Claire Heinen, center, surrounded by family.

New Affiliates of the Vincentians are Honored

An Affiliate of the Congregation of the Mission is someone who has been connected with the works of the Vincentians for an extended period of time, and demonstrated their personal commitment to living the Vincentian spirit and charism. In September, the Southern Province honored four newly appointed Affiliates at Holy Trinity Parish in Dallas.

Once nominated by members of the Vincentian community, an Affiliate must be approved by the Superior General in Rome. “This honor means we consider you as a layperson attached to us and sharing in the graces of all our prayers and works as we strive to serve the Lord our God,” Father Dan Borlik, CM, Provincial Superior, told the new Affiliates. “We are grateful for our association with you and your good example,” he said.

Only nine other people have been honored as Affiliates by the Southern Province since 1977. The new Affiliates are: John and Kathy Palter, lawyers who have shared their legal expertise with the Southern Province for more than 10 years, consulting with various boards and assisting in formulating provincial policies, and assuring “safe environment” practices.

Clare Heinen, an active and involved friend of the Vincentians at Holy Trinity Parish for more than 40 years. She has hosted many Vincentians at her home one block from the church over the years, and helped in countless other ways to fulfill the Vincentian mission. Incidentally, she is also the mother of Father Miles Heinen, CM.

Peter Tierney, the Province’s primary legal counsel for more than two decades, has donated his time and the resources of his law firm in selfless service to the Vincentians.

The Southern Province also bestowed the Saint Vincent de Paul Award on four other devoted collaborators: Elia Meyers, Elaine Manuel Ross, Benny Ruiz, Jr., and Joe Lang (posthumously). “These award recipients have manifested devotion to the Vincentian ideal of service to the poor in various ways, and have served our community over a long period of time,” said Fr. Borlik. “Today, we Vincentians say ‘thank you.’”

Left: Peter Tierney and his wife, Caroline. Right: John and Kathy Palter, with their children.