The Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Mission Statement

 Inspired by Gospel values, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a Catholic lay organization, leads women and men to join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to those who are needy and suffering, in the tradition of its founder, Blessed Frederic Ozanam, and  patron, St. Vincent de Paul.

 Members, who are known as “Vincentians”, are drawn from every ethnic and cultural background, age group and economic level, as a reflection of the whole family of God. Vincentians are united in an international society of charity by their spirit of poverty, humility and sharing, which is nourished by prayer and reflection, mutually supportive gatherings and adherence to a basic Rule.

 Vincentians witness God’s love by embracing all works of charity and justice. The Society collaborates with other people of good will in relieving need and addressing its causes, making no distinction in those served, because in them Vincentians see the face of Christ.

 Who Are We?

 We are St. Anthony of Padua parishioners (Vincentian Paduans) who strive to grow spiritually by offering to serve those in need.  We are blessed with an awareness that our gifts (time, talent or treasure) are to be shared with others. 

 Understanding that service to our brother or sister in need is in fact an encounter with our Lord Jesus Christ, Vincentian Paduans appreciate that poverty, suffering and loneliness are present in our Woodlands area communities.  For that reason, we collaborate with all who seek to relieve need, whether our partners be Paduan ministries like Saint Anthony’s Bread, government services, or other area churches.

 What We Do?

 Vincentian Paduans offer tangible assistance to those in need. This aid may take the form of intervention, through direct dollar or in-kind service, consultation and/or referrals.

 An essential precept of the Society's work is to provide assistance while conscientiously maintaining the confidentiality and dignity of those who are served. 

 Our Vincentian Paduan Conference obtains all of its financial resources from St. Anthony of Padua parishioner donations in the monthly Black Bag Collection (last Sunday of each month) and other parishioner donations.

 The Vincentian Prayer

 Let us reflect on the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, recalling his unity and presence among us: “where two or more of you are gathered together in my name there am I in the midst of them.”  Lord Jesus, deepen our Vencentian spirit of friendship, make us responsive to the Christian calling to seek and find the forgotten, the suffering, or the deprived so that we may bring them your love.  Help us to be generous with our time, our possessions and ourselves in this mission of charity.  Perfect in us your love and teach us to share more fully in the Eucharistic Sacrifice offered for all.  Amen

 St. Vincent de Paul - Ext # 776

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