April 26, 2016 // Local

Seniors among steadfast group of Vincentians

Todays Catholic

Vincentians prepare to make several home visits to a Mishawaka Apartment Complex.

SOUTH BEND — The vocation of the members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society is to follow Christ through service to those in need.  Members, called Vincentians, show their commitment through person-to-person contact with the poor, striving to seek out and find those in need and forgotten, the victims of exclusion or adversity. As such the “Home Visit” is the cornerstone of the work of the Society in the Diocese.

When Vincentians make Home Visits, they bring food and personal items to meet the immediate needs of the person struggling with poverty, but also the hope that they are not alone in their struggles.  Vincentians make home visits in groups of at least two and offer to pray with and for each and every person they visit.

In 2015, Vincentians from the 21 parish Vincentian Conferences in St. Joseph and Elkhart Counties made 5,491 unique home visits, visiting 18,512 people in their homes. Home Visits are made 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  For more information regarding membership in the St. Vincent de Paul Society, please contact your local parish or www.svdpsb.org.

A Vincentian delivers personal items and food to a family living in South Bend.