The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, an international lay Catholic organization, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, offers support to needy families and individuals. The Society also sponsors the Meals on Wheels program, and is affiliated with the Compassionate Care Ministry, Parish Nursing Program and God’s Food Pantry. No act of charity is beyond the scope of this Catholic lay organization.
What does the Society of St. Vincent de Paul do?
Currently, in the Blessed Sacrament Conference, we primarily do three things:
- Respond to calls of those in need (rent assistance, utility assistance, food, gasoline, bus ticket, etc.)
- Coordinate weekend Meals on Wheels twice a year
- Visit the elderly at the Catholic Care Center
How do those in need contact you?
Usually, the parish secretary receives calls from individuals needing help, and the calls are passed on to us. A call is then placed to our St. Vincent de Paul Conference cell phone number, and whoever is in charge of our phone handles the call accordingly. For example, if a “client” requests emergency assistance, the Conference member receiving the call contacts other Conference members to arrange a “home visit”, and obtain a better understanding of the client’s unique situation. (Note: When we make a “home visit” to the person or family in need, we are required to visit in pairs.) Based on the outcome of the “home visit”, other Parish organizations may be contacted for additional help (i.e. Compassionate Care Ministry, Parish Nursing Program, etc.)
What are your limitations when you help someone?
We have a fairly small budget, so we are limited. We usually analyze the need and make a determination based on what we learn from our client during the “home visit”. Perhaps we will make a rent payment, pay a pressing utility bill, and/or give them a grocery store voucher for groceries or gasoline. Additionally, we may be able to offer suggestions for other sources of assistance (Food Pantries, and other agencies). Due to financial constraints we are only able to help someone with monetary assistance once a year.
How do you obtain funding?
The primary way we obtain money with which we help the poor is through the Parish’s annual Thanksgiving collection. Additionally, Blessed Sacrament’s St. Vincent de Paul Conference is supported by a large number of generous benefactors who make donations throughout the year. Finally, during each of our St. Vincent de Paul business meetings, Vincentians take up a “secret collection” amongst the members.
How often do you meet?
We meet twice a month, on the first Sunday of the month, after the 9pm Mass, and on the third Tuesday of the month, at 6:30pm in the Bishop Gerber room in the Parish Hall.
What is the purpose of the meetings?
These are standard business meetings, where we review our Treasurer’s report and meeting minutes from the previous meeting, review acts of assistance we’ve performed since our last meeting, and plan for any upcoming conference activity (Catholic Care Center visits, approval of unusual financial requests, communication, etc.). However, in addition to the business aspect of the meeting, there is also a spiritual side, to promote the spiritual nature of the Society of St. Vincent De Paul. The meeting opens and closes with prayers, and we have a Spiritual reading as well. The meeting is an opportunity to bond and create deeper friendships with our fellow Vincentians, and develop our own spirituality. Father Biltz is our spiritual adviser.
How long has the Society of St. Vincent de Paul existed?
The St. Vincent de Paul Society, an international lay Catholic organization, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, offers support to needy families and individuals. The Society also sponsors the Meals on Wheels program, and is affiliated with the Compassionate Care Ministry, Parish Nursing Program and God’s Food Pantry. No act of charity is beyond the scope of this Catholic lay organization.
How long has the Conference existed?
We believe the Blessed Sacrament conference was formed in perhaps the 1950’s. During that time, the Conference has helped hundreds and hundreds of people.
If I become involved, what would I do?
Due to the broad mission of St. Vincent de Paul, there are many opportunities to volunteer, depending on your interests. If you want to become involved in helping those in need directly, you can help go on “home visits”. Additionally, you can visit the elderly at the Catholic Center, help with writing bulletin articles to promote the Society, develop a Parish conference web site or Facebook site, help deliver donated furniture and appliances to those in need, etc.
How can I learn more about the Society?
The Society has published guidelines that describe in detail the Society’s philosophy and guiding principles. It is called “The Rule”, and we will be glad to get you a copy. Also, feel free to attend a meeting and see first hand what we do. Contact: John Harris 208-6773
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John Harris
208-6773
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