December 2015 News Society of St Vincent

Ozanam December 2015 News Society of St Vincent

Serving in hope de Paul Scotland COUNCIL OF SCOTLAND

SR AGNES MCGARVIE National Spiritual Advisor

JAMES MCKENDRICK National President (Trustee)

KEITH WHITEHEAD Trustee National Treasurer

RICHARD STEINBACH Trustee St Andrews & Edinburgh

CHRISTINE GRAY Trustee Glasgow

MICHAEL DOWDS Trustee Paisley

JOHN JOYCE Trustee Dunkeld

ELIZABETH HERLIHY Trustee Aberdeen JOE MACEACHAN Trustee Motherwell/VIP VACANT Galloway IAN TIERNEY Twinning Projects

GET INVOLVED SUBMIT YOUR ARTICLES AND PICTURES Thanks to all who have contributed articles and images. All contributions gratefully received. We’re always looking for member profiles, updates and any interesting news from conferences. Please email submissions to [email protected]

SSVP Scotland thanks everyone for their generous contributions to our second Syrian Refugee Appeal. A total amount of £60,827.79 was raised in just three months and has now been forwarded to Paris for onward distribution. This appeal is now closed.

lPictures of SSVP Scotland annual conference courtesy of Canave Photography.

Publishing policy 1. The objective is to publish a new Ozanam News, which will be issued three times per year, Easter, Autumn and Christmas. We hope to have each latest edition posted to our new website once construction is complete for online viewing simultaneously. To facilitate this, a member of the National Council has been made responsible for its operation along with the National Office staff and a conference member with editorial experience. Pray for the poor 2. In accordance with National Council requirements, the in- tention will be not to feature ‘editorial’ pieces. Any material Bishop John Keenan deemed to detract from the Society’s broader aims will be ap- celebrates mass proved by the National Council prior to publication. Hopefully these arrangements will help the new Ozanam News develop near a small statue into a more humorous, educational and spiritual publication which will concentrate on bringing the Society, its Members of St Vincent de and Associates closer together. With this Togetherness’ in mind, National Council Agenda business could well become a regular Paul. See pages 4-5 feature in the magazine. In the main, letters for publication will normally be from Twinning parties - regarded as reports. Other letters will be accepted for publication with an added footnote or returned for discussion by the respective Council and/or President if thought to be more appropriate. Details of deceased members will be included in the Obituary List, but no further Obituary/ eulogy material will be accepted. President’s message Let us go to Bethlehem ( LUKE 2:15) Jim McKendrick is national president of the St National President Jim McKendrick reflects on the Vincent de Paul Society in Scotland. He has been a anticipation of the Christmas season – and the crucial member for nearly 40 years, having previously been opportunities to witness the joy of the child Jesus by president of SSVP Galloway Diocese and a member helping those who may struggle at this time of year. of his local conference at St John’s, Stevenston.

T Christmas we delight again to hear the The sick, housebound, elderly men and women Astory of the journey to Bethlehem, the song and many others who have become socially of the angels, the surprise of the shepherds, and isolated due to their sickness, age, infirmity or their joy as they find Jesus in the manger. the death of spouse, friends and relatives. We must travel along with the shepherds, car- As Mother Teresa said “The poverty in the rying in our hearts the angel’s proclamation that west is a different kind of poverty...it’s not only a today a Saviour is born for you; and like the shep- poverty of loneliness, but of spirituality.” herds, we should praise and glorify God. l Lest we forget He felt the pain of life and l But lest we forget He was born to poverty; death; we remember now those who are ill, we must remember at this season all who are or anxious, or bereaved. hungry, cold or homeless. In our conferences too, the changing season brings us fresh challenges and opportunities. Long, But lest we forget he was born dark nights and falling temperatures significantly to poverty; we must remember increase the need for heating and light. Combined with high energy costs, this can only at this season all who are hungry, exacerbate the fuel poverty which already affects cold or homeless. around 647,000 (27 per cent) of households in Scotland. During the Christmas season especially, loneliness and food/fuel poverty present us with both Christmas can be especially difficult for those a challenge and an opportunity to seek out and who are sick, worried or grieving. Our visits, serve the poor and needy. friendship and prayers can be particularly wel- This season also speaks to us of anticipation, of come and beneficial at this time. looking forward to new life at springtime, to a new And because we know He came for our sal- church year, to the coming of our Saviour and the vation, let us in heart and mind go once again fullness of redemption. to Bethlehem, to learn the true meaning of In our conferences we are eager with anticipa- Christmas: the birth of the child Christ. tion – looking forward to fulfilling our vocation to As we endure the harshness of this season, serve the poor. we are joyously anticipating the advent of our As Frederic our founder said: “Charity must never Emmanuel at Christmas while looking forward look to the past, but always to the future, because to the death and resurrection, which offer us the number of its past works is still very small and the the chance of redemption and eternal life. present and future miseries that it must alleviate are The changing of the seasons reminds us of infinite.” God who is always present in the world and l And lest we forget He became a refugee; we can bring “summer out of winter”, yet some- remember the stranger and the lonely among us. how transcends our understanding of the nat- This is also a challenging time for many people ural world. As the Jesuit poet Gerald Manley who lack the ability, confidence or motivation to Hopkins expressed it: “He fathers forth whose venture out into the harsh weather and darkness. beauty is beyond change. Praise Him!” CELTIC Park was the venue for the 2015 annual national meeting of the Society of St Annual Vincent de Paul, Scotland. Bishop John Keenan celebrated mass and later gave the keynote address, National titled ‘Don’t Forget the Poor. ’ There was an excellent presentation from members of the youth section of the Meeting SSVP while entertainment was supplied by the talented lads from Jericho House in 2015 Greenock.

Special works

Celebrate Bishop John Keenan with the founding volunteers, the Lord Lieutenant, his cadet and the scores of participants who make the club happen. QUEEN’S AWARD FOR OZANAM CLUB THE Ozanam Club in Paisley celebrated a top national honour Funny fancy dress from the Queen. It received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service – the corporate equiv- alent of an MBE! The Lord- Lieutenant, on behalf of Her Majesty, presented a framed certifi cate and an engraved piece SOME of the costumes from Viewpark Ozanam Club’s suc- of ornamental Good work The Lord-Lieutenant with Alex cessful Halloween party. Volunteer Sandra O’Hanlon said: “A glass. McTavish and founding member Ann Collins. good night was had by all.” Vincentian donations boost hospice ST Vincent’s Hospice in Howwood, Renfrewshire, was established by members of the Society of St Vincent de Paul in 1988. It has now developed into a separate charity but, in recog- nition of the origins and history of the hospice, the special works conference (which was established in 1983 with a view to opening a hospice) continues to cent of all donations made to the loved one’s death, so as to pre- this day. hospice are directed towards pare them for the funeral, right The principal function of the this team. The services offered into the bereavement process conference is to liaise with the to young people by the team and beyond. hospice and transfer Vincentian have existed in some form or This work is carried out with donations to ensure the maxi- other for six years. However, children, families and teachers in mum comfort for patients. None over the next year, the team is the home, in schools and at the of the funds transferred can be focusing on: hospice. The team is hoping to used for salaries or medication. l Courageous Cubs (2 to 11 raise £50,000 in the course of In addition, the conference years) the next year to reach out to engages with the families of l Lionhearts (12 to 18 years). more families who need access patients through the family sup- The team will work with 2 to 18- to its high quality services. Visit port team at the hospice. 10 per year-olds, mostly before their the website at www.svh.co.uk Support Services for youngsters. Twinning Marica Toth, former national president of SSVP Hungary, describes the work of the society in the Borsod region THERE are more than a dozen conferences sandwiches and hot tea and, besides the books and sweets. We have organised pro- in Hungary that work in diffi cult circum- practical help we provide, we listen to their grammes for them too – such as arts and stances, but we believe the poorest people sorrows, pleasures and problems. crafts workshops. live here, in the Borsod region in the north Usually, up to 60 people come to the char- For those who need it, we provide tutor- of the country. ity and we have 10 to 15 volunteers to serve ing in mathematics and Hungarian literature. People’s electricity is often cut because them. We give food and buy their medicine We try and take great care of the neglected they cannot afford to pay for it. They take and give them bus tickets to go to job inter- children, helping them with clothes and water from from the street and carry it great views of for hospital appointments. This kind toiletries. distances. They often live in small, over- of help is the most necessary. Unfortunately, Our main task is the same as the SSVP in crowded homes and many have no money there are more needy people than we can Scotland and across the world – to help and for food. help. We have applied for two high-perform- support the needy, the ill and those on the We own a 16-year-old Ford Combi car ance washing machines. If we get them we periphery of society. which is necessary to collect donations and will be able to operate a laundry for those We would like to thank the spiritual transport food. Local people in the town of who have to wash by hand. and fi nancial support of the twin confer- Freiburg helped us to maintain the car and Kind donations mean we make sev- ences abroad. We thank God we belong to buy a garage tent. eral hundred food packages to hand out at the international family of the Society of St We wait for incomers to the centre with Christmas and Easter. The children get toys, Vincent de Paul.”

“We have a Vincentian sister who is a law graduate – Helping in she gives legal advice, writes applications and interprets letters. This has helped achieve results in several cases”

“The city council of Miskolc announced we were the HUNGARY Civilian Organization of the Year, acknowledging our SSVP Scotland twinning contribution to the city over offi cer Ian Tierney describes the past 21 years.” his trip to Miskolc. “I WAS taken by car to where local Romani people live in small shacks, “The ‘Everybody Offi ce’ all of them dilapidated and needing helps to arrange legal repair. The car in which we travelled is and offi cial matters as owned by the SSVP and has the name many of the needy are of the society displayed on either side inexperienced in dealing of the vehicle – an excellent way of with such issues.” publicising the conference! “I visited the local hospital where the conference do wonderful work with dis- abled children, many of them unable to speak, hear or walk. Funding is provided by the SSVP to purchase musical instruments for these children who are then taught to play them by members of the education staff at the hospital. “This visit proved to be a most moving one. It proved to be a wonderful opportunity to see how our Hungarian brothers and sisters are working so hard to alleviate the problems of the poor and underprivileged and has certainly strengthened the bonds between our two countries. As most will be Scotland and Hungary share aware we share the same Patron Saint, the same patron – St Margaret. Margaret. “Thanks to all who Now links between SSVP made my stay so mem- conferences in both countries is orable and enjoyable. It made me feel proud to being strengthened in a bid to be a member of the Society of help the poorest of all ages, both St Vincent de practically and spiritually. Here, Paul.” we focus on the city of Miskolc. Around the conferences

ST ALOYSIUS, CHAPELHALL St Aloysius’ conference said goodbye to member Kevin Lawrie as he begins his studies for the priesthood at St Mary’s College in Birmingham. He is pictured with parish priest, Fr Rooney, at a small celebration for his family and friends. Member Moira McIndoe said: “Kevin was a very helpful and enthusiastic member and we wish him every success in his studies.”

ST CADOC’S, CAMBUSLANG Members of St Cadoc’s past and present came together for a fi nal time, recently. Former secretery Angela Carton said: “It is with great sadness we have to announce the disbandment of our conference after more than fi fty years. “After many appeals we were unable to recruit new members and most of the current members had family circumstances, making it impossible to continue.” The photo was taken at its last meeting where retired members joined them to say a fi nal goodbye.

ST STEPHEN’S, BLAIRGOWRIE A Day of Recollection followed by prayers was attended by and Exposition of the parishioners and Blessed Sacrament guests from Perth and thanks were Group Council. Mass given to Fr Gerry was celebrated by for his excellent Fr Gerry Mulligan, a presentation. ST TERESA’S, DUMFRIES Redemptorist priest A Novena Mass who had been spe- for the Canonisation Fr Jim Hayes celebrated a Mass for the sick and housebound. cially invited. of Blessed Frederic He anointed many elderly and sick parishioners. Parish With the Year of was held in October. deacon William Hiddleston gave a blessing to the carers. Mercy about to start, Eleven Conference Following the Mass, a special lunch took place. The con- he urged the congre- Members attended ference thanks everyone for making the special day “uplift- gation to “be compas- the Mass, celebrated ing and so special.” sionate, as the Father is by their spiritual compassionate.” director Fr Gregory The session was Umunna. “We saw his star rising and have come to worship him” Matthew 2:2 Around the conferences

OUR LADY OF LOURDES & ST BERNADETTE, LARBERT Members and parishioners enjoyed a day of reﬂ ection at Schoenstatt, Campsie. John Sweeney, conference president, said: “The event was organised by Sister Isobel Holton St of the parish conference and it was a day appreciated by all.”

ST COLUMBA’S, EDINBURGH Father Murray celebrated Mass at This year’s senior citizens’ out- Our Lady and St Andrew’s before ing was to the border town of a lovely lunch and a further trip to Galashiels. nearby Peebles. ST JOSEPH’S, TOLLCROSS Seventy senior citizens enjoyed an afternoon with lunch, bingo, a free rafﬂ e and dancing. National vice-president ST MARTIN OF Christine Gray said: “The TOURS, RENTON music for the dancing was provided by our talented musi- St Martin of Tours’ cian, William. This was a very ST STEPHEN’S, BLAIRGOWRIE parishioners at happy occasion which was Loch Lomond much appreciated by all who Garden Centre. attended.”

A Day of Mercy about Recollection was to start, he urged ST TERESA’S, DUMFRIES attended by parishion- the congregation Fr Jim Hayes celebrated a Mass for the sick and housebound. ers and guests from to “be compassion- He anointed many elderly and sick parishioners. Parish Perth Group Council. ate, as the Father is Deacon William Hiddleston gave a blessing to the carers. Mass was celebrated compassionate.” Following the Mass, a special lunch took place. The con- by Fr Gerry Mulligan, The Session was ference thanks everyone for making the special day “uplift- a Redemptorist priest followed by prayers ing and so special”. who had been spe- and Exposition of the cially invited. Blessed Sacrament With the Year of and thanks were “We saw his star rising and have come to worship him” Matthew 2:2 Around the conferences

ST MARY’S, GREENOCK St Mary’s Greenock SSVP has thanked its parishioners for their generous contributions for the poor this year. The conference has helped local people with food bags and ﬁ nancial assistance. It donated £1,000 to a Syria appeal fund and £500 to a new drug rehabilitation unit for women in the town, run by The Jericho Society.

ST JOSEPH’S, BURNTISLAND The Burntisland conference made its annual trip to Carfi n for ST ATHANASIUS’, CARLUKE members and parishioners. Morrisons supermarket kindly supplied items for packed lunches for 50 members. There was a Members of St Athanasius’ free raffl e, with prizes donated by members and parishioners. SSVP in Carluke have said Mary Lynch, conference president, said: “Everyone on the trip their fond farewells to Father said they had a great day and all agreed that the packed lunch was James Naughton, wishing superb!” him all the very best for a long and happy retirement. Fr Naughton was the group’s spiritual director ST THOMAS’, NEILSTON over the last 15 years and St Thomas SSVP conference the former parish priest, has regularly attended their extended a warm welcome to retired to St Charles, Paisley, weekly meetings. Eileen their new parish priest Father and members wish him good Logan, conference secre- Joe Balmer. He has recently health and happiness and thank tary, said: “He was always been working in South Africa. him for his eight years of spirit- on hand to give spiritual and Monsignor James Cunningham, ual guidance. practical advice.” Matthew 2:2 OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL, KILMARNOCK The parish community organ- conference members in giving ised a celebration mass for out food parcels and visiting the retiring parish priest Eddie sick and housebound. We had McGhee. Over 200 people a lovely night tinged with sad- attended and Fr Eddie was ness – she will be missed and presented with a gift from we thank God for her contribu- the parish along with a large tion to our conference. Not long cake which had the obliga- after this a new member joined tory fi sherman complete with our conference – the Holy Spirit rod on it – Fr Eddie is a very had been watching over us.” keen angler! A ‘going away’ l Top right: recently retired night was held for mem- Father Eddie, second left, is ber Linda Carten, treasurer pictured with Sr Teresa and for over 25 years, pictured. Sr Imelda. Joining them is Frances McCann, secretary, new parish priest Fr Martin said: “Linda worked with other Chambers.

Richard Steinbach, president of the SSVP in St Andrews & Edinburgh gives a round-up of recent activities across the diocese. “The caravan season was reasonably successful, with around an eighty per- cent take -up. Hopefully next year we can do even better (thanks to Jimmy Harkins and the four Edinburgh conferences for their work in keeping things in order). “We now have a new centrally heated, double-glazed caravan to replace one of the older ones and a new conference has been set up in East Calder – thanks to Theresa Canning, and all the new members for that. “SS John & Columba’s, Rosyth, held its annual Healing Mass for the sick at nearby St Peter in Chains, Inverkeithing. Both parishes wel- ST ANDREWS & EDINBURGH DIOCESE – ANNUAL MASS comed new priest, and spiritual direc- Archbishop Leo Cushley celebrated the yearly SSVP Mass for the dio- tor, Father Kevin Dow. cese at St Kentigern’s in Edinburgh. He praised members for their hard “Many thanks to SSVP youth ofﬁ cer work in helping the poor in their communities. After, members and Clare Carr for hosting a Youth Day at their families gathered to chat and meet the Archbishop. President Gillis Centre. Around 35 pupils from Richard Steinbach said: “This was a resounding success. Thanks to Paddy six schools made it a successful day. Ferry and his conference for organising it.” “Since then, Andrew Gray, from Holyrood High, Edinburgh, has shown l Top left: Mirabelle and Maisey Meade meet Archbishop Cushley. interest in starting up a school con- Above right: SSVP Edinburgh & St Andrews president Richard Steinbach, ference. Bobby Murdoch, Edinburgh Archbishop Leo Cushley and Fr Kevin Dow of St John’s and St Group Council president, is currently Columba’s parish in Rosyth. helping them set up.” Youth

LYON FOR INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

Europe Group 1 meeting report, Lyon, France, 13th to 15th November 2015. Attended by Clare Carr (national youth development) and Sean Murphy (conference president, University of Glasgow, pictured).

FORTY participants from 12 - Younger members needs support which developed from their seven countries around Europe (as and encouragement, not simply being strategic objectives – the fi rst of these well as an Australian and an told what to do. being the need to grow the member- Argentinian!) recently attended - Young adults in particular are ship, primarily to meet increasing the 2015 Europe group 1 meet- capable of doing everything that more need in communities. ing, held in the beautiful French senior members do. l Refugee crisis. The National city of Lyon from 13th to 15th - Youth conferences are fragile President of Austria, Erwhen Dehler, November. due to the nature of young people’s provided an ‘on-the-ground’ perspec- We were privileged to have mem- lives (moving for university/work, for tive of the refugee crisis, as they are bers of the International Council example), so sometimes need more helping vast numbers of refugees, General (CGI) at the meeting as they fl exibility than older, more settled with 500 asylum applications being were attending a CGI meeting in Paris members. made every day, and many more peo- on the following Tuesday. Recognising that we desperately ple in transit through Austria. International President General want the society to be intergener- Austria has taken in thousands Michael Thio opened the meeting, ational, young people can only join of refugees – they had 60,000 up encouraging the society worldwide conferences if it is practical to do until the end of September and the to follow Pope Francis’s advice, to so, meetings held on a Wednesday number of rising. be ‘innovative, courageous and auda- morning for example are generally Brian O’Reilly, SSVP general vice cious’. He reminded us that meek- not going to be practical for someone president and CIAD (Commission ness is not weakness, but rather it is working or studying. for International Aid and patient and forgiving. lYoung people want to collabo- Development) president explored The main topic of the weekend tant that national presidents passed rate. Young people are trying to fi nd this situation further. was communication, with group dis- on information to the relevant peo- a community as well as opportunities Brian explained that not only cussions being held on this topic on ple in their country, enabling a trickle- to serve. should the SSVP be aiding refugees the Saturday. down of information. Presentations: SSVP Austria repre- in a physical manner through the giv- Members of the communications Access to the internet can be an sentative Elisabeth Deutsch explained ing of food and clothing, but that we team based in Paris presented their issue for people in some areas, so tra- ‘Vinziworks’, the many projects that also have a role in dispelling the many work – from their development as ditional mail is still necessary. have been established in Austria myths surrounding refugees caught a team and strategy to how they are lTraining for members is over the last 25 years to help those up in this current crisis. Although it going about implementing their strat- important: in need. These projects range from may be diffi cult, he explained, you egy, including standardised national - How to deliver training to new tea and sandwiches for the home- have to ‘grasp the nettle’! training for members, how to effec- members/ school groups. less to night shelters for families, as Brian O’Reilly publicly and espe- tively communicate with the press, - How to effectively deliver power- well as projects for Roma women, cially thanked SSVP Scotland for the creative materials for conferences to ful personal testimonies. which enable them to work, and a generous donation to the Syria appeal use to promote their work and social - Face-to-face or online/using print ‘container village’ for men who suffer and pointed out that we always ‘punch media. resources. from alcohol abuse. above our weight’. Youth discussion key points Many in the youth group felt that l Awareness Month, SSVP England l Importance of having a commu- there were key messages about youth & Wales. Adrian Able, national pres- Full write-ups of the main presenta- nications strategy. As well as email/ involvement in the society that need ident of England & Wales went into tions made at this meeting are available social media, it was thought impor- to be reinforced: detail about their awareness month, from the SSVP national offi ce. St Ninian’s Mini Vinnies – Our Story So Far AS the feast day of St Vincent de Paul was approaching our head teacher Mrs Purdie spoke to us Our ideas about him and shared the idea of Eve, P6/7 – Make a goodie Mini Vinnies with us, appealing for bag and take it to the hospital or elderly care home and sing volunteers to form a Mini Vinnies Christmas carols. group at our school in Livingston. Niamh, P7 – Take Christmas Primary 7 organised a visit from presents to those less fortunate a local SSVP representative which than us. inspired them to do their assem- Konstancja, P7 – Visit eld- bly on the Society of St. Vincent de erly people who don’t have Paul and again P7 appealed for Mini many visitor and just give them Vinnies volunteers. our time by having a chat with them. By this time we were very excited Taylor, P7 – Deliver to have the chance to put ourselves Christmas cards to people in forward to be part of such a great hospitals or elderly care homes. and well known organisation. Chrissy, P7 – Dress up as There was so much interest four elves and go and decorate hos- children from each class in P3/4, pitals or care homes to make P4, P5, P5/6, P6/7 and P7 were around Scotland and shared some of her ing to share their kindness and amaz- people feel happy and fi lled with selected. own experiences of working with Mini ing smiles with other and came up withe the Christmas spirit. Lewis, P4– Visit elderly peo- Since then we have had two Mini Vinnies groups. lots of ideas (see panel). We now hope ple and dress up in Christmassy Vinnies conferences. We were very For our second conference we came to put at least one of these ideas in to clothes to share the Christmas lucky to have the youth co-ordina- together with some of our ideas and action and show people in our local spirit. tor for SSVP, Clare Carr, join us in the words of Chrissy, P7: ‘put our community that we are there to sup- Chloe P4 – Give presents to for our fi rst conference. She told thoughts into action’. The children at St. port them and make them feel happy at children this Christmas. us about the work the SSVP do Ninian’s are so caring and always will- Christmas time. Global Church Making friends in Christ...India Margaret Wallace, a mem- adopted families and their priest are ber of Our Lady of Lourdes’ in the photo outside the Carmel conference in Dunfermline, Matha Church, Phirangipuram. We reveals the links being made contacted them during the deadly with their twin conferences in heatwave in India in May, which India and South Africa. took so many lives, to remind them they were in our thoughts INDIA When we contacted and prayers. our fi rst twinning Conference in Gollapalem, India, we receive a SOUTH AFRICA Brothers warm and detailed reply. They and sisters in our second twin- told us of the work they do in the ning conference in Johannesburg name of St Vincent de Paul. With replied to our initial letter and we ten members and fi ve adopted are delighted to begin building links families, they provide monthly food with them. The support they are supplies, support the education of giving to their parishioners includes their adopted families and attend to care of the poor and assisting those them when in hospital. who need their help, including We sent photographs of our home decorating. conference and celebrations of We are looking forward to our 50th Anniversary and we were future correspondence with them. rewarded with photos of their own It is humbling and uplifting to conference and celebrations! receive news from our twinning This included their St Vincent conferences, their letters and pho- de Paul Festival and Christmas tos are placed on the SSVP notice and Easter celebrations. Some of board in the Church to ‘Share the the Society members with their Love’.

A VIBRANT 2015 Loneliness: the Western disease St Simon’s, Partick “The greatest disease in the West The impact on health Mark Henry picks out some of the highlights today is not TB or leprosy; it is being Research shows that loneliness and social from the past 12 months... unwanted, unloved, and uncared for. We isolation are harmful to our health: lacking We were sad to see Father Stuart Reynolds and can cure physical diseases with medicine, social connections is a comparable risk fac- Father John McGrory leave for pastures new. but the only cure for loneliness, despair, tor for early death as smoking 15 cigarettes a We were delighted to welcome Canon Peter and hopelessness is love.” day, and may be worse for us than well-known McBride to St Simon’s. Canon McBride will divide - Mother Teresa risk factors such as obesity and physical inac- his time between St Peter’s and St Simon’s. tivity. A recent Scottish Parliament report said: The Simon Cafe continues to go from strength to “Loneliness is as damaging to Scots’ “Loneliness is as damaging to Scots’ health as pov- strength. We were able to recruit new volunteers health as poverty or poor housing.” erty or poor housing.” and are very grateful to them. The parishioners of -Scottish Parliament report, October 2015 St Simon’s very generously donated large amounts What can we do? of clothing for the Frederick Ozanam Centre in What is loneliness?  Fulfi l our Vincentian vocation by visiting Glasgow. We were overwhelmed by their gener- As social beings, most of us feel the need and befriending those who are lonely, isolated osity and kindness. for rewarding social contact and relationships. and in need. Take the time to understand their There was the annual bus run to Largs. It is always One common defi nition of loneliness is that true needs. Ozanam and La Taillandier soon one of the highlights in the calendar year. it is the feeling we get when our need for this discovered that the old man in the garret did When you have such a close community like St type of contact is not met. However, loneliness not really need their material help. What he Simon’s, it makes us all feel truly blessed. We would is not the same as being alone. Some people longed for was their time; their friendship and like to thank the parishioners of St Simon’s and might choose to be alone and live happily with- their companionship. Thus he felt valued and our volunteers for all your wonderful support. We out much contact with other people. Or again, respected as an individual. could not do it without you. some may have lots of social contact or be in  Raise our awareness of those in our com- a relationship or part of a family and still feel munity who are sick, housebound, live alone or lonely. new to the neighbourhood and consider how ‘The SSVP provide vital support’ we can befriend them, help them and make Loneliness and social isolation in them feel useful and valued. “St Simon’s has been Scotland Drop in on the sick and housebound for my home parish for  17% of older people are in contact with a friendly chat, visit those new to the parish nearly 20 years. It has family, friends and neighbours less than once a and welcome them, offeringpractical help and always been a fl uid but week and 11% are in contact less than once a advice. close-knit community, month.  Promote social inclusion and community where newcomers are  Over half (51%) of all people aged 75 and enrichment by our charitable works. welcomed and, if possi- over live alone. Encourage and support attendance at Masses ble, given some parish  Two fi fths all older people say the televi- for the Sick. Lunch clubs provide an opportunity responsibility. The par- sion is their main company. to get out of the house and enjoy a warm meal ish’s St Vincent de Paul for funds, the response  63% of adults aged 52 or over who have among friends. Society is extremely is generous. As auster- been widowed, and 51% of the same group Coffee mornings/afternoons allow people to active, taking its social ity bites, the job that who are separated or divorced report, feeling get together, have a chat and some fun. justice mission seriously the SSVP is doing is ever lonely some of the time or often. Intergenerational events such as meals, con- and, when required, the more important and par-  59% of adults aged over 52 who report certs and social events/outings allow young peo- parish community mobi- ish support is vital.” poor health say they feel lonely some of the ple to plan and provide events which recognise lises quickly to support. time or often, compared to 21% who say they and celebrate the achievements of older people. Whether it’s a collection - Carol Monaghan, are in excellent health. Such activities enrich both the young and old. of clothes, additional vol- MP for Glasgow unteers for running the North West and St By Jim McKendrick cafe or a simple plea Simon’s parishioner Obituaries Margaret Connelly – SSVP member who helped AIDS orphans in South Africa. MARGARET died sud- She taught at St Marie’s took part in all the soci- was providing drop-in denly but peacefully after and St Paul’s and then in ety’s activities and it was centres for children, along a short illness. Newport before emigrat- her job to organise street with books and recrea- She is the daughter of ing to South Africa, collections twice tional materials, along with the late John and Ellen where John took annually. She food and clothing. Urquhart of Cardenden, up a post in retired from Margaret came into her Fife. She is survived by her manufactur- the munici- own as a librarian, cat- husband John and three ing. pal library in aloguing almost 20,000 children – Stephen, Mark There, 2003 after books that were collected and Frances. she worked 20 years’ over several years. True Margaret was educated for the service. to form, she was working at St Columba’s RC High local library In 2004, on the accessions just two School in Cowdenbeath service and she began days before her death. and obtained her primary became an assisting an She was a well-known school teaching diploma active mem- American but unassuming presence at Craiglockhart Teacher ber of the volunteer in both the church and Training College. St Vincent de who came to in the wider community She lived in Canada Paul committee at South Africa as a of Hillcrest. She is sadly with her family for fi ve St Dominic’s Catholic lay missionary, helping missed by all who knew years before returning to Church in Hillcrest, to the AIDS orphans. her. Margaret Connelly Scotland in 1967. west of Durban. Margaret The focus of the work 1938-2014.

OBITUARIES Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. Let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen

l JOHN McMULLEN FORMER SECRETARY, ST PATRICK’S, COATBRIDGE l GEORGE WALKER FORMER PRESIDENT, HOLY NAME, OAKLEY

l WILLIE MULLEN FORMER MEMBER, ST BERNADETTE’S, MOTHERWELL l BUNTY REILLY FORMER TREASURER, ST NINIAN’S, DUNDEE

l CANON JAMES FOLEY SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR, ST AUGUSTINE’S, COATBRIDGE

l CATHERINE KHAN SECRETARY, CHRIST THE KING, PITTENWEEM

l THOMAS GARRITY FORMER TREASURER, OUR LADY OF THE WAYSIDE, BRIDGEGATE/ ST CONVAL’S POLLOCK l JOHN GALBRAITH FORMER MEMBER, ST CATHERINE LABOURE, BALORNOCK l HUGH IRVINE FORMER MEMBER, ST COLUMBA’S, RENFREW l DANNY HEANEY ACTIVE MEMBER, ST JOHN’S, PORT GLASGOW l JOHN FARRELL FORMER MEMBER, OUR LADY MOTHER OF THE CHURCH, CURRIE l PATRICIA FARRELL FORMER MEMBER, OUR LADY MOTHER OF THE CHURCH, CURRIE l ANNE MARIE O’DONNELL PRESIDENT, ST MARGARET’S, AIRDRIE l MICHAEL CALLAGHAN CONF FOUNDER MEMBER, ST LEONARD’S, EAST KILBRIDE l CATRIONA MCALLISTER ACTIVE MEMBER, ST BRIGID’S, KILBIRNIE Youth every corner, a rainbow immigrant? No, she glee. Tanya embraced me of colours and sizes, all deserves help just as in a hug. As I watched different and unique. much as you and I would. her leave I saw Tanya’s The centre door By meeting Tanya, it led daughter, who was opened and I heard the me to think differently also homeless, look at stomping of many feet, about immigration and her mother as if she the wailing of children homelessness, I know was her guardian angel and the of foreign now that anyone can and watched as they languages. I was thrown become homeless and exchanged a warm, anya in the deep end. has made me more emotional hug. I realised Shocked. “Six to come thankful. that we take for granted in!” a volunteer shouted. the possessions we have. Then almost as quickly I was astounded that TThe honest face as she said it, six women Tanya was so thankful for appeared. DETERMINED. I the clothes she received. Before me sat an searched through the I have discovered that elderly lady, her name mountain of donated although she had been of poverty and was Tanya. She had clothes; I was determined through a lot, she had coffee-coloured skin, her to help Tanya. I was people who loved her migration... face was creased with on a mission; I found a and who supported each experience and she held warm wool jacket, long other. It has taught me to a look of knowledge. Her trousers, thermal socks, treasure my family, just A visit to the Ozanam Centre in back was hunched as if a jumper and underwear. like Tanya does. Glasgow was an eye-opener for Kiera she carried the weight I made my way back From my experience of the world upon her to Tanya. As I handed at the Ozanam Centre Elliot. The teenager, a pupil at Trinity shoulders, her hair was her the clothes her eyes I have become more High School in Rutherglen, wrote this white and thin as thread. shone with happiness, thankful for the items I Her eyes looked she looked as if I had have. article, both poignant and uplifting, tired, sad and faded as based on her experience. if she witnessed too much pain but yet she Her clothing still smiled, even though was unsuitable EMPATHY. My visit to RACKS. Look streets. I was going to it was clear that she the Ozanam Centre Caround you. In see for myself the true had experienced much for the winter encouraged me to help pavements and in walls, extent of poverty and hardship in her life. She months, she others more and I have there are cracks. homelessness by helping was wearing a worn out continued to help out at All around us there those in need. t-shirt, a dull threadbare would be the centre. It gave me a are cracks; homeless skirt and sandals. I was freezing. fresh perspective; I have people are like these stunned; her clothing was learned through my own cracks. We are not blind unsuitable for the winter personal experience that to see them but we SCARED. I looked out months, she would be given her the sun. She poverty is a real issue. often choose to ignore the window as the sky freezing. held up the clothes Through Tanya, I have them. We step around shed a thousand tears, This woman had barely and her eyes started to learned to appreciate the the cracks and soon waiting until I came anything, nothing to keep water. She looked at me items I have and to take enough there are too face to face with what I her warm at night and and said in a very strong more care of them. This many and we can’t fix deemed frightening. As only sandals to protect accent “Thank you! Thank experience has taught them all. Some people the bus drove past the her from the cold, while you! God bless you.” me not be judgemental try to repair the cracks, centre I saw what looked many of us are very She closed the curtain of people due to their but to fix them more like a never-ending line materialistic as we have before revealing herself personal circumstances. help is needed. of woman and children, countless pairs of shoes. in her new We need to remember I never thought much hand-in-hand. Children? Should Tanya have not clothes, that they have a family about homelessness I did not think about the received help radiating they need to support, and immigration before children in need. because with children they need to my visit to the Ozanam As the centre door she was feed and clothe and Centre but it has opened I braced myself. parents like Tanya who now left an indelible My eyes searched have nothing and are impression on me. around the waiting overjoyed by just a little My experience with room, looking at the kindness. Just think of an elderly woman empty chairs and this and the next time named Tanya* opened wondering how all of you walk past a homeless my eyes to the truth the women would fit person on the street about immigration in into this tiny room. don’t ignore them, show connection to poverty. The white paint was them a little kindness. I began to imagine what chipping off the walls and Don’t step around the it must be like for her the coarse blue carpet crack. and others who had no looked worse for wear. *Name changed to protect identity. place to call home and I began trudging through how she must have felt the centre until I entered – helpless. A number a narrow, dimly-lit of homeless people in hallway that had six small Giving St Vincent de Scotland are immigrants. changing stalls. Paul shares bread with a They have come to live On the walls there poor man. His Christ-like here in hope of a better were posters that love of the poor is the driving force behind the life but their dreams had unfamiliar words society and places like do not come true. translated into English. the Ozanam Centre in Instead they live on the Clothes sprung from Glasgow. Me and the St Vincent de Paul Society What’s involved in being a member of the Society of St Vincent de Paul? Two members reﬂ ect on their involvement and what the society means to them.

Bridie Burns refl ects on her 26 years as a member of the Christopher Simpson, a SSVP conference at Our Lady of Lourdes in Dunfermline. conference member of St Mary’s Our Lady Star I WAS invited to join the SSVP ter evenings when I have not been of the Sea in Saltcoats, twenty six years ago. At that point looking forward to going out to says his experience as my knowledge of the society was lim- visit, when the people I have visited a member of the SSVP ited to a group of men holding boxes have inspired me with their faith and has helped inspire his at the back of the church following resilience. vocation in social care. Sunday Mass, the takings being dis- This I have found very humbling. tributed to the poor and the needy. I fi nd that bringing Holy Communion ALTHOUGH our confer- Over the years I have come to to the sick and housebound is a great ence meet once a week, realise that it is not just fi nancial pov- privilege. being a member is a daily erty that some people suffer from, There have been times when I commitment. but the poverty of loneliness partic- have brought the blessed sacrament Jesus said: ‘Do not be afraid’ ularly with the loss of the extended to someone who has been close to and we should not be afraid family. death and not communicating but to go out and seek those less These days, many families can move when they see the host, their eyes fortunate or those in trouble quite a distance from their parents, light up and I am fi lled with awe at to help them. which means as parents become the work of the Holy Spirit. People may need us simply older and frailer, it is diffi cult for Many Vincentian Brothers and to give them advice, signpost families to help them. Sisters have inspired me over the them in the right direction, I have experienced many eld- years. The conference meetings are or just comfort them for a erly people who really appreciate a great support, where problems and while. and look forward to a visit from the ideas are shared and where the con- I am thankful for the leader- SSVP. ference prayers help recharge my ship Frederic showed us, and Very often, my faith has been batteries – thus enabling me to carry along with my fellow broth- strengthened, especially on cold win- on with the work of the SSVP. ers and sisters, I pray that he becomes a saint one day. My experience as a member “I have brought the blessed has led me to my vocation in social care and if we can sacrament to someone who has been all help at least one person a week then we will continue close to death ... when they see the Frederic’s legacy. A quote often attributed host, their eyes and I am to Mother Teresa neatly light up sums up what SSVP members try to achieve: “We can fi lled with awe at the work of the do no great things, only small Holy Spirit” things with great love.”