From Father Steven - September 17, 2023

 
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
 
Please see the message below from our Immaculate Conception St. Vincent de Paul Conference.
 
God Bless,
Fr. Steven
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Dear Immaculate Conception Community,
 
Fr. Steven has given our Immaculate Conception St. Vincent de Paul Conference the opportunity to address all of you this week to tell you about the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, the works of the I.C. St. Vincent de Paul Conference, and to invite you to participate in our annual Friends of the Poor® Walk, which will be held on Saturday, September 23rd.
 
Inspired by Gospel values, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul leads women and men to join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to those who are in need and suffering, in the tradition of its founder, Blessed Frédéric Ozanam, and patron, St. Vincent de Paul. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a world-wide organization composed of women and men who seek their personal holiness through works of charity. Our mission statement describes the Society as “A network of friends, inspired by Gospel values, growing in holiness and building a more just world through personal relationships with and service to people in need.”
 
The current Immaculate Conception St. Vincent de Paul Conference was formed in 2016. We meet twice a month for prayer and spiritual reflection, and to deepen our commitment to the Christian calling to seek and find the forgotten, the suffering, or the deprived so that we may bring them the love of Jesus. Our goal is to grow in holiness through service to those in need. The Society offers tangible assistance regardless of religion or background. The intent is to provide both emergency relief and a path to self-sufficiency. During our last fiscal year, the I.C. St. Vincent de Paul Conference has:
 
Made more than 100 personal home visits to assess needs and offer support.
 
Provided over $80,000 in direct help for nearly 150 individuals and families. Financial support was used for  rent, utility bills, food, clothing, car repairs, and other needs.
 
Referred people to, or personally contacted, local agencies such as Marlborough Community Cupboard, Marlborough Human Services, SMOC, First Concern, BirthRight, Recovery Connection, and  MetroWest Legal Services.
 
Distributed Christmas dinners.
 
We are immensely grateful for the ongoing support of our faithful parishioners and generous sponsors who help make all this possible. Our only annual fund-raising event is the Friends of the Poor Walk, and we invite you to join this year’s walk.
 
The Friends of the Poor Walk is an event held across the country by St. Vincent de Paul Conferences. Immaculate Conception has held a Friends of the Poor Walk the past 6 years the last Saturday in September, commemorating the feast day of St. Vincent de Paul, along the Assabet River Rail Trail.  I.C. St. Vincent de Paul joins with the St. Vincent de Paul Conference from St. Matthias for this special event to raise funds for those helped by both Marlborough conferences. Each walker is asked to solicit donations from family, friends, and co-workers to help our neighbors in Marlborough. 100% of all donations help those in need.  
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We would love to have everyone join us on Saturday September 23rd. Registration starts at 9:30 am at Meehan Hall with the walk beginning at 10:00 am. You can also register or donate online at www.icfopwalk.org. Walk if you are able, cheer on those who are walking if you can’t. We would love to share how St. Vincent de Paul has deepened our relationship with Christ through working with our friends in need. 
 
If you have questions please contact us by phone (leave a message and we will return the call) at 978-763-0578 or by email ICMarlboroSVDP@gmail.com.  Thank you for your continued support of Immaculate Conception St. Vincent de Paul!