March 2007 Meeting Notes

Guest Speaker: Pat Jerrell

Good Afternoon Everyone,

Thanks to all of those who joined us today for our Lumen Dei Mass and meeting. Our speaker today was Pat Jerrell, of the St. Vincent de Paul Society here in Indianapolis. The SVDS is doing much to help the poor and less fortunate in our community based on two basic beliefs:

- There is an intrinsic value is all human life.
- We are to share our blessings with others.

Pat shared with us two scripture readings. From Isaiah, the need to shelter, cloth, and feed the hungry. Also, in James, about faith and works and that faith without works is dead. Both of these readings show how the SVDS puts that faith into action. They strive to see the face of God in the poor. Started by St. Vincent de Paul in the 16th century, it really took root with the assistance of the Daughters of Charity in Paris. SVDP came to America, starting at St. Louis in 1833. The society has over 115,000 members and is now in 142 countries.

Locally, over 1500 volunteers are involved, many through their churches. The needy are aided in many ways. There are 100-150 families each week that receive household items from the distribution center. There are approximately 1200-1500 families per week that shop at the food pantries. The target is to assist over 3000 families per week. The clients are given points and are able to choose their own items. This choice system reduces waste by an estimated 40%. Pat stated that we really don't have a food problem in this country, but that we have a distribution problem. In other words, much food is available and large quantities come from government surplus ,but getting the food into the hands of the truly needy is the real challenge. Recently, a 65,000 sq. ft. warehouse was purchased on the East side. Work is being done to allow this new building to serve all of Indianapolis.

Help is needed on two fronts. First of all, volunteers are needed to staff the facilities, answer phone calls, sort, load, drive, pickup and do the many tasks needed to run this organization. Many current volunteers are elderly retired people, who freely give of their time. John Wood's Father, Jack Wood, is a dedicated volunteer who talks about the "joy of giving" he gets by assisting at SVDP. Pat stated the the Vincentians are a very happy group of people who truly enjoy the work they do and the people they are with.

More volunteers are currently needed and you can choose to assist through your church or by donating time at your convenience. People are needed on Wednesday evening for sorting. There is a need on Saturday for more help as well.

Secondly, money is needed to assist the needy as well. For every $1 contributed, over 16 pounds of food is purchased. The money truly goes a long way to help.

Msgr. Schaedel stated that of all the organizations available, the SVDS does the most to help the local parish priest. Since no food stores are kept at the church, the local pastor can refer the needy, knowing they will be taken care of by this wonderful group.

SVDP is also looking for new volunteers for leadership positions. They currently have a need for someone willing to assist with the financial planning. If you know of anyone who might be interested, please pass the word. This is truly a great organization.