What is RUM?

What is the Reconciliation & Unity Ministry (RUM)? Are you called to join us? An Advent Invitation… RUM was formed in 2014 following the death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, and the Ministry was tasked with exploring ways of facilitating dialogue and the development of relationships here at St. Vincent’s so that ”we may become…

Vincentian Virtues Pledge

In celebration of the Feast of St. Vincent DePaul, and the 200th anniversary of the Vincentian Mission in America, the congregation of St. Vincent DePaul took the following pledge. At this celebration of the Feast of St. Vincent DePaul, in this 200th year of Vincentian presence in the United States, we commit ourselves as a…

Meekness (by Mairin McDonnell)

The book definition of meekness states that “it is an attribute of human nature and behavior. It has been defined several ways: righteous, humble, teachable, and patient under suffering.” As a Christian, meekness is an attribute of a true disciple. The Apostle Paul gave us an example of meek behavior when he was writing to…

Meekness (by Sister Michelle Loisel, DC)

“Meekness,” for Vincent does not convey the full meaning in English. More adequate might be “firm gentleness,” meaning the right balance between being gently strong and strongly gentle. This is a trait Vincent sees in Jesus and often advises his followers to put into practice. A servant who would gain the confidence of the poor…

Mortification (by Christine Eberle)

As a cantor and someone who considers herself a “recovering perfectionist,” I have yet to experience a perfect Mass—to finish one liturgy without a single missed cue, wrong word, or abandoned harmony.  I used to cringe at every mistake, but I have come to appreciate the distinction between feeling mortified and experiencing mortification—by which I simply…

Calling All Artists!

To honor the feast day of our dear St. Vincent, an art exhibit of creative work by you, the parishioners of St. Vincent’s, Germantown, will be displayed throughout the church the weekend of September 24/25. The exhibit is entitled: Our Creative Community: The Art of St. Vincent’s, Germantown You are invited to submit up to…

The Importance of Hospitality

Nearly every week, St. Vincent’s hosts a post-Mass hospitality gathering. In the summer, it’s usually water ice and pretzels on the Rectory porch. In autumn through spring, we have donuts and coffee in the Hospitality room. But no matter where it is, or what we’re serving, it’s a vital ministry to the church. It’s how we…

Letter from Our Sister Parish Las Anoñas

This letter from the leaders of our sister community of Las Anonas de Santa Cruz in El Salvado appeared in the recent newsletter of the U.S. El Salvador Sister Cities Network. They express their gratitude for our “uncon- ditional accompaniment” and ask for our continued support, especially now around the issue of sugar cane production…