Thursday, 06 September 2012 08:41

Bishop Michael O. Jackels will put on his episcopal sneakers later this month to participate in one of the three diocesan Friends of the Poor Walk events.
The walks are an annual fundraiser organized by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul to raise awareness of the challenges faced by the nation’s poor and to raise funds to assist those in need.  All money raised will be used by local conferences to serve the poor in the diocese.
Assistance is provided after Society of St. Vincent de Paul volunteers (called Vincentians) perform a “home visit,” to determine need, such as rent, utilities, gasoline, or food.
“This is our fifth annual walk in the diocese and we encourage everyone to join us to learn more about the work of Vincentians,” said Pat Burns, president of the Wichita Council. “Come walk with us and to stand up for those in need in our community.”
Art contest deadline is Sept. 18
A diocesan art contest is being held for children to promote involvement in the walk. The theme of the contest is The Work of St. Vincent de Paul, such as serving the poor, visiting the lonely, and assisting those in need. The winner of the art contest and his parents will be given the opportunity to have dinner with Bishop Jackels.
The winner will also be featured in an upcoming article in the Catholic Advance. The artwork of the top conference winners will be displayed at Bungalow 26, 613 W. Douglas Ave, Wichita, during the Final Friday event Sept. 28.

Want to walk for the poor?
Here are the dates and times for the three walks in the Diocese of Wichita:
Wichita area
• Sunday, Sept. 16, St. Vincent De Paul parish, 123 N. Andover Road, Andover. Registration is from 9 to 10 a.m. with the walk from 10 to 11 a.m. The walk is being held in conjunction with the parish’s annual picnic. Walkers, volunteers, and sponsors are needed. Those interested should contact Mark Benson at (316) 239-5300, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
• Saturday, Sept. 22, Bishop Carroll Catholic High School track, 8101 W. Central, Wichita. Bishop Jackels will walk in the kickoff lap at 9:30 a.m. with walk times from 8:30 to 11 a.m.
Hutchinson
• Saturday, Sept. 29, Holy Cross Parish, Hutchinson, registration 9:30 walk 10-11:30 a.m.
Those who would like to support a parish, the St. Vincent de Paul Conference, or a walker, or would like to participate in the walk, contact Pat Burns at (316) 721-8622.  Walkers can register via the internet at http://www.svdpusa.net/pledgathon/public/index.php.
Want to enter the art contest?
Students interested in the art contest may submit their entry to their school, to their parish, or to St. Vincent de Paul conference. Art work should be on 8 1/2 by 11 inch paper. If a parish does not have a conference, entrants may call (316) 208-6773) for pick-up. The deadline is Sept. 18.