Lord Jesus, make us responsive to the Christian calling to seek and find the forgotten, the suffering or the deprived, so that we may bring them Your love.     - Vincentian Prayer

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul at Holy Child Parish is one of 43,000 units, called conferences, around the world. It is an international Catholic organization of lay men and women seeking and finding the forgotten, the suffering, and the deprived, to bring them God's love. The Society was founded in France in 1833 by a student at the Sorbonne, Frederick Ozanam, and several of his friends, who dedicated themselves to helping needy families in their neighborhood. They placed the Society under the patronage of St. Vincent de Paul, the 17th century priest who ignored opportunities for high rank in the church to dedicate his life to the poor. Today's Vincentians, as members of the society are called, strive to follow this same spirit. The key to their mission is person-to-person contact with those who need help. The Society's work is completely confidential. Although not trained counselors, Vincentians work in pairs to assess the situation and needs of each person or family seeking help. A typical case might be a family facing temporary financial problems. Our members would help them to apply for assistance and food stamps or to file insurance claims. We then help secure transportation for shopping and medical attention. Vincentians are also available to spend time with older or homebound neighbors who need a friendly visitor or encouragement in a time of loss or loneliness. Vincentians at Holy Child also serve as volunteers at the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store in Coraopolis — sorting clothes, tagging items for sale, or helping clean the store and stock its shelves. They also collect donations of clothing for the Society, items that are provided to the needy or resold to raise funds to help fill the Society's broader needs in the Pittsburgh area. Members also cooperate with the Bridgeville Food Bank and Meals on Wheels program. The Society's Holy Child Conference is part of an international organization numbering 875,000 in 130 countries. Members meet regularly (usually on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month) to report on the work they have done and to discuss ways in which they can serve others in the community who are in need. The conference's activities are supported by contributions of members and occasional collections at weekend masses at Holy Child Parish. Where do you fit in? Frederic Ozanam lived in a world torn by wars, social inequalities, class hatreds, and anti-church feelings. But is today's world really all that different? After 167 years of "progress," we are still troubled by wars, racial conflicts, etc.... Today, many of our neighbors are in dire need of material services and spiritual support. The need is obvious and the challenge is great. Are you willing to lend a hand? The St. Vincent de Paul Society offers you the opportunity to give of your time and talents to help your less fortunate neighbors. Even if your donation consists of just a few hours of help, these hours would be invaluable and precious to the needy and distressed. We would be happy to tell you more about the Society and about how you, as an individual, can contribute to our work. Live your faith. Share your gifts. Join us. Would you like to request assistance from members of the conference? Would you like information regarding membership in the Society? If so, please call the Parish Center at (412) 221-5213. Your inquiry will be treated confidentially. Home      Bulletins    Education    Organizations