St. Vincent de Paul Society

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul was founded in 1833 by Frederic Ozanam, a 20-year-old student at the Sorbonne University in Paris. In answer to a challenge for Christians to practice what they preach, Frederic and a group of fellow students started to seek out and visit the poor of Paris in their homes, taking them bread and clothes. This small group took as their Patron the great French priest who alerted the world to social problems, St. Vincent de Paul. Similar groups eventually spread throughout the Christian world with the object of visiting those in need of the love of God.

Summary:

SVDP is an international organization that seeks to give tangible assistance to those in need or suffering in the spirit of justice and charity. Through the person-to-person involvement of its volunteers, the society provides help while maintaining the confidentiality and dignity of those it serves. Spirituality touches on who Vincentians are rather than what they do.

Responsibilities:

Vincentians serve Jesus Christ in the persons of the poor and suffering. Need, not creed, determines who is helped and how. No charity work is foreign to the Society. Vincentians evaluate neighbors' needs, collect funds to provide monetary assistance such as rent, utilities, medical needs, transportation, and food, and offer non-monetary assistance.

Time Commitment:

Bi-weekly meetings are held on Monday evenings from 6:30-8:00. Volunteers participate only in activities they feel called to. They can determine how much time to devote and which of the Society activities they wish.

Volunteer Requirements:

Attendance at a one-time orientation within the first year, a background check, and attendance at a Protecting God's Children class are required.

“For I was hungry, and you gave me food, I was thirsty, and you gave me drink…In truth, I tell you, in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me.”

Matthew 25:35-40

Prayer Blankets

God has used this beautiful ministry to touch the lives of countless people who have received blankets while enduring a difficult time.

These Prayer Blankets have comforted the suffering and brought peace to the fearful. The recipients know that they are not alone and that some care about them and are praying for them. This beautiful service for the Lord transforms these simple threads into an act of love as we ask the Lord’s blessing on the recipients. Prayer blankets are made by volunteers in our Parish and distributed by the St. Vincent de Paul Society. You may RSVP by contacting us at 904-388-7008 or emailing Stvdp.stmatthews@gmail.com.