St. Vincent de Paul (Feast Day September 27)

1580 – September 27, 1660

St. Vincent de Paul was a priest in France in the early 1600s. He loved serving and caring for the poor and, with the help of a religious community of sisters, was introduced to more poor people in and around Paris. He eventually became the chaplain to the imprisoned people who had to work in deplorable conditions on galley ships. Father Vincent spent his life in service to them and others in need. He saw in the poor the face of Jesus Christ, who told his disciples, "I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Mt. 25:40) He was declared a saint in 1737. Chapters of the St. Vincent de Paul society still care for the poor and those in need and can be found in many parishes around the country and more than 100 other countries around the world.

·      What is Jesus teaching us in today’s Gospel? 

·      How do people today get to be the sheep that Jesus describes in the Gospel?

·      Share a time when you have helped someone in need. Do you realize that when you help someone, you are helping Jesus?

·      What inspires you about St. Vincent de Paul?

Spreading the Kingdom!

Visit a nursing home or elderly neighbor today and bring them an ornament for their Christmas tree. Spend time talking and consider sharing some of your talents with them.

White Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes

Feed the hungry and share this delicious potato recipe while spreading the kingdom today!

1 medium onion chopped fine

¼ cup butter

2 Tbsp olive oil

¼ cup flour

1 tsp salt

½ tsp pepper

½ tsp thyme

3 cups milk

1 can condensed mushroom soup

1 cup sour cream

2 pounds russet potatoes sliced thin

2 cups white cheddar cheese

Preheat your oven to 400 F. In a large sauté pan, add the onion, butter, and olive oil. Sauté until onions are translucent and soft. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, and thyme. Gradually add the milk and bring to a boil. Add the soup and remove from the heat. Add the sour cream and stir to combine. In a greased 9x13-inch pan, layer half the potatoes along with half the white sauce and then cheese. Repeat layers. Cover and bake 30 minutes. Remove cover and bake an additional 40 to 50 minutes.

Jesus, King of the Universe

Almighty ever-living God, whose will is to restore all things in your beloved Son, the King of the Universe, grant, we pray, that the whole creation, set free from slavery, may render your majesty service and ceaselessly proclaim your praise. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Greet the priest (or deacon) on your way out of church today. Give him a high five and say, “Long live Christ the King!”

Go through your closets and dressers to find some clothing or household goods to donate to a local St. Vincent de Paul store.

In addition to the St. Vincent de Paul Society (SVdP) chapters, there are numerous stores that sell clothes and other household items. Families and individuals in need can work with a local chapter to receive vouchers to spend at these stores. The items are usually donated, and members of the society volunteer their time at these stores. There might be a SVdP store in your community looking for volunteers!