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On a very cold and drizzly Tuesday afternoon, our hearts were warmed as Carolyn Boerboom led us through a lovely contemplative celebration of Advent and The Feast of the Immaculate Conception. The service began with a lighting of the first two candles on the Advent wreath, symbolizing Hope and Peace. The opening prayer reminded us that we honour Mary, the heavenly patron of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in this Advent season.

The first reading, Luke 1:39-45, described Mary’s joyous visit with Elizabeth. We were asked to consider the reading and ponder how God’s love is manifested in the Vincentian’s life and the ways in which Mary can guide and inspire us in the Advent season. The second reading reminded us of the way in which Mary’s heart, filled with wonder and praise magnified the Lord and rejoiced in the love of God. We were asked to use the words of the Magnificat to begin prayers of praise to the Lord.

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.
The Almighty has done great things for me.”

We were encouraged to frame our prayers to consider the great things God had done for us.

Carolyn led us in praying a decade of the Rosary following the Second Joyful mystery – Mary’s visit to Elizabeth – appropriately focusing on the love of Neighbours. Frank and Carolyn Boerboom gifted the participants beautiful one decade rosaries that they themselves had made and Carolyn noted that “holding a rosary is like holding Mary’s hand”.

The participants shared a lovely dinner of pizza, snacks and good fellowship. The afternoon was a prayerful, community celebration of Mary, our heavenly patron, and the Advent season of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love.

The volunteers of St. Vincent de Paul gathered for a day of reformation and reflection on Saturday morning. Theresa McDougald, president, introduced the theme of the day, Compassion in Action: Serving With Love and Dignity, with a quote from Blessed Sister Rosalie Rondu, noting we must all “help in all possible ways”. After reading the Parable of the Good Samaritan , Theresa introduced a quote from Pope Leo , “truly helping someone (is to ) … feel the weight of another’s pain”.

Past president Rob Campbell introduced the keynote, renowned motivational speaker, Mike Moore. Mike began his presentation by emphasizing that, ”We must, as Christians, have a preferential option for the poor.” He emphasized that life is “eternally valuable” and that we were made to love one another, care for one another and the planet. He said, “Love is justice”. He encouraged us to experience, reflect and to respond to others acknowledging two realities of the lived experience, love and fear. He noted fear inhibits while love evokes sympathy, empathy , compassion and community. After Mr. Moore’s uplifting message participants broke into groups at their tables where they discussed the role of compassion in their encounters at St. Vincent de Paul. The groups noted that compassion means serving with dignity rather than pity. Groups shared their experience and emphasized the importance of love and mindfulness in their relationships with those they serve at St. Vincent de Paul.

The second part of Mike’s presentation was focused on “Caring for the Caregiver”. He used music and stories to highlight the importance of embracing humour in interactions with others and in the way you treat yourself. He talked about the positive effect humour and, of course, laughter, on blood pressure, oxygen levels, and endorphins among other benefits. In fact, humour is ‘the social glue of society.’ He reminded us that we can choose our attitude in life and encouraged us to choose joy. We then broke into groups again to discuss practical ideas for caring for the caregivers including finding laughter in our lives everyday, accepting joy in life and using mindfulness in our encounters with others. Formation day concluded with an acknowledgement that we are in constant formation and change.

Mike Moore generously donated his time and the proceeds from the sales of his books at the event to St. Vincent de Paul. Mike’s message of compassion and love was exemplified through his stories, music and insights. Many thanks and blessings.

The day ended with a lovely lunch prepared by the St Pius CWL.

On a sunny autumn day in October, SSVP Brant volunteers welcomed friends and neighbours for a community BBQ in celebration of seven years at this location. Guests came from far & wide to the Thrift Store parking lot. Where usually they are shopping for donated goods (at great prices or even free with vouchers provided by the Society’s home visitors), on this occasion guests were treated to expertly BBQ’d hotdogs, hamburgers and sausages in a festive atmosphere.

Special thanks to our volunteers who planned and hosted the event. Our impact in serving those in need in Brantford & Brant County is evident from the wide range of people – neighbours, customers and community partners – who stopped by to celebrate with us.

Wednesday April 23 at 6:30 p.m.
at 143 Wellington St., Brantford
$20/person (limited tickets)

Tickets available at:
Assumption College School
257 Shellard Lane, Brantford

OR

The SSVP Thrift Store
143 Wellington St., Brantford