“Don’t think that it’s a small thing to be devoted to the relief of those in distress.”  - Vincent de Paul

History

The Saint Vincent de Paul Society is a Catholic lay organization founded in 1833, calling women and men to join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to those who are needy and suffering. The founder was Blessed Frédéric Ozanam (see nearby portrait) and its patron is Saint Vincent de Paul. The Saint Eleanor Conference was established in 2002 and has been active since.

Mission Statement

A network of friends, inspired by Gospel values, growing in holiness in building a more just world through personal relationships with and service to people in need

What we do

Active members participate regularly in Conference meetings, prayer and fellowship; partner with neighbors in need in the Collegeville area who seek help; and are received formally as a Vincentian brother or sister into the Society’s Conference.

Our monthly 'Conference' meetings are held on the first Monday of the month in Kateri Hall starting at 7 p.m. The general agenda includes opening prayer and meditation, treasury and committee reports, review of special projects (Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas), new initiatives, neighbor (client) reports, a secret collection, and closing prayer.

Guests and prospective members are welcome to attend but will be excused prior to the confidential neighbor (client) reports.

How You can help

• Learn more about becoming a Vincentian by calling the Saint Eleanor Parish Office at 610-489-1647, extension 43. A member of SVdP will return your call and answer any questions.
• Fund SVdP with a cash or Scrip/gift card donation placed in the church Poor Box or dropped off at the Parish Office to assist the financial needs of neighbors.
• Help keep our pantry well stocked by placing nonperishable groceries, paper goods and personal items in the SVdP bins in the Church Narthex
• Pray that together YOU & I will always meet God’s call to care for those in need.

Food Pantry Items

All nonperishable donations are welcome, but the following are items most appreciated by neighbors in need when visiting the Food Pantry.

• Breakfast: Cereal (some child friendly), complete pancake mix and syrup.
• Lunch/Dinner: lunchbox items, microwaveable complete meals, pasta sauce, soup, rice, tuna, canned potatoes, canned fruit, condiments, salad dressings, flour, sugar, snack items.
• Personal items: toothpaste, deodorant, hand soap, shampoo, laundry detergent, toilet paper and paper towels.