After being without officers for more than three years, the Peoria Diocesan Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul has a new leadership team. Serving as president will be Emiel Michelet, a member of Holy Family Parish, Peoria.
He will be assisted by Marvin Schneider, also of Holy Family parish, as vice president; Chris Teuerle, of Blessed Sacrement Parish, Morton, treasurer; and Willa Gibbemeyer of Corpus Christi Parish, Galesburg, secretary.
In addtion, Deacon Steve Cenek of St. Ann’s Parish, Peoria, has been named the diocesan St. Vincent de Paul spiritual advisor by Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, who has pledged his full support for the team and the society’s mission.
The mission of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is to lead women and men “to grow spiritually by offering person to person service to those who are needy and suffering in the tradition of its founder, Blessed Frederic Ozanam.” That work includes food pantries, meals, assistance with rent and utilities, fuel, temporary housing and other emergency needs.
An orientation session for current and prospective members is planned for Saturday, Feb. 7, from 8 a.m. to noon in the new St. Ann’s Parish Center, 1010 S. Louisa St., Peoria.