From Halton Particular Council

Mary Mother of God Conference, Oakville
We had our annual address to the congregation and launched our Christmas program the weekend after. We ordered two large posters from Staples and 1000 prayer cards which we placed in the pews at each mass for everyone to take home with them. They were really nice and some people did take them home.

Holy Rosary Conference, Burlington
President spoke at all of the weekend Masses thanking the parishioners for their generosity and described some actual cases as examples of how their donations are used; telling real life stories was very affective in emphasizing poverty in our area. We offered hospitality (coffee and cake) after the Sunday Masses and made ourselves available to answer questions, paying particular attention to those who showed an interest in volunteering. There was much interest and we felt gratified in trying to foster parish community.


St. Michael Conference, Oakville
We combined World Day of the Poor with our annual Christmas Angel appeal. A member addressed the congregation at each Mass and at the end of their presentation invited the congregation to stay behind to enjoy a cup of coffee and a treat while taking a few minutes to review our display and have a chat with us.

We had information explaining what the SSVP is all about along with displays showcasing the various activities we are involved in to help our neighbours in need. Items included the Halton fresh food box, furniture pickups and deliveries and backpacks. The pictures below show the display set up for parishioners to view while having their coffee.

It was a very successful weekend, we had quite a few people stop by with questions, to pick up an angel or to get an envelope to make a donation. We also received some cash donations and some people expressed an interest in joining the SSVP.

It was also a very rewarding experience for all involved as many parishioners expressed their thanks for all of the work SSVP does.

St. Matthew Conference, Oakville
I do believe we have a ways to go bringing about awareness of the work of SSVP and enlightening the congregations of what we are and what we are not. There are alot of mis-perceptions of what we are and do. I think it has been a great opportunity to have a SSVP weekend each year, thank you Pope Francis! We did not push the fund raising part as a focus aside from the Christmas drive/Angel tree launch, but we would be doing that anyway since its that time of the year. All in all, it was a great opportunity to talk about SSVP and to gratefully accept the new interest both in terms of financial support and volunteer support. Hopefully prayer support too.

See also St. Francis Xavier Conference Stoney