BUILDING COMMUNITY
Silly Geese - or are they? By flying in a v-formation, as each bird flaps its wings the whole flock adds 71% more flying range than if each bird flew alone.
People who share a common direction and a sense of community can get where they want to more quickly and easily because they are travelling on the thrust generated by all.
When the lead goose gets tired it rotates back into the formation so that it can continue to take advantage of the lifting power immediately in front. The geese in formation honk from behind to en-courage those up front to keep up their speed. We need to be sure that our honking from behind is encouragement (and not something else). When a goose gets sick or wounded or shot down, two geese will drop out of formation and follow the one to help and protect. They stay with the other until that one is either able to fly again or dies.
If we have as much sense as geese we will stand by each other in all circumstances.
Lord, you give marvellous, inbred wisdom to your creatures, instill in us the wisdom we need to carry on your work with the love for each other that will enable us to succeed.
SVP - TRUE CHRISTIANITY IN ACTION
The SVP provide aid, material and spiritual support to other Third World countries. It is not just a parochial organisation. However, much of the practical work in the Society is carried on within the Parishes.
The Society was the brainchild of a 19-year-old student named Frederic Ozanam, (beatified by Pope John Paul in Paris in 1997). In the unsettled period of the 1830's in Paris, the period in which Victor Hugo set his story Le Miserables, poverty abounded. Frederic and his friends were challenged to put their Christianity to practical use to help the poor of the city, and so the Society was born. They put the Society under the patronage of St Vincent de Paul, a saint who was dedicated to giving help to the poor 200 years before.
The St Vincent de Paul Society is usually seen as a group of Catholics helping and supporting others within a Parish. Yet it has a wonderful network at local, area and national level. I once was asked to help organise a visit to someone who moved from Portsmouth to Hull. The lady was visited within 48 hours of her arrival in Hull.
The poverty that existed in Frederic’s day has changed radically. However it still exists and the Society still works hard to address the changing needs. Mother Teresa described loneliness as the greatest form of poverty in the western world. There is a need for people to know that they are loved and that someone cares about them.
There are many elderly people who live alone, in some cases they may have no close relatives, or their own children may live far away. SVP members spend a lot of time visiting the elderly, many of whom are housebound and feel isolated. They appreciate a friendly face and a chat. To know someone who cares is in some instances a lifeline.
The elderly still need to shop, to change a light bulb. There are numerous little things that you and I find easy to do which can prove to be a real problem to someone who is elderly. Help for the elderly involves in many instances, taking Holy Communion where those we visit are Catholic. If they are mobile and we can get the person to Mass, then that is truly a fulfilling visit.
However, perhaps the most rewarding part of being a Society member is that we meet on a one-to-one basis and many friendships have been forged in the visits that are made. True care and true Christianity in action.
HUGGING
Feels Good
Dispels Loneliness
Overcomes Fears Builds Self-esteem
(Wow! They Actually Want To Hug Me!)
Slows Down Ageing,
Huggers Stay Younger Longer
Eases Tension
Fights Insomnia
Keeps Arm & Shoulder Muscles In Good Condition
Is Ecologically Sound,
Does Not Upset The Environment
Is Democratic,
Anyone Is Eligible For A Hug
Is Portable
Affirms Physical Well-being
Is Energy-efficient, Saves Heat
Makes Impossible Days Possible
Makes Happier Days Happier
