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February 20, 2025Nestled in the modest rolling hills of southern Oklahoma’s Murray County, sits Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sulphur, a mission church with a huge mission to help the unfortunate of this picturesque county and the surrounding areas.
Some four years ago, the pastor, Father Aaron Foshee, invited the Saint Vincent de Paul Society in Oklahoma City to introduce its program to the small mission church. It took about 18 months for a small solid group to form, organize and decide how they could help the needy people of their area.
Unlike most other charitable organizations, the Saint Vincent de Paul Society has virtually no administrative costs. Saint Vincent de Paul knew that God had sent him to bring good news to the poor, and the society works to achieve this goal. The society focuses on love of fellow man.
Since the inception of this small group of six people, the organization has helped 627 people (355 families).
The driving force and leader of this small dynamic group is Vincentian Mary Dresel, who said these are amazing figures for such a small group of people. And yet, she said what makes this small group unique among other Saint Vincent de Paul organizations:
1. They do not limit their help to needy people in Murray County. If someone needs help in an adjoining county, they spring into action and are there to help.
2. While many other organizations have a food bank, this organization does not, and instead works with a locally owned grocery store. The family in need goes to the store and gets what’s needed (with guidelines) and the store bills the organization. Saint Vincent de Paul then pays the grocery store.
3. They work closely each month with the youth of the parish. The youth are called “Mini-Vinnies.” Each month the “Vinnies” dedicate a service project to a saint who served the poor. The projects vary based on the needs of different local organizations. For example, they make superhero capes for families who are being displaced for whatever reasons. They organize “Sock Hops” where they collect socks for the unfortunate in a clothing drive. The program has about 15 children who participate each month, ranging in age from 8 to 18. Their focus: “service work for neighbors.”
4. Sometimes circumstances can be challenging. Many close friends, neighbors and parishioners suffered the effects of a natural disaster last April when a tornado destroyed property and misplaced residents in Sulphur.
Local Vincentian Stacey Conley-Sheffield said, “I am honored to be part of part of an organization that makes such an impact on and for the neighbors in our community.”
The organization in Sulphur has also forged relationships with other organizations for additional help.
“Scott Dempewolf, of Catholic Charities of Ardmore, has assisted and is always ready to help in cases that are beyond our scope in Murray County,” Dresel said. “He is an exceptional asset to our organization.”
The Saint Vincent de Paul Society now has 23 conferences in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and more than 5,000 conferences in the United States alone. Founded in 1833, it is a worldwide organization of lay Catholics, following Christ’s call to serve the poor.
The home visit, a founding activity, is still practiced today. Vincentians establish personal relationships with their friends in need, not only by material assistance, but also by offering friendship, understanding and prayer.
“The organization and example of its members, who so lovingly and willingly help our neighbors, has given me the spiritual guidance I was seeking,” said fellow Vincentian Stacy Goodin.
For more information about the local chapter at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sulphur, contact Mary Dresel (405) 623-9003.
Charles Albert is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.
Photo: The St. Vincent de Paul Society “Mini-Vinnies” at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sulphur made superhero capes for families. Photo provided
