Next Meeting
When: Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023 from 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Where: Parish Life Center, 32 St. Gregory the Great Drive, Bluffton, SC 29909
“Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine,
you did for me.” Matthew 25:40
Who is that “least brother?” It’s interesting that Jesus specifically points to the
person considered the least, as opposed to a more general statement that includes
all people. Why not say, “Whatever you do to others…?” This would include all
whom we serve. But instead, Jesus pointed to the least brother. Perhaps this should
be seen, especially, as the most sinful person, the weakest, the most gravely ill, the
incapacitated, the hungry and the homeless, and all those who have pronounced
needs in this life.
The most beautiful and touching part about this statement is that Jesus identifies
Himself with the person in need, the “least” of all. By serving those in special
need, we are serving Jesus. But for Him to be able to say that, He has to be
intimately united with these people. And by showing such an intimate connection
to them, Jesus reveals their infinite dignity as persons.
Reflect, today, upon the dignity of each and every person. Try to call to mind
anyone you may fail to look at with perfect respect. Who is it you look down upon
and roll your eyes at? Who is it you judge or disdain? It is within this person,
more than any other, that Jesus waits for you. He waits to meet you and to have
you love Him in the weak and the sinner. Reflect upon their dignity. Identify the
person who fits this description the most in your life and commit yourself to love
and serve them. For in them you will love and serve our Lord.
Dear Lord, I do understand and believe that You are present, in hidden form, in the
weakest of the weak, the poorest of the poor and in the sinner in our midst. Help
me to diligently seek You out in each and every person I encounter, especially those
in most need. As I find You, may I love You and serve You with my whole heart.
Jesus, I trust in You.
—–My Catholic Life
Our Mission Statement
Inspired by Gospel values, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a Catholic lay organization, leads women and men to join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to those who are needy and suffering in the tradition of its founder, Blessed Frederic Ozanam, and patron, St. Vincent de Paul.
As a reflection of the whole family of God, members, who are known as Vincentians, are drawn from every ethnic and cultural background, age group, and economic level. Vincentians are united in an international society of charity by their spirit of poverty, humility and sharing, which is nourished by prayer and reflection, mutually supportive gatherings and adherence to basic Rule.
Organized locally, Vincentians witness God’s love by embracing all works of charity and justice. The Society collaborates with other people of good will in relieving need and addressing its causes, making no distinction in those served because, in them, Vincentians see the face of Christ.
Deacon Thomas J. Berney
Conference Overview
Many conferences of St. Vincent de Paul around the country run food banks of thrift stores. The Deacon Thomas J. Berney Conference has decided, instead, to get more deeply and personally involved in the lives of the poor in our community. To that end we run a helpline which is available for those un need to call to request assistance with any acute financial burden that is currently affecting their lives. Prior to starting the conference in 2010, Deacon Berney was the primary social outreach resource at St. Gregory the Great. His untimely death in 2009 left a void in our community. We are trying to fill that void and keep his memory alive through our work.
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