St Lawrence & St Paul Parish, South Gloucestershire, UK

St Vincent de Paul Society - Parish Foundation

WHO WE ARE:

Our Society was founded in Paris, in 1833, by a group of Catholic students, led by Frederic Ozanam, a devout young lawyer. They were responding to the challenge of an age where the focus was on material prosperity, and the poor and elderly were increasingly isolated and neglected. Does this sound familiar for our time?

The group resolved to follow Christ’s example of love in action. So they began visiting the needy, and soon others joined them. St. Vincent de Paul (1581-1660), whose life had been devoted entirely to helping the marginalized, was chosen as their patron.

WHAT WE DO:

Today, in our parish, as throughout the world, Vincentians, as we are known, continue to give our concern, friendship, time and talents to help those in need, regardless of creed, colour or political belief. We cooperate with other organisations, religious and secular, to achieve our aims.

 

We do not preach or seek to convert, but simply try to show the love of Christ through our actions.

 

We attach no conditions to the aid we give and, above all, we respect the dignity and confidentiality of those we help.

 

As well as providing material assistance, we are called upon increasingly to respond to:

loneliness (affecting all age groups);

bereavement;

broken families;

homelessness;

inability to cope with life’s problems; 

drug adiction; 

isolation felt by Catholics no longer able to attend Church

CONTACT NUMBERS:                     

Brenda   01454 218722

Eileen     01454 311585

Wally     01454 319423

 

Check our calendar page for listings of events.