Eleven St. Vincent de Paul Society conferences serve those in need at 13 parishes in the diocese, with more conferences anticipated.
Through publicized helplines, food pantries and other avenues, conference volunteers, also known as Vincentians, serve neighbors seeking assistance. In one-on-one meetings — face-to-face in their homes when possible — Vincentians listen with empathy and compassion to the stories of clients they consider friends. They respond to personal needs and challenges to help friends overcome a temporary crisis with short-term aid, such as with rent or utility bills, and point them toward other local resources.
The society’s conferences follow a well-organized approach refined over the course of its 150-plus years. In twice-monthly meetings, Vincentians pray, share service experiences, plan ahead and inspire one another, assisted always by the silent intervention of the Holy Spirit.
In Alexandria, the risk of eviction is a major concern the parish conference addresses, according to Father Edward C. Hathaway, rector of the Basilica of St. Mary in Alexandria.
Vincentians “exemplify something invaluable and needed in the life of a parish: holiness through service,” he said. “By living their lives in imitation of Christ, they answer the call to love God and our neighbors by serving the less fortunate. They are making a huge difference.”
“Like many churches in our area, our office receives countless phone calls daily asking for assistance with rent, electric, and medical bills,” said Father John P. Mosimann, pastor of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church in Fredericksburg, which for 47 years has hosted a conference that also runs a nearby thrift store. “We are able to share with them a solid resource, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, giving them hope and a lifeline.
“I am so grateful for those parishioners who serve in the storefront and those behind the scenes, sharing their compassion and goodness with those in need,” he said. “This outreach is a beautiful example of Matthew 25:40, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ ”
The Vincentian conference at All Saints Catholic Church in Manassas is an important part of social outreach, and its members address pressing needs for rent, utilities, and other services, according to Msgr. Lee R. Roos, pastor.
“Their dedication and wisdom in trying to find solutions in difficult situations bring the light of Christ to those in need,” he said. “They also try to help those in need by helping people to gain insight into budgeting, job searches, and the like, so that people may learn to help themselves for the long term. They are an invaluable part of our parish life. The truth of the statement ‘Nobody can do everything, but everybody can do something’ is exemplified through the caring and generous efforts of the Vincentians.”
For pastors considering establishing a new St. Vincent de Paul conference at their parish, Father Álvaro Montero, pastor of Our Lady of Angels Church in Woodbridge, offered a word of encouragement. The Vincentians help the parish “live out the works of mercy,” he said, calling them committed volunteers who work to increase food, rent and utility assistance.
“I encourage other pastors to consider working together with the St. Vincent de Paul Society,” he said. “They help us to carry out one important part of our mission.”
“A St. Vincent de Paul Society conference serves as the charitable arm of the parish,” said Msgr. Bob Cilinski, pastor of Nativity Catholic Church in Burke and diocesan episcopal vicar for charitable works. “Besides their dedicated volunteers who monitor call requests, they always serve in twos and never alone. Jesus sent his disciples out two by two, and so does the SVDP Society. There is a power in community.
“They also partner with other charitable organizations to provide to those they serve a network of resources that might be available to them,” he said. “Their ministry brings hope and light to those need.”
Find out more
To join an existing St. Vincent de Paul conference or establish one at your parish, go to svdparlington.org or email [email protected].
What St. Vincent de Paul Society conferences mean to pastors
“Since I have come to St. Timothy and experienced the wonderful work that the St. Vincent de Paul Society does, I have grown in my admiration, respect, and appreciation. For me, they have become a living embodiment of the expression ‘together we can do what alone I cannot.’”
- Fr. David Meng, pastor, St. Timothy Church, Chantilly
“Our St. Vincent de Paul Society plays an indispensable role in the life of our community as our primary arm of outreach to the poor and needy in our area. They do so in a personable, respectful, uplifting, and dignified way to help those in need and to maintain a relationship with them.”
- Fr. Matt Hillyard, pastor, Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Vienna
“They handle challenging situations almost daily with people having real needs. They do so quietly, devotedly, and professionally. I could not imagine the smooth operation of the parish without them.”
- Fr. Charles Smith, pastor, St. John the Evangelist Church, Warrenton
“SVDP here at Holy Spirit has been beneficial in providing assistance to those in our boundaries whether they are Catholic or not. The applicants are well screened by the SVDP parish team and diligent in their follow-up and quick response. The parish office staff appreciates being able to provide the SVDP information to those who call or visit the office asking for assistance. The SVDP is an invaluable resource to our parish for the responsible dispersal of our poor box funds.”
- Fr. John O’Donohue, pastor, Holy Spirit Church, Annandale
“I appreciate very much that the ministry of the St. Vincent de Paul Society makes it possible for person-to-person charity to take place. Jesus is experienced personally in a special way through the home visits.”
- Fr. Keith O’Hare, pastor, St. Louis Church, Alexandria
“I am truly amazed by the exemplary works of mercy being carried out by the men and women members of the St. Faustina Conference. Inspired by the life of that great apostle of charity, St. Vincent de Paul, these dedicated souls are actually serving Our Lord who lives among us in the poor and needy. May others among the faithful join their ranks, helping to reassure those in need that they are not alone, and through it all, making Christ better known and loved in the world.”
- Fr. John Ziegler, pastor, St. Patrick Church, Fredericksburg
“I am grateful to SVDP for being part of our parish’s mission to serve the most needy in our community. It’s good to see that our Poor Box funds are assisting people with housing, utilities, food, and fuel. Keep up Christ’s good work!”
- Fr. Frederick Edlefsen, pastor, Our lady of Lourdes Church, Arlington
