Document

VisionA publ icat ion of the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW

SPRING/SUMMER 2009

Issue no. 66Circulation 18,000

St Vincent de Paul Society NSW2 VISION 3SPRING/SUMMERSt Vincent de Paul Society NSW2 St Vincent de Paul Society NSW

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENTDear Brothers and Sisters,

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to this edition of Vision, which acknowledges and celebrates the wonderful work of the St Vincent de Paul Society’s members, volunteers and staff in assisting those people for whom life is tough. Thanks to that work, Christmas promises to be a little brighter for countless individuals and families across NSW, for whom our assistance often means the difference between coping or not. It is sobering to stop and reflect that in doing our work, which is, of course, Christ’s work, we are enabling light to filter into darkness, and joy to be rekindled in sad and worried hearts.

This year has been a challenging, yet satisfying year for the Society. Most positively, our fundraising, despite the difficult economic climate, has been on target in both State and Conference appeals

due to the ongoing generosity of our supporters and exciting events such as the CEO Sleepout. Thanks to our supporters and benefactors we have been able to continue to respond to the increasing calls for assistance, as more families find themselves in dire, often unexpected, situations.

In Sydney and the regions, several new Vinnies Centres have opened, and others been extensively renovated and refurbished, testament to the important role we play in communities, not only as place to buy good quality goods at reasonable places, but as places of hope, friendship and assistance. Our Vinnies Centres are our beacons: a strong and welcoming presence and their continued growth is affirmation of that role.

One of the highlights of the year was the October opening of our newly refurbished Vincentian House, a service for homeless families with children, and single women, by the Governor of NSW, Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir. It is a bright and modern purpose-built facility that will accommodate 23 families and 10 women. As Bishop Terry Brady blessed the building in inner-city Sydney, I was incredibly moved to witness the fruition of this dream. Vincentian House will set the standard in the sector, and will, I know, literally turn around the lives of the children who will pass through its doors. The first families have already moved in.

Our theme for this year’s Christmas Appeal is ’help complete their Christmas’, a reference to the point past which the people we serve are unable to get by without our help. We want our supporters to see their gift as more than a financial transaction but rather a meal for a family or a gift for a small child. I know that over the coming months, the Society will do all it can to fill in the gaps in people’s lives and make their Christmas a happy one.

We go into this special time of year praying that Australia will be spared the bushfires and floods that caused such devastation last summer, and that our brothers and sisters in the bush get the rain they so desperately need. When I say I wish you a peaceful Christmas I mean that in its most literal sense. May the world, and nature, and ourselves find peace, and be calmed.

I trust you enjoy this edition of Vision, and wish you and your families a safe and happy Christmas and 2010.

Yours sincerely,

Barbara RyanState PresidentSt Vincent de Paul Society NSW

Vision is produced by the Community and Corporate Relations department, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW, and is distributed free of charge through the Society to Catholic parishes, schools and relevant entities in NSW.

Editor: Rachel Anne IrvineSupervising Editor: Julie McDonald

Writers: Marion Frith, Andy Marks, Dane Hiser, Kate Scholl, Jessica Moss-Wellington, Bill Johnston. Bec Bromhead and Jessica PollardLayout and Design: Rachel Anne IrvineDistribution: Ozanam Industries, a Special Work of St Vincent de Paul Society NSW (02) 9807 4066 www.ozanamindustries.org.au All correspondence and contributions can be sent to:Publications and Design CoordinatorCommunity and Corporate RelationsSt Vincent de Paul SocietyPO Box 5, Petersham NSW 2049Email: [email protected] Phone: (02) 9568 0287

The current St Vincent de Paul Society (NSW) State Council Members are:President: Barbara Ryan; Vice Presidents: Peter Sharp, Michael Callaghan, Beverley Kerr, Lisa Bright, Alicia Webster, Gwen Sampson, Dominic Sullivan; Diocesan Presidents: Don Hewitt, Gillian Ferguson, John Donnelly, Kevin Walsh, Col Parker, Terry Walsh, Des Goonan, Leo Sheehan, Cynthia Fenemore, James McLaughlin.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in Vision are the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the St Vincent de Paul Society. Responsibility for the content of this publication is taken by Julie McDonald, CCR Manager.

© St Vincent de Paul Society NSW 2009 ABN: 46 472 591 335

We’d love to hear what the Society is doing in your area. Send us a letter or email, or call with an idea for a story or news piece: [email protected] or (02) 9568 0287.

Mrs. Barbara Ryan

CONTENTS

NewsLearning ServicesSPARKYouthHomeless SoccerSt Joseph’s WorkshopSocial JusticeGrowing WorksSpiritual ReflectionWinter Appeal

4121314202224283031

1214

24

NEWS

St Vincent de Paul Society NSW4 VISION

NEWS

5SPRING/SUMMER

BUNDLES OF LOVE • RELEASE • PAPAL KNIGHTHOODMIGRANT AND REFUGEE BOOK • NEW DIOCESAN PRESIDENT • MTHS RACE DAY

The Migrant and Refugee Team are based at the State Council offices in Lewisham and report to an advisory committee of representatives from the Dioceses of NSW. Programs for migrants, refugees and asylum seekers are available at the State Council office and from various Diocesan and Regional offices around the State. The team aims to provide services and assistance to asylum seekers, refugees and migrants who are settling in Australia; advocate on behalf of asylum seekers, refugees and migrants and provide support and information to Society members to enable them to support asylum

seekers, refugees and migrants who are living in the community.

The Migrant and Refugee Team has created a comprehensive information booklet for members who work with people from migrant, refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds. The booklet outlines the services the Society provides and includes useful information including definitions, statistics and how to read a visa. The booklet will be distributed to Diocesan Councils for use by interested Regional Councils and Conferences in November 2009. For more information please contact the Migrant and Refugee Team on: (02) 9560 8666 or [email protected].

The Maitland/Newcastle Diocesan Council has elected a new President, Col Parker, on September 25, 2009.

Col has been a member of St Vincent de Paul Society for 40 years. He is currently a member of Kurri Kurri Conference. He and his wife Pat have five children and five grandchildren. Col is retired from a career in the meat and livestock industry, working in the public and private sectors, and the NSW Farmers Association.

Migrant and Refugee informational resource available

Maitland/Newcastle elects new Diocesan President

Matthew Talbot Race Day raises $91,000

Society’s National President invested as Knight Commander

‘Release’ an art exhibition

Western Sydney Parish reaches out with ‘Bundles of Love’

Syd Tutton, President of the National Council of Australia, Member of the International Executive Committee and Chair of the International Financial Accountability Commission of the St Vincent de Paul Society, has been invested as a Knight Commander of the Order of St Gregory the Great. The investiture took place at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Melbourne on October 11, 2009.

Mr Tutton had been informed of this honour by Dennis Hart, Archbishop of Melbourne. The Society in NSW wishes to share its joy with all Vincentians around the world at this honour being given to Brother Syd for his contribution to the life of the Church over many years of faithful service and dedication.

‘Release’, an ongoing exhibition space at the Society’s Ozanam Learning Centre showcases the creative talents of homeless men and women. The initiative was launched on 17 September 2009.

‘Release’ represents many things: release from boredom, the release of creative energy and the release from a life of limitations, frustrations and hopelessness often experienced by those in disadvantage.

The outcome of a workshop designed to enable participants in the art program, ‘Release’ encourages clients to use a medium of their choice to express themselves freely in a way that relates to the theme of ‘release’.

What has resulted is an honest and expressive series of works which illustrates the thoughts, feelings and talents of the participating clients. The use of photography, drawing, painting and film, showcases the driving force of talent and potential that can be discovered and unlocked on any given day at the Ozanam Learning Centre in Woolloomooloo.

‘Release’ is a follow up from the successful 2008 photography exhibition ‘Urban Lens’ and is designed to develop the talents, confidence and potential for positive change within homeless clients.

In June 2006, parishioners of Holy Spirit St Clair Parish joined forces with the Emmaus Retirement Village at Kemps Creek to assemble ‘Bundles of Love’ for hundreds of new mothers in need. The ‘Bundles of Love’ contain essential baby items knitted by residents of the village as well as items donated by parishioners. The gifts include clothes, bibs, blankets, bottles, formula, nappies and toys.

Over 1000 ‘Bundles of Love’ have been distributed to a wide variety of agencies and hospitals stretching from Western Sydney to Dubbo, including the St Vincent de Paul Society.

Margaret Currie of Holy Spirit Parish said, “the joy and tears of the new mothers when they are handed these beautiful baby items reflect that wonderful feeling that someone cares for them and their baby, and it makes this initiative unique and worthwhile.”

Society members said the ‘Bundles of Love’ have brought much-needed support and relief to new mothers at a financially and emotionally stressful time.

Syd Tutton, St Vincent de Paul Society National President received a Papal Knighthood on 11 October 2009.

Brother Dan Stafford, Matthew Talbot Homeless Services Race Day founder and organiser.

Beverley Kerr, President, Matthew Talbot Homeless Services and Wendy Rocks, Client Services Executive Officer, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW.

A huge thank you to all who attended, donated and volunteered at the 11th Matthew Talbot Homeless Services Race Day. Held on October 17, 2009 on the highly celebrated Caulfield Cup Day at Royal Randwick, this year’s Race Day was a sell-out with 530 people in attendance.

Live and silent auctions boasting prizes such as reserve tickets to the AAMI Kooyong Tennis Classic, breakfast prepared by Masterchef winner Julie Godwin, a portrait rumoured to be the work of Norman Lindsay and dozens more raised a total of $91,000 for the newly-opened Vincentian House in Surry Hills.

As always, the colourful event was full of fun, fanfare and fancy frocks. If you missed out on this occasion, but would like to hear of similar upcoming events, please email [email protected] or phone (02) 9560 8666.

NEWS


NEWS

7SPRING/SUMMER

WINTER APPEAL • WESTERN SYDNEY STUDYMAPPING YOUR ASSETS • NEW STATE COUNCIL OFFICE • ORANGE FOOD VAN

Vinnies launches ‘Mapping Your Assets’

State Council previews new State Office

Orange Food Van given generous donation

Two Vinnies campaigns nominated in ADMA awards

New England members celebrate their vocation

Students support Winter Appeal ‘Tomorrow Can be Different’

Social justice study shines light on the poorest of the poor

Members of the NSW State Council enjoyed a sneak preview of the new State Office in Lewisham at the August State Council meeting. Pictured on the roof, which will become a floor of meeting rooms and an outdoor area overlooking the Petersham Oval, the members were updated on the construction progress on the grade 4 environmental building.

Works are due to be completed in December with the final fit out completed by February 2010.

The Food Van in Orange, which offers support and friendship to people each night in the Orange Region was the grateful beneficiary of $10,000 from Cadia Minies to ensure the future running of the service.

The Society is pleased to announce that the 2009 Vinnies Winter Appeal is a finalist in two categories of the prestigious Australian Direct Marketing Association (ADMA) Awards. The awards seek to recognise and showcase the best in Australian Direct Marketing – great campaigns produced in especially trying times. The Vinnies 2009 Winter Appeal is a finalist in two categories: Creative - Integrated Campaigns and Effectiveness - Not for profit. Winners of the ADMA awards are announced on 19 November 2009. Thank you to everyone who helped to bring this campaign to life.

Rosie Freckington and Gillian Ferguson, Bathurst Diocesan President with a cheque from Cadia Minies in Orange.

Bill Robinson and Siva Markandu from Vinnies Chatswood coordinated a barbeque for the students at the Mercy College Winter Sleepout.

Julie McDonald, Manager, Community and Corporate Relations, is presented with a cheque by St Pius X College, Year 9 student Nicholas Bowden.

Despite the economic downturn, the Vinnies Winter Appeal raised considerable funds at a State, Diocesan, Regional and Conference level. While the average donation and overall total was marginally down, the number of people donating to the Society increased. Supported by initiatives including the CEO Sleepout, the Appeal also received a welcome boost from schools that wanted to do their bit to make tomorrow different for people living in disadvantage. The students at St Pius X College in Chatswood organised a collection to raise money to support people in their local community while the students at Mercy College in Chatswood took part in a Winter Sleepout to raise more than $300 for the Appeal.

Thank you to all the schools, parishes, supporters, members and volunteers that make the Winter Appeal so successful each year.

“While they’re still fighting they’re okay. It’s when they get knocked around and rejected so often that they just stop caring, that’s when we really start to worry”, says Lorraine, a counsellor at the Society’s Caroline Chisholm Centre for Social Justice in Western Sydney. The Centre reflects the issues of disadvantage happening in many areas of poverty-stricken suburban and regional New South Wales. Many commentators suggest Australia has come through the global economic crisis unscathed. The massive increases in demand for social services encountered in areas like Western Sydney, however, confirm this is simply untrue. In the past year alone, the number of people presenting as homeless at the Centre has increased nine-fold. Unemployment and family breakdown continue to rise. This heightening of poverty, and a range of other combined signs of intense locational disadvantage, have prompted the Policy and Research Department of the St Vincent de Paul Society’s NSW State Council to undertake social justice research in Western Sydney. Following on the success of the ‘Known Territory” report into regional homelessness, the Western Sydney study will bring much-needed public awareness to address entrenched patterns of poverty and marginalisation. If you wish to contribute to the study or would like further information, please contact Dr Andy Marks on (02) 9568 0267 or [email protected].

The Vinnies Bequest team are delighted to launch the 2nd booklet in the ‘Signposts for the Future’ series, ‘Mapping your Assets’. This essential record of your personal information could be invaluable to you and your loved ones in the event of illness or emergency and will assist you in the recording of important information including:

• the location of important documents such as your Will• family and emergency contact details• financial records

The helpful resource is available free without

obligation to Society members, volunteers, supporters and benefactors.

For your complimentary copy or to bulk order please contact the Bequest Team on [email protected] or phone (02) 9560 8666.

St Vincent de Paul Society members throughout the New England gathered at Inverell on Sunday 11 October for the Armidale Diocesan Council’s 2009 Festival Meeting. The day began with a stirring Mass, celebrated by Fr Joe Adriano at the Sacred Heart Church.

Speakers at the meeting included State President, Barbara Ryan, who commended members for their work throughout the year and shared details of up-and-coming structural changes to the Society. Senior Researcher, Dr Andy Marks offered insights into poverty and encouraged members to apply their local knowledge to enact social justice in their community. Diocesan President, Don Hewitt closed the meeting, thanking the almost 80 people assembled for the support they had shown him throughout his term in service to the poor.

NEWS


NEWS

9SPRING/SUMMER

NEW VINNIES CENTRE • 30 YEAR ANNIVERSARY • SYDNEY FESTIVAL MASSCEO SLEEPOUT • ANNUAL FOREVER FRIENDS MASS

New Vinnies Centre opens in Glebe

CEO Sleepout 2010 to be National fundraiser

Annual Forever Friends Mass huge success

Thanks to the success of the 2009 CEO Sleepout which raised $620,000 on 18 June 2009 the event will run nationally in 2010. CEOs from Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra and Darwin will join their Sydney counterparts on Thursday 17 June 2010 to brave the Winter cold for a night’s sleep, in a bid to raise funds and national awareness of homelessness.

If you would like to recommend or nominate a CEO to attend, please contact the CEO Sleepout Team on [email protected] or phone (02) 9568 0271.

Dick Smith, CEO, Dick Smith Investments and John Picot, CEO, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW at the 2009 CEO Sleepout.

Tony, a client of Matthew Talbot Homeless Services, receives a certificate from Bishop Terence Brady who celebrated the Forever Friends Mass in September.

Linda Burney MP and David Borger MP at the Society’s 2009 CEO Sleepout.

The Annual Forever Friends Mass and luncheon was attended by over 500 regular donors and benefactors at St Mary’s Cathedral on September 11th. Celebrated by Reverend Bishop Terrence Brady, the mass was dedicated to the homeless community and to the special benefactors that enable the Society’s work with people in every area of need each year.

Forever Friends and Circle of Hope supporters are vital to helping the Society continue its good works. The gift

of hope brought by their ongoing generosity will continue to touch people’s lives for many years to come. Two confirmed bequests to the Society resulted from the event and are testament to the value of togetherness.

For more information on becoming a Forever Friend, or joining Circle of Hope, please contact Jessica Moss-Wellington, Fundraising Coordinator on (02) 9560 8666 or [email protected]

Sydney Festival Mass celebrates Feast Day

Northern Beaches Region celebrates 30 years

Sydney Archdiocese held its Annual Festival Mass to celebrate the feast day of Saint Vincent de Paul at All Saints Catholic Church, Liverpool on September 23, 2009. The principal celebrant, Reverend Father Terence Bell, welcomed 170 people in attendance, including the Society’s President Barbara Ryan.

Sydney Archdiocesan President, Terry Walsh, addressed the congregation and spoke of the need for members to embrace the necessary change going on within the Society.

Other Dioceses and Regions also held Festival Masses during the week of the feast day on September 27. It is stipulated in The Rule that Conferences and Councils celebrate such events together, “endeavouring to maintain a unity of both spirit and action a among the members”.

The Northern Beaches Region celebrated its 30 year anniversary as an entity of the St Vincent de Paul Society at the Brookvale Centre on Wednesday 2 September, 2009.

Over 120 guests attended the celebration. The evening commenced with a festival Mass with Bishop David Walker concelebrating with Fr John Hannon, Fr Peter Wieneke, Fr Biju and Father David Taylor.

The Mass was followed by the book launch of ‘History of the Brookvale Centre’ authored by volunteers Steve Hills and Tibby Scott. The publication includes anecdotes from people involved in the Centre over its 30 year history.

During the evening, slides were shown from the original opening in 1979, which was attended by Cardinal Freeman, and other major events held at the Centre during the past 30 years.

On Friday 4 September 2009 the St Vincent de Paul Society officially opened the doors to its brand new Vinnies Centre at 223 Glebe Point Road, Glebe. The new shop replaces a smaller premises and promises to deliver the Glebe community a greater selection of items in a larger, well laid out store. Designed to provide a pleasant and rewarding shopping experience to those looking for a bargain it will provide a friendly and helpful environment for people seeking assistance. Alexandra Fotiadis, Centres Area Manager for the Eastern Suburbs, said it was real community effort to prepare the store for its opening. “We sourced stock from surrounding stores as well as from our Distribution Centre in Auburn. A great team of enthusiastic volunteers from the old store and from the area rallied together to fit out the store. It took us just over two weeks. We are really happy with how it has turned out”. Brett Murray, Centres Area Manager for South Suburbs, said “The Sydney Archdiocese has opened around 8 stores in the past 18 months. We choose to open stores based on the welfare requirements of the neighboring communities and where help is needed most. We also assess the capacity for stores to make a profit in that area.” “Vinnies Centres are in high demand. We have 190 donation bins across the Sydney Archdiocese and our stores are open 7 days a week. We are opening more stores where needed to meet the increasing need for

Peter Walker, Manager of Retail Operations and Distribution; Graeme Roche, Executive Officer; Alex Fotiadis, Retail Area Manager, all of Sydney Archdiocesan Council; Cameron McInerney, Workplace Relations Manager; Terry Walsh, Sydney Archdiocesan President.

cheap, high-quality goods,” said Peter Walker, Manager of Retail Operations and Distribution for Sydney Archdiocesan Council of St Vincent de Paul Society. The Glebe store opened to much local excitement and enthusiasm, bringing in $5000 in the first day.

Visit the Glebe Vinnies shop at 223 Glebe Point Road, Glebe, phone, (02) 9660 6685. Monday - Wednesday 9am - 6pm; Thursday - Saturday 9am - 9pm; Sunday 10am - 5pm.

NEWSREGIONAL PRESIDENTS

St Vincent de Paul Society NSW10 VISION 11SPRING/SUMMER

Barbara Ryan, St Vincent de Paul Society State President NSW; Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales; Beverley Kerr, President Matthew Talbot Homeless Services; The Most Reverend Bishop Terence Brady DD VG, Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney at the blessing and opening of Vincentian House.

NEWSVINCENTIAN HOUSE • HOME OF HOPE AND SUPPORT RELOCATED AND RENOVATED

NEWSPARRAMATTA CONGRESS • CAROLINE CHISHOLM CENTRE

Parramatta Society Congress explores future of the Diocese

On Saturday 5th September, over 100 St Vincent de Paul Society members from the Parramatta Diocese gathered at St Dominics College in Kingswood for a Society Congress to discuss future plans for the Diocese in continuing to provide assistance to people in need in the local area. The past few years have been challenging for the Diocese as need increases and the standard of service provision changes. Most Reverend Bishop Kevin Manning, Bishop of Paramatta, gave a thoughtful and inspiring address celebrating the role of the St Vincent de Paul Society in the Diocese. “The Australian community recognises that the St Vincent de Paul Society are serving as Jesus has served. You, the members, are the face of Christ’s liberating love,” Bishop Manning said. “The goal of the community is the development of solidarity rather than the creation of marginalisation and the mission of the Society is in line with this goal.” “We are saved by love. The only thing that is truly indestructible is love. The most desperate form of solitude is oneself feeling unloved. Organisations like St Vincent de Paul Society help people in need to no longer think that they are a lost cause and help them to come to realise that there is always a way back.”

Barbara Ryan, St Vincent de Paul Society State President NSW and Bishop Manning at the Parramatta Congress.

Barbara Ryan, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW State President thanked the Bishop for his address, emphasising that local support is vital for the survival of the Society. Mrs Ryan said that a good combination of local knowledge and experience of Society members, combined with State support, is needed for the Society in the Parramatta Diocese to effectively address the increasing need. “Local advisory committees will continue to have the greatest input into our services”, Mrs Ryan said.

Following productive and engaging discussions at the Congress, members elected James McLaughlin to the role of Parramatta Diocesan President in early November.

On 14 October 2009, a newly refurbished Vincentian House was blessed by The Most Reverend Bishop Terence Brady DD VG, Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney and opened by Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales.

Vincentian House, operating as part of Matthew Talbot Homeless Services, a Special Work of the St Vincent de Paul Society, has moved from East Sydney to a new, larger purpose-built premises in Surry Hills.

The move enables Vincentian House to triple in size and offer care and support to single fathers and mothers, two-parent families and single women. The new premises includes of 23 family units and 10 women’s units, as well as a full range of amenities and access to services, offering stability, skills training, education, continuity and above all hope for a better future.

Approximately 80 guests, including supporters, volunteers, staff and representatives from the community welfare sector, gathered on the roof of the new facility with Bishop Brady, Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW President Barbara Ryan and Matthew Talbot Homeless Services President Beverley Kerr to celebrate another important milestone in homeless service provision.

The re-opening of Vincentian House continues the Society’s commitment to bring family values, access to education, improved resources and a positive living environment together to break the cycle of homelessness.

One example of Vincentian House’s commitment to breaking inter-generational homelessness is the Kids Engaged in Education Program (KEEP). Designed specifically for children and young people, the program is underpinned by a set of seven strategies that aim to encourage children to maintain meaningful engagement in school and education-based activities.

Enlightenment came at the beginning of October for 25 members, staff and volunteers from the Caroline Chisholm Centre, who gathered with Vincentian Father Kevin Canty and the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul at St Josephs Spirituality Centre Kincumber for three days of celebration. Spiritual reflections were lead by Bill Johnson, Spiritual Advisor of State Council while all present participated in the Eneagram process to look at oneself, to get to know oneself better; to explore the individual’s relationship with God and to explore how to serve others better. During the first night, the liturgy of light, the new symbol for the Caroline Chisholm Centre, designed by Sr Carole Jones DC, was blessed and was used as the centre piece for all liturgies over the three days. The event included a group Vincentian family celebration and a fitting acknowledgment for the 350 year celebration since the death of St Louise de Marillac and St Vincent de Paul in 1660. It concluded with a wonderful presentation on the Vincentian Family by Sr Maggie Reynolds DC.

Caroline Chisholm Centre celebrate Vincentian family

NEWS

VISION 13SPRING/SUMMER

SPARKNEWS

St Vincent de Paul Society NSW12

LEARNING SERVICES

The partnership between SPARK (St Vincent de Paul Society Assisting Refugee Kids) and Parramatta West Public School has been recognized in the NAB Schools First Impact awards. The awards give financial recognition of success in establishing school-community partnerships.

Parramatta West is a multicultural school in Western Sydney that has children from 44 different language groups, including 32 children from refugee backgrounds. SPARK formed a relationship with the school in 2007 to support refugee families. SPARK is an early intervention program, aimed at helping young refugee children and their families. The program runs in seven schools and includes an after-school homework and activities club; a playgroup for younger siblings, ‘Bright Sparks’; family support groups; life-skills and settlement support and serves as social awareness for other parents and the wider community. Twenty-seven volunteers from St Vincent de Paul Society work with the children on their homework.

In announcing the award the judges said, “This is a high-quality product facilitated by a very experienced agency and the school together. A very significant need was identified and the benefits appear to be very good.”

In receiving the award, the SPARK Coordinator, Clare Thompson, said the Schools First initiative respected and understood the role of partnerships between schools and community organisations in improving student outcomes.

“What makes the partnership here so strong is the enthusiasm, passion and commitment from everyone involved,” Clare said, praising the volunteers, school, children and families. She said one of her most moving moments at Parramatta West had been working with a seven-year-old girl who was in her first week at school in Australia.

“She had just a few words of English but we communicated through drawings, pictures and gestures,” she said. “What struck me most were her huge smile and her excitement about being there. Her mum now attends the family group session and her brother also participates in the Bright Sparks group.

“The family has now been here eight weeks and in her evaluation at the end of this term she said, “I like drawing. I like reading. I like orange. I like doing homework.”

Put simply, the role of the St Vincent de Paul Society’s Learning Services Team is to support members and volunteers. It does this by providing them with the skills to ensure they get the most out of their work, increasing both their competence and confidence in assisting marginalized and disadvantaged people across the State.

“Basically our job is to help our wonderful members and volunteers do their jobs even better,” the manager of Learning Services, George Owen, says.

George has been running the Society’s training for 10 years, and in that time has grown it from basic inductions to specialised training in areas such as effective home visitation; managing challenging behaviour; mental health awareness; domestic violence awareness addictions awareness and budget counselling. The call for these courses has largely come from members themselves, who have sought information about the complex, and often distressing, situations they face each day in their experience of visitation.

“What members and volunteers find is that the presenting financial problem is nearly always a symptom of underlying and more complex issues,” George says. “It is critical to address the immediate emergency situation, but then to establish trust by building a relationship with clients so they feel free to discuss these other issues.

“Our members and volunteers understand this, and it is in this context they come to us and tell us what they need support with.”

As George travels around the State delivering training he says he is humbled each day by how unaware members and volunteers are of their own heroism. “They seem to have no ego around the implications for society of what they are doing in the name of deepening their spirituality, and how their work is making the difference.

He says members and volunteers with extensive experience often feel they don’t need to attend training, and yet these are the people who can add so much to a course through sharing their extensive experience.

“It is their experience that is so valuable,” George says. “We really want them to come and share that experience with newer members. This isn’t formal schoolroom-type education, it’s a conversation and a sharing of ideas.After all, they are the ones who know best what skills are needed, and the best learning is always a two-way street.”

A recent development involves the provision of traineeships to employees which lead to Certificates in Retail, Childcare, and Welfare. “This is a key dimension of our earning the reputation as an Employer of Choice in our sector,” George says.

One of the new initiatives for volunteers is the Vinnies Centres’ retail training where volunteers learn customer service, selling skills, stock control and store presentation. These are designed to be as user-friendly as possible, and to enhance the enjoyment of Centre volunteers as well as increase skill levels.

“It’s ironic that as the so-called trainer, I often learn more than I teach,” George says. “It has been a privilege to get to know people who are willing to walk with people on their journey of charity, a journey they are making with faith and acceptance and I am overwhelmed. To stand with them, is to stand amid true goodness.”

To learn more about the Society’s Learning Services, please contact the Learning Services Team on (02) 9560 8666 or [email protected].

St Vincent de Paul Society NSWSt Vincent de Paul Society NSW12

Learning Services

Thank you ….

You could’ve gone shoppingOr watched a movieYou could’ve taken some walksYou could have gone sailingOr ridden a bikeOr had restful afternoon napsYou could have earned moneyOr had high tea with friendsBut instead you decided to help us

So….

Thank you for being so generous with your timeThank you for your attentionThank you for your dedication and patience, as wellThank you for being such a great volunteerAnd thank you for being a friendThank you, tenki, baika, tashakur, mersci, Yislamoo, KomawoyoeWe hope that we see you again

- Thank you poem from young students to volunteers at the Schools First Awards Ceremony

SPARK wins Schools First Impact Award

VISION 15St Vincent de Paul Society NSW14

YOUTHHIGH SCHOOLS • KIDS CAMPS

Laura Finnie, opposite, is a Year 12 student at Bradfield College, Crows Nest. For her year 12 Design and Technology project she made a garment from 100% Vinnies-purchased clothing. She purchased 30 garments, cut them up and sewed them back together to create something brand new. Her aim was to inspire consumers to reduce their fashion footprint by reusing second-hand clothing.

“Have you ever walked into a clothing store looking for that one of a kind garment? Been disappointed because you’ve seen it all before? And that’s before you’ve looked at the price tag? Whether you are a male, female, elderly, teen or child, there is something unique, high-quality and cheap for you at Vinnies Centres. Think of your experience at Vinnies as a treasure hunt. There are shoes, bags, ties, jackets, cardigans, records, books, brand new bed sheets, baby’s clothes. Vinnies is for all,” says Laura.

Why not get out that sewing machine, purchase some second-hand clothing, and revamp it into something original and amazing that you can wear with pride? And, at the same time save hundreds of dollars and reduce your fashion footprint. “Don’t let the traditional craft of sewing become obsolete,” Laura encourages.

“Did you know that if globally, 1 in 5 people bought second-hand garments instead of purchasing brand new ones, that group of people, would reduce global warming by 25%? Consumers have a responsibility to help reduce both the greenhouse gas produced by textile factories, and clothing landfills,” says Laura.

To find the Vinnies nearest you, go to www.vinnies.org.au and put in your suburb and state in the right-hand search field.

One of a kind Kids Camps

Every year, Vinnies Youth runs Kids Camps, a program designed to assist children who are experiencing disadvantage. Operating in various locations around NSW, and Australia, Kids Camps offer children an experience that promotes healthy lifestyle choices and assists in building the childrens’ self-esteem by providing care and respite for between three and five days.

Young Adult volunteers take children, referred by Conferences and various welfare organisations, away to camp over a week or weekend, to take part in various activities including outdoor education activities designed to push personal boundaries while allowing the children to reach achieveble goals.

Alison O’Rourke has been volunteering on the Ngurra Program, the Kids Camps run by the Broken Bay Diocese, since 2007. “I love them,” she says, “I can’t stop going back. It’s such a positive environment that helps us forge a real connection with the kids.”

Generally aged between 7 – 12 years, the children come from a variety of backgrounds including poverty, domestic violence, grief and loss, or high-needs. Often the parents and the children are just in need of a break from their lives – a break that many aren’t fortunate enough to often provide for themselves or their children.

“You really see every side of the kids during a Kids Camp,” Alison says. “One moment they’re ecstatically happy, the next they’re angry, then they’re upset, then they’re happy again – it’s such a three dimensional connection that we develop for the short amount of time that we’re with them. And that’s probably the reason we all keep coming back – and the reason the kids keep coming back.”

Kids Camps eagerly take referrals from Conferences as well as a regular intake of new volunteers. For more information, please contact your the Youth Team on (02) 9560 8666 or [email protected]

SPRING/SUMMER

17VISION St Vincent de Paul Society NSW16

YOUTHARMIDALE VINNIES CAMP

For the last ten years, Vinnies Camps have been held in the Armidale Diocese. The Camp provides the opportunity for Members of the High School Conferences to come together, share ideas, receive formation in Vincentian Spirituality and have plenty of fun. Love, Peace, Justice: Or Else! was held from the 17th-18th of September at Echidna Gully. The camp was attended by students from O’Connor College, Armidale; St Philomena’s, Moree; and McCarthy College, Tamworth.

Over the course of the camp the students shared the different works that their Conferences organise. The students also took part in reflections, activities about justice, craft activities, a trivia night, team building activities, Mass in the gorge and much more. Many new friendships were formed between the students who were aged 13 years to 18 years. Students commented that they are already looking forward to next year’s camp.

Armidale Diocese High School Vinnies Camp

SPRING/SUMMER

St Vincent de Paul Society NSW18 19VISION

MINI VINNIES • GREEN TEAM • WINTER SLEEPOUTYOUTH

On 24 September, St Patrick’s Primary School, Blacktown hosted its 3rd Mini Markets and Mufti Day. The dress-up theme was Crazy Hats and Silly Socks. The Mini Markets is a social justice initiative that involves the whole school community. Children and parents kindly donate items to sell at the stalls. This year, the school had a huge variety of stalls such as Lolly bags, Lucky Dips, Drinks, Tattoos and Hairspray, White Elephant stalls and Craft stalls.

The markets also had a range of novelty games such as Whack the Rat and other games designed by the Mini Vinnies Team. It was a great day as children, parents and teachers enjoyed the Market stalls and games while raising money for a great cause. The school raised a total of $1900 for the St Vincent de Paul Society’s Assist-A-Student Program.

On 20 August 2009, 100 young people participated in the very first Generation Y Winter Sleepout at the University of Sydney. Riding off the success of the CEO Sleepout, the event attracted many university students, young adults from various Sydney Conferences and a handful of secretaries and graduates who were nominated by their CEOs.

A modest evening meal of lettuce and cheese sandwiches was served from the Night Patrol Van whilst cardboard boxes were distributed to sleep on,

Green Team is a local initiative of the Sydney Archdiocese. Volunteers provide gardening assistance to those identified as disadvantaged in the local community.

A group of young volunteers meet on the first Saturday of every month and carry out gardening work including lawn mowing, planting, pruning and

Major Fun at the Mini Markets

The Spirit Lives On

Green Team

weeding at the homes of clients. Friendships have blossomed between the volunteers and clients with both looking forward to Green Team each month.

Sydney Green Team would like to thank Bunnings Lidcombe for their generous donations of equipment and support for the program.

‘Generation Y’ Winter Sleepout - Sydney Uni

air mattresses were considered strictly contraband. Entertainment was provided by ‘Milkcrates’, a homeless theatre company, Artes Christi with ‘Oliver the Musical’ and the ultimate in indie chic, Fasi Moe Afi, a polynesian soft-rock outfit who can be found performing nightly outside St Mary’s Cathedral for their ‘street brothers and sisters’.

Despite the Sleeping Bag Sumo competition and multiple rounds of Uno, the event was by no means

just fun and games. Temperatures fell sharply during the night and campers were beset by a chill that even a Sydney Uni hoodie could not counteract. The students woke with the sun and a dawn service was conducted to encourage sleepers to reflect on their experience sleeping rough and to pray for the growing number of homeless people in Australia. “I simply can’t go to Night Patrol and see the peoples’ faces in the same light. It has been easy to just volunteer but to walk in another’s shoes for one night is really a heart-changing experience,” says Jess a Sleepout participant. “I went home in the morning and realised the irony as I ‘caught-up’ on sleep in my own private bedroom. I almost cried when I realised I was one of the lucky few with my own private bathroom,” says Joss another participant.

The first Generation Y Sleepout was a phenomenal success. Altering the perception that young people are apathetic, it is clear from the attendance and the $1900 raised for St Vincent de Paul Society’s good works that many young people are deeply concerned with social justice.

In April this year, Jessica Pollard, State Youth Team NSW Officer, was part of a pilgrimage group that travelled to Rome. The members of the pilgrimage group represented many different groups, movements and Dioceses of the Church in Australia. The group was the official delegation to handover the WYD Cross and Icon to the Spanish Youth who will host WYD in 2011.

While the handover officially ended Australia’s role as the host of WYD Sydney, it also opened the door to future WYD’s and gave participants the opportunity to reflect on some of the fruits of WYD in Australia.

On St Vincent de Paul’s feast day half of the St Vincent de Paul Society’s NSW Vinnies pilgrim group came together for a reunion and reflection day. Much that has happened with NSW Youth Members

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

since WYD Sydney has been a direct result of the group’s pilgrimage, as WYD began a chain reaction for Youth engagement in the Society. Below is a list of some of the things the NSW Vinnies pilgrims have engaged in within the Society post-WYD:

Five of the members have visited the Fijian friends they met at WYD on two separtate occasions. On their second visit they participated in the 50th Anniversary of the Vincentian Fathers in Fiji.Two other members have participated in the “Let’s Talk” Indigenous Immersion Program to Goodooga, in north-western NSW. One member participated in the Vincentian Family Immersion to South Africa which included visiting Vinnies Special Works. Another two pilgrims participated in the WA Roadshow program. Two members have been appointed Diocesan Youth Representatives.One member has just completed the term of Diocesan Youth Representative after 3 years of service. One member has been appointed a Vice President on State Council.

It is evident that while the fruits of WYD are not always obvious or overwhelming, they are abundant. Additionally, the majority of the pilgrims from the group remain heavily involved in the good works of the Society through Conference work, Kids Camps, Buddies Days and many other programs.

SPRING/SUMMER

VISION 21SPRING/SUMMER20 St Vincent de Paul Society NSW

HOMELESS WORLD CUPSPECIAL WORKS

When Scott Endersby had last picked up a soccer ball, he’d been a natural. A young boy, he made his mark at his first ever under-7s game and had then kept on scoring to become an A-grade player. His future looked bright, until life’s tragedies cruelly knocked the young boy off course and sent him hurtling headlong into years of chaos, homelessness, drugs and crime.

But one afternoon, a year or so back, when Scott wandered up to St Vincent de Paul Society staff member Lee Robinson kicking a ball around on a Wollongong Oval with the homeless soccer team Lee coached, it all came back to Scott. He picked that ball up and, while he didn’t know it then, he would later realize that that was the moment he also picked back up his life.

“I really believe that a ball can change the world,” Scott says, fresh from an extraordinary trip to Milan, Italy, in September to represent Australia in the Homeless World Cup, an international soccer event organised and funded by ‘The Big Issue’ street magazine. Of 4000 players around the country,

Scott was one of two of Lee’s players to make up the eight-person team; a mighty achievement for them both.

The thing about the Homeless World Cup is that people are not chosen to represent their country on their soccer skills alone. It’s as much about attitude, personal goals, integrity and the like. Being chosen is a big vote of confidence in the person, as well as a player.

A BALLcan change the world

Scott used to be a resident of St Vincent de Paul House, at Coniston, a homeless service for single men. He’s back visiting today, wearing his official soccer jacket, and reflecting on the giddy and unbelievable ride he has just been on.

“I can’t even put in words what this has done to me,” he says. “There’s no going back… You know I’ve even had coppers that know me from my old days come up to me and say ‘Good on you’ and I tell you… I never saw that happening.”

He’s drug-free, living in his own place, and planning to do a soccer coaching course. He’s reconnected with his family and has his baby son back in his life. And he credits it all to the soccer and to Lee.

The pair roll up their sleeves to show the tattoos they had done to forge their soccer bond: a kangaroo kicking a ball. They’ve shed tears and cheers together; indeed, there was no way Lee wasn’t going to watch “the boys” play so he paid his own way over to Italy, the players’ costs having been picked up by the The Big Issue.

The photos and videos of the game tell an amazing and powerful story of adversity overcome, and joy and optimism refound. The Homeless World Cup is open to the marginalized and disadvantaged, and the smiles and laughter captured is testimony to the strength and dignity of the individuals’ spirit. It’s also proof that maybe a ball really could change the world – one person at a time.

For more information on the Homeless World Cup, please visit, http://www.homelessworldcup.org.

“There’s no going back… You know I’ve even had coppers that know me from my old days come up to me and say ‘Good on you’ and I tell you… I never saw that happening.”

VISION 23SPRING/SUMMER

ST JOSEPH’S WORKSHOPSPECIAL WORKS


In a busy workshop in the industrial area of West Gosford, magic is happening. A band of volunteers is using its combined woodworking skills to create beautiful, useful things for people who don’t have what they need: the poor, marginalized and victims of disaster.

Welcome to St Joseph’s Workshop where it would be easy to make analogies about Santa’s helpers. This workshop, though, isn’t Christmas-focused, instead its furniture and toys are for all year round, and there is nothing seasonal about the faith and dedication that goes into their manufacture.

Each weekday a group of workers – there are 35 in all, including one woman – give up their mornings to produce a steady stream of chests of drawers, coffee tables, dining tables, bookcases, clothes hangers, children’s settings, desks, toys and ornamental wheelbarrows. Some are given to the local Vinnies Centre to sell, but most go to individuals and families identified by local Conferences.

It’s a place that operates entirely on goodwill; the goodwill of the carpenters and the goodwill of the local business that generously supply much of the timber it needs. Ingenuity and recycling plays a big role, too. Piled high are old wooden bed heads and bed-ends, which are stripped and planed into useful pieces of timber; the metal side rails are reworked into small tables; and old doorknobs reappear as the funnels on tiny steam trains. Nearby, a pile of old church pews awaits restoration.

Last year the workshop produced 1,117 items, and since they started keeping records in 2003 it had produced 7,674 pieces of furniture and 86,000 World Youth Day crosses.

The workshop’s chairman, Bruce Dent, says nothing is produced here that anyone in the team wouldn’t be proud to own themselves. Quality control is high. The chests of drawers are solid in a way that’s rarely found nowadays and expertly painted. Volunteer Vince Baumer invented a simple portable wardrobe known affectionately as the “mobile coat hanger” that incorporates hanging and storage on wheels; HELPERSHELPERS

Santa’s

and which is hugely popular with people who are transient. And the dolly’s beds come complete with sets of tiny linen, handmade by one of the volunteer’s wives.

St Joseph’s Workshop has been running as a Special Work of the St Vincent de Paul Society for about 15 years. It’s the sort of place apparently that gets under your skin – along with the sawdust -- and once you get involved it’s hard to let go. Currently, the oldest volunteer is 86.

“I think the thing is you know you are doing something for the community,” Bruce says. “It’s good for your mental health to stay busy and involved, and the camaraderie here is really good here… you should hear them.”

Vince Baumer retired a while back and optimistically bought a set of golf clubs. He blames the workshop for the fact he hasn’t had a chance to use them yet. Bruce shares his lament – his golf clubs are also gathering dust at home.

“You just want people to have something good,” Bruce says. “I believe that you don’t give someone in need something second rate. That’s going to make them feel second rate. We put a little sticker on everything now that says it’s been made by volunteers, and you hope they might look at that and think that someone cared at the time when life wasn’t going too well.”

What the men, and one woman, of course, really want are better premises. Bruce’s eyes light up when he describes the computerised cutting saw they’re dreaming of in the name of increased productivity.

“If we got that going we could expand to supply not only the Central Coast, but other areas. We could make much more stuff than we do now.” His dream is to combine the workshop more closely with more widespread welfare delivery and disaster recovery.

“I reckon the golf isn’t going anywhere,” Bruce says. “But I wouldn’t mind having at least one hit sometime.”

“You just want people to have something good,” Bruce says. “I believe that you don’t give someone in need something second rate. That’s going to make them feel second rate.”

25VISION SPRING/SUMMER24 St Vincent de Paul Society NSW

SOCIAL JUSTICETHE SOCIAL JUSTICE SECRET

As the young man crossed the square and entered the gates of the university, his startled young friend greeted him. “I’m glad to see you. I heard shouts and gunshots outside my window all night! Do you know what’s happening?”

“I’m not sure”, replied the young man. Deep inside, however, he knew the need for change had come. Indeed, the momentum for change was so powerful he felt apprehensive as to what it might bring, yet he was convinced some kind of positive change was needed.

Seeking to make sense of the growing chaos enveloping the city, the young man and his Catholic student friends formed a debate group. Focusing on the turning points of history, the group were convinced they could find solutions to the modern travails engulfing them.

Philosophers, anarchists and devotees of a range of political systems took advantage of the group’s open forums, joining in the discussion. Soon rational conversations descended into a dissent-ridden cacophony little different to that which was occurring outside on the streets.

Sharing the social justiceSharing the social justiceSharing the social justiceSharing the social justiceSharing the social justiceSharing the social justiceSharing the social justiceSharing the social justiceSharing the social justiceSharing the social justice

As news of the debate group’s meetings spread, the once small meetings became tumultuous, crowded affairs. At one such meeting, the young man sat quietly among the throng of intellectual combatants watching as they clinically apportioned blame for all of the social and political inequalities they saw around them. Waiting patiently for his chance to take the floor and present his views, he calmly rose.

Striving to bring a Christian perspective to the divisive vitriol that filled the room, the young man declared, “The Church of Christ teaches us that the rich are but stewards of their wealth for the Supreme Owner God, and that in giving to the needy, those who have more than they require are making a just return to God.”

The young man went on to talk about the extensive, yet little-recognised work church orders conducted around the city in aid of the poor. Much of this work was done in secret, without the knowledge of the general public or the sanction of the authorities.

As is common among students of any era, the more rambunctious of those assembled at the debate were not satisfied by the young man’s account. “You put all the burden of relief for the poor on your

religious orders – then you wash your hands of the job! Tell us, what are you doing for the poor, you and your fellow Catholics in this room?”

“Just how charitable are you?” added a particularly provocative young student. “Come! Show us your good works!”

With this challenge in mind, the young man in question, nineteen-year-old Frederic Ozanam walked away from the meeting, convinced of what he must do. He rallied his companions from the debating group, the Conference of History, and together they developed the principles, mission and vocation of a little work of charity that would go on to be known as the St Vincent de Paul Society.

Just as Frederic recognised the importance of history, the manner in which the Society was conceived is of critical significance to understanding its position in the world today. Frederic’s willingness to challenge and, more importantly, be challenged about the inequities and injustices he saw around him shows how a yearning for social justice and

“The Church of Christ teaches us that the rich are but stewards of their wealth for the Supreme Owner God, and that in giving to the needy, those who have more than they require are making a just return to God.”

The young man weaved his way through the clamour. Another mob of agitated people had gathered in the city square to hear a rousing chorus of spirited political speeches.

This sight had been increasingly common in recent times. Less than three months ago, parliament had been dissolved and the elected government overthrown. It seemed as though everything was on the brink.

St Vincent de Paul Society NSW26 27

SOCIAL JUSTICEChrist’s liberating love became the driving force behind the formation, growth and sustainability of the Society.

It is perhaps no coincidence that the Society was forged in the wake of the ‘July Revolution’ that swept through France in the early 1830s. This era of intense political and social upheaval ushered in a heightened level of awareness of the gross inequities and injustices that accompanied newly industrialised Europe.

Frederic and his companions found it impossible to reconcile the poverty they witnessed in the tenements and slums of Paris with the materialistic verve of the city’s bankers and industrialists. In fact, it is precisely between these vastly different sectors of the community that he positioned the Society.

“It is the struggle between those who have too much and those in poverty which is shaking the ground beneath our feet”, wrote Frederic. “Our duty as Christians is to throw ourselves between those two camps.” Right from the outset, he was clear as to where the Society should be and what role it should take.

For Frederic, the act of giving assistance would not only be a social gesture, it would also be an act of justice. The two could never be separated. With this in mind we can begin to see how, in accordance with Frederic’s vision, social justice is enacted wherever the Society serves the poor, regardless of how big or small that act of service may appear.

While social justice is embedded in everything the St Vincent de Paul Society does, it is difficult to find two members of the Society who share an exact opinion of what constitutes social justice. This needn’t be a source of concern. In fact, it is this very spirit of challenge, inquiry and renewal that Frederic championed through his formation of a debating group; a group not just confined to Catholic opinions but concertedly open to ecumenical and secular voices as well.

Frederic never set out to provide all of the answers. Indeed, as we have seen, without the dissenting voices and the robust challenges of others, the Society would never have come into existence. So too today, Vincentians are aware that social justice is a highly contested and subjective term.

Look at any issue that provokes passion and fervour you will find advocates of opposing positions proclaiming to be on the side of social justice. The adage, “one man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter” is readily applied to conflicting

THE SOCIAL JUSTICE SECRET

interpretations of social justice. It is only when we apply guiding principles based on various shared understanding to social justice that we begin to see key identifying themes emerge.

Article 1 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, states: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.” It is difficult to find anybody who would outwardly reject this social justice statement, yet it is a principle in breach constantly throughout the world.

While the goals of social justice may not be readily attainable, they must be relentlessly pursued. This is a principle to which Frederic adhered. As a scholar, Frederic knew that one of the best ways to challenge injustice was to expose it. He was also wise enough to understand that research played a critical role in achieving social justice. “Two things may be demanded from a scholar”, said Frederic. “Firstly, that his belief shall be independent and intelligent, and Christianity requires no less. Secondly, that the desire to justify a conclusion shall not induce him to distort facts in order to produce the desired proof.” It is this spirit, and the commitment to “help the poor and disadvantaged speak for themselves”, that continues to shape the Society’s research and advocacy work today.

VISION SPRING/SUMMER

With so many complex and entrenched structures of injustice in existence in the world today and within our own communities, how can Vincentians enact Frederic’s vision? The tenets of Catholic Social Teaching provide a pro-active and spiritually orientating guide to social justice issues. Its references to human dignity, common good, government, economics, participation and solidarity can be found in comparable secular statements, yet the Catholic articulation of these principles promotes a uniquely compelling moral, spiritual and ethical compulsion to act.

When seeking to locate and pro-actively respond to social justice issues as they occur in the course of their work, Vincentians may choose to adopt two different yet closely entwined views; the ‘up-close’ perspective and the ‘broad perspective.

Regarding the ‘up-close’ perspective, The Rule states, “The distinctive approach of Vincentians

to issues of social justice is to see them from the perspective of those we visit who suffer from injustice.” This means attempting to fully understand the personal impact of poverty on the people we serve. It is also critical Vincentians draw on experience yet remain open and non-judgemental, always asking themselves, “what is the person I’m listening to going through?” Adopting the ‘up-close’ perspective requires a heightened focus on listening, empathy, sharing experiences and reflecting on what we have encountered.

The Rule also encapsulates the fundamentals of the ‘broad’ perspective of social justice. “Where injustice, inequality, poverty or exclusion are due to unjust economic, political or social structures or to inadequate or unjust legislation, the Society should speak out clearly against the situation, always with charity, with the aim of contributing to and demanding improvements.” By standing back and examining the wider causes of poverty, members can actively engage in this form of social justice. In adopting the ‘broad’ view, Vincentians attempt to identify the causal aspects of the situations they encounter. They ask whether particular patterns or trends of poverty and disadvantage are developing in their area and why certain changes may be occurring.

These days, much of the St Vincent de Paul Society’s broad scale work in social justice is

conducted through structured research and advocacy programs, but it will always remain the domain of members, those who see it most lucidly. As Frederic said, “The knowledge of social well-being and reform is not to be learned from books, nor from the public platform, but in climbing the stairs to a poor man’s garret, sitting by his bedside, feeling the same cold that pierces him, and sharing the secret of his lonely heart and troubled mind.” This is the vision that Frederic had in his mind that morning he walked through the tumultuous streets of Paris reflecting on the poverty and upheaval he had seen. It was also the calling to draw nearer to Christ that he couldn’t ignore.

To discuss the social justice issues you are encountering in the course of your good works, contact Senior Researcher, Dr Andy Marks,[email protected]

“While social justice is embedded in everything the St Vincent de Paul Society does, it is difficult to find two members of the Society who share an exact opinion of what constitutes social justice.”

VOLUNTEERS

St Vincent de Paul Society NSW28 VISION 29SPRING/SUMMER

GROWING WORKS

List your volunteer needs

Tell us your stories

Sharing Vinnies Good Works

Winter Appeal Doorknock

Isabella, Nick, Liz and Gabby Pacheco and Bob Reilly, Doorknock volunteers, attended a thank you morning tea on 27 September, hosted by the Winston Hills Conference.

Augustinian Youth Ministry Australia collected at Bunnings Minchinbury.

Saying ‘Thank You’ to our Doorknock volunteers

Micah House Volunteers

Friendly BBQ chefs, Babu Viswanathan, Yogi Vasudev and Santha Fernandez, worked at the Terra Sancta Centre during the Doorknock providing hospitality for all the volunteers.

Michah House volunteers on the front verandah attending a special gathering. Photo: John Egan OR.

Over 2,500 volunteers of all ages participated in this year’s Doorknock Appeals in Wollongong and Parramatta Dioceses from 22-30 August. In addition to going door-to-door, volunteers collected in shopping centres, and before two NRL games.

In addition to typical Doorknock activity, several music groups from Catholic High Schools ‘busked’ in Parramatta Mall. “The support of our schools and Conferences is a key component of our success. We engaged many new people who have never assisted the Society before,” said David Starr, Parramatta Doorknock Coordinator.

Volunteers shared their reasons for helping:

“The Doorknock is a great thing for me and my two children to do for a few hours every year. I’ve been looking for a way to show the kids that when it comes to thinking about those doing it tough, it’s actions that count, not words.” “This is the fifth Doorknock in a row for my wife and I. Good fun, good exercise and a chance for us to live our faith!” “I would have been history without Vinnies a few years ago, after my mum died - hanging out with the wrong crowd and making stupid decisions. I want to repay Vinnies by helping with the Doorknock.”

“Some of the champions amongst our region’s 130 volunteers included families. A young lady encouraged a friend and her sister to join in; these first-time volunteers knocked on doors for 2 full days. Young adults encouraged their youth groups and many High School students to doorknock, said Teresa Harm of the Wollongong Diocese.

Lee Hughes, Wollongong’s Coordinator, notes that Doorknock provides an opportunity to be a visible presence in our community. It is estimated that in the 2 Dioceses, Doorknock collectors made contact with over 100,000 people.

The State Council of the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW wishes to thank all volunteers that participated in the the 2009 Winter Appeal Doorknocks across the State.

Brian Peacock, of Quaker’s Hill, writes, “Everyone enjoyed themselves and had a wonderful experience. Congratulations to all for this great effort and community spirit that is the St Vincent de Paul Society.”

Anne Stanfield writes, “Volunteers of all ages are involved, most of whom are new to the Society. We were thrilled to see so many new people join our team.”

List your volunteer needs on www.vinnies.org.au/howtohelp

More Vinnies Centres, Services and Special Works are advertising their volunteer needs on the Vinnies website. People who visit our website and are interested in volunteering look over the range of volunteer opportunities and contact

the service directly. Let us know if you have a position to add to the listing, contact Kate Scholl on [email protected] or (02) 9560 8666.

Alan Raisbeck, a Conference Member from Macquarie Fields, Wollongong Diocese, played each of the six, three minute segments from the newly produced ‘Good Works’ DVD in his church before Mass for 6 Sundays in a row. The response from parishioners was very positive. All Conferences were sent the DVD in April, enclosed with their copy of the ‘Social Justice Year

in Review.’ Clips are also available on our website: www.vinnies.org.au.

If you would like a copy of the DVD, please contact Liz Freestone on [email protected] (02) 9568 0298.

Tell us your great stories! These pages are dedicated to our members and volunteers and their Growing Works. Contact Kate Scholl, Volunteer Development Coordinator: [email protected] T: 9568 0209 F: 9564 3622

Micah House in Wagga Wagga, a care and support house for people in need, has over 50 regular volunteers and two employees. People drop in to have a chat, a cup of coffee, to seek advice, have a shower or do their laundry. Dedicated volunteers provide a welcoming presence and the hand of friendship for anyone in need and prepare and serve meals for 50-60 people every day. Micah House is a place where volunteers of the Society can walk humbly with God through the work they do in helping the marginalised people of Wagga Wagga.

Recruitment News

Society Communication

Thank you to everyone who returned the Recruitment Resources Survey mailed to Conferences in June.We were pleased to see that of the 144 surveys returned, Conferences reported a total of 321 newly recruited members.

Ten days before Social Justice Sunday and the Feast of St Vincent de Paul in September, some Conferences received a sample recruitment notice for their Parish bulletin. It was sent by email to all Conferences who have nominated an Internal Communications Delegate with an email address. We would like to communicate directly with all Conferences by email because it is both cost-effective and timely. If you did not get the notice, please nominate someone with an email address in your Conference to be your Internal Communications Delegate. For more details, contact your Diocesan Office or Kate Scholl.

SPRING/SUMMER 31VISION

CHRISTMAS 2009APPEAL


CHRISTMASSPIRITUAL REFLECTION

Christmas gifts for

Your enemy.....................................................forgiveness

Your friends......................................................your heart

Your customers......................................................service

Your children.......................................................nurturing

Yourself .................................................................respect

Since the beginning of October, a Sydney bicycle shop has had a big countdown sign in the window that reads: “Only… sleeps till Santa time”. In the weeks before December 25, every newspaper, magazine and television channel will remind us to “purchase, purchase, purchase” before the big day.

Receiving gifts is really not as important as giving them.The gift itself, no matter what its monetary value, is just an object without the presence or connection with the thoughts of the giver. Isn’t that what gifts are all about, to indicate the importance of other people to in our lives and our wish to be in their presence?

Christmas celebrates the presence of our God with us in the form of a child. It is a time when the love of God and of fellow men becomes more urgent than hatred and bitterness. It is a time when our thoughts, our deeds and our spirits make real the presence of God among us.

Imagine, for one moment, if you took the ‘Merry’ out of Christmas. How would you feel if there was no Christmas dinner to share with your family? Not one single gift tolight up the faces of excited children on Christmas morning. Or, what if you didn’t even know where you’d be sleeping on Christmas Eve?

These are some of the questions the Sociey puts to Australians this Christmas. Thought-provoking questions about the pressures some people feel when their personal despair coincides with a time of year that everyone else, is celebrating. This Christmas, Vinnies will show how the good works of the Society ease the distress of the most disadvantaged members of the community by putting the spirit of Christmas back into their lives. By visiting and helping young families who cannot pay their household bills or who are in danger of losing their homes; by sitting down and chating with lonely men and women who never have visitors over the season of goodwill; and by providing bedding, food, clothing and the hand of compassion and friendship to the homeless, refugee families, women and children escaping family violence and the elderly – St

Lord Jesus, Wise men travelled for miles to bring you the first Christmas presents. So may we, too, remember with thankful hearts the love that comes with each present we open. We also thank you for the amazing love you have for each of us, and we thank you for the many gifts that you give us. We ask your particular care for those who do not experience the love and presence of dear ones. Amen.

Christmas presents or Christmas presence?

Prayer

Jubilee Year

Vincent de Paul Sociey members put the spirit back into Christmas.

This Christmas, the St Vincent de Paul Society appeals to the Australian public to assist the Society to help people be able to wake up on Christmas morning with a roof over their head, food on their table and a renewed sense of hope that their life can get better. Christmas should be a time to come together, to reflect and celebrate with family. A carefree time of joy for young children, a time to forget how tough things really are.

Thank you for helping to make this possible. The State Council of the St Vincent de Paul Society wishes you and your loved ones a happy and peaceful Christmas.

For a copy of the Christmas 2009 Appeal fundraising kit, please contact Dane Hiser on [email protected] or (02) 9568 0293.

Help Complete Their Christmas

An extract from the Superior of the Congregation of the Mission to all members of the Vincentian Family:

With this 350th anniversary we want to continue the subject of systemic change, a subject that in some sense has received much attention and some reaction on the part of some because of its political ramifications with other ideologies, which is not our intention. Our interest is to use this contemporary sociological expression as a concrete way of helping us to be agents of transformation through that gift that God has given us that characterizes who we are: that is agents of charity. Our hope is to promote a charity that is not a “handout” but a “hand up.” Together with the poor and from their reality we can work and evangelize in a way that will make this world a better place to live.

We encourage all of you to continue to deepen your understanding of this very simple concept that at times we make too complicated, a concept that is being deepened in different workshops throughout the world. Thus far we have had a workshop in Mexico for Vincentian leaders, which will be followed by workshops in Brazil in June, in Cameroon for all of Africa-Madagascar in July, and in Bangkok in Thailand for all of Asia-Oceania next year. In years to come we will be developing these workshops in Europe and in the United States, workshops to help Vincentian leaders learn the methodology of systemic change and to put it into practice together with the poor whom they are serving around the world.

May this jubilee year be for our Vincentian Family a year of grace and conversion, and for those we love a year of many blessings?

Your brother in Saint Vincent,G. Gregory Gay, C.M., Superior General

TITLE:STV0091 PressAd_270x210 | DATE: September 30, 2009 10:41 AM

SIZE (DxW): 395 x 210 mm | COL: CMYK | OUTPUT SIZE: to fit A3 | SPELLCHECKED

READY FOR HI-RES DESPATCH? YES NO

C STUDIO ARTIST: __________________________ / / CREATIVE DIRECTOR: ______________________ / /

M RETOUCHER: ____________________________ / / PRINT PRODUCER: ________________________ / /

Y ART DIRECTOR: ___________________________ / / ACCOUNT SERVICE: _______________________ / /

K COPYWRITER: ____________________________ / / CLIENT: _________________________________ / /

120 PACIFIC HIGHWAY, ST LEONARDS NSW 2065 AUSTRALIA | PHONE: 9925 5333

CHRISTMAS APPEALHelp Complete Their Christmas!

Thank you for your generosity. All gifts over $2 are tax deductable and a receipt will be sent to you.

Please return this coupon and your gift to the St Vincent de Paul Society.

NEW SOUTH WALES PO Box 19, Petersham NSW 2049 Telephone: (02) 9560 8666

The St Vincent de Paul Society follows the National Privacy Principles and keeps donors’ information private. If you do not wish your details to be used for future fundraising activities undertaken by the Society, please tick this box

$50 $30 $80 $100 $200 $500 Other $

Title DR/MR/MRS/MS/MISS Name

Address

Suburb State Postcode

Phone EmailPlease give an email address if possible. Email is cheaper, quicker and better environmentally.

Please debit my credit card MasterCard Visa Amex Diners

Name on card

Signature Expiry date

My cheque or money order is enclosed, crossed ‘Non-Negotiable’ and made payable to ‘St Vincent de Paul Society’. SV09XZVIS

STV0091 PressAd_270x210.indd 1 1/10/09 2:46 PM

Document

Documents

Transcript of Document