This window captures St. Vincent’s vision of service as a response to the Gospel. The four symbols of the Evangelists, the Cross, the Children and scene of Marseilles Harbour each capture an important aspect of his down to earth yet profound faith.

The corners contain a symbol of the four Gospels which act as the framework for Vincent’s practical response. Vincent embracing children in a spirit of love expresses his practical concern for the poor. For Vincent it wasn’t enough just to be enthused about the Gospel, one had to serve the poor to ‘touch God’. The Cross was central to his prayer life as a missionary. In Marseilles Vincent came face to face with the harsh realities of poverty in his own time .

Artist Ray Carrol

Location: St. Peter's Phibsboro,
Dublin 7, Ireland

Our Parish program to feed the needy in our Parish community has been in operation since 1982. The progam was established in part by Kathleen and Owen Foley and David Donavan who still serve the needy through this ministry.

We want to continue our ministry to the needy. The number of Feed the Hungry volunteers over the years has decreased. The majority of our volunteers have at least 10 years of service in this ministry. They are dedicated and have satisfaction in the results of their service. We have seen our volunteer numbers decrease SOME some new volunteers come into the ministry. We have managed to provide our one meal each week with the existing number of volunteers. Unfortunately the age and health of our volunteers is beginning to show and affect the individuals and their continued efforts in the ministry. We do want all able bodied parishioners to consider the Feed the Hungry Ministry for service to the Lord.

Funding for the program comes from the generous donations of Parishioners. The financial support provides the means for us to carry out our parish's commitment to feed the needy in our community. We also receive foodstuffs from various retail organizations.

Food Pantry Program:
2007 Food Pantry Slide Show

Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish provides a neighborhood (within Parish boundaries food bank program. In 2006, we provided 920 families 6976 bags of food, retail value estimated at $76,750.

People needing assistance with food are given 3 days of groceries every 30 days. Recipients are eligible for assistance once every 30 days. Identification for themselves and all family members is required. Available to those in need are also vouchers that can be used at the local St. Vincent DePaul Thrift Store in Citrus Heights (2 blocks east of Sunrise Shopping Center).

People need food for many reason. High fuel costs and expensive housing are making it difficult for families to make ends meet. In most people's budget, food dollars are the last dollars spent. If any other crisis comes up they do not have enough to buy the food they need. Then, they come to pantries such as ours for help.

Other items, such as paper goods, soaps, special needs items, find their way to the "Goodie Bag" where those in need, may help themselves.

Donations of canned and nonperishable food are always needed. The pantry also has several freezers to store meat for donation. If you or your organization is able to provide food please call the office at 485-3482.

Food drives by Presentation School and Boy Scouts provide enough non-perisable food to last six to seven months. Lost cost supplies are obtained from Senior Gleaners each week. Donations of baked goods are obtained from La Bou, and Winco Foods weekly. Trader Joe's donated pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving.

We also need volunteers to to stock our pantry and host our customers. If you are interested call the office at 485-3492.

Hours of operation:
For Donations and stocking Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:00am to 11:am. Distribution (in the parking lot) 10:00am Thursday sharp.

St. Vincent's Kitchen:
2007 Feed the Hungry Slide Show

Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish provides a hot lunch program open to all. In 2006, we served 2,980 hot lunches with a estimated value of $14,900.

People attending our St. Vincent's Kitchen Progam at the Nano Nagle building on the Parish grounds are welcomed to a pleasant lunch very similar to a resturant, including flowers on the table. Our commercial kitchen is able to feed up to 100 at a time.

Volunteers spend one Saturday each month providing this ministry.

Holiday meals such as Easter Brunch, Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinners as well as a St. Patricks Dinner are served by the organization.

The Parish members are also invited during special celebrations such as Lenten Soup and the Pastor's birthday celebrations. The Society may provide other catering for special Parish events.

Weekly Lunch is served Saturday at 11:30 to 12:30 (doors open at 11:15)

Youth Community Service Hours:

Community Service Hours may be earned by Presentation School 8th graders and local Catholic High Schools. Presentation service hours must be coordinated with the 8th grade instructor, others should coordinate with Sr. Julianna at the Parish Education Office 482-8883.