Society of St. Vincent de Paul
A Mother and Son Volunteer Together at the Food Pantry
Yolanda Shields and her son Ben Blackford, a senior at St. Xavier High School, have formed a deeper bond and gained empathy for those in need by volunteering together at St. Vincent de Paul Louisville’s Food Pantry, an experience that has shaped Ben’s perspective on service as he prepares for college and a career in meteorology.
Contemplation: Our Vincentian Hearts
In his encyclical, Dilexit Nos, Pope Francis focuses on the importance of the heart to the practice of our faith; not merely the physical, biological heart, but the heart which is the core of our being, the union of body and spirit. Not surprisingly, he cites St. Vincent de Paul, who often taught that all God asks of us is our hearts.
Too Close to Home: One Donor Shares his Story
Mike Devereaux, whose son experienced homelessness and substance abuse, uses his personal struggles to shape his commitment as a monthly donor and volunteer for St. Vincent de Paul Louisville, believing that giving back is crucial to making a difference.
Ozanam, the Journalist
Besides practicing charity towards those most in need, Ozanam was a very courageous man in exercising his Christian apostolate through the press and literature.
Living and Serving in Hope
This short essay is inspired by the theme for the 2024 Annual National Formation (ANF) of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Canada, “Serving in Hope.”
Engaged Minds, Busy Hands at “Backpack League” Summer Camp
Creating tie-dye shirts. Math problems incorporating exercise. Interactive storytelling. Robotics. Arts and dance.
Contemplation: From Darkness Into Light
This post originally appeared on ssvpusa.org It is from St. John of the Cross that we get the phrase “dark night of the soul,” which we use to describe a crisis of faith in which we are plagued by doubts about God, our souls, and our church. It is through such dark...
Contemplation: Who Do They Say That We Are?
This post originally appeared on ssvpusa.org “Who do the people say that I am?” Christ asked of his disciple, before asking, “And who do you say that I am?” He was not surprised to receive two different answers, despite the fact that He never wavered in telling all...
Contemplation: A Cycle of Love
This post originally appeared on ssvpusa.org We serve, our Rule reminds us, for love alone. [Rule, Part I, 2.2] This does not mean we do it in exchange for love, but rather that our works are motivated by love, and freely given as acts of love. Our own hearts, aflame...
Contemplation: Joy In Gratitude
This post originally appeared on ssvpusa.org In the times that our work seems difficult, and the problems of the neighbor or our Conference seems overwhelming, there is one thing that should fill our hearts and minds, bringing us to a state of peace and good cheer in...
The Home Visit: An Encounter with our Neighbor
Hear what three members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul have to say about their experiences during a Home Visit with a neighbor, and how that has shaped their time with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
Contemplation: One Who Lives Differently
This post originally appeared on ssvpusa.org Serviens in spe, reads the Society’s motto, Serving in Hope. Hope can be a powerful feeling, a state of mind that keeps us going through great difficulties. It is a light at the end of the tunnel, the silver lining behind...