About the St. Vincent de Paul Society

Mission Statement

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 the needy and suffering in the tradition of its founder, Frederic Ozanam, and patron, Saint 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.

- Mission Statement, National Council

Services Provided

The Saint Vincent de Paul Society is a non-profit 501(c)3 charitable organization that provides goods and services to those in need in Raynham.

We are about 30 men and women who volunteer our time and energy to help our neighbors in their time of need. Our organization has no paid staffers. While we are a Catholic organization, we provide services without regard to religious affiliation.

Among our activities and the kinds of services we provide are:

* Financial Assistance – We may be able to provide emergency funding for individuals and families to meet critical needs in the area of utilities, fuel oil, rent and/or mortgage, transportation, and prescription medication.

* Parish Food Pantry – Our society operates a modest food pantry or provides food vouchers to local supermarkets to meet the immediate needs of individuals and families who are housebound.

* Food Baskets – Our parish society also provides Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas food baskets (to about 55 households) and seasonal holiday plants to folks who are homebound or in nursing homes.

* Referrals – We provide useful information for clients concerning other available sources of assistance to help meet their needs, including other charitable organizations, social service agencies, and local and state government programs.