“Charity opens the heart and triggers dialogue so much desired by the Church. It unveils to the poor man, the true image of God.”
– Rev. Joseph Jamet, C.M.

– Lord, keep me mindful that few problems will not respond to dialogue undertaken with good will and respect.

“Always, the hand of God is outstretched for those who wish to clasp it.”
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Lord, what would I ever do without your support? Take my hand and lead me because so often I don’t know where to go or what to do.

“It is an obligation for us to inconvenience ourselves for the service of the poor.” (CCD 7:52)
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Lord, teach me patience in the face of obstacles I sometimes meet as I perform my daily work. Help me to do this work even when it is unappealing. With you all things are possible!

“Overcome your timidity and go out boldly into the slums and visit those unknown to you who have never come near your parish church.”
– Bl. Frederic Ozanam

– What is my attitude toward the homeless, the derelict, the abused or the AIDS sufferer? Lord, give me the courage and compassion to seek out the poor more directly.

“God wishes you to attend to your patients’ spiritual necessities as well as their physical needs.” (CCD X:538)
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Sickness is a very vulnerable time in anyone’s life. Heavenly Father, keep me aware that you are at work in those who are suffering and how necessary it is to support the spiritual healing that may be taking place.

“God makes the interests of the afflicted his own.” (SW:668)
– St. Louise de Marillac

“The Lord is close to the broken-hearted; and those who are crushed in spirit He saves.” Psalm 34:18

“Every ward of a hospital is a chapel wherein Jesus resides.”
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Whenever I visit a hospital, Lord, your presence is very near. May everything I say or do for the sick be done to comfort and console as you would have me do.

“To commit ourselves to Him for strength and refuge is the only relief from thoughts which would overpower the mind that did not resist them.” (CW 1:129)
– St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

– Lord, teach me how to let go and trust you, so my faith can grow and my hope increase.

“Have foresight when tending your patients; anticipate their needs.” (CCD 13b:126, 198)
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Whether or not my work directly involves the sick, I know, Lord, the only way to anticipate the needs of others is to put myself in their place. Help me to put the needs of others above my own.

“Our vocation places us in the midst of the poor to whom we give the best of ourselves.”
– Mother Chiron, D.C.

– Lord, help me to remember that only my best is good enough for those I will be serving today.