St. Vincent de Paul Society
In response to a taunt for Christians to "practice what they preach", Blessed Frederic Ozanam, who was a 20-year-old student at the Sorbonne University in Paris, and a group of fellow students began seeking out and visiting the poor in their homes in Paris. This small group took as their patron the great French priest, St. Vincent de Paul, who alerted the world to social problems. The St. Vincent de Paul Society (SVdP) became a registered charity in Bermuda in 1983 with the blessing of Bishop Brian Hennessy, C.R. and became the recognized Catholic Charity operating under the auspices of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Hamilton in Bermuda.
Who are WE?
We are referred to as Vincentians dedicated to serving the needy, vulnerable, and marginalized. The Vincentian Charism refers to St. Vincent de Paul's way of expressing his experience of God's presence, by love and action in ones’ life acting with Simplicity, Humility, Compassion, Gentleness, Selflessness, and Zeal. We provide services for the homeless and the working poor with confidentiality and humility. It is a stop-gap charity geared to aiding a person(s) with hardship needs following our SVDP Guidelines. The SVdP Society does not provide on-going financial assistance.
The work of the Vincentians is the Gospel message in action.
I was hungry, I was thirsty, I was naked, I was a stranger, I was sick, I was in prison,
....and you cared!
Vincentians visit people in their homes, in hospital, in nursing homes etc. The Society provides for food insecurity for needy families and individuals throughout the Island. They organize the distribution of hot meals distributed from St. Theresa’s Hall on Laffan Street once a week each Sunday from 5pm-6pm. (This is the Loaves & Fishes Programme.) The Society also assists in other hardship crisis situations.
Can WE help?
The Pastor of your parish can put you in touch with us should you or someone you know need help in any way. The names of the Parish Representatives are listed in your parish bulletins. Alternatively, you can send an email to svdp@northrock.bm with a brief message and leaving your contact information.
Can YOU help?
The Society welcomes both financial and volunteer assistance. All are welcome to participate.
Specifically, if interested in being actively involved by sitting on the SVdP Committee, the criteria are to be Roman Catholic, exhibit compassion and empathy; have a love for the poor and a generosity of spirit, recognizing the face of Christ in everyone we encounter. “There, but for the Grace of God, go I” – a Proverb recognizing that another’s misfortune could be our own. If you wish more information, please send an email to svdp@northrock.bm, call 525-1191, or contact a committee member listed below. We would love to hear from you.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY
EXECUTIVE AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS
PRESIDENT: VICE - PRESIDENT: SECRETARY: PRIVACY OFFICER: CHAPLAIN: DIRECTOR-Loaves & Fishes COMMITTEE MEMBER: COMMITTEE MEMBER: COMMITTEE MEMBER: |
Patricia Rodrigues Vacat Sandra Neal Helen Gillis-Cooze Anthony Donaghy Deacon Matthew Arnold Joanne Judd Daphne DeSilva Tommy Sinclair Vanessa Turner
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St. Anthony's Parish
Stella Maris Parish St. Theresa's Cathedral Parish St. Theresa's Cathedral Parish St. Patrick's Parish St. Theresa's Cathedral Parish St. Theresa's Cathedral Parish St. Theresa's Cathedral Parish St. Theresa's Cathedral Parish
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