Why start a St. Vincent de Paul Conference at your parish?

" I strongly encourage pastors and their parishioners to prayerfully consider how a St. Vincent de Paul Conference can complement your parish's outreach to the poor, and fortify the spiritual life of the parish."

A network of friends, inspired by Gospel values, growing in holiness and building a more just world, through personal relationships with and service to those in need.

St. Vincent de Paul also happens to be the Patron Saint of the Diocese of Richmond.

The current conferences in the Diocese have not only been able to grow their membership but maintain older members. Why? Most Vincentians will give three reasons:

1. The development of their faith through service to others
2. The development of friendships with other parishioners
3. The Vincentian process works to help our friends in need

What is this process? It starts with two Vincentians performing a home visit. The home visit, part of the Vincentian model since 1833, includes not only meeting with a neighbor in need but praying with them as well. The prayer aspect of the visit often impacts our neighbors in need much more than any financial assistance provided.

Our Vincentians are trained in this process and review their work confidentially with one other.

We see the face of Christ in those we serve and bring the face of Christ to those we serve.

Vincentians are members of an international family, dedicated to spiritual development, through service to others. With over 850,000 Vincentians in 150 countries, our members are part of something larger than themselves. 

The Vincentian network allows us to learn from each other and share best practices and programs, yet we are flexible enough to respond to our local needs.