The Society of St. Vincent de Paul's Gary Council formed the Voice of the Poor Committee six years ago when the national organization encouraged each council to emulate the work of its founder, Blessed Frederick Ozanam, who worked tirelessly to help people move out of poverty.
Voice of the Poor Committee chairperson Tricia Massa said the group has recently been focusing on educating people about Catholic social doctrine and how it calls everyone to create positive change for people living on the margins. The committee is getting prepared for its first educational workshop, “Going Beyond Charity As We See the Face of Jesus in Our Neighbors” on Oct. 21 at St. Bridget in Hobart.
“Our hope is that attendees will be inspired to go forth to love and serve the Lord through an understanding that the Church's call to lift up the poor goes beyond charity to a range of other options,” she said.
Massa said anyone who is interested in learning more about Catholic social doctrine and learning new ways to assist those in need of help is encouraged to attend.
Pamela Matabanadzo is leading the workshop. She has years of experience working on programs to help those in need, in some of the most distressed areas of Chicago. Matabanadzo is a member of the National Voice of the Poor Committee, a board member of the National Council of the U.S. Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and chair of the Multicultural & Diversity Committee.
Father Benjamin Ross, pastor of St. Bridget in Hobart, will preside over the opening Mass and will provide an overview of Catholic social doctrine as it relates to assisting neighbors in need.
Father Ross said St. Bridget is very happy to host the event, explaining the parish has a very active St. Vincent de Paul group, and the parishioners are always very generous with helping those in need.
In addition to discussing the Church's teachings on social justice, Father Ross said that due to the current Eucharistic Revival in the United States, he plans to incorporate the missionary impetus of the Mass for the faithful to go out and serve the poor.
“Since we live in a consumeristic society we often think about, “What do I get out of the Mass?” We receive Jesus in the Eucharist, but it's not just for us. We cannot ignore the call to share Jesus with others and to love our neighbor,” he said.
Deacon Dave Bergstedt noted that through Baptism, Catholics are called to serve and help their neighbors.
“We are called to serve by feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, as well as assisting those less fortunate to be able to live the American Dream by at least having a home to live in,” said the deacon who serves St. Paul in Valparaiso. “To feel safe, to not go hungry, to enjoy their family and to be guided to meaningful employment helps our communities grow in faith, with a sense of accomplishment and humility.”
Deacon Bergstedt feels people need to understand how families are impacted by these life problems, and how VOP, SVdP, local trustees, Catholic Charities and First Contact serve and assist those in need, "helping our neighbors on a daily basis.”
“We need to make people aware of what is happening in our local communities so we can all be aware and see how we can assist our neighbors,” he said.
Member Pat Deering, of Gary, said discussing ways to go beyond charity to help others is something that cannot be talked about enough.
“When I go to the grocery store, I wonder how single parents can afford to buy food,” she said. “It is hard for some to understand how depressing it can be to have to ask for assistance. The responsibility of keeping a roof over children’s heads and feeding them can be overwhelming. Seniors living on social security still must pay their utility bills even if the bill increases.
“I hope those who attend this workshop go away with the knowledge of what happens in the life of those with incomes that don’t cover their daily needs,” she added. “It is important for the faithful to understand that our neighbors that are struggling to make it through life need understanding and respect.”
Deering became involved with the St. Vincent de Paul Society when she joined St. Ann parish in Gary. The priest who was there at the time asked her if she would help reestablish the society and revive the food pantry. She shared it started very small but as time went by more people became involved.
Deering felt it was important to become a member because when she was in need, she personally experienced how it felt to have so many people come to her aid.
“The St. Vincent de Paul Society helps so many people, and I believe by becoming a member it gives me the opportunity to give back,” she said. “In this busy time, charity is more than just giving a bag of food. It is taking the time to reach out and show kindness, understanding and love to those who need us.”
Massa said members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul answer calls from those in their local communities who are in immediate crisis. She explained asking for help is a humbling experience so people often call churches as their last resort when they cannot feed their families or prevent an eviction or utility shut-off on their own.
“I was attracted to the Vincentian ministry because I felt a calling to interact directly with those in need. Being given the opportunity to assist them has truly been a tremendous blessing!” she said.
Massa said Vincentians are also constantly reminded of God's generosity as they receive the gifts of food and financial donations that parishioners give to share with those in need.
“I also really love the opportunity being a Vincentian has provided for me to develop friendships with fellow Catholics who are also trying to answer God's call to be the face and hands of Jesus to those in need,” she said.
To register for the free workshop, email voiceofthepoorgarycouncil@gmail.com or call Pat Deering at (219) 378-8856.
Caption: The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Voice of the Poor Committee hold a meeting on Sept. 14 at St. Paul in Valparaiso. The committee is organizing a free workshop this month to help diocesan faithful learn ways to go beyond charity to assist neighbors in need. (Provided photo)