The St. Vincent de Paul Society:
Serving Those Most in Need with Great Compassion
T
he COVID-19 pandemic has seemed to further divide those who have the means and those who are in need. And unfortunately, the pandemic has made it difficult to safely serve those who need it. But thanks to the good work of the St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) Society, those in need are still getting help. Saint Michael Steward for Community Outreach Kellie Patton serves as the staff liaison for the SVdP Society, which is a standalone nonprofit, but many SMP parishioners volunteer there. “Volunteering through the St. Vincent de Paul Society is incredibly rewarding,” Kim Kondrat, former Steward for community outreach says. “These people are truly in need, and the volunteers don’t judge. They are so kind. Many of the volunteers have been doing this for years. It is a really dedicated group.” The Vincentians, as they are called, use a model of visiting those in need. This part of the ministry shifted to virtual and phone visits in 2020 and early 2021, due to the threat of COVID-19. But this has also begun to
change as more people are vaccinated. “In this sometimes harsh world, the gentle act of showing compassion goes a long way,” says Andy Jasaitis, who has been President of the SVdP Society for nearly a year. “Like many Vincentians, I feel that I get more out of the encounter, particularly spiritually, than those I serve.” SVdP Society members gather at 2019 Mass on the Grass. The SVdP Society members usually Thanks to the creativity and help about 60 families per month. work of Vincentians Steve Irwin The families are facing a variety of and Bob Hahn, the SMP Men’s hardships, from job losses to minor Shelter was made mobile, as it home and car repairs. In turn, the was not safe to be open during incurred expenses can be challenging the COVID-19 pandemic. The men for those who don’t have extra load up a U-Haul every one to two funds. The SVdP Society’s assistance months and stop at five or six sites, can come in many forms — help often near encampments for those with rent, utilities, prescriptions, or experiencing homelessness. They propane, to name a few. Vincentians will likely continue this model after also help those without identification the threat of the virus has passed. documents to obtain them. Vincentians are guided by the continued on back cover
“In this sometimes harsh world, the gentle act of showing compassion goes a long way. Like many Vincentians, I feel that I get more out of the encounter, particularly spiritually, than those I serve.” — Andy Jasaitis Kellie Patton, Steward for Community Outreach
Wood is delivered to a person unable to heat their home.
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