St. Louise de Marillac (1591-1660) was a friend and collaborator of St. Vincent de Paul. They co-founded the Daughters of Charity. They organized hospitals for the sick poor, asylums for the orphaned, workshops for the unemployed, championed literacy for the uneducated and established standards for local charities. Louise was a wife, mother, teacher, nurse, social worker and religious foundress.
Louise de Marillac was beatified by Pope Benedict XV in 1920 and canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1934. Pope John XXIII named Louise the Patron of all Christian Social Workers in 1960. In 2016, her feast day was changed to May 9, the anniversary of her beatification.
Click here for more Feast Day information
Frederic Ozanam was born on April 23, 1813 in Milan, Italy. On April 23, 1833, Frederic and six companions founded the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Also, St. Vincent de Paul was born on April 24, 1581. To commemorate these events, the U.S. Society of St. Vincent de Paul celebrates the last Sunday of April as Ozanam Sunday.
Click here for other important Society dates
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Urban Farming, Food Pantry and Nutrition Program Grants
Grant Awards: $5,000 per Conference or District Council
Deadline: Monday, June 10, 2019 (NO extensions)
The National Council received a grant from an anonymous foundation to fund projects to strengthen predominantly underserved black communities and neighborhoods through urban gardening nutrition programs that are producing fresh produce for food pantries or other types of SVdP service operations. The National Council, through its African American Task Force, will review and award grants to "Conferences and District Councils with a majority of black members" and other Conferences who are serving the underserved majority-black communities through SVdP community gardening nutrition programs.
Click here for more information Click here for application
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Sr. Rosalie Rendu, a Daughter of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, is recognized as a co-founder of the Society of St Vincent de Paul. She mentored the founding members of the Society in the spirit and heritage of St. Vincent and St. Louise de Marillac.
Sr. Rosalie always recommended patience, mercy and courtesy. She taught Frederic Ozanam and the first members of the Society how to make home visits and how to see Jesus in the poor. She gave them families to visit and advice on the Vincentian way to go to them: with respect and compassion. Sr. Rosalie Rendu was beatified in Rome in 2003 by Pope John Paul II. All Vincentians celebrate this beautiful model of love for the poor.
Click here for more information about Society feast days.
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Society of St. Vincent de Paul National CEO Dave Barringer was interviewed by Foundations and Donors Interested in Catholic Activities (FADICA) on their “Helping Goodness Spread Blog.”
FADICA is a network of private foundations and donors supporting Catholic-sponsored programs and institutions. For 40 years, FADICA has served as a dynamic and catalytic philanthropic network committed to supporting Catholic activities and initiatives (especially those that strengthen the Church and aid the poor).
Click here to read
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The National Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul has launched Neighborhoods of Hope (NOH), an effort to tackle poverty at the community level. The program will enhance and maximize Vincentian poverty-fighting initiatives already taking place.
Click here to read more
The National Council is proud to announce that our feature-length film, “Our Faith in Action,” will air on Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) on March 3, 2019.
The spirit and charism of a 400-year old French saint lives on through the examples of charity by nearly 100,000 dedicated men and women of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. The feature-length presentation "Our Faith in Action" tells the spiritually uplifting, personal stories of our Vincentian members in direct service with people in need across the country.
Sunday, March 3 at 3:30 p.m. Eastern / 2:30 p.m. Central / 1:30 p.m. Mountain / 12:30 p.m. Pacific
Click here for more information
Voice of the Poor (VOP) is the advocacy arm of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. With members representing every section and demographic of the nation, the VOP identifies those issues that are critical to those living in poverty and need, and helps bring attention to them so communities and our elected representatives can help develop strategies and tactics that will provide the most effective and efficient means to reduce or eliminate poverty.
Guided by Catholic Social Teaching, the VOP collaborates, educates, and advocates to improve conditions of the people we serve. To learn more about the VOP, click here.
For ways to get involved, click here.
The end of the year means it is, once again, time to reevaluate your charitable giving strategies. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was approved by Congress in late 2017, providing for a major overhaul to the U.S. tax system. The new law nearly doubled the standard deduction for 2018 – to $12,000 for single filers and $24,000 for joint filers under age 65.
While increasing the standard deduction alone will mean far fewer taxpayers will be claiming itemized deductions, that is further complicated by the change to the state and local income tax deduction, which is now capped at just $10,000.
So, what does this mean for the charitable deduction? Fewer taxpayers will see a direct tax benefit from their charitable contributions without careful planning.
Read More
On November 20, 1845, the first official meeting of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul was held in the United States.
The meeting was held in St. Louis, Mo. at the “Old Cathedral” where the first Conference in the U.S. was established by Fr. Ambrose Heim. Fr. Heim was known by the people of St. Louis for his extraordinary zeal and ministry with the poor.
Dr. Moses Linton, a prominent physician and convert to Catholicism, was elected president of the Conference. Bryan Mullanphy, widely known for his philanthropy, served as vice-president.
To read more about the history of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Click Here
The raging wildfires in California are the latest disaster our nation has endured in 2018, devastating communities with estimated damages in the billions of dollars, and displacing over a quarter of a million people. SVdP Disaster Services Corporation (DSC) is supporting local, state and federal agency responses to these events, and determined the best way to aid local efforts is to focus on immediate and emergent needs. DSC is meeting the needs of these communities by creating the Holiday Donations Drive to provide winter hats, coats, gloves, and toys to Americans impacted by recent disasters.
The Disaster Services Corp., SVdPUSA is fueled by Vincentians from around the country, however we also rely on the kindness and giving from monetary donations.
Click Here to support the Holiday Donations Drive Click here to learn more
ODonate your unused vehicle to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul to help people in poverty. It’s easy to give and the pick-up is free—but donate now or by December 2018 to get more in return for your generosity. You will be helping those in need this holiday season. Call 800-322-8284 or click here to get started!
To learn more about the history of the Society, click here
Project Empower is a systemic change project for our neighbors-in-need with disabilities who are being served by Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Connecting neighbors-in-need with Allsup increases their chances of being approved at the initial application level by 50%! Most individuals who apply for SSDI do it themselves, and approximately 67% are denied. They then join over a million other Americans in the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) backlog, where they must wait an average 564 days for a hearing. Learn more about how you can help people with disabilities better access this life changing benefit.
Click Here
Learn more about SVdP’s new National Partner DollarDays International at svdp.dollardays.com. Founded by a former Macy’s executive, DollarDays is a national wholesaler of holiday & seasonal items, winter apparel, baby care, student backpacks, bath & body, fleece blankets, medical supplies, office & school supplies, arts & crafts, stationary & gift wrap, store fixtures, toys & games and clothing online, by the case, with free shipping and small minimum order. Shipping is free through the SVdP portal, but all orders do incur a $3.99 processing fee.
Click here for more information
The National Council is proud to announce that our feature-length film, “Our Faith in Action,” will make its network premiere on Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) on Jan. 6, 2019.
The spirit and charism of a 400-year old French saint lives on through the examples of charity by nearly 100,000 dedicated men and women of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. The feature-length presentation "Our Faith in Action" tells the spiritually uplifting, personal stories of our Vincentian members in direct service with people in need across the country.
Sunday, January 6
3:30 p.m. Eastern/2:30 p.m. Central/1:30 p.m. Mountain/12:30 p.m. Pacific
Click here for more information
“The poor man cried, and the Lord heard him.” (Ps 34: 6)
“Psalm, 34 allows us today, surrounded as we are by many different forms of poverty, to know those who are truly poor. It enables us to open our eyes to them, to hear their cry and to recognize their needs.” (Pope Francis).
Every day is a “Day of the Poor” with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul as Vincentians grow spiritually by putting their faith into action as they serve people in poverty throughout the year.
Click here to learn more about opportunities to serve Click here for Pope Francis’ World Day of the Poor message
November 9: Beatification of Blessed Rosalie Rendu
Sr. Rosalie Rendu, a Daughter of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, is recognized as a co-founder of the Society of St Vincent de Paul. She mentored the founding members of the Society in the spirit and heritage of St. Vincent and St. Louise de Marillac.
Sr. Rosalie always recommended patience, mercy and courtesy. She taught Frederic Ozanam and the first members of the Society how to make home visits and how to see Jesus in the poor. She gave them families to visit and advice on the Vincentian way to go to them: with respect and compassion. Sr. Rosalie Rendu was beatified in Rome in 2003 by Pope John Paul II. All Vincentians celebrate this beautiful model of love for the poor.
To learn more about the history of the Society, click here
The Disaster Services Corp., St Vincent de Paul USA is calling for your help to purchase hygiene kits for disaster victims! Hurricanes Florence and Michael battered the Southeast and recovery will take many months. We need to replenish our hygiene supplies for these and other impending disasters.
Personal hygiene kits are always in need to keep up with the disasters in the U.S. alone! Through this campaign, we would like to raise 10,000 kits for disaster victims. These hygiene kits have been customized for Disaster Services Corp., St Vincent de Paul USA and include items for specific age groups (e.g., a backpack and stuffed animal for kids).
The hygiene kits will be distributed by SVdP Disaster Services Corp. to disaster survivors.
Thank you for your support and generosity!
Click here to learn more or donate
Give a Vehicle to Help People in Need
Receive a Tax Deduction
You can help people in need by donating an old vehicle while easing your tax burden for the year. Do something good for others during the holidays by donating a vehicle to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. The proceeds generated from vehicle donations in your community will go right back into the neighborhood to help feed the hungry, keep the lights and heat on, fund programs to help people help themselves, and more.
We accept most cars, trucks, trailers, boats, RV’s, motorcycles, off-road vehicles, heavy equipment and most other motorized vehicles. If you have any questions about what you can donate, please call us toll-free at (800) 322-8284 seven days a week.
Click here to learn more or donate
Throughout the Bible, Jesus would perform miracles to meet immediate needs. When Jesus fed the multitudes with loaves and fishes, it was in reaction to an immediate need. When Jesus healed the sick, opened the eyes of the blind, or cleansed a leper, it was at the request of an immediate need. Jesus' miracles were often in response to helping people in their most desperate time of need.
While the Society of St. Vincent de Paul does not perform miracles in the same way Jesus did, every day Vincentians are changing lives by practicing Jesus’ calling to help those in need.
Click here to learn more and support the FOP Grant Program Click here to donate
Is your Conference looking for a way to raise funds and awareness for helping people in need? One easy way to do that is by hosting a Friends of the Poor® Walk/Run. All proceeds from this event will stay local for assisting those in need in your own community. For more information, please check out our event page at www.fopwalk.org.
Benefits of Hosting a Friends of the Poor® Walk/Run
Questions? Contact Nathan Martin at (314) 576-3993 ext. 218 or [email protected]
Hurricane Michael will hit land on October 10, 2018, following Hurricane Florence’s devastation and destruction and both are among the strongest storms to strike the Southeast in decades.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) formed the Disaster Services Corporation (DSC), a national organization, specifically to aid local SVdP Councils in responding quickly and effectively to natural and manmade disasters. Your donation today will help to support the SVdP DSC with resources to respond to Hurricanes Florence and Michael and other disasters across the United States. Thank you if you have already made a donation and for your continued support. Please pray for those impacted by these hurricanes.
Click here to support SVdP relief efforts
Sept. 9 is the feast of Blessed Frederic Ozanam. He was the principal founder of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Frederic was a husband and father, professor and servant of the poor. He founded the Society of St. Vincent de Paul as a young student with others of the Sorbonne in Paris.
Click to read more about Frederic and other Vincentian Feast Days
The International Council of the SSVP (CGI) intends to send emergency humanitarian aid to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul in India, Indonesia and other countries suffering from disasters, which will use these resources to help the poorest. Councils, Conferences, special works and Vincentians who wish to support this emergency mission can support the Fund for International Solidarity (FIS), created to help countries suffering from natural disasters.
Your contribution will help change lives, rebuild homes, provide shelter, emergency daily-living supplies and most importantly, restore hope to those in need!
Click here to help! Click here to learn more
Ralph Middlecamp to serve as 13th National President
Middlecamp has a 30-year history with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. He previously served as the executive director of the Society’s Madison, Wis. Council for 18 years. Under Middlecamp’s leadership, the Society developed local housing programs, built a central customer-choice food pantry and service center, opened Wisconsin’s first charitable pharmacy not connected to a health care network, grown the Society’s base of Madison-area members and volunteers, and added six more thrift stores that sell and give away donated goods to support the organization’s mission of helping neighbors in need.
Click here to read more
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s Archdiocesan Council of Santa Fe was recently notified of allegations regarding sexual abuse by a volunteer of the Society that occurred nearly 50 years ago. The Council’s leadership is working with the Archdiocese to understand and resolve the allegations in full cooperation with all authorities.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is today an independent lay Catholic organization. However at the time of these allegations, the Society’s Santa Fe operations were co-mingled with those of the Archdiocese as parish ministries and insured under the Diocese.
Read More
August 2: Feast of Blessed Ceferino Gimenez Malla
August 2 is the feast of Blessed Ceferino Gimenez Malla, who was revered for his Catholic piety and his honesty in business and charity to the poor.
He was an active member of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. He was a gifted storyteller and found joy in teaching children prayers, hymns and stories from the Bible.
He was imprisoned during the Spanish Civil War for protesting the arrest of a Spanish priest. While in prison, he routinely recited the rosary, which angered the guards. The guards offered Malla his freedom if he would give up his rosary, but he refused. He was executed as he clutched his rosary on August 2, 1936.
Every year, Vincentians from across the country come together to participate in SVdP’s National Assembly. A variety of speakers and workshops will provide insight on topics that relate to the mission of the Society. The SVdP National Assembly is a chance to renew the Vincentian spirit through time with others who work tirelessly to carry on the good work of St. Vincent de Paul, Blessed Frederic Ozanam, St. Louise de Marillac and Blessed Rosalie Rendu.
This year’s SVdP National Assembly will be held in San Diego, Calif. from Aug. 29 – Sept. 1.
Click here for more information about the meeting's agenda, to see a list of keynote speakers and to register today!
St. Louise de Marillac (1591-1660) was a friend and collaborator of St. Vincent de Paul. Together they co- founded the Daughters of Charity. They organized hospitals for the sick poor, asylums for the orphaned, workshops for the unemployed, championed literacy for the uneducated and established standards for local charities. Louise was a wife, mother, teacher, nurse, social worker and religious foundress.
Louise de Marillac was beatified by Pope Benedict XV in 1920 and canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1934. Pope John XXIII named Louise the Patron of all Christian Social Workers in 1960. In 2016, her feast day was changed to May 9, the anniversary of her beatification.
Click here for more Feast Day information
July 4 marks the feast of the Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. He was a Vincentian and a voice for the poor and suffering in his home of Turin, Italy.
Pier Giorgio spent his life dedicating himself to helping the poor when he joined his local Society of St. Vincent de Paul Conference at age 17. He continued serving until his death from polio at age 24. He was beatified in May 1990 by Pope John Paul II because he was such an outstanding example, not only for Vincentians, but for young people who are looking for a role model.
Click here for a short video about Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati.
Frederic Ozanam was born on April 23, 1813 in Milan, Italy. On April 23, 1833 Frederic and six companions founded the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Also, St. Vincent de Paul was born on April 24, 1581. To commemorate these events, the U.S. Society of St. Vincent de Paul celebrates the last Sunday of April as Ozanam Sunday.
Click here for other important Society dates
January is Poverty Awareness Month
Voice of the Poor (VOP) is the advocacy arm of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. With members representing every section and demographic of the nation, the VOP identifies those issues that are critical to those living in poverty and need, and helps bring attention to them so communities and our elected representatives can help develop strategies and tactics that will provide the most effective and efficient means to reduce or eliminate poverty.
Guided by Catholic Social Teaching, the VOP collaborates, educates, and advocates to improve conditions of the people we serve.
To learn more about the VOP, click here.
For ways to get involved, click here.
The National Council of the United States Society of St. Vincent de Paul has been awarded a grant from an anonymous foundation to fund projects to strengthen predominantly under-served black communities and neighborhoods through urban gardening nutrition programs that are producing fresh produce for food pantries or other types of SVdP serving operations. Proposals are due March 22!
Click here for the RFP Click here for the application
On January 31st 2017, brother Renato Lima de Oliveira, 16thPresident General of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, issues his first Circular Letter which is the means by which President Generals have traditionally communicated directly with members of the Society, beloved members of Conferences, throughout the world. Because of its length, it is suggested that the Circular Letter be divided into two or three parts, each of which could form the basis for a reflection at Conference meetings.
Read the Letter Here
You can help people in need by donating an old vehicle while easing your tax burden for the year. Do something good for others during the holidays by donating a vehicle to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
The proceeds generated from vehicle donations in your community will go right back into the neighborhood to help feed the hungry, keep the lights and heat on, fund programs to help people help themselves, and more.
We accept most cars, trucks, trailers, boats, RV’s, motorcycles, off-road vehicles, heavy equipment and most other motorized vehicles. If you have any questions about what you can donate, please call us toll-free at (800) 322-8284 seven days a week.
To donate or learn more,
Click Here
The National Council of the United States-Society of St. Vincent de Paul announces RFP’s for TWO grant programs totaling $231,000! These funds are a result of an Anonymous Foundation grant to the National Council. SVdP Conferences & Councils are eligible to submit. Due October 20th!
Click here for the Systemic Change RFP Click here for the Dental RFP
Representatives from 28 national, faith-based organizations sent a letter to the Congressional leaders urging a long-term funding extension of the Children's Health Insurance program (CHIP) as soon as possible. There are 8.9 million children who rely on CHIP. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is one of the signatories of the letter and National President Sheila Gilbert is quoted in the press release (ninth quote on the list).
Click here to read the press release Click here to read the letter to Congress
November 9: Beatification of Blessed Rosalie Rendu
Sr. Rosalie Rendu, a Daughter of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, is recognized as a co-founder of the Society of St Vincent de Paul. She mentored the founding members of the Society in the spirit and heritage of St. Vincent and St. Louise de Marillac.
Sr. Rosalie always recommended patience, mercy and courtesy. She taught Frederic Ozanam and the first members of the Society how to make home visits and how to see Jesus in the poor. She gave them families to visit and advice on the Vincentian way to go to them: with respect and compassion. Sr. Rosalie Rendu was beatified in Rome in 2003 by Pope John Paul II. All Vincentians celebrate this beautiful model of love for the poor.
To learn more about the history of the Society, click here
The "World Day of the Poor" was established by the Pope Francis, on the celebration of the Extraordinary Holy Year of Mercy, through the Apostolic Letter entitled "Mercy and Poverty." The celebration and specific actions take place on 19 November, each year.
For us, fellow members of the SSVP all over the world, the institution of the "World Day of the Poor" resonates prophetically before the care that we owe to the human being who is in this situation. The poverty of many of our fellow human beings is not a theoretical problem, but a shocking and tangible reality. We cannot have a simplistic view of this reality; our vision must be holistic, because it consists in the vision of the human being, made in the image and likeness of God. This day is important, because it reminds us to carry out more lovingly our Vincentian activities in favour of the less fortunate, since one of the biggest existing poverty is precisely the lack of love.
Click here to read Renato's letter
Catholic News Agency/EWTN News wrote a nice article about how the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is helping feed the hungry around Thanksgiving.
Click here to read
SVdPUSA Disaster Services is helping with the relief efforts.
Please support SVdPUSA’s National Council’s Domestic Disaster Relief Fund. Your contribution will help change lives, rebuild homes, provide shelter, emergency daily-living supplies and most importantly, restore hope to those in need!
Click here to help Click here to learn more
The video shows the Christmas message from Renato Lima de Oliveira, international president general of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Click here to watch
SVdP Television Specials July 26, 27 and 28 on EWTNth on EWTN!
Come along with Society of St. Vincent de Paul members on their spiritual growth journey through service to people in need. In these special presentations, join Vincentians as they go on home visits, work the land to grow fresh produce to help feed the hungry, help people find relief from high-interest payday loans, provide life-saving medicines in a community pharmacy and much more! See our Catholic faith in action through the volunteers of this unique lay vocation and the face of Christ in the people they serve.
Click here for more information
Read the letter
The SVdP television special “Our Faith in Action” Today’s Society of St. Vincent de Paul” is now available online for all Councils and Conferences to use to help tell our story.
The half-hour program shows Society of St. Vincent de Paul members on their spiritual growth journey through service to people in need. This special shows Vincentians on a home visit with a family in need, helping the homeless in a downtown shelter and working with returning citizens through prison ministry. This program provides an excellent overview of who we are and what we do.
"Our Faith in Action" is available to stream or download on the Society's Vimeo channel or to watch on YouTube
Watch on Vimeo Watch on YouTube Download from Vimeo
The National Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul has launched Neighborhoods of Hope (NOH), an effort to tackle poverty at the community level. The program will enhance and maximize Vincentian poverty-fighting initiatives already taking place.
Click here to read more Click here for other important Society dates
January is Poverty Awareness Month
Voice of the Poor (VOP) is the advocacy arm of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. With members representing every section and demographic of the nation, the VOP identifies those issues that are critical to those living in poverty and need, and helps bring attention to them so communities and our elected representatives can help develop strategies and tactics that will provide the most effective and efficient means to reduce or eliminate poverty.
Guided by Catholic Social Teaching, the VOP collaborates, educates, and advocates to improve conditions of the people we serve.
To learn more about the VOP, click here. For ways to get involved, click here.
Help Hurricane Survivors with Hygiene Kits
We need your help to get individuals back on their feet after the devastating impact of Hurricane Harvey on Texas and Hurricane Irma on Florida and the Caribbean Islands. Cash donations are best, but everyone can help with personal hygiene kits. Your Conference and parish can have a large impact on helping survivors on their road to recovery by purchasing pre-made kits, which our Councils, Conferences and SVdP Disaster Services will distribute in shelters, parish centers Multi-Agency Resource Centers and other areas where we are seeing hurricane survivors.
Click here to send Pre-made Kits
Already in 2017, there have been five disaster events with each having losses exceeding $1 billion affecting tens of thousands of people. The SVdP Disaster Services Division (DSD) has been actively supporting Councils and Conferences in responding to natural disasters from coast to coast.
The SVdPUSA Disaster Services Division provides long-term assistance in the form of on-site training, Rapid Response Grants, Long-Term Recovery Grants, Disaster Case Management and ongoing support.
In addition to their work in larger communities, the SVdP Disaster Services Division and local Councils/Conferences are currently providing disaster relief and recovery assistance to rural communities in: California, Illinois, Louisiana, Nebraska, North Carolina and West Virginia.
Please pray for all the people who have lost their homes to disasters and consider supporting the efforts of Vincentians to help them. Please help now!
Read more Donate to Domestic Disaster Relief Fund
Society Statement on Better Care Reconciliation Act
The Society has consistently maintained that the expanded health care coverage that the poor and vulnerable currently have not be rolled back. We understand that there are parts of the Affordable Care Act that warrant revision and improvement. Indeed, we join in the call for such changes. But neither the previously passed House version or this new version, re-branded as the “Better Care Reconciliation Act (BCRA) of 2017,” do that.
Please e-mail or call your US Senator to urge him or her to not support the just released Senate legislation which would decimate health care coverage for the poor and vulnerable – the very individuals, families and children we care so deeply about and minister to daily.
Live-stream at SVdP 2017 National Assembly
This year, four events from the SVdP National Assembly in Tampa will be live-streamed. Just click on the link at the time of the event. Be sure to refresh your browser if the live-stream does not start.
Click here to watch Click here for scheduling
Sr. Rosalie Rendu, a Daughter of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, is recognized as a co-founder of the Society of St Vincent de Paul. She mentored the founding members of the Society in the spirit and heritage of St. Vincent and St. Louise de Marillac.
Sr. Rosalie always recommended patience, mercy and courtesy. She taught Frederic Ozanam and the first members of the Society how to make home visits and how to see Jesus in the poor. She gave them families to visit and advice on the Vincentian way to go to them: with respect and compassion. Sr. Rosalie Rendu was beatified in Rome in 2003 by Pope John Paul II. All Vincentians celebrate this beautiful model of love for the poor.
You can help people in need by donating an old vehicle while easing your tax burden for the year. Do something good for others during the holidays by donating a vehicle to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
The proceeds generated from vehicle donations in your community will go right back into the neighborhood to help feed the hungry, keep the lights and heat on, fund programs to help people help themselves, and more.
We accept most cars, trucks, trailers, boats, RV’s, motorcycles, off-road vehicles, heavy equipment and most other motorized vehicles. If you have any questions about what you can donate, please call us toll-free at (800) 322-8284 seven days a week.
To donate or learn more,
Click Here
In today’s world, people are constantly on the go. The one accessory that is constantly by almost everyone’s side is their phone or other mobile device. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has launched a new mobile app that helps you link up with SVdP to receive instant alerts, stay current with SVdP events, take and share photos, connect with resources and more!
To find and download the mobile app, just go to your mobile device’s app store and search “SVDPUSA” and click install. The app is FREE, so download it today!
Click here for more information
Voice of the Poor (VOP) is the advocacy arm of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. With members representing every section and demographic of the nation, the VOP identifies those issues that are critical to those living in poverty and need, and helps bring attention to them so communities and our elected representatives can help develop strategies and tactics that will provide the most effective and efficient means to reduce or eliminate poverty.
Guided by Catholic Social Teaching, the VOP collaborates, educates, and advocates to improve conditions of the people we serve.
Learn more about the VOP
Join Society of St. Vincent de Paul members on their spiritual growth journey through service to people in need. In this special presentation, witness Vincentians in a home visit with a family in need, helping the homeless in a downtown shelter and working with returning citizens through prison ministry. See our Catholic faith in action through the volunteers of our unique lay vocation and Christ’s face in those we serve.
Monday, Dec. 12
6:30 p.m. Eastern, 5:30 p.m. Central, 4:30 p.m. Mountain, 3:30 p.m. Pacific
Click here for more information See a sneak preview
On November 20, 1845, the first official meeting of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul was held in the United States.
The meeting was held in St. Louis, Mo. at the “Old Cathedral” where the first Conference in the U.S. was established by Fr. Ambrose Heim. Fr. Heim was known by the people of St. Louis for his extraordinary zeal and ministry with the poor.
Dr. Moses Linton, a prominent physician and convert to Catholicism, was elected president of the Conference. Bryan Mullanphy, widely known for his philanthropy, served as vice-president.
To read more about the history of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
Click Here
On November 9, we celebrate the beatification of Blessed Rosalie Rendu.
Blessed Sr. Rosalie Rendu was a Daughter of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul. She is recognized as a co-founder of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. She mentored the founding members of the Society in the spirit and heritage of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac.
Blessed Sr. Rosalie Rendu was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2003.
To read more about the history of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
Click Here
It is still FOP Walk/Run season! While the 9th Annual Friends of the Poor Walk/Run official date was Saturday, September 24, there are still FOP Walks/Runs taking place around the country that you can still support (dates vary by location). From now until the end of October, you can still contribute to FOP Walks/Runs that have already taken place. Every dollar you raise through the Friends of the Poor Walk/Run stays with your local SVdP, to assist with programs/services for the poor in your area.
To register your 2016 local Friends of the Poor Walk, please go to the website (www.fopwalk.org) and hover over the “coordinators” tab near the top right. Then click the first sub-tab labeled “establish a walk” and follow the steps provided.
To register as a walker, go to www.fopwalk.org, and hover over the “walkers” tab, then select the sub-tab “become a new walker” and follow the steps provided.
For questions, please contact Nathan Martin, National Director of Fundraising Programs, by either emailing [email protected] or calling (314) 576-3993 (314) 576-3993 x218.
Visit fopwalk.org
Blessed Frederic Ozanam is very well known for his insight and wisdom. He would often share those valuable thoughts through personal letters to his family and friends. The best collection of these letters in English is found in “A Life in Letters,” edited by Fr. Joseph Dirvan, which was commissioned and published by the National Council of the United States in 1986. It has now been digitized by DePaul University and is available online at no cost. To download the file, click here: http://via.library.depaul.edu/ozanam_law/1/.
Click here for more information
Vitally concerned about the financial havoc and accompanying emotional distress wreaked upon the working poor who often rely on payday lending loans just to survive, the Society has submitted forceful testimony to the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in support of strong payday lending Federal regulations.
You can read President Sheila Gilbert’s testimony below and click on the link below to learn about other steps the Society is taking and that you can take to protect the vulnerable working poor from the predatory lending industry. Comments in support of these Federal regulations are due by October 7, but even after that, there is more advocacy to be done on behalf of our friends in need to stop these immoral, usurious practices that effectively result in the working poor paying interest rates typically in the 300% to 600% range just to “get by.”
Click here to read Sheila Gilbert's testimony
Click here to read about steps the Society is taking on payday lending
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul recently approved an updated Immigration Position Paper. This position paper addressed the urgent need for Immigration Reform. Reform is long overdue. Its lack causes millions of undocumented immigrants already in the United States to suffer senseless, grinding poverty. This situation is an affront to the American people’s sense of compassion and justice. The paper is based on the love of neighbor, the principles of our Catholic faith and the rich tradition and noble history of our country as a land of opportunity and refuge for migrants.
Click here to read
Reconnect with fellow Vincentians from around the country, hear from speakers on a variety of topics and take time to renew your Vincentian spirit at this year’s SVdP National Assembly sponsored by the Mideast Region. The assembly will be held in Columbus, Ohio at the Hyatt Regency Columbus. Registration is open. Click below for more information about the meeting’s agenda, to see a list of keynote speakers and to register!
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Join Society of St. Vincent de Paul members on their spiritual growth journey through service to people in need. In this special presentation, witness Vincentians in a home visit with a family in need, helping the homeless in a downtown shelter and working with returning citizens through prison ministry. See our Catholic faith in action through the volunteers of our unique lay vocation and Christ’s face in those we serve.
Click here for more information See a sneak preview
To view the SVdP "This Is The Day" segment click here.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul and National CEO Dave Barringer will be featured on "This Is The Day" on CatholicTV on Tuesday, July 19 at 10:30 a.m. Eastern with several rebroadcasts. On “This Is The Day”- Bishop-elect Robert Reed and Jay Fadden talk about faith, pray for your intentions and chat about what’s going on in the local Church and beyond. Catholic authors, artists, musicians, organizers and ministers join us to talk about the exciting things they are doing to spread the faith and touch hearts.
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The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, National President Sheila Gilbert and National CEO Dave Barringer discuss how the Society can benefit a parish in an all-new episode of the Eternal Word Television Network series, “The Church Universal.” The program features the good news about lay movements and their central role in the new evangelization
This brand-new SVdP episode will air on the following dates:
Sunday, May 22 5 p.m. Eastern 2 p.m. Pacific
Tuesday, May 24 5 a.m. Eastern 2 a.m. Pacific
Friday, May 27 10 p.m. Eastern 7 p.m. Pacific
Click here details
St. Louise de Marillac (1591-1660) was a friend and collaborator of St. Vincent de Paul. Together they co- founded the Daughters of Charity. They organized hospitals for the sick poor, asylums for the orphaned, workshops for the unemployed, championed literacy for the uneducated and established standards for local charities. Louise was a wife, mother, teacher, nurse, social worker and religious foundress.
Louise de Marillac was beatified by Pope Benedict XV in 1920 and canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1934. Pope John XXIII named Louise the Patron of all Christian Social Workers in 1960. In 2016, her feast day was changed to May 9, the anniversary of her beatification.
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Frederic Ozanam was born on April 23, 1813 in Milan, Italy. On April 23, 1833 Frederic and six companions founded the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Also, St. Vincent de Paul was born on April 24, 1581. To commemorate these events, the U.S. Society of St. Vincent de Paul celebrates the last Sunday of April as Ozanam Sunday.
Click here for other important Society dates
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, National President Sheila Gilbert and National CEO Dave Barringer will be featured in an all-new episode of the Eternal Word Television Network series, “The Church Universal.” The program features the good news about lay movements and their central role in the new evangelization.
This brand-new SVdP episode will air on the following dates:
Sunday, April 3 3:30 p.m. Eastern 12:30p.m. Pacific NEW TIME!
Tuesday, April 5 5 a.m. Eastern 2 a.m. Pacific
Friday, April 8 10 p.m. Eastern 7 p.m. Pacific
Click here details
The National Council of the United States-Society of St. Vincent de Paul announces RFP's for TWO grant programs totaling $300,000!
These funds are a result of an Anonymous Foundation grant to the National Council.
SVdPUSA Conferences and Councils are eligible to submit. Proposals are due March 28th.
Click here for the Systemic Change RFP Click here for the Dental RFP
The National Council of the Society St. Vincent de Paul’s Disaster Services Division (DSD) responds to disasters such as floods, wildfires, tornadoes and other events throughout the United States. The DSD trains Regional Response Teams as well as individual Vincentians throughout the country to compassionately serve victims of disasters.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul offers an array of services that alleviate both short-term needs such as food, shelter and clothing and long-term needs such as case management and our House in a Box® program for people impacted by a disaster. SVdP’s House in a Box® program helps to restore lives one house at a time. This program was implemented to supply disaster survivors with critical items to furnish an entire home from the kitchen to the bathroom to the bedroom, including furniture, dishes, towels, utensils and bed linens. )
It is the person-to-person, holistic case management that distinguishes SVdP from other organizations’ approach to relief and recovery – reaching out to each individual to determine his or her needs and then working closely with them to meet those needs.
Click here to see a review of DSD operations in 2015
Sr. Rosalie Rendu, a Daughter of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, is recognized as a co-founder of the Society of St Vincent de Paul. She mentored the founding members of the Society in the spirit and heritage of St. Vincent and St. Louise de Marillac.
Sr. Rosalie always recommended patience, mercy and courtesy. She taught Frederic Ozanam and the first members of the Society how to make home visits and how to see Jesus in the poor. She gave them families to visit and advice on the Vincentian way to go to them: with respect and compassion. Sr. Rosalie Rendu was beatified in Rome in 2003 by Pope John Paul II. All Vincentians celebrate this beautiful model of love for the poor. (SOURCE: THE MANUAL)
Click Here for a meditation from Sr. Rosalie
Severe winter storms, including tornadoes, and the resulting flooding are affecting people in much of the country.
Flooding may last only a few days in a community, but the impact can last for months, especially for poor families already in a flood-prone housing community. People may be displaced from their homes for weeks or months and their suffering compounded by the loss of so many possessions and sometimes even employment. Our Society of St. Vincent de Paul is often the community’s only resort for such long-term assistance.
The SVdP Disaster Services Division and local Councils/Conferences are currently responding to disasters in: Alabama, California, Illinois, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.
Please pray for all the people who have lost their homes to disasters and continue to support the efforts of Vincentians to help them. Please help now!
Read More Donate to Domestic Disaster Relief Fund
The Voice of the Poor (VOP) is the advocacy arm of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. With members representing every section and
demographic of the nation, the VOP identifies those issues that are critical to those living in poverty and need, and helps bring attention to
them so communities and our elected representatives can help develop strategies and tactics that will provide the most effective and efficient means to reduce or eliminate poverty.
Guided by Catholic Social Teaching, the VOP collaborates, educates, and advocates to improve conditions of the people we serve.
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Donate an old, tired car while lightening your tax burden for the year. Do something good for others during the holidays. These are all things that can be accomplished when you donate a car to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul National Vehicle Donation Program.
“We realize that for every person who donates a vehicle, there are even more people right there in the same community who are in need,” said Dave Barringer, CEO of the National Council of the United States Society of St. Vincent de Paul. “The money that is generated from vehicle donations in your community will go right back into the neighborhood and help those in need.”
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170 Years and Counting
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is marking 170 years in the U.S. providing help to people in need. In 1845, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul was established in St. Louis, Mo. at the Basilica of St. Louis, King of France, popularly called "The Old Cathedral." The first official meeting of the Society in the United States was held on November 20, 1845.
On this day, a group of 19 Catholic laypersons and one priest met to establish a Conference (chapter) of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Officers were elected and a collection was taken up that amounted to $17.70 to help people in need. This was the start of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in the U.S.