To all Members,

“The Word was made flesh, and lived among us…”

As Christmas approaches and on behalf of the NSW State Council, we wanted to take a moment to extend our warmest Christmas wishes to you and your loved ones. 

We often think of Christmas as the end of a year. However, on a deeper level, it is helpful to think of Christmas as the beginning. After the joy, rest and stillness of Christmas, we return restored by peace and filled with renewed vigour of a New Year.

We are then called to bring the spirit of Christmas into our mission and work, as so aptly reflected by American civil rights leader Howard Thurman, in “Now the Work of Christmas Begins”:

When the song of the angels is stilled, when the star in the sky is gone, when the kings and princes are home,

when the shepherds are back with their flocks, the work of Christmas begins:

to find the lost, to heal the broken,

to feed the hungry, to release the prisoner,

to rebuild the nations, to bring peace among the people, to make music in the heart.

In this season of celebration, the complexities and challenges of life can be especially clear for many of us and many of the people we assist. It is the perfect time to recognise the call to stand with others, in solidarity and as a love-base response.

May this time serve as a time for coming together, cherishing moments, expressing gratitude and reflecting on what is most important.

As 2025 ends, we want to express our heartfelt thanks for your outstanding contributions and unwavering dedication. We acknowledge and deeply appreciate the support of member’s families throughout the year too, enabling, assisting and support the vital work in the communities. Each one of you has played a crucial role in the success and impact of our organisation. Your commitment to our mission has been the driving force behind our achievements, and we are truly grateful for the passion and enthusiasm you bring to the St Vincent de Paul Society every day.

Thank you once again for your exceptional contributions to the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW. 

Wishing you a merry Christmas and a safe and joy filled New Year.

Peter Houwelling, St Vincent de Paul NSW State Council President and

Leo Tucker, Executive Director Mission & Spirituality