VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY
(This article explains the works of our parish’s St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) Conference and how you might want to aid our cause.)
“WHATSOEVER YOU DO TO THE LEAST OF MY BROTHERS, SO YOU DO UNTO ME”
Throughout His teachings, Jesus reminded us of how much He cares for the “lowly” and repeatedly admonished us to do Good Works. What can we do? There are many ways, but one opportunity for us is to support our parish’s SVDP Conference with our time, talent, and treasures.
A brief History: Frederic Ozanam founded The Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Paris in 1833 to help the poor and dedicated it to St. Vincent de Paul (1580-1660). The Society leads Catholics to grow in spirituality by offering person-to-person service to the needy, making no distinction in those being served because “Vincentians see the face of Christ in every needy person.” No work of Charity is foreign to the Society.
Probably best known for its Thrift Stores operated across the country, we have our own SVDP Thrift Stores, located all around the Valley. The Boise area offers food through our Food Pantry and Mobile Pantry Programs. Less well known are the Home Visits our volunteers make to help those needing assistance with rent, utilities, clothing and other expenses.
GIFTS AND SERVICES
(This is the second in a series of articles explaining what St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) does; how we help the needy; and how you might be able to aid our cause.)
“There are different kinds of Gifts, but the same spirit. There are different kinds of Service but the same Lord. There are different Workings but the same God works all of them in all men”. 1 Corinthian 12:4-6
Here at Risen Christ, our St. Vincent de Paul Conference has been active in providing a safety net for people in desperate need of financial assistance. We aid with rent, utilities, clothing, furniture, and household goods. Those needing help can call the Help Line at 208-331-2208 to discuss their needs with the Home Visit Team.
A caring woman once said she felt it was sinful to keep unwanted clothes in her closet until they were out of style. Why not give them to a worthy cause? Fortunately, people like her can donate clothing, furniture, and household goods to our local Thrift Stores. Proceeds from our stores go to support St. Vincent de Paul clients. The Thrift Stores are also looking for volunteers to sort, price, rack and sell merchandise.
We are fortunate to have 5 Food Pantries and 1 Mobile Pantry here in Southwest Idaho. During the Covid-19 pandemic we have provided a no-contact drive through service for those needing food for the family. Volunteers are needed to help with sorting, stocking, distributing, and picking up food items from suppliers.
St. Vincent de Paul provides a Reentry Program for people who have been incarcerate and now ready to reenter community life. They provide services such as transportation, clothing, employment assistance, and additional needs assessment to prevent homelessness. We are looking for volunteers to assist these individuals.
For more information to volunteer, to donate, and to provide financial assistance for our Home Visits, Thrift Stores, or Food Panty please call Katrina Brown at 443-540-2600.
DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU
(This is a third in a series explaining how Risen Christ's St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) helps the needy and how you might aid our works.)
Imagine the bottom dropped out of your life - an accident; job loss; natural disaster; illness; poor decisions - or you were born into poverty. In a comparable situation, what would you do?
SVDP offers a safety net for Catholic and non-Catholic people in desperate circumstances. “No work of Charity is foreign to the Society.”
When we receive a call at Our Help Line, 208-331-2208, we ask for basic information and, if appropriate, two volunteers make a Home Visit to review the family’s needs. We provide a broad spectrum of assistance and referrals.
A Home Visit can be personally fulfilling. You come away with a feeling of gratitude, for having the opportunity to help someone, as well as putting your own life in perspective!
For more information about volunteering, contact Katrina Brown at 443-540-2600.
HOW CAN I HELP OUR RISEN CHRIST’S SVDP CONFERENCE?
This is the fourth and final article in a series. This article describes ways you can help:
YOU CAN DONATE:
- Your unwanted items to Boise area SVDP Thrift Stores and Food Pantries
- Your financial support, which goes directly toward helping people in need. Make checks payable to “SVDP Risen Christ”.
- Your prayers for our volunteers and clients
YOU CAN VOLUNTEER:
Throughout Jesus’ ministry, he reminded us that different people receive different abilities, which are innately part of who we are. These may be creative, technical, social, athletic. Some aptitudes remain unrealized until a situation reveals them. God made us this way because we are each a part (serving different needs) of One Body.
YOU CAN OFFER PRAYERS:
-Your prayers for our volunteers and their ministry
-Your prayers for our neighbors in need of assistance
Our SVDP Conference can utilize a broad spectrum of talents. Our well-known Works are rescuing clients in financial need. However, there are many behind-the-scenes talents we would welcome - including your ideas! We urge you to investigate these opportunities to serve.
LEARN MORE: Contact Katrina Brown at 443-540-2600