About the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is an international Catholic organization of lay persons founded in 1833 by Frederic Ozanam and his companions.
Under the patronage of St. Vincent de Paul, the Society derives its inspiration from his thinking and his work. It seeks, in a spirit of justice and charity and by person to person involvement of its members, to help those who are suffering.
Through prayer, meditation on the scriptures, and the teachings of the Church, Vincentians seek to bear witness to the love of Christ through their daily lives and in their relationships with those in need.
The Vincentian is at their service. He does not judge. He is available as his time and resources permit.
Among the services the St. Vincent de Paul Society provides are:
- Provide food to the needy in our community
- Deliver Christmas baskets to the needy in our community and gifts to the children
- Hospital visits to parishioners
- Home bound visits to parishioners
- Provide baby packages with infant sleepers, blankets, etc. for pregnant women
- FEMA money distributed to the needy in our community
- Offer prayer for those in need
SVDP Activities
Members give their time to serving those who come to the Food Pantry. They also help the needy, the sick and others through prayer and other activities. For example:
- During the Holiday season, SVDP ministry members assemble and deliver Christmas baskets to local families in the Pekin area.
- Members also visit parishioners in nursing homes, the hospital, and those who are home bound.
The ministry's goal is to serve everyone in need without regard to their religious denomination or circumstances.
The SVDP Food Pantry
The Food Pantry is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. to distribute food to local people in need.
Each week members go to the warehouse in Peoria to pick up food to stock the pantry located at the St. Joseph Parish Center. Food is purchased at the warehouse for a minimal price per pound.
Members stock the shelves to facilitate those who come to the Pantry needing food.
Where Does the Food Come From?
Food is purchased at local markets and is also graciously accepted by the Pantry as charity donations from local stores.
Food and money from St. Joseph parishioners or anyone else willing to contribute is accepted gratefully.
Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) money is distributed through the St Vincent de Paul organization twice each year, in spring and fall.
Here's How You Can Help
St. Vincent de Paul is able to provide services in our Parish because of the generosity of our parishioners.
If you can volunteer to help the ministry, please...
- click here to email us with your name and phone number
- or call the Parish Office during office hours (347-6108, extension 210)
- or attend any of the monthly membership meetings. Membership meetings are held at 6:00 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month.
Even if you are unable to volunteer your time and talent, your donation of food or finances will be sincerely and gratefully welcomed.