3 minute read
The St. Vincent de Paul Society: Serving Those Most in Need with Great Compassion
The COVID-19 pandemic has seemed to further divide those who have the means and those who are in need. And unfortunately, the pandemic has made it difficult to safely serve those who need it. But thanks to the good work of the St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) Society, those in need are still getting help.
Saint Michael Steward for Community Outreach Kellie Patton serves as the staff liaison for the SVdP Society, which is a standalone nonprofit, but many SMP parishioners volunteer there.
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“Volunteering through the St. Vincent de Paul Society is incredibly rewarding,” Kim Kondrat, former Steward for community outreach says. “These people are truly in need, and the volunteers don’t judge. They are so kind. Many of the volunteers have been doing this for years. It is a really dedicated group.”
The Vincentians, as they are called, use a model of visiting those in need. This part of the ministry shifted to virtual and phone visits in 2020 and early 2021, due to the threat of COVID-19. But this has also begun to change as more people are vaccinated.
SVdP Society members gather at 2019 Mass on the Grass.
Kellie Patton, Steward for Community Outreach
Wood is delivered to a person unable to heat their home.
“In this sometimes harsh world, the gentle act of showing compassion goes a long way,” says Andy Jasaitis, who has been President of the SVdP Society for nearly a year. “Like many Vincentians, I feel that I get more out of the encounter, particularly spiritually, than those I serve.”
The SVdP Society members usually help about 60 families per month. The families are facing a variety of hardships, from job losses to minor home and car repairs. In turn, the incurred expenses can be challenging for those who don’t have extra funds. The SVdP Society’s assistance can come in many forms — help with rent, utilities, prescriptions, or propane, to name a few. Vincentians also help those without identification documents to obtain them.
Thanks to the creativity and work of Vincentians Steve Irwin and Bob Hahn, the SMP Men’s Shelter was made mobile, as it was not safe to be open during the COVID-19 pandemic. The men load up a U-Haul every one to two months and stop at five or six sites, often near encampments for those experiencing homelessness. They will likely continue this model after the threat of the virus has passed. Vincentians are guided by the example of Jesus, Society founder Blessed Frederic Ozanam, and patron St. Vincent de Paul. The Vincentians are truly an example of hope and love to those who are vulnerable, lonely, or forgotten.
“Most importantly, we do our best to represent God’s love to help those suffering,” Andy says. “We also refer and work together with many other interfaith, charitable, and government organizations to form a community of help.”
Andy and Kellie invite anyone who has a call to serve those in need to get involved with the St. Vincent de Paul Society. It is truly a way to help those most in need, especially as we move past many of the restrictions and difficulties brought forth by the COVID-19 pandemic. Come help while growing in faith!
“If you have an inclination, a sense or are drawn to help a neighbor in need through actual interaction, then this is a great way to do it,” Andy says. “The Society of St. Vincent de Paul welcomes ‘all who wish to live their faith by loving and serving their neighbor.’”
