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Peel North – VINCENTIANS
LIVING THE RULE Day
On Saturday,
September 22, 2007 I spent the most inspiring and informative
day that I can remember. Bill Graham, Peel North Particular
Council President, put together a day full of excellent
presenters and speakers.
Archbishop Collins opened the day with a
prayer and then went on to explain why he is such a strong
supporter of the Society and of the work of Vincentians. He
promised to assist and support the Society and members in
every way he could. It was very re-assuring to know that the
leader of the church in the GTA is so familiar with our work
and so supportive of us.
To help us understand the role of each
type of Council, we heard from Wendy Yip (president, Toronto
North PC), Danny Bourne, (newly elected president of Toronto
Central Council) and John Staley (president, Ontario Council
and also representing Penny Craig, National Council
President).
John Staley then introduced us to some
members of youth conferences in Windsor. It was exciting to
hear from him and the youth members about their dedication to
serving the needs of others.
Brian Morris then gave a presentation on
the new Rule. (Note: a similar presentation will be given to
each particular council).
Ann Massel (president, St. Francis
Xavier Conference) gave an excellent presentation on those who
were instrumental in starting and building the Society in the
early years. Kim Caragianakos
(director, Ozanam House) gave an equally informative and
inspiring presentation on Mother Theresa.
Chris Schulthies, a friend of the
Society, explained how he and his family were so generously
helped by Vincentians when he was young. This gratitude and
desire to act on his faith now takes the form of encouraging
streets/neighbourhoods to organize to collect goods that are
then donated to the Society. He has succeeded in persuading
many neighbourhoods to do so and speaks passionately and
eloquently about his campaign when speaking to executives in
the corporate world.
Daniel Cullen gave an emotional and
inspiring talk about his 25 years of living on the street and
how, in the last few years, he has succeeded in leaving drugs
(prescription and non), alcohol, and the street behind. It’s
a story we all need to hear (and arrangements will be made to
provide other groups of Vincentians the opportunity to hear
Daniel’s story).
Paula Finbow (president of Etobicoke PC)
spoke passionately about the importance of the poor box and
especially the importance of a Vincentian holding it after
every weekend mass. To do so is appropriately humbling for us
and it significantly increases the total donations.
Bill Graham finished the session by
providing a very informative presentation on the nuts & bolts
of home visitations.
The day ended, quite fittingly, with
mass in the church, the presentation of certificates to new
members in Peel North, and a delicious pot luck dinner.
Congratulations and thanks to Bill and
Shirley Graham and to all those who contributed to this
wonderful day.
Peel North –
VINCENTIANS LIVING THE RULE Day
Agenda
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Opening Prayer - Most Reverend Thomas Collins,
Archbishop of Toronto
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Spiritual Reading - Deacon Wolfgang Engel,
St. Timothy’s, Orangville
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PC Role - Sr. Wendy Yip, President, Toronto
North Particular Council
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TCC Role – Bro. Danny Bourne, President,
Toronto Central Council
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Provincial Role – Bro. John Staley, President,
Ontario Provincial Council
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National Role - Sr. Penny Craig, President,
National Council
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Youth Role - Br. John Staley and Windsor
youth conference members
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The New RULE – Bro. Brian Morris – Toronto
Central Council
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St. Vincent & Friends – Sr. Ann Massel,
President, St. Francis Xavier
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Mother Theresa – Model For Vincentians – Kim –
Ozanam House
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“The Street People” - Chris Schulthies –
Friend Of The Society
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The Poor Box Speaks - Sr. Paula Finbow,
Pres., Etobicoke Particular Council
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Home Visits - Bro. Bill Graham, President,
Peel North Particular Council
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Conference Fall Programs - President, Peel
North Particular Council
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My Name is Nobody – Daniel Cullen – Friend Of
The Society
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Volunteer Safety Practices – Bro. Bill Graham
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Our Wish For You - Bro. Bill Graham
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