The Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Holy Family Conference of Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Jane Dowling, President
Joe Grau, Vice-President
Lori Synder, Treasurer
Chris Kokoszka, Secretary

Inspired by the works of the "Father of the Poor," St. Vincent de Paul, the organization that takes his name is an international lay movement founded in early-19th century France by Frederic Ozanam. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul tackles poverty at the most basic local level, working through parish-based conferences—of which there are more than 4,300 in the United States and nearly 45,000 worldwide. Organized and run by lay Catholics, the conferences provide a concrete way for members of a parish to live out their Gospel call.

St. Vincent de Paul conferences build solidarity at the community level, offering direct material and financial aid to neighbors in need. Since each conference is designed to serve a small, localized population, it can tailor its work to the specific needs of the community and respond to the most urgent and pressing concerns of the neighborhood, such as hunger, housing, or employment. The Society's national council assists local conferences with their work and has in recent years also begun to focus its energies on systemic change to reduce poverty nationwide.

At Holy Family, we've had an active SVdP Conference since 2004. Joe Grau served as our founding president, and continues today as vice-president.  Jane Dowling is our current president, as well as the parish representative during the Jubilee Year of 2016 to be named a "Disciple of Mercy" by Bishop Checchio. She is pictured (above) receiving her honor from the bishop on Nov. 20, 2016.

Our primary form of response is individual case response for families in need of food, rent, and bill assistance. In addition, the conference plays a supporting and informing role for the seasonal gift outreaches during Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. A collection for the Society is taken up at the parish Thanksgiving Morning Mass each year. We are especially grateful for the ongoing support we receive from individuals, organizations, and grants.