09/07/2026
Our Lady of the Valley Society of Saint Vincent de Paul: Love and Blessing
In last Sunday’s Bulletin, we met Justin and Chelsea, who shared their story of God’s Loving Touch. They overcame debilitating medical issues and job loss to regain a ray of hope, finding help from Vincentians and loving family members. We also met Joy (not her real name) after she called the Help Line for rent assistance. When the Vincentians arrived at her small studio apartment, they discovered her eviction notice would take effect the next day. She had lived there for over 2 years, but when the Vincentians looked around, they saw a vinyl futon to sit/sleep/eat and a very small screen TV sitting on the floor. They met in the kitchen, writing on a small counter because there were no lights in the living room. Joy explained the company she worked for was experiencing hard times and her hours were cut to less than 15 hours per week. She did not make enough to pay for food, monthly bills, and medical expenses due to a chronic health condition after suffering domestic abuse. Tomorrow, she will need to leave her home because she has no way to come up with over $600 in past-due rent. Vincentians contacted the landlord and offered to help Joy through this rough patch if they could develop a repayment program that she could afford. The program would carry Joy through September, and Vincentians pledged to pay the balance and resolve the crisis. They also shared information about the United Works program for those who are working but can’t make ends meet; it helps people access training and education to secure well-paying, rewarding jobs. Vincentians also shared various locations in the Local Food Resources List that could help her create a grocery budget, and they contacted the Furniture Ministry to shed light on accommodations for a cozier studio. They also provided bags of groceries and an air mattress from the Food Pantry.
Vincentians prayed with Joy before leaving, and she cried because she did not want to ask for help but found “tears of joy” after being touched with such great love.
Vincentians pray to our Father:
Fill our hearts with your love, help us to listen with compassion, and speak with kindness and confidence. Clear the way before us so that those we visit will be able to receive not only material goods but also our love and blessing.
