President’s Address
Year for Priests
Do we remember to show appreciation to our priests? Do our Conferences express their appreciation to our pastors? You may think of other ways, but here are a few ideas that can be used. As Conferences, we can:
· Invite our pastors to all of our SVdP “socials” – even priests like to have fun!
· Ask our pastors to conduct our annual Commissioning/Recommitment ceremony in the parish.
· Include all pastors in our SVdP prayers – every priest appreciates prayers.
· Ask our pastors to attend a certain meeting or portion of a meeting when their leadership is needed for a specific reason.
As individual Vincentians, you can:
· Send your pastor thank you cards or give verbal thanks.
· Give your pastor a small gift of appreciation – maybe a gift certificate to his favorite restaurant.
· Invite the pastor to lunch or to dinner at your house.
· Send Bishop Sample a card or letter of appreciation for his support of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
Finally, we can ask our pastors if they are willing to help us start new Conferences in other parishes or missions that they oversee. There are presently about 50 parishes or missions in the U.P. without a SVdP Conference.
This is also a good time for us to remember that our Conferences are parish-based Conferences – not community Conferences. For example: My Conference is All Saints Conference – not the Gladstone Conference. Be sure to always use your true Conference name on any signs, bulletins or in letters and news items.
God bless,
Roger Pepin
Diocesan Council President