St. Vincent de Paul has had a challenging year with the pandemic adding to the misery of some of our neighbors.  But with the grace of dedicated Vincentians and the financial support of a generous parish we rose to the occasion.

Our fiscal year ended September 30, 2021. 41 brave Vincentians gave more than 7000 hours with visits to neighbors, listening to their concerns and creating a path going forward. Sometimes that involved paying bills, referring them to services, giving them food, clothing and furniture. SVdP served 181 families (238 adults and 130 children). Parishioners gave us more than $33,000 this fiscal year and we spent it all on our neighbors. In addition, we helped get housing money from other private and government sources to the tune of $76,000 and we provided 1060 boxes of food from our Friday Foods program valued at $53,000 and another $7,000 of in-kind goods and services. Thanks to your generous donations last year and the amazing work of the Vincentians much good was accomplished: people were fed and clothed, families were not evicted, the lights stayed on, adults and children remained connected to work and school.  

At the heart of this vocation to serve as a Vincentian is compassion. We meet all kinds of people with all kinds of needs. We pray before meeting the neighbors that we will have “the grace to go without our preconceived judgements and fill our hearts with wisdom, generosity and kindness”.  Vincentians have the privilege to serve as Christ’s heart and hands and together we make Christ’s love real to our neighbors and sometimes to ourselves.

If you have any questions about the work of St Vincent de Paul or would like more information about becoming a Vincentian, please call me and leave a message on my cell 925-285-7090.

Yours in Christ,
Dean Lopez
President, Society of St Vincent de Paul
St Bonaventure Catholic Community
 

SOCIETY of ST VINCENT de PAUL cares for our neighbors in need with food, clothing, furniture, rent, utilities and more. With the Covid-19 pandemic many neighbors lost jobs or had their hours reduced, leaving some unable to cover their bills. If you find yourself needing help call St Vincent de Paul at St Bonaventure Catholic Community 672-5800 and ask for extension 2234 or dial 2234#. One of our members will call you back.

Volunteers Welcome:
St Vincent de Paul is always seeking caring, spiritually motivated Catholics to carry on the work of Jesus when He said “I assure you, as often as you did it for one of my least brothers, you did it for me.” Matthew 25: 40.  If interested in learning more please call Dean Lopez 925-285-7090 and leave your name and a short message.

Your Financial Support:
If you are inclined to make a financial contribution, the Society of St Vincent de Paul always accepts donations to carry on Jesus’ mission. Please make out checks to St Bonaventure with St Vincent de Paul in the memo section and mail to St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord CA 94521 OR give on-line.

May God bless your lives.