The Society of St. Vincent de Paul was founded in 1833 by Frederic Ozanam, a 20 year old college student in Paris, France.  Frederic met with other similar minded students and discussed the many factors affecting the poor and methods and theories to provide relief.

After several meetings, Frederic learned of a family struggling without heat.  He decided to team up with another student whereupon they hauled heavy logs to the family’s home.  That act was declared as the “first home visit.”  Frederic began networking his group with various individuals, including nuns, priests, educators, and doctors.   He chose the name Society of St. Vincent de Paul, dedicating the group to this famous saint and his “good works,” and decided to call the members “Vincentians.”   Frederic Ozanam also acknowledged the invaluable assistance of Blessed Rosalie Rendu (co-founder of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul) and St. Louise de Marillac (co-founder of the Daughters of Charity), who worked tirelessly with the needy.

The SVdP Society  has attracted 700,000 members in 148 countries worldwide.  Individual groups are called “conferences.”  The core of the conference is an international lay Catholic ministry that sees Christ in the face of God’s poor and suffering.  Through work with the poor, Vincentians desire to grow spiritually and seek personal holiness.  In so doing, they feel closer to Christ.

Sacred Heart Parish began its own SVdP conference and several years later partnered with Divine Child Parish, expanding the parish boundaries of service.  Our mission is to visit needy clients in their homes, pray with them, and help with food, clothing, medical bills, utility bills, furniture, and rent whenever possible.  Depending on finances, conferences may collaborate or “twin” with other parishes to assist those who struggle.

The conference supports the SVdP food pantry at Saint Maria Goretti Parish in Dearborn Heights, SVdP’s Solidarity program, SVdP’s Journey to Housing program, Camp Ozanam (providing children the opportunity to attend this famous religious camp on Lake Huron for one week), and, at Christmas, Adopt a Family program (offering financial assistance to families with children). We conduct annual clothing drives at both Sacred Heart and Divine Child, sending thousands of items to the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store in Westland, where clients can buy gently used clothing, housewares, beds, and furniture.  The Thrift store, located at 6613 North Wayne Road, accepts household goods and clothing anytime.  The phone number is (734) 629-8250.

The SVdP Society offers a Vehicle Donation Program with details on its website.
    
The conference relies upon the generosity of our parishioners through the “poor boxes.”  These donations go directly to the poor, 100% in their entirety.  In addition, the Vincentians engage in fund raising such as:  Walk for the Poor each September on Belle Isle, Tree of Lights in December, and the Chili Cha Cha in January.
    
If you wish to make a difference in someone’s life, consider joining the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul.  This rewarding charity affords you warm fellowship, prayer and devotion, as well as inherent value in helping our brothers and sisters in need. 

If you have questions or wish to join,  please call the Sacred Heart Parish office at (313) 278-5555.  Meetings third are usually held monthly, excluding July, August, and December.