Who Are We?
Inspired by Gospel values, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA, 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 our founder, Blessed Frédéric Ozanam, and patron, St. Vincent de Paul.
The National Council supports our 4,000+ local Councils and Conferences throughout the United States by providing our members with resources, spiritual formation, and best practices so they can assist millions of people in need.
What is a Vincentian?
Members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul – known as Vincentians – are women and men who faithfully serve those in need through their local St. Vincent de Paul Conference. Vincentians serve more than 5 million people annually in rural, suburban, and urban communities across the United States.
Vincentians 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 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. See some of the ways we serve.
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.”
