Vincentian “Urban Plunges”

In their own words the St. Vincent de Paul Center writes

• We provide young people with the opportunity to engage in service for, and with, people who are poor or marginalized
• We encourage the formation of Christian community
• We enable young people to come to know the Vincentian Way, and the principles of Catholic Social Teaching
• We are located in the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia

The St. Vincent de Paul Center is a direct response to the invitation of the then Superior General of the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians), Fr. Robert Maloney, C.M. to engage youth and young adults in the charism of the Vincentian family. The Center began under the leadership of Br. Joseph Tauraso, C.M. in 2000 as an Eastern USA Vincentian Provincial initiative based on the “Urban Plunge” model to invite youth to serve with Vincentians, Daughters of Charity, Vincentian Family members and collaborators in direct service to those who are materially poor.