During the Summer months, this column will be highlighting the good work and parishioners involved in one of our various Parish Ministries.  Each week, we will feature an article from a different ministry, written by one if its members, as a reflection on the generosity and stewardship of the SMOS community.

St. Vincent de Paul Society Reflection

by Dave Greiner

The St. Margaret of Scotland St. Vincent DePaul Conference is constantly helping our neighbors in need.

We provide assistance with Utilities, Electric and Gas, and Rent Payments.  We work in tandem with the Isaiah 58 food pantry on South Grand.  We visit our neighbors in need to offer a prayerful experience and to help determine what needs are best addressed on an individual basis.  There are multiple St. Vincent DePaul Thrift Stores around the St. Louis area that offer bargains on everyday items.  These items range from kitchen utensils, men’s, ladies and children’s clothing, furniture, household items, beds and bedding (Bed Vouchers are available upon request).  

Our neighbors are in constant need.  Our Winter Outreach Program helps propel us through the better part of the year, but we rely on your monthly donations to keep the utilities on for many of our clients.  Donations can be made online, visit the SMOS Parish Website and go to the WeShare link and set up an ongoing monthly donation to St. Vincent DePaul.

For those with a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD), you may avoid paying any taxes on this RMD or be able to increase your donation without spending any additional out of pocket money.  The current tax law does not require income taxes paid on the amount of the RMD that goes to charity.  You can also divide the RMD among more than one charity, as, for instance, to the parish and to the SMOS St. Vincent de Paul Society.  You just need to notify the agency that holds your retirement accounts how much you want sent to each charity in separate checks.  

We meet once a month on the 1st Sunday after the 10:00am Sunday Mass in the Canmore Meeting Room in the rectory. All are invited to join us and find out more about what we do. Our next meeting will be August 6, 2023.

If you are interested in finding out more about your St. Vincent DePaul, come to a meeting or reach out to me at dave.greiner@emsdoors.com or call me at 314-520-0429.

Thanks for your support,

Dave Greiner
President – St. Margaret of Scotland SVDP