On March 21, 1865, St. Peter Julian made a vow of personality; he said, the gift of self is a sacrifice; it is the most glorious and most noble act that we could do—to give oneself completely to God.

 

     In this spirit, the Board inaugurated the practice of an annual Gift of Love to contribute to the needs of the Aggregation and Congregation to support local, provincial, and world mission making known the love of God throughout the world. Rule #28

 

     December 9, 2022, will mark the 10th Anniversary of the Aggregation at Saint Vincent de Paul. During these years, modest charitable outreach to the Aggregation has been maintained through the generosity of our Eymardian family with a pay-as-we-go type system and will remain in place. The Lord has blessed our growth with increased membership; however, fiscal obligation calls for creative budgeting. “Associates will contribute to the annual budget approved for the needs of the life of the Association, and will share in the initiatives and works of charity promoted by the Aggregation.” Rule #28  

 

     We support the Annual Partners in Mission Appeal to the Congregation; but, we also

 encourage our associates to contact Scott Gongos in Cleveland to donate.

 

     Your generosity allows us to establish means to support the associates and support the running of our local parish branch, outreach for the sick, those grieving, our priests, and support for the Mission Appeal to the Congregation.
 

     We have chosen to follow the example found in scripture, “The community was of one heart and mind, and with great power bore witness to Jesus, and great favor was accorded to them,” Acts 4:32. Early Christians shared all things, and there was no needy person among them, 4:34. This proposal is modest and encourages us to imitate community life so that we may bear witness to the love of God present to us in the Eucharist. Our Eucharistic vocation enables us to share a compassionate love for community family as our founder. A great light shines upon us so that no rain shall douse its flames.

 

     In keeping with the spirit of Saint Peter Julian's Gift of Self, the Associates will contribute a "Gift of Love" according to their means. Thus, the giving of talent, time, and treasurer follows the inspiration of our founder: “You must give yourself to our Lord to the extent that your heart will become His heart, and your life, His life.” Christ became poor for us so that we might share in the riches of God. Associates commit joyfully with the gift of self to living a Eucharistic life as we find in Saint Paul; "Each one must give as a donation".  

 

     May God continue to bless us and keep us inspired and grace-filled through Eucharistic love.  

 

     With deepest gratitude, Your Associate Board