Recent Events & News

We would like to keep this page current, informative and interesting

but

we need your news, your stories, your photos - about members,
conferences, councils and events. 
Let us know about a successful recruitment drive, a special celebration,
the death of a member, and other news that will be of
interest to your fellow Vincentians.

 Please send to: brian@ssvptoronto.ca

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In loving memory of Rev. Tom Day

Father Tom Day was an active spiritual advisor for Toronto Central Council in the 1990's. He was very devoted to looking after persons in need and continued that outreach as the Chaplin for Marygrove Camp for the past 7 summers. Father Tom often said he was blessed to have the privilege of spending time with the children at Marygrove which was a true reflection of his desire to serve. He will be missed.

Father Tom Day is the brother of Brother David Day who serves on our Finance Committee, and brother-in-law to Jeannie Day, Chairperson of our Shelter Committee.

 Obituary (from Toronto Star)

 REVEREND THOMAS JOSEPH DAY Died peacefully on Saturday, May 22, 2010 at Southlake Regional Health Centre, Newmarket, aged 75 years. Son of Thomas Joseph Day and Carmen Dupuis. Brother of Jacques, Gerald (Virginia), David (Jean) and Blair (Elizabeth). Surrogate parent and grandparent of Tam (Bich) and their children Jessica, Michelle, Allan, Thomas and Daviet; and of Phin (Shannon) and their children Tanner, Ty, Jazmine and Mason. Fr. Tom also leaves many nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews. Father Tom was ordained to the priesthood on June 2, 1962 by Archbishop Philip Pocock. He served as: Pastor at St. Teresa's, St. Boniface and St. Paul's Basilica, Associate Pastor at St. Joseph's, St. Lawrence Martyr, Corpus Christi, St. Brigid's, All Saints and as Chaplain, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Toronto Central Council, Port of Toronto and Pearson International Airport. He was Chaplain of the Ontario Provincial Police for many years; Trustee of the Metropolitan Separate School Board (then so called); key supporter in the very early years and currently honorary director of the Regent Park School of Music; His pride and joy was the Cardinal Carter Breakfast Club for students, which he founded. His energies contributed greatly to the dedication of St. Paul's as a Minor Basilica by Pope John Paul II.

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Remembering Paula Finbow

by Jim Paddon, Vice-President, Ontario Council Society of Saint Vincent de Paul

It is with profound sadness that I had to accept the death notice of Paula Finbow last
month.   Paula was president of the Etobicoke Council of the Society of Saint Vincent
de Paul and was a member of our Ontario Council's Voice of The Poor advocacy
committee, of which I am the Chair. Paula was a true friend of the poor and a
strong advocate of the changes needed in Ontario and Canada to address
poverty reduction. She attended several ISARC meetings, either with me,
or in my place, and she was certainly a strong supporter of ISARC. Paula spoke at
ISARC’s April 2009 Religious Leaders Forum, reflecting on
 her involvement in the Prayer Vigil.

Her death leaves a large void in our advocacy efforts but her memory
will help to sustain us in our continued work. May God bless her and the many people
living in poverty whose lives she touched.

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Conferences were asked to give input on the directions and goals being considered by the Strategic Planning Committee.  Here is one of the thoughtful responses, submitted by St. Clement conference. Read response

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A letter of appreciation from the

Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board

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 Toronto Star Article

     An article in the Toronto Star highlights the service of one of our wonderful Vincentians, Giovanna DiSerio.    Read the article

What a wonderful tribute to the life-changing work being done by
the staff of Ozanam House and our VincenPaul Community Homes. 

Read Jeff's story.

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Annual Mass & Dinner 2009

What a wonderful evening - Dec. 6, 2009, at Sts. Martha & Mary Church. 
We prayed (our celebrant was Monsignor Samuel Bianco),
we ate a delicious meal, we sang carols, we danced, and, most importantly,
we enjoyed each others company.

see photos

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Your Toronto Central Council Board

William Graham, Peel North; Ed Koen, TCC V.P., Pat Jordan, Treasurer;
Danny Bourne, TCC President; Jack Parr Vijinski, Toronto West;
Phil Taylor, Toronto North; Bey Grieve, Toronto East

front row, left to right

Carol Roberts, Scarborough West, Theresa Riccardi, York South;
Cecilia Gallivan, Scarborough East; Paula Finbow, Etobicoke

Not shown in the photo:  Ninian Prabhu, Peel; Elizabeth Belen,
Humber Valley; Ed Jones, Durham

More photos

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AGM 2009

On Saturday, September 26 we held a very successful Annual General Meeting. 
Approximately 220 Vincentians came together to pray, to conduct business,
to learn, to be inspired, and to enjoy the company of fellow Vincentians.

As with all Vincentian gatherings, the day started with prayer and spiritual reflection. 
The business potion of the day included the treasurer's report,
and addresses by the president of Toronto Central Council,
Danny Bourne, and Louise Coutu, the executive director.

The newly appointed spiritual director for Toronto Central Council,
Monsignor Sam Bianco, delivered an inspirational keynote address. 
This was followed by moving testimonials from two former residents
of our special works programs.

After a delicious lunch and time to socialize, the participants
attended two workshops in the afternoon on topics such as
Service, Vincentian Spirituality, Revitalizing Your Conference and
Conference Presidents' Forum.   
The day ended with a beautiful mass, celebrated by Monsignor Bianco.

see photos

Toronto Central Council 2009

Board Committee Reports

Special Works Committee Reports

Volunteer Opportunities Handbook

This booklet briefly describes 50 opportunities for Vincentians to volunteer in one
of our Special Works and provides contact information. 
This is another way for us to serve those in need.  Share your gifts
with one or more of our residents.

Speaking to your parishioners

Educated parishioners are more likely to donate and become members. 
We can help 

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