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St. Vincent de Paul Society
How did it start?
Founded in 1833 in Paris France, a small
group of university students led by Frederic Ozanam, sought a way to bear
witness to the Gospel, develop their own spirituality and relieve the suffering
of people in need. They recognized the responsibility of lay people to minister
to those in need through personal contact.
Why is it called the Vincent de Paul Society?
The patron
is St. Vincent de Paul, the 17th century priest who ministered to the needy and
organized religious lay women and men to participate in and lead a ministry of
service.
What is the connection to the Parish Christian Service
Commission.?
A local Chapter functions at Christ the Good Shepherd
parish. Because of its service orientation, representatives of SVDP serve on the
Christian Service commission to collaborate when necessary and reduce any
duplication of efforts.
What are the St. Vincent de Paul activities in our parish?
The Parish St. Vincent de Paul Society though, as an independent Catholic
organization has its own service efforts.
1. Two People make home visits to determine client's needs. Members
can determine the level of need and can provide limited help with vouchers for
necessary goods like clothing or food or other specified needs.
To initiate this process, the person in need calls the parish office and the
call is forwarded to a St. Vincent de Paul member. The members work in teams of
two persons to do the home visit.
2. Members do a monthly food collection used for home visits and a local
food pantry. The parishioners at Christ the Good Shepherd participate in the
food collection on the last Sunday of every month, by bringing non-perishable
foods to the church before each Mass.
3. Members hold annual food
collections for Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets delivered to clients. Anyone
who wishes may recommend persons in need to the parish office and the names are
referred to Members of St. Vincent De Paul members. Everything possible is done
to guarantee the anonymity and privacy of the recipient.
4. St.
Vincent de Paul sponsors a summer camp for children in need. Anyone can make a
recommendation to St. Vincent de Paul Society for the
camp.
When does it meet?
St. Vincent de Paul
Society holds meetings on the third Tuesday of the month, Sept –May, at 7:45 in the
Parish Library.
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