St. Vincent de Paul at Picnic & Praise

August 24, 2022

Written by conference member Janet Bliss 

Five members signed-up to represent the St. Vincent de Paul Society during this year’s Picnic & Praise celebration at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Dobie. I had never attended this event and was excited to take part. My expectations were fulfilled to overflowing, both as a Catholic at an outdoor mass and as a Vincentian inviting everyone to learn more about us and our mission!

The day was hot and sunny as we set up the display, opened our truck for donations, and watched folks arrive as family groups, couples, and singles.

We were received with curiosity and graciousness as we handed out free t-shirts to the kids (“I’m a Beatitude Kid” was the theme), and Beatitude prayer cards to any and all. Aaron H. and Maureen B. gave an informative presentation of our mission - to help our neighbors in need. They encouraged listeners that SVdP is one of the best paths for lay people to follow toward holiness in their lives and is available to all!  It is “faith in action”.

At the end of the day, the remaining food from the picnic was kindly donated to our SVdP kitchen to feed our neighbors the next day; a very fitting end to the celebration!

I am already looking forward to Picnic & Praise next year!