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 facing economic hardship. And, unfortunately, the pandemic has made it hard to safely serve those who need it. But thanks to the good work of the St. Benedict Cathedral Parish chapter of the St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) Society, and the many generous donors from the parish, those in need are still getting help.

Our St. Benedict’s chapter is part of a district council of 17 other institutions of faith throughout the Evansville area. The SVdP Society provides direct service to those in need throughout the neighborhoods around St. Benedict’s. Normally, they visit people in their homes, but that part of the ministry is on hold right now due to the pandemic. All “visits” are handled via phone.

Phil Gamble is our chapter president, working with 17 SVdP Society members at St. Benedict’s. He first got involved after helping his sisterin-law with a few visits. Phil appreciates the opportunity he has to witness and understand the struggles of those in need through the SVdP Society. For many in need, it’s not always as simple as just finding a job. Often, transportation or health issues can be a barrier to employment.

“Because of the generous benefactors at our parish, we can help,” Phil says. “These people are our neighbors in the St. Ben’s neighborhood. It makes me so happy to be able to help.”

The SVdP Society provides assistance in any number of difficult situations — for instance, a single mom who is having her water and electricity shut off, or a family facing eviction. SVdP also provides clothing vouchers to shop at the SVdP Society Thrift Store. The Society can also help a family get beds for their children, or key items like pots and pans and dishes, to name a few.

“Some of the situations are so heartwrenching,” Phil says. “I feel blessed to be able to help. Some people are so thankful for the help that they are moved to tears.”

Most of the people impacted by the SVdP Society’s works are not members of our parish. But, as Christians, we are called to help all those around us. We are called to see Christ in everyone we meet.

“We have a community, a St. Ben’s community,” Phil says. “It’s greater than just the parishioners.”

Currently, Phil looks forward to returning to home visits when the threat of the pandemic wanes. But he is ever thankful to be helping, no matter the circumstances. He extends his gratitude to all those at St. Benedict’s who support this work. Each week, members meet at St. Benedict’s to vote on how to support a family or single person in need. They also help connect those in need to other agencies that can help.

Phil asks everyone to find a way to support those in need — whether through prayer, financial gifts, or donating items to the SVdP Thrift Store.

Even if the SVdP Society isn’t for you, consider other ways you can use your gifts to get involved at St. Benedict Cathedral Parish. Phil finds so much joy in serving, and he hopes that all parishioners experience that same type of joy, in whatever ways they may be serving.

“We are brothers and sisters, and this is a community,” Phil says. “Ask yourself, ‘What is my talent? What will I not dread? What will I get excited about?’”

If you would like to get involved in the St. Vincent de Paul Society, or to learn more, contact Phil Gamble at 812-205-6164 or pagamble51@gmail.com.

Members of the St. Benedict chapter of the St. Vincent de Paul Society gather for a recent meeting.