North American Martyrs Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP)
Our Mission:
Inspired by Gospel values, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a Catholic lay organization, leads women and men to join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to those who are needy and suffering in the tradition of its founder, Blessed Frederic Ozanam, and patron, St. Vincent de Paul.
As a reflection of the whole family of God, Members, who are known as Vincentians, are drawn from every ethnic and cultural background, age group, and economic level. Vincentians are united in an international society of charity by their spirit of poverty, humility and sharing, which is nourished by prayer and reflection, mutually supportive gatherings and adherence to a basic Rule.
Organized locally Vincentians witness God’s love by embracing all works of Charity and justice. The Society collaborates with other people of good will in relieving need and addressing its causes, making no distinction in those served because, in them, Vincentians see the face of Christ.
Activities:
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s main work is the same as it was with our founder, Blessed Frederic Ozanam—-to put our faith into action by visiting the homes of the poor on a person-to-person basis. (There is no need which is outside the concern of the Society). Membership in the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a call to holiness.
The parish conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul works with the other Catholic parish conferences in Lincoln and the surrounding communities to support special works as determined by the Lincoln Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. The president of each conference serves on the Council board that meets monthly. There are also special committees that coordinate and plan the special works provided by the council in the city of Lincoln and the Diocese of Lincoln. Any member can serve on the council committees. Conference and Council activities involve serving the neediest in our parish and Lincoln Community.
The parish conference depends on donations from parishioners or private donors to assist those in need. North American Martyrs allows parishioners to e-tithe or use quarterly envelopes for the support of this organization. Vincentians strive to be good stewards of the support we receive and 99% of the money we receive goes toward direct service to those in need. 1% or less goes toward conference administrative expenses.
Membership:
1. Active Members must belong to the Catholic Church, accept the Basic Principles or Charter of the Society, be accepted as an Active Member by a Conference and be enrolled in it. In addition, they need to take part in the life of the Conference to which they belong. Participation implies a reasonable degree of involvement in SVdP meetings, charitable activities, and religious observances.
2. Associate Members, like the Active Member, are affiliated with the Society by formal action of the Conference or Council with which the member will be joined. Associate Members include those who sincerely and publicly accept the Society’s basic principles but may or may not belong the the Catholic Church. Associate Members are kept informed of the developments and activities of their immediate groupings, as well as the general progress of the Society, particularly in the local area or diocese. Associate Members are invited to attend the general meetings and special observances of the Society. They participate, as they are able, in the charitable activism of the Society in their area.
3. Contribution Members require no formal action for enrollment. Recognition of such status is simply granted by the Society in acknowledging the financial donations of generous or regular contributors. Contributors are invited to be present at general and special meetings.
Non-members with a special area of expertise may be asked to serve on the Lincoln Council board.
The Lincoln Council orchestrates community and solidarity activities such as feast day masses and spiritual formation. Ozanam Orientation is held at least once a year to indoctrinate new or interested members into the work of living the Vincentian vocation.
Feast days celebrated by the Society include:
January 4
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton – Founder of Sister of Charity in US. A part of her community was united with the Daughters of Charity in Paris.
February 7
Blessed Rosalie Rendu – Daughter of Charity, Mentor to Blessed Frederick Ozanam
March 15
St. Louise de Marillac – Co-Founder of Daughters of Charity with St. Vincent de Paul
Last Sunday in April
Ozanam Sunday
June
The Friday following second Sunday after Pentecost -Feast of the Sacred Heart & Renewal of consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
September 9
Blessed Frederick Ozanam – Founder of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
September 27
St. Vincent de Paul – Patron Saint
Founder of Confraternities of Charity (Ladies of Charity),
Congregation of the Mission (priests and brothers),
Co-Founder of Daughters of Charity
November 27
Feast of the Miraculous Medal
November 28
St. Catherine Laboure – Daughter of Charity – Miraculous Medal
December 8
Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Members:
Spiritual Advisor: Fr. Connor
President: Ken Kalisek
Conf. Vice President:
Treasurer: Mary Anne Classen
Secretary: Angela Bailey Vogel
Lay Spiritual Advisors: Elmer & Jane Wemhoff
We have a total of 12 members
Meetings
Meetings are held at North American Martyrs Church, in the Kateri Room on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each Month at 6:00pm.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Lincoln, Ne Council website: Lincoln.svdpcouncil.
National Council of the United States Society of St. Vincent de Paul:
www.svdpusa.org
For more information, contact Mary Anne Classen or call the Parish Office.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a non-profit 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
