The Voice
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This is the page for giving information about the six programs of the Diocesan Council. It is also the page for asking for contributions to and volunteers for these programs. Four of the programs are direct ministries to the poor and needy. The fifth and sixth programs offer education and information to Vincentians throughout the diocese..Our programs are:
St.Lawrence HavenMission To provide a free lunch Monday through Friday Volunteers place items in a bag for clients. The usual items are unsold food packets from Sanese vending machines and sandwiches brought to the Haven by Vincentians and others. Food is not prepared in the Haven and clients do not eat in the Haven building. Number served: The amount varies from 300 to 500 per day Statistics: For further information on St. Lawrence Haven visit their Web Page when it comes back on-line Return to TOP Clothing Distribution CenterMission: Provide clean clothing in good condition without cost to men, women and children.
Eligibility requirements: Written referral, These are usually given by J.O.I.N.. However, referrals are accepted from any recognized social service, such as Lutheran Social Services, and from any Vincent de Paul Conference. Individuals or households may use only one referral in a four week period. Current and on going needs
Statistics: Return to TOP Saturday Food Program.Mission Deliver a three day supply of basic food to elderly, disabled, or just very needy people who would be short of food if we didn't pitch in to help them out. Location :The Diocesan Council has a food pantry in the Clothing Distribution Center, 587 E.Main St. Columbus. This pantry is a storehouse from which food is delivered; clients do not come to it. Method of operation: Every other Saturday, food baskets are prepared in the pantry area and delivered to clients. Clients are primarily located in the Bottoms and Hilltop areas of Columbus where there is so very much need. Eligibility requirements: Referral by Catholic Social Services Current and continuing needs Most of the food is purchased from Mid-Ohio Food Bank with funds from the conferences. So cash contributions from the conferences are needed to keep this program operating. Make contributions to the Diocesan Council office: 197 E. Gay St. Columbus, OH, 43215 For more information contact Chris and Robin McMillen who direct the Saturday Morning Food program Statistics: Return to TOP The Funeral FundMission One of the corporeal works of mercy is "Bury the Dead." In our society burying the dead is expensive In our Diocese many people die leaving absolutely nothing. We provide partial funding of funeral and burial costs for indigents whose family and friends cannot afford any arrangements approaching a dignified treatment of the remains. Location Jane Sotak is the treasuer of the fund which is held by the Diocesan Council Eligibility requirements: Referrals are required. Most of the referrals come from J.O.I.N. athough a few come from Vincentian conferences. Almost all referrals concern deaths in Central Ohio. But a few referrals are made by conferences outside Central Ohio. The City of Columbus pays a funeral home $750.00 to dispose of a body by cremation or transport to a medical school. However, except for some legal paperwork, the $750.00 pays for nothing more than a disposal as pitiless as the disposal of an animal corpse. Method of operation: J.O.I.N. collaborates with funeral homes in Columbus's Inner City to have very simple arrangements which are a bit more than the mere disposal of the remains for which the city will pay:an urn for the family and perhaps a brief service. The funeral homes have been generous in providing these very simple arrangements which cost between $900.00 and $1000.00. J.O.I.N. works with families, friends and charities to gather funds for these more respectful arrangements. The Vincentian contribution, through J.O.I.N., is $100.00 but occasionally $200.00 when the referral comes through a Vincent de Paul conference Current and continuing needs:
As of September 1, we have contributed to fifty one funerals. The balance in the fund is about $1,000.00 .
So, at the current rate of six referrals per month, the funds will be depleted before the end of 2009.
The need for donations is great.
Please send donations to: Statistics: Return to TOP Ozanam TrainingMission:
Locations and schedules: Both kinds of sessions are conducted in locations throughout the Diocese at times announced through the Conferences, the VOICE and now this Web Site. Recent and up-coming sessions
As of January 1, 2012 two training sessions have been scheduled At the 2011 National meeting a resolution was passed that all new Vincentians should attend an Ozanam Orientation and all Vincentians should revitalize their vocations by attending a session every two or three years. A typical session is on Saturday. The day begin with Mass at 8:30 a.m., continental breakfast and lunch are included. All attendees will receive a certificate at the conclusion of the training. The program ends by 3:00 p.m. You may direct any questions to Maureen Meck at 614-436-6913, Bill Sparks at 614-439-0038 or Pat Summers 614-221-3554. Return to TOP THE VOICEMission
The newsletter is published quarterly in January, April, July and October. A copy is mailed to Vincentians who request a mailed copy through the Diocesan office. Otherwise the newsletter is sent to Vincentians as an email attachment. Send information for the newsletter to its editor: Charles F. Kielkopf, email kielkopf.1@osu.edu . Recent copies of the VOICE may be down loaded here. January 2010 VOICE Please email observations and suggestions about the Web Site to SVDP Site Webmaster Return to TOP
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