SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL

Suzanne Beadles, Society of St. Vincent de Paul

THIS SUMMER HAS TRULY BEEN A BLESSED TIME FOR THE SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL (SVDP) IN THE DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT. As this season ends, Father Raney Johnson, Cathedral Administrator, will celebrate a Mass honoring the Society’s namesake on Monday, September 25, 2023, at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans at 5:30 PM and all are welcome. Father Dhanraj Lourduswamy Narla and Father Mark Watson will be con-celebrants with Father Mark, SVdP West District Council Spiritual Advisor, as the homilist. Vincentians will have an opportunity for fellowship immediately following the Mass in the Parish Hall.

The month of May ushered in summer days with exceptional generosity for the Society from parishioners throughout the Western Deanery. The 2023 Give for Good promotion sponsored by the Community Foundation had 209 participating nonprofits and the Society placed 8th overall in the total amount of donations received ($65,632). SVdP also received an additional prize amount in recognition of the number of donors who gave to its campaign. This amazing support allowed the 12 SVdP Conferences in the Shreveport/Bossier area to increase the Society’s support to its Friends in Need as many experience increased utility costs.

The end of the summer will also usher in new leadership for the Society at the diocesan level. Jim Beadles, Diocesan Council President for the Diocese of Shreveport, and a parishioner of St. Joseph Church in Shreveport, will complete his term on September 30, 2023, after six years of dynamic leadership and exemplary service to the Society. The nominating and election process have been completed and the Commissioning Ceremony for Corey Arcement as the new president will take place during the month of October. Corey is also a parishioner of St. Joseph Church in Shreveport.