St. Vincent De Paul St. Simon & St. Jude Conference
(Conference established in Belle River in 1949)
" serviens in spe "
Brief History
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul dates back to 1833. Frederick Ozanam (founder) and six other students started the society in response to the level of poverty in Paris France at this time. These University students offered compassion and assistance to the poor and chose to name their group. "Society of St. Vincent de Paul". Blessed Frederick Ozanam is the Patron of the Society of St. Vincent De Paul. He was assisted by a good friend, St. Louise de Marillac.
Today... The Society of St. Vincent de Paul continues to minister to the poor in 145 countries on five continents. With active Conferences in 24 parishes, and 450 volunteers all serving the people of Windsor and Essex county since 1896.
St. Simon & St. Jude Conference in Belle River was established in 1949. Our small Conference in this Parish consists of 12 members. Through their dedicated assistance combined with the support and generosity of our parishioners, we are able to service the needs of the vulnerable in our own community.
Year 2020 at a Glance ~ St. Vincent de Paul at work in the community: There was a great need for assistance during the last year. We are pleased to reveal that our small Conference in this Parish, serviced 129 people during these pandemic conditions. These consisted of children and adults of any Faith. We provided these families with groceries, clothing, coats and boots, furniture, new beds, appliances and even kitchenware. And prayerful support!
CHARITABLE WORKS
We consulted and prayed with some of the vulnerable. We provided new beds for: a single handicap man, and a single father who needed a new bed for one of his 3 daughters. Vouchers for groceries are delivered and attached to the front doors of residences where food is needed. Unfortunately, no in-home visits during the pandemic restrictions. (Under normal conditions, two Vincentians would visit the home and pray with the family.) We also provide references to other services such as Community Centre and Children's aid.
Anyone who requires our help, simply calls our Church office. Then the call is referred to our Conference members for action. We respond immediately.
GRATITUDE
In order to provide this service, we are sincerely grateful to the Parish community for their loyal financial support and for donations of clothing, furniture and functional appliances.
Some of the local Parish groups, such as The Knights of Columbus of Belle River and the CWL of St. Simon & St. Jude have been integral partners in supporting St. Vincent de Paul.
The people of this Community sincerely thank you and all those who have supported and continue to support the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
"Take good care of the service of the poor" St. Louise de Marillac
Respectfully yours in Community service,
Gil Roy - President
St. Simon & St. Jude Conference, Belle River
"Serving in Hope"