless the Lord.
Frost and Chill, bless the Lord.
Ice and snow, bless the Lord.
Nights and days, bless the Lord.
Light and darkness, bless the Lord.
Lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord.

Let the earth bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Mountains and hills, bless the Lord.
Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord.
You springs, bless the Lord.
Seas and rivers, bless the Lord.
You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord.

All you birds of the air, bless the lord.
All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord.
You sons of men, bless the Lord.

O Israel, bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.
Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Servants of the Lord, bless the Lord.
Spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord.
Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord.

Hananiah, Azariah, Mishael, bless the Lord.
Praise and exalt him above all forever.

Let us bless the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Let us praise and exalt him above all forever.
Blessed are you, Lord, in the firmament of heaven.
Praiseworthy and glorious and exalted above all forever.

Daniel 3:57-88, 56

Advent Adventure

2009-12-03T18:34:00.000-08:00

advent: According to the American Heritage Dictionary, one definition of advent is the coming or arrival of something momentous. The example given is "the advent of the computer".

What about the advent of the Word made Flesh?

The advent of mankind's redemption?

The Modern Catholic Dictionary edited by Fr. John Hardon defines advent as
"a period of prayer in preparation for Christmas...the beginning of the Church's liturgical year."

Why wait for the calendar " New Year" to make resolutions?

Think about what gifts we can offer to the Christ Child throughout this Advent season

Remember those advent calendars you opened as a child-
each day another small image was found behind those little closed paper doors-
or sometimes, pieces of chocolate
-
What little tokens of love can we find each day to offer secretly to the Divine Infant,
behind closed doors?

some kind words instead of selfish complaints,

a generous donation to someone in need perhaps funded through self-denial of a small pleasure, (Advent is called "the little lent")

spending time as a volunteer to make someone else's holiday brighter

more time in prayer (yes, a real gift to bring during the pre-holiday madness)

smiling cheerfully when the needs of others intrude upon your carefully made plans

contacting someone who is alone, maybe forgotten, either by a letter or phone call ...

you get the idea...

Advent is the time we are invited to begin again
in the preparation of our hearts
through prayer to draw ever nearer to the Lord
to see anew the wonder of God becoming man
to see anew the wonder of true charity,
compassion, solidarity, generosity, forgiveness,
kindness, peace-making, forbearance,
agape

Walkathon for the Poor Sept. 26

2009-09-15T09:55:00.000-07:00

All around the country, on Saturday, Sept. 26, members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will be participating in Walkathons as a fundraiser and to raise awareness of the needs of the Poor.

Your local conference from St. John the Evangelist will be participating at the Fauquier High School beginning at 9 AM, rain or shine.

Volunteers will be outside all masses this coming weekend (Sept. 19 evening mass and Sunday Sept. 20) to accept pledges and contributions for the Walkathon. Thank you for your continued support of our Conference.

This is the 2nd Annual Society of St. Vincent Walkathon- Let's make it a great succe$$!

Cleaning out? Try these places....

2009-08-28T09:46:00.000-07:00

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Warrenton uses its limited space as a small food pantry.

If you have clothing, furniture, or other houseware donations, we thank you for thinking of others who are in need, and suggest you

contact these local agencies:

Salvation Army

26 S 3rd St Warrenton, VA 20186-3302

(Hours: Monday - Friday 9 AM-4 pm

(closed Saturdays )

(540) 341-8385

Community Touch / Noah's Ark Thrift Store

Bealeton

To donate your items please contact (540) 439-9300

Hours of operation are Mon-Fri 10am - 7pm, Sat 10am - 5pm

http://www.communitytouchinc.org/noahs-ark-thrift-store.html

A different way of giving thanks

2009-07-15T14:44:00.000-07:00

We recently received a donation contributed by a neighbor who was assisted by a parishioner "who did a generous deed for our family and would not take any money for it."
So the family decided to make a contribution to
the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, as a way to give thanks for the help, and thereby, passing along a way for other people to receive help.

We received another donation in appreciation from someone (not in our parish), who
again received assistance from a co-worker who is a member of our parish,
and that person chose to say "Thank You" to them by a donation to our cause.

This is a wonderful way to show gratitude to God, and our neighbors-a blessing to the giver, to the person who helped, and for someone else to receive a blessing in the future!

Thank you All

2009-06-04T11:11:00.001-07:00

The Food drive held during the month of May was a tremendous success and we are most grateful for your participation in this event.

We were able to restock our pantry plus share with the Catholic Charities for other parish food banks in need. We also received over $200.00 in cash donations.

Many thanks-the summer months are usually sparse in food donations, and this will help us get through the next few months, we hope.

Collection Drive for Catholic Charities

2009-05-03T14:29:00.000-07:00

Over the next few weeks, SVDP will be conducting a food/paper products/personal care products drive to collect items or dollars to help supply Catholic Charities with food, etc. for distribution throughout the diocese.

Over the past two years, the SVDP conference at St. John has received food distributions from the diocese to stock the food pantry, and they are asking us now for help in return by contributing to other parishes that need assistance.

Suggestions for what each parishioner can bring will be distributed at masses over the next weekend, and will be collected for 2 weeks thereafter.

Thank you for your support in this project.

St, Louise de Marillac

2009-03-25T20:13:00.000-07:00

"Let us be without anxiety as to what may happen to us, strengthening ourselves in divine love which produces confidence in the Providence of God".

St. Louise de Marillac was a wife, mother and widow.
After her husband's death, St. Vincent de Paul became her spiritual confessor, and she helped to establish the Daughters of Charity order with his assistance.

She spent many years working for the poor of Paris and surrounding areas.

Her body is incorrupt, and on display in Paris.
Her feast day in March 15.
She is the patron saint of social workers.

Go deeper in your faith with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul

2009-03-12T17:26:00.000-07:00

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul provides an opportunity to grow spiritually,

by living out the gospel in tangible ways,

by practicing the corporal works of mercy,

by practicing the presence of God in our community

by lighting candles of hope, where there is darkness and despair

This Lent, please prayerfully consider if you can answer the cry of the poor in a tangible way by becoming a member of the Society of SVDP.

Many calls for assistance are being received and more helping hands are needed in this ministry.

On Giving Alms

2009-03-01T18:50:00.000-08:00

Give alms from your possessions.

Do not turn your face away from any of the poor,

and God's face will not be turned away from you...

give alms in proportion to what you own.

If you have great wealth, give alms out of your abundance;

if you have but little, distribute even some of that.

But do not hesitate to give alms;

you will be storing up a goodly treasure for yourself

against the day of adversity.

Almsgiving frees one from death, and keeps one from going into the dark abode.

Alms are a worthy offering in the sight of the Most High for all who give them.

Book of Tobit, Chapter 4: 7-11

As We begin our Lenten Journey

2009-02-25T18:08:00.001-08:00

Prayer in the Liturgy for Ash Wednesday

Lord,

Help us to resist temptation

by our lenten works of charity and penance...

may we be prepared to celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ our Savior

and be cleansed from sin and renewed in spirit.

Ready to Accept Donations!

2008-11-15T14:22:00.000-08:00

The Society is now ready to receive your donations.

Check out the beautiful new wooden donation boxes, conveniently located by all St. John the Evangelist Church entrances and exits.
In recent months, we've heard from many people asking

"Where are the poor boxes so we can make a donation?"

We thank all those who have contributed generously in the past, and hopefully will continue to do so.
There have been a few rough months when we were not able to provide the community support so desperately needed.

Additionally, you may have noticed a new donation box outside by the former Convent.
This is our location to receive donated food, paper products, toiletries and other requested items.

If you take advantage of any "buy one get one free" promotions,
or dollar days sale items, please keep the hungry in mind.
The need is great, and we thank you so much!

Garden Statue Raffle

2008-09-21T10:40:00.000-07:00

Volunteers have been outside church on Sundays, selling raffle tickets for the lovely garden statue below.
Tickets are $2.00 each, or 3 tickets for $5.00.

Tickets will continue to be sold at the Octoberfest on Friday, Oct. 3, and Saturday, Oct. 4.

The winning ticket will be announced at the Octoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 4.

Proceeds from the raffle will go directly to supply for needs of the poor in the community.

Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati 1901-1925

2008-08-27T08:45:00.000-07:00

A inspiring example of and for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is Blessed Pier Giorgio- a saint for the youth of the third millenium.

Born into a wealthy, influential family, he enjoyed the arts, and sports such as mountain climbing and skiing. He was sociable with many friend, but also had a deep spiritual life, with Mass, Eucharistic adoration and the Rosary as strong components of his daily life.

At the age of 17 he joined the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, which began his 7 year involvment in serving the poor in the Torino community until his death at the age of 24.

He was declared Blessed by Pope John Paul II in 1990, but many of us first heard of him most recently in connection with the World Youth Day 2008, when his remains were transported from Italy to Australia, with masses and vigils along the way of its passage through various churches.
Read more here about this

Youth groups in his honor have been springing up among college students throughout the United States and Australia.

To learn more about this shining soul, here are some websites about him:

Frassati USA
The Frassati Society of Young Adult Catholics
Catholic News Service article about his life from World Youth Day

Great resource about the Vincentian Family

2008-07-14T08:27:00.000-07:00

There is actually an online encyclopedia about the Vincentian Tradition, which has articles about the history, people, places and ideas related to St. Vincent de Paul!

Description of the encyclopedia from their website:
What is this Vincentian Encyclopedia?
Still in its embryonic stages this is a collaborative effort to create a Vincentian encyclopedia of articles and other information useful for those who follow Vincent, Louise and their spiritual companions sometimes commonly referred to as the "Vincentian family". It will contain articles related to Vincentian spirituality and information about the various groups they founded. As such it is an encyclopedia created "by" and "for" the Vincentian Family.
The uniqueness of this project lies in the fact that it will be a collaborative effort of many people using technology which is rapidly changing the way content is created on the web. This as yet little known software allows large numbers of people to work collaboratively on a web site. The best known example at present is "Wikipedia", a free user created encyclopedia whose English version already boast more than one half a million entries.
This adaptation of wikipedia is presently set up so that 'any registered user of this site can edit any page (with the exception of certain pages such as legal documents, e.g. Constitutions of the Congregation of the Mission. To register use the login/register link at the top right of this page. At some future point we have the option to increase the level of security on the wiki as a whole or just individual sections.

Note from this blogger:
Be sure to check out the web biography of Blessed Frederic Ozanam, by Shaun McCarty, S.T. accessible in the encyclopedia.

Mother Teresa said....

2008-07-06T17:29:00.000-07:00

Good works are links that form a chain of Love.

If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one.

Let us more and more insist on raising funds of love, of kindness, of understanding, of peace. Money will come if we seek first the Kingdom of God - the rest will be given.

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal and Society of St. Vincent de Paul

2008-06-23T08:40:00.001-07:00

Did you know that Our lady of the Miraculous Medal is the patroness for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul?

At the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in DC, the first side chapel on the left side, in the upper church, is a beautiful tribute to the Miraculous Medal and also to a number of members in the Vincentian Family of spirituality.

St.Louise de Marillac is on the right side of the Chapel. St. Louise is the patron saint of social workers.

St. Vincent de Paul is on the left side of the chapel. He is considered the Universal Patron of Charity.

Two narrow stained glass windows focus on two important figures in American religious history:
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is honored as the Mother of the American Vincentian family.

Venerable Felix de Andreis is honored as the Father of the American Vincentian family.
Father Felix de Andreis, one of the outstanding missionaries who contributed to the success of Bishop Du Bourg evangelizing St. Louis, was the first Superior of the Vincentians in the United States. He was also the First Vicar General of St. Louis. During this time, he was also the Parish Priest of the St. Louis Cathedral. While he was Director of the Seminary for the Diocese, he was also the Novice Master for his Vincentian Community. He carried out all his duties extremely well, although sometimes he was not physically well himself. With all his talents, his most outstanding virtue cited those who knew him well was his humility, a foundation for all virtues.

What's been happening in May and June

2008-06-20T18:35:00.000-07:00

We received an large donation of food supplies to our food pantry in May, thanks to the Arlington Diocese Catholic Charities. This time of year, food supplies run low, and the need is growing.

On May 31, members of the Society participated in a Community Outreach event at the Warrenton McDonalds.

In June, we’ve reached the mid-point of the year, and so far our group has assisted more than 120 families with housing and transportation needs, medical and utility expenses, and food!

The Northern Piedmont Federal Credit Union is presenting a series of Free Financial Literacy Workshops at "The Haven" located at 95 Keith St., Warrenton
on the last Wednesday of each month.
There will be two sessions for each topic to accomodate different work schedules:
1 PM in the afternoon, and 6 pm in the evening.
Sessions last approximately one hour.
Topics discussed include:
Personal Finance 101
Credit Report Card
Debt Consolidation
For more information, contact: Karen Frazier--540-825-8800 ext. 23
The Dates for the Workshops are:
May 28
June 25
July 30
August 27
September 24
October 29

Please share this information with anyone you think may benefit from the program.

Happy Birthday, Blessed Fred

2008-04-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

Blessed Frederic Ozanam, that is.
His birthday was April 23, 195 years ago, in 1813.

He was the founder of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and is up for canonization.

Only 21 years old when he founded the Society, in response to a challenge from atheist students at the Sorbonne, where he was also a student, to live the Christian faith, with justice and charity.

The needs of the poor were rampant in Paris during his lifetime, the time of Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables".

A brilliant student, with doctorate degrees in Law and also in Literature, he was married and a father.

In addition to establishing the Society of SVDP, he also co-founded a journal, and was involved in mediation of student riots at the Sorbonne.
He died at the young age of 40.

In 1997, he was beatified by Pope John Paul II.

To read more about this dynamic Catholic man of faith and charity, go to

Blessed Frederic Ozanam

If you are suffering from ill health or have other needs, please pray to Blessed Frederic Ozanam.
A miracle would further his cause toward Sainthood.

A Banner Year!

2008-04-13T19:14:00.000-07:00

One year ago the local Society of St. Vincent de Paul conference was formed here at St. John the Evangelist Parish.

So much has happened in the past 12 months-

A weekend training session was held in late March 2007 to gauge interest in the parish for the Society's work.

Volunteers signed up to continue with the Society's mission,
and some brave temporary officers volunteered to spearhead the establishment of the local organizational chapter and the real work began.

In May, the group served 10 applicants in the first month.

Over the course of the next few months,
representatives from other county agencies
came and spoke with members about services available

In July, officers were elected
Ellen Cameron as President, Brenda Warren as Vice President,
Pat Sampsell as Secretary and Nicki Neil as Treasurer

Participation in Parish activities included
a display booth at the Octoberfest, with rosaries, and chaplets made by group members for sale as a fundraiser, and to spread the word about the work of SVDP

In the December, members proudly carried a banner and a basket with symbols of our ministry: toy furniture, food, a light bulb and a toy car to represent types of aid given at the parish celebration of the Feast Day of St. John the Evangelist.

In 2007, 84 families were assisted.

So far in 2008, from January to March another 50 families have received assistance.

In March 2008, the Society received $1000.00 Grant from the Arlington Diocese "Operation Rice Bowl" funds
to provide emergency food assistance to those in need-
( more about this in a separate blog posting to be entered soon)

The parish has responded generously to the call for the community outreach-
We thank you for all your donations, contributions of food and supplies,
and your concern for your neighbor's needs.

If you think you would be interested in volunteering, there's always room for more helping hands to reach out and serve-
contact us at svdpwarr@comcast.net or call 540-222-7589

Wish List for March

2008-03-16T15:26:00.000-07:00

All Paper Products:
These items are not covered by Food Stamps and are greatly appreciated:
Diapers (all sizes)
Babywipes
Feminine hygiene products
Toilet Paper
Paper Towels or Handiwipes

St. Louise de Marillac

2008-03-16T14:41:00.000-07:00

Blessed Louise de Marillac is one of the important members of the Vincentian family of Religious.

She lived during adventurous times in France from 1591-1660, and worked with St. Vincent de Paul. He was her spiritual guide as well as mentor in serving the poor.
She is the foundress of the Daughters of Charity. She died a few months before St. Vincent.
Her feast day is March 15.
During her lifetime she pioneered many services of charity.
She provided aid for the poor, managed a hospital, cared for foundlings, instituted foster care for children, established schools for orphans, nursed wounded soldiers, served victims of Civil War, and is the patroness of Social workers.

A Prayer of Blessed Louis de Marillac:
Grant me the grace to spend this day without offending You and without failing my neighbor.

Her direction for working with the poor:
As for your conduct toward the poor, may you never take the attitude of merely getting the task done. You must show them affection; serving them from the heart -- inquiring of them what they need; speaking to them gently and compassionately; procuring necessary help for them without being too bothersome or too eager.

For more information about Blessed Louis, including more of her maxims and spiritual guidance, go to
Blessed Louise

Homelessness in Fauquier County

2008-02-20T18:42:00.000-08:00

Recently, the Fauquier Democrat published a series of articles about homelessness and hunger in Fauquier County.

These people's stories are similar to those who seek assistance from the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Included below here are the links to several realistic portraits of the struggle many families face, from health crises,fires, accidents and other disasters.

Homeless in Fauquier Feb. 2, 2008 Issue

Road Home Feb. 8, 2008 Issue

Demand up; supplies down; Food Banks face crisis January 10, 2008 Issue

Lenten Reflection

2008-02-10T08:05:00.001-08:00

from the book of Isaiah the prophet:

Is not this the fast that I choose:

Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
and to bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked to cover him,
and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?

Then shall your light break forth like the dawn,
and your healing shall spring up speedily;
your righteousness shall go before you,
the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.

....
If you pour yourself out for the hungry
and satisfy the desire of the afflicted,
then shall your light rise in the darkness
and your gloom be as the noonday.

And the Lord will guide you continually,
and satisfy your desire with good things,
and make your bones strong;
and you shall be like a watered garden,
like a spring of water ,
whose waters fail not.

Isaiah 58: verses 6, 7-9; 10-11.
from Revised Standard Version; Catholic Edition

prophet. [Photograph]. Retrieved February 10, 2008, from Encyclopædia Britannica Junior: http://junior.britannica.com/eb/art-107653

Wish List for February

2008-02-02T19:49:00.001-08:00

The Society could use a small freezer to store meat, bread, milk, butter, etc. in order to be able to provide fresh food along with canned and boxed items.

If anyone has a freezer to donate, please let us know.

Also,
we visited a household with 6 children-they are in need of
2 twin size mattresses and sheets.

Thank you for any help you can give with these requests.

Blessed Rosalie Rendu Feast Day Feb. 7

2008-02-02T17:08:00.000-08:00

Known as "the mother of the poor" in France, Blessed Rosalie Rendu is recognized as a co-founder
of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
She was a sister in the order of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, and
lived from 1786-1856 during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Era.

She served in one of the most impoverished areas of Paris for over 40 years.
During that time, she established a free clinic, pharmacy, school, orphanage, child-care center,
a youth club for young workers, and a home for the elderly poor.
She received the Cross of the Legion of Honour by Napoleon III in 1852 for her charity work.
She was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2003.

In her "parlor" office, where she received the poor, as well as the first members of
the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, she spoke this advice:

"If you wish to be loved, you must love,
and if you have nothing to give, give yourself."

On Thursday, Feb. 7, the 6:30 AM mass at St. John's will be offered for the
intentions and members of the SVDP Society.

How you can help

2008-02-02T16:39:00.000-08:00

SVDP Warrenton has grown rapidly in the past 9 months, and so have the requests for assistance.

If you are wondering how to help, consider the following possibilities:

1. Add to the Food Bank of the Society by picking up a few extra items when you grocery shop,
and bringing them to the "Food Drive Bin" in the church vestibule.

Some highly desired items include:

Peanut butter,
paper products,
canned meat, canned fish,
canned pastas/meat combos, such as Chef Boyardee items,
dry milk,
baby food, diapers,
high protein foods of any kind.
toiletries such as soap, toothpaste, shampoo
detergent

2. Donate gas cards, or grocery gift certificates.

We receive requests from people seeking assistance with
gas for their cars so they can
drive to a job, or go on job interviews.

3. Contribute to the church's poor box.

All funds go directly to aid those who receive assistance.

4. Consider joining the Society of St. Vincent de Paul

As Catholics, we are enjoined to perform corporal works of mercy,
such as feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked,
shelter the homeless, visit the sick and imprisoned.

Elderly and disabled people who have limited incomes and resources
contact the Society about prescription needs and other health related
items.

Please consider any ways you can ease the burdens of those in need.
Contact Ellen Cameron for more information about membership.
at 540-222-7589