St. Vincent de Paul Society of East Texas
Society members, affectionately called “Vincentians,” are joined by their passion of serving neighbors in need. Vincentians commit to membership in one of our 10 local conferences for fellowship, training, and spiritual guidance in their habit of service.
Meeting people at difficult times in their lives requires sensitivity, compassion, and a deep respect for their struggles. The center of our service model is a person-to-person home visit, during which our trained staff and volunteers get to know our neighbors and hear their stories.
What is a Vincentian?
Members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul – known as Vincentians – are women and men who represent every age, every race, and every income. Without the classic blue shirt on, it would be hard to tell them apart from the people they are serving!
Vincentians share their blessings of time, talent and treasure with those who need help and hope. We understand that service to a neighbor in need is an encounter with our Lord Jesus Christ, and are aware that poverty, suffering, and loneliness are present for millions in our communities. Vincentians serve more than 4 million people annually in rural, suburban, and urban communities across the United States.
Vincentians witness God’s love by embracing all works of charity and justice. We make no distinction in those we serve because, in them, Vincentians see the face of Christ.
Vincentians strive to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to neighbors in need. All Vincentians are part of an international society of friends united by a spirit of poverty, humility, and sharing. They are nourished by prayer and reflection, mutually supportive gatherings, and adherence to a basic Rule. To quote our patron, St. Vincent de Paul: “Charity is infinitely inventive.”
Vincentian Spirituality
Vincentians are witness to God’s love by embracing all works of charity and justice. The primary role of the Vincentian is not to pay the bills, furnish groceries, or clothe someone. The role of the Vincentian is to provide loving and compassionate interest in individuals. If that interest calls for food, clothing or other assistance, so be it, but it is in loving where the contact with Christ emerges. That contact with Christ is what separates the Society of St. Vincent de Paul from just another social agency.
Founded in Faith, Open to All
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 Frédéric Ozanam, and patron, St. Vincent de Paul. The Society serves our Neighbors without regard to race, color, creed, religion, disability, age, orientation, national origin, political beliefs, or sex.
Join Us!
As a reflection of the whole family of God, members, who are known as Vincentians, are drawn from every ethnic and cultural background, age group, and economic level. 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.
Part of the Larger Community
Organized locally, 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.
Your Local Conference
Each SVdP Conference will have their own focus and works of mercy in accordance with the particular and often unique needs of their parish community. For more information on a conference in your community, please check the conference directory pages HERE.