St. Vincent De Paul Society (SVDP)

HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul evolved from the “Conference of Charity” founded by Frederick Ozanam in Paris in April of 1833. He and a group of six other students decided to form a charity in order to remain faithful to their baptismal promises and perform the essential duties of the Christian life by helping others. These ideas were in keeping with the tradition of St. Vincent de Paul, whom the group chose as their patron.

Over the next 30 years, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul grew rapidly throughout Europe and the United States. The story of the Society in the United States constitutes a significant chapter in Catholic social action and awareness in the development of the Catholic Charities movement. Today, the Society is represented in every diocese in the U.S. with over 160,000 volunteers.

Blessed Frederick Ozanam was beatified by St. Pope John Paul II in the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris in 1997. His feast day is September 9. Learn more about our history at http://www.svdpusa.org

THERE IS A ROLE FOR YOU IN OUR WORK HELPING OUR NEIGHBORS IN NEED
We provide food, help with rent, and other material assistance, along with spiritual comfort to neighbors in need. We try to be the hands, feet, eyes and ears of Jesus. Our monthly meetings and other social gatherings deepen our Vincentian spirituality and friendship among members.
When a neighbor contacts us, we meet with the neighbor by phone or in the neighbor’s home to determine how best we can help. For those not comfortable making home visits, there are many other ways to participate.

You can help with the quarterly collections after mass or with making sandwiches for St Lawrence Haven. Along with other volunteers from the parish, we make sandwiches on the 3^rd Sunday of each month after the 8:45 a.m. mass in the old rectory. We assist the OLP school children in making sandwiches during the school year.

We also need help with the fall St Francis Center Drive or the purchasing of items needed by our neighbors. Just as important is the advice and prayer support you can share. There a role for you, and we would love to have you join us.   
 
If you know someone who is in need of assistance, a call can be made to the parish office (614-263-8824 and select extension 2) or call the SVdP phone directly 614-302-2517. (Please do NOT call the parish “Sacramental Emergency” line for SVdP help, no matter how urgent the need.)

HOW TO JOIN
To be part of this very rewarding ministry, come and introduce yourself at any “Sandwich Sunday” or join our monthly meeting (second Sunday of the month in the old rectory). You may also email us at the contact information below.