The primary purpose of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is the spiritual growth of our members, who seek to grow in holiness by serving Christ in the person of the poor.
Volunteer members — known as Vincentians — are women and men of all ages and backgrounds who have answered the call to live their Catholic Christian faith by serving all those who are needy and suffering, for in them, we see the face of Christ.
Whether with food for the hungry, financial assistance for those facing eviction or other hardships, or any other form of help, Vincentians give generously of their time, of their talents, of their treasure, and especially of themselves, witnessing to the faith by their actions, and welcoming the neighbors as true friends.
Our Mission Statement
“A network of friends, inspired by Gospel Values, growing in holiness and building a more just world through personal relationships with and service to people in need.”
A hands on way to serve our neighbor.
See the Face of Christ.
Be the Face of Christ.
The Society serves the Church.
The Society is a true example of the apostolate of the laity to which the Church calls all Catholics. Members seek to emulate the model of the Society’s primary founder, Blessed Frédéric Ozanam, whose example of lay holiness extended to every part of his life. These members, known as Vincentians, seek to live their faith in every part of their lives, dedicating themselves to the practice of charity, and of our Catholic Social Doctrine.
No work of charity is foreign to the Society.
The Rule of the Society calls its members to offer any form of help that alleviates suffering or deprivation and promotes human dignity and personal integrity in all their dimensions. Vincentians don’t simply “stand with the poor” – we go to them, we sit with them, we pray with them, and we seek to help them in any way we can.
The Society is a servant and evangelizer of the poor.
Vincentians bear “wordless witness” to the Gospel through our example of charity and selflessness in serving the neighbor. We are called to form relationships based on trust and friendship with all those in need, and to remind them by our presence that even in their darkest hours, God has not abandoned them. In the neighbor, we see the face of Christ, and we hope to hear them say to us, “I no longer call you servant, I call you friend.”
Learn more about the Society through the Vincentian Pathway >>>
“In my life I want to become better
and do a little good.”
and do a little good.”