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March 7, 2019Throughout the archdiocese, Catholics are serving as members of Saint Vincent de Paul Conferences or Vincentians. They visit people in need in groups of two, the way Jesus sent his disciples, to meet and talk with people who ask for help in their immediate community and local neighborhoods.
The help usually consists of one-time emergency help with rent or utility bills after experiencing unexpected difficulty, including reduced hours at a job or emergency home repair.
The Vincentians meet with the working poor, seniors living on fixed incomes, grandparents unexpectedly raising grandchildren, single parents raising families and others who need help and hope.
During Lent, other Catholics are invited to learn more about the work of Saint Vincent de Paul by serving as “Lenten Vincentians.” For those whose parish has a Saint Vincent de Paul Conference, this might include joining in prayer and spiritual reflection; joining a team on weekly visits during each of the five weeks of Lent; or giving a little more each week to the poor box that supports the work.
For those whose parishes do not have an SVdP Conference, Lenten Vincentians can find the closest conference and offer to serve during Lent.
“The primary role of the Vincentian is not to pay the bills, furnish groceries or clothe someone,” said Noreen Valadez, president of the Archdiocesan Council of Saint Vincent de Paul.
“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. However, it is in loving where the contact with Christ emerges. That contact with Christ is what separates Saint Vincent de Paul from other social agencies.”
More information on Saint Vincent de Paul Conferences in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City can be found at svdpokc.org.
Contact Noreen Valadez, president of the Archdiocesan Council of Saint Vincent de Paul, at (405) 706-7069 or [email protected].
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Conferences in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City
ALTUS
(580) 482-3367
CLINTON
(580) 323-0345
DUNCAN
(580) 255-0590
HARRAH/MCCLOUD
(405) 343-2938; (405) 964-5606
LAWTON
(580) 355-7837; (580) 704-8012
MIDWEST CITY
(405) 741-0967
MOORE
(405) 314-0414
OKLAHOMA CITY
Epiphany (405) 722-2110
St. Charles (405) 445-0414
St. Eugene (405) 751-7115
St. Francis of Assisi (405) 528-0485, Ext.57
NORMAN
St. Joseph (405) 701-3693
St. Mark (405) 366-8070
St. Thomas More (405) 329-5372
PURCELL
(405) 527-3077
YUKON
(405) 354-2743
