The Society of St. Vincent de Paul The Society of St. Vincent de Paul began in Paris, France, in 1833 when a young law student at the Sorbonne, Frédéric Ozanam, was challenged during a debate to demonstrate what he and his fellow Catholic students were personally doing to help the poor in Paris. Ozanam's reaction was immediate. Within weeks, Ozanam, at 20 years of age, and six of his peers formed the first "Conference of Charity." Under the conference, this group of seven men financed their works of charity out of their own pockets and from contributions of friends. They visited the poor in their homes, providing them with needed aid and assistance. At the prompting of Monsieur Emmanuel Bailly and Sister Rosalie Rendu, superior of a convent of the Daughters of Charity, Ozanam soon placed the conference under the patronage of St. Vincent de Paul who had spent his life in 16th century France serving the poor. Within a few years, the original group of seven grew to 600, spreading to 15 other cities and towns in France, numbering more than 2,000 members.
Twelve years later, in 1845, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul crossed the ocean to St. Louis, Missouri, where the first American conference was formed. To this day, St. Louis remains the Society's national headquarters.
THE GIVING TREE - Wed. 12-18, 2024 St Vincent de Paul began their canned food drive on Thanksgiving Day and will go through December 16. A barrel is located at the entrance of the Church and the Parish Office where you can drop off your non-perishable canned food. Also, the Giving Tree is up with ornaments that contain the ages of boys and girls that would love to have a gift to open this Christmas. The giving away food, toys and clothings is underway on Wednesday 12-18-2024. Thank you all for your love, support and participation on this Christmas project of St. Vincent De Paul. Thank you, all members of VDP and those who helped and participated to bring the joy of Christmas to the needy and their children.
