St Vincent de Paul - Cathedral ConferenceSee Also: http://qld.vinnies.org.au/
SVDP - St Stephen's Cathedral Conference - Newsletter - August 2020 The St Vincent de Paul Society is a lay, Catholic organisation established in France in 1833 by Blessed Frederic Ozanam and his friends. Frederic was only 20 years old when he inspired his friends to put their faith into action.
Inspired by Frederic and his friends, members of the Society strive to live the Gospel message by serving Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice, hope and joy and by working to shape a more just and compassionate society. We are currently active in 153 countries worldwide. The first “Conference” (the term used to describe our teams of volunteers) in Queensland was established 125 years ago at St Brigid’s, Red Hill (1894). Established on the 13th June 1903, St Stephen’s Cathedral Conference was the second Conference to offer support to Queenslanders facing financial and emotional hardship. The members of our St Stephen’s Cathedral Conference feel a sense of both humility and pride to be part of a group that has an unbroken tradition, faithfully serving people in need for over 116 years. When we meet a person in need, we listen to their story and seek to understand their situation without judgement and with compassion. Together we discern the needs of the person before us and how we can best help. At times this may be simply providing food, toiletries, clothing or basic furniture. We may identify that the person would benefit from a more specialised service in which case, we can provide them with referral information. Quite often, it is clear that the person before us is lonely and is / has been socially isolated or ostracised. By listening and “being present” to them, we do our best demonstrate that they are deeply valued and worthy of God’s love. If you would like to find out more on how you can help, please contact [email protected] or [email protected]. If you require assistance, please contact our Help Line on 1800 Vinnies (1800 846 643). (free call) “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me”. (Matthew 25:40) |