Never Too Late to Grow a Garden
Parishioner Mary Ellen Graham was the subject of a wonderful article on the site “The Daily Good.” Read the article here.
A Letter to the President on Immigration
Dear President Trump: We are the Catholic community of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Germantown of Philadelphia. We have an urgent message for you on behalf of the immigrant peoples of the United States. We are all immigrants in the sense that we can trace ourselves back somewhere in our lineage to someone who…
The Migrant: a Promise of Life for the Future
In Preparation for Catholic Migration Week, “Many Journeys, One Family” January 7-13, 2018 Saint Vincent de Paul’s Parish Germantown, Philadelphia The Migrant: a Promise of Life for the Future This is the way Pope Francis referred to migrants last October 26th. Speaking to young people, he reminded them that the invitation to welcome the stranger…
Christmas Letter from Fr. Sy
Dear Family and Friends, Have a Blessed Christmas and a New Year (2018) filled with God’s Choicest Blessings! I usually write about five different Christmas letters, but this year I decided to write one for everyone. First, let me thank you for your prayers, love and friendship. I really believe that this is a time…
Sara’s Story
By Paul Witte and St. Vincent de Paul Committee of the New Sanctuary Movement Sara Vazquez Garibay is a parishioner to celebrate. Two years ago she finally received a visa. But it was neither quick nor easy. St. Vincent de Paul parishioners supported her in the whole process. It goes back ten years to a…
More Reflections on Climate Justice
We require a new and universal solidarity. As the bishops of Southern Africa have stated: “Everyone’s talents and involvement are needed to redress the damage caused by human abuse of God’s creation”. All of us can cooperate as instruments of God for the care of creation, each according to his or her own culture, experience,…
Reflections on Climate Justice from the Peace and Justice Ministry
A People Who Produce Fruit From Pope Francis’ 2015 Encyclical Laudato Si: The current global situation engenders feelings of instability and uncertainty, which in turn becomes “a seed bed for selfishness.” When people become self-centered, their greed increases. The emptier a person’s heart is, the more s/he needs to buy, own, and consume things. It…
A Pledge to Live the Virtues of St. Vincent de Paul
A Pledge to Live the Virtues of St. Vincent de Paul I commit myself to living the virtues of St. Vincent more deeply: I pledge my heart to the virtue of SIMPLICITY. I will speak plainly, converse honestly, and conduct my affairs with straight- forward goodness. I will strive to free my heart of attachments…
Black Lives Matter at St. Vincent’s
“What does it mean to be Black and Catholic? It means that I come to my church fully functioning. That doesn’t frighten you, does it? I come to my church fully functioning. I bring myself, my Black self, all that I am, all that I have, all that I hope to become. I bring my…
Preparing the Way for National Migration Week
Preparing the Way for National Migration Week (January 8th to 14th, 2017), from the New Sanctuary Committee of St. Vincent de Paul Migrants and refugees are not pawns on the chessboard of humanity. They are children, women and men who leave or who are forced to leave their homes for various reasons, who share a…