{"id":2117,"date":"2013-01-09T12:59:39","date_gmt":"2013-01-09T12:59:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/stbedesclaytongreen.co.uk\/?p=2117"},"modified":"2013-01-17T18:35:23","modified_gmt":"2013-01-17T18:35:23","slug":"vincents-voice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/stbedesclaytongreen.co.uk\/?p=2117","title":{"rendered":"Vincent’s Voice"},"content":{"rendered":"

SVP Ethos<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mission<\/strong><\/p>\n

To seek and find those in need and to serve them through person to person contact, irrespective of age, colour, creed, gender or ideology.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Vision<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>To bring the love of Christ to the poor and suffering\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cToday\u00a0 in the town\u00a0 of David a Saviour has been born to you.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 He is Christ the Lord.. This will be a sign to you: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 You will find a baby\u00a0 wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”<\/p>\n

The members of the St.Bede`s conference\u00a0<\/strong>wish everyone\u00a0<\/strong>A Holy, Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

ST. BEDES\u00a0<\/strong>CONFERENCE\u00a0<\/strong>CLAYTON-GREEN<\/strong><\/p>\n

NEWSLETTER OF\u00a0ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY<\/p>\n

VINCENT\u2019S<\/strong> <\/strong>VOICE<\/strong><\/p>\n

During 2012\u00a0<\/strong>St Bede\u2019s SVP Conference have :-\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Visited the sick, housebound, lonely and those who just want to see a friendly face and chat.<\/p>\n

Visited people in Hospital and provided transport to Hospital<\/p>\n

Provided transport\u00a0 to the 10.30mass at St.Bede\u2019s<\/p>\n

Provided financial support to St Bede\u2019s primary school<\/p>\n

Provided financial support to needy families in the parish<\/p>\n

Have given advice on various requests for help<\/p>\n

Provided financial support to the poor and needy in India and the Sudan through the SVP\u00a0 Twinnage Scheme<\/p>\n

Organised the \u2018Toy Sunday\u2019 appeal when parishioners generously donate toys which are passed on to the children of needy families in time for Christmas<\/p>\n

Organised an appeal for Household goods for the Women’s Refuge in Chorley<\/p>\n

Held a raffle to raise funds<\/p>\n

Had a stall on Chorley Market selling goods donated to raise funds.<\/p>\n

WE COULD NOT HAVE DONE ANY OF THE ABOVE WITHOUT THE HELP OF YOU , THE PARISHIONERS OF ST BEDE\u2019S \u2014 A VERY BIG THANK YOU TO YOU ALL <\/strong>AND TO FATHER MICHAEL FOR HIS SUPPORT \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Annus Fidei<\/p>\n

(Year of Faith)<\/p>\n

The Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI announced that the Catholic Church will celebrate a Year of Faith<\/em>11 October 2012 – 24 November 2013.<\/p>\n

Celebrations<\/strong><\/p>\n

In a year filled with events and celebrations the SVP has been involved in many things, in many ways. From organising Queens Jubilee Parties to individual members being torch bearers for the Olympics, to taking part in the Preston Guild Processions.<\/p>\n

Friends<\/strong><\/p>\n

Everyone needs a friend ! – and so does the SVP, in fact thousands of them.<\/p>\n

A regular, substantial and predictable income is vital to the Society, especially at a time when securing funding is becoming increasingly difficult, but requests for help are on the increase.<\/p>\n

By becoming ‘A Friend’ you agree to make a regular donation (whatever sum you can manage) either Monthly\/ Quarterly \/ or Annually, and in return receive updates on the work of the SVP and amongst other things have a Mass offered for you each year, – but most of all \u2013 you are safe in the knowledge that you have become a friend of the ignored and forgotten. ( LEAFLETS AT BACK OF CHURCH )<\/p>\n

Members at the launch of the campaign on 17th May<\/strong><\/p>\n

What’s happening Up and Down the Country<\/strong><\/p>\n

In England and Wales the SVP has just under 10,000 members making in the region of 535,000 visits to people in need, the majority of these visits being to the elderly, infirm, and hospitalised. – However in addition to this core work the Society undertakes many diverse operations to help the poor:<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>During the Winter months<\/strong> last year we made up, and provided survival packs (Minnie Packs) to the homeless and people sleeping rough on the streets.<\/p>\n

We are expanding our Community Shop Programme,<\/strong> sometimes working in conjunction with other charities in order to support the needy. In Leeds alone over 10,000 people were provided with free debt advice, counselling, learning services, and furniture.<\/p>\n

Our Social & Justice Committee <\/strong>is trying to broaden the pastoral care and support provided to ex-offenders and the families of prisoners, recognising (through experience) that the great majority of custodial sentences are self defeating, in that they create more problems than they solve<\/p>\n

In Norfolk,<\/strong> Conferences have been liaising with their local High Schools and 6th<\/sup> Form Colleges, identifying struggling families and assisting by providing the means for children to participate in extra curriculum activities, and in some cases buying basic school uniforms. Sixth Form students have benefited with financial assistance to support their ongoing education<\/p>\n

The St.Vincent Support Centre, Leeds<\/strong> earlier this year launched it’s ‘Hour Leeds’ campaign. The aim is to bring Leeds together in order to improve the lives of those most in need. Everyone in the city is being encouraged to donate just one hours salary to tackle poverty, and this is being backed by Leeds MP Hilary Benn amongst many other notables.<\/p>\n

Safeguarding & Recruitment<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Society is committed to doing everything possible to ensure children, young people and vulnerable adults are kept safe from harm. We have our own Safeguarding Policy and Recruitment and Selection Procedures which follow the National Policies of the Catholic Church of England & Wales as designated by CSAS (Catholic Safeguarding Advisory Service). This includes all existing members having to hold a current CRB Disclosure, and new members in addition to completing the relevant application form with references, must also attend a formal recruitment meeting, have ID verification, complete a Self Declaration Form, and undergo CRB Disclosure.<\/p>\n

We stress that all this information is attained and retained in the strictest of confidence.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Quite a number of Food Banks <\/strong>have been organised up and down the Country, notably Cardiff, where 14.4. tonnes of food has been distributed in just 10 months: – Blackpool, providing both clothes and food from their ‘drop-in’ centre every Monday: – Leeds, with their ‘Fair-share’ scheme where excess stocks from manufacturers and retailers are re-distributed to those in need: – And, an excellent scheme is being operated in Birmingham <\/strong>thanks to Costco (American Wholesale Org.) whom the SVP have negotiated with, so that dated perishable goods previously being destroyed can now be re-distributed to needy families. This programme has become so large that a van has had to be bought, and two volunteer teams set up to cope with the demand, over 1,000 families a week being given assistance: – Locally, St.Mary’s-Chorley administer a scheme which provides a meal to the homeless and needy, and St.Mary’s-Leyland operate a Food Bank scheme.<\/p>\n

It may be of interest to note that a ‘shocking’ 30-40% of all food in the UK is never eaten, an increase of 15% over the last 10 yrs. At a time when families are struggling to make ends meet, and greater reliance is put upon charities for help there is massive food waste in this country, – an estimated \u00a320 billion worth being thrown away each year.<\/p>\n

THE SICK AND HOUSEBOUND\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you know of anyone who are sick or housebound or just plain lonely, and think they would benefit from a visit from the SVP\u2026.<\/strong><\/p>\n

then complete the details below and leave in the SVP box at the rear of the church\u2026.<\/strong><\/p>\n

NAME________________________ \u00a0 \u00a0 TEL _________________<\/strong><\/p>\n

ADDRESS ____________________________________________<\/strong><\/p>\n

____________________________________________________<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Disaster Fund<\/strong><\/p>\n

The SVP uses part of it’s income to maintain a ‘Disaster Fund’ in order to respond to National and International emergencies, – amongst recently given:<\/p>\n

60,000 Euros to victims of famine in East Africa<\/p>\n

$15,000 to assist families in Haiti<\/p>\n

\u00a35,000 to a house building programme in India (Flood Damage)<\/p>\n

\u00a36,500 to house Sudanese refugees in Uganda<\/p>\n

\u00a3320,000 in 2010\/11 for ongoing assistance in Sudan. – Baby Feeding Programme \/ Vocational Training \/ Homing<\/p>\n

of street children \/ Medical care.<\/p>\n

SVP Raffle<\/strong><\/p>\n

For many years the parishioners of St.Bede’s have supported our National Raffle admirably, even though in all this time we are yet to have the good fortune of a winning ticket. – Our heartfelt thanks to you all.<\/p>\n

So. . . . . . we thought you might be interested to know a little more about the Raffle, and how the proceeds are used.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>The Raffle is held annually around the Sept\/Oct time, and is administered by a team on Tyneside. Tickets are sold via our Conferences, Shops and Centres, and in 2011 \u00a350,000 was raised. – Of this amount Conferences (if they wish) may retain 20% of proceeds to help with work locally, and then 50% of the remainder goes to Central Councils, with the balance being put towards support on a national basis.<\/p>\n

Examples: One Central Council was able to stock and distribute 550 ‘Vinnie Packs’ to the homeless with their quota, and Nationally the funds helped support: Administration of Calls for Help \/ Travel & Lunch expenses for volunteers undergoing work experience \/ Apprenticeship Schemes for unemployed youth \/ and the cost of Youth Certificates and other printed matter.<\/p>\n

Mini Vinnies<\/strong><\/p>\n

Since it’s inception the Society has engaged with young people, and last year saw the re-launch of a new ‘Mini-Vinnie’ initiative. This is a ground breaking programme aimed at Primary School children aged between 8 and 11 yrs.<\/p>\n

The youngsters have their own ‘treasured’ Prayer, Pledge, and Badge (being worn with pride we are told) and are given guidance in the principles of the SVP. – This work is of course only done with the consent of parents, together with support and co-operation of both schools and their Diocesan Education Authorities.<\/p>\n

Early reports are positive, some schools reporting better behaviour from children, and more willingness to make sacrifices for others.<\/p>\n

A New National President<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>As from November, 2012 the Society has a new National President, Adrian Abel, who hails from West Yorkshire. He takes over the reins from Mike Worthington who has now completed his 5 years in office, the maximum term for any officer of the SVP. Following are a few words from Adrian on what the Society means to him.<\/p>\n

\u201c <\/strong>I joined the Society mainly to be involved in giving time to less fortunate people. I quickly learnt that there was more to the Society than good works. I discovered an ethos that involves members meeting together, with Christ amongst us and serving Him by bringing His Good News to all those who suffer, whether from loneliness, homelessness or from any other form of disadvantage. The spiritual dimension is what distinguishes the Society from many other worthy organisations and makes membership a vocation.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

An SVP group in a church parish is called a Conference.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

There are SVP conferences worldwide.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

St.Bede\u2019s are \u201cTWINNED\u201d with the conference\u00a0 in Pondicherry, India<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

We were pleased to say, in a previous newsletter, that after a number of years of writing to our twin in Pondicherry, that we had received a comprehensive letter containing a number of photographs of the conference members and showing some of the charitable work that they do. Below is a summary of what the conference does for the people of Pondicherry.<\/p>\n

At present there are 10 active members and 5 new members. They actively take part in the parishes day to day affairs and help the Parish Priest with their support. The conference is very active, conducting weekly meetings and visiting the adopted families regularly, (these are 6 families t0 whom the conference provide extra help). Additionally they have a number of orphans (boarders) who they care for.<\/p>\n

Once a year they conduct a get together and meet with their adopted families, boarding children and other poor families of the parish.<\/p>\n

Their conference functions in a semi village area.<\/p>\n

In one of the adopted families both husband and wife are\u00a0 both deaf and dumb. The conference helps the family by looking after their poultry and rabbits and help their children with their education.<\/p>\n

A second family also has a husband who is dumb.<\/p>\n

A 3rd\u00a0 family has a mother who sells religious articles on the pavement in front of the church to make a living because her husband deserted her.<\/p>\n

A 4th family has a widow with one daughter who they support with her education.<\/p>\n

A 5th family receives help with rice donations as well as help with a scholarship to study.<\/p>\n

A 6th family has\u00a0 a member who has asthma, they give some help towards medicines.<\/p>\n

During Christmas they conduct\u00a0 a bible competition for about 250 catechism students and give Christmas gifts to all the participants.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0 church for\u00a0 St Bernadette’s conference, which has a pond built by a relative of the priest, is the first church in India for Our Lady of Lourdes.<\/p>\n

They thanked us for our prayers and financial support to St Bernadette’s.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Twinnage<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

SVP Ethos\u00a0 Mission To seek and find those in need and to serve them through person to person contact, irrespective of age, colour, creed, gender or ideology. Vision To bring the love of Christ to the poor and suffering\u00a0 \u201cToday\u00a0 … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[41],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2117","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-saint-vincent-de-paul"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/stbedesclaytongreen.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2117","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/stbedesclaytongreen.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/stbedesclaytongreen.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/stbedesclaytongreen.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/stbedesclaytongreen.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2117"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"http:\/\/stbedesclaytongreen.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2117\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2538,"href":"http:\/\/stbedesclaytongreen.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2117\/revisions\/2538"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/stbedesclaytongreen.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2117"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/stbedesclaytongreen.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2117"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/stbedesclaytongreen.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2117"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}