January 9

After Jesus was baptized, he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and a voice was heard “This is my beloved Son, with whomI am well pleased.” As we give to the poor and see Jesus in them, we also can hear these same words. 

Through Baptism, we share in Christ’s mission “to bring glad tidings to the poor...proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free.” Poverty is often revealed in hunger and malnutrition, in limited access to education and other basic services,    in social discrimination, and in restricted access to democratic participation. And these are merely some of the poverty’s many manifestations. Nelson Mandela said this of poverty: “Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made, and it can be overcome and eradicated by the action of human beings. And overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life. While poverty persists, there is no true freedom.”

January is National Poverty Awareness Month. More than 40 million Americans live in poverty, but we can (and must) eradicate poverty. Reaching out to and advocating for and with persons in poverty locally and globally is part of each Christian’s baptismal call. As we help those who are suffering, each of us will hear the truth of the words, “you are my beloved in whom I am well pleased.” Caring for the poor and marginalized was precisely what Jesus Christ did. That, too, was what St. Vincent de Paul and all God’s saints did. May we be strengthened to do the same.

More frequently than in the past, St. James Vincentians found it appropriate to help callers asking for motel vouchers and automotive needs (repairs, tires, gas vouchers in par- ticular) among other less common requests. By mid-September, the total amount of assistance provided to our needy neighbors was approaching $100,000 in direct financial aid and in-kind items (furniture, food, etc.). Thank you, St. James parishioners for providing the resources that allow us to ask our callers, “What can we do for you?” and then respond with support and love.

As you consider your gift to the poor through the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, in your heart you will also find the good news of God's love. Donations may be addressed to Society of St. Vincent de Paul 1275 B Street, Davis, CA 95616.  

For further information about our conference and its work, please contact our president, Dick Hoenisch, at .

St. Vincent de Paul of Davis

assistance line: 530-979-4338