Inspired by Gospel values, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a Catholic lay organization, leads women and men to join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to those who are needy and suffering in the tradition of its founder, Blessed Frederic Ozanam, and patron St. Vincent de Paul.
As a reflection of the whole family of God, members, who are know as Vincentians, are drawn from every ethnic and cultural background, age group, and economic level. Vincentians are united in an international society of charity by their spirit of poverty, humility and sharing, which is nourished by prayer and reflection, mutually supportive gatherings and adherence to a basic Rule.
Organized locally Vincentians witness God's love by embracing all works of charity and justice. The Society collaborates with other people of good will in relieving need and addressing its causes, making no distinction in those served because, in them, Vincentians see the face of Christ.
Many families contacting the St. Vincent de Paul Conference serving St Benedict, St Francis and St. Isaac Jogues, in their wildest imaginations, thought they would need “charity”. These families are asking for help, and the trend will continue during these uncertain times. Help can be in the form of rent/mortgage, food, utility bills, clothing, medical care, transportation, etc. Our St. Vincent de Paul Conference is poised to provide short-term emergency assistance, for a wide range of situations, on a case-by-case basis. Our assistance is discreet and confidential, and our clients are treated with the utmost dignity.
Anyone in our parish grouping of On Mission for The Church Alive requesting help can begin the process by calling the St. Benedict office at 724-941-9406, ext. 142. Please provide your name, address, phone number and a brief message of your requested help. Someone from St. Vincent de Paul will call you within 24 hours.
The St. Benedict the Abbot Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul exists not only for parishioners but has a responsibility for everyone in our area regardless of creed. In many cases, a temporary setback such as job loss, illness, divorce, drug or alcohol abuse, credit card abuse, or just plain bad luck can send a family into a tailspin. Fallout from such situations often creates social, mental or economic problems for the family.
Vincentians help with requested needs such as rent, food, utilities and medical care. The Vincentians conduct a home visitation to determine not only individual need but to think about what are the underlying root causes of the problem. This identification serves to empower the family or person to begin to resolve the problem. Not only seeing the need, but taking the time to listen, sympathize and provide loving and compassionate interest in the person or family continues the work of our patron, St. Vincent, a French priest, who founded the Daughters of Charity pictured here, to serve the poor.
The Vincentians maintain strict confidentiality. All information garnered in the course of their ministry is held in trust. If there is an individual or family you know who needs assistance please encourage them to contact the parish office to set in motion the work of our society.
Our mission statement reads. “Inspired by Gospel values, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a Catholic lay organization, leads men and women to join together to grow spiritually by offering person to person service to those who are needy or suffering. Vincentians witness God’s love by embracing all works of charity and justice; and collaborate with other people of good will in relieving need and addressing its causes, making no distinction in those being served.”
Why do you give? Giving your time and money is a very personal act. Key motivations for a person’s charitable giving may include: