Spreading God’s Love Neighbor to Neighbor

On January 20, 1961, President John F. Kennedy was sworn in as our country’s 35th President. His inaugural address contains many memorable excerpts, but few remember or acknowledge the very last line in which he said, “….let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own.” In addition to this being our calling as a nation, it is indeed the calling of the St. Vincent de Paul Society which is so active in our collaborative and which strives to be Christ’s hands on Earth by following His teachings and His example.

The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is an international voluntary organization in the Catholic Church, founded in 1833 in France by Blessed Frederic Ozanam for the sanctification of its members by personal service to the poor. Its charitable works and guiding principles are modeled after the life and example of St. Vincent de Paul who lived from 1581-1660 and who became known as “The Apostle of Charity” and the “Father of the Poor”. There are more than 750,000 members (called “Vincentians”) in over 142 countries. The Mission Statement of the Society in the United States is:

“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.”

Local St. Vincent de Paul chapters are called Conferences. The Hull Conference – based at St. Mary Parish – has been in existence for many years and has helped hundreds of neighbors in need. This past year, St. Anthony Parish in Cohasset joined with St. Mary’s to form the Christ by the Sea Collaborative Conference. There are currently nearly 30 members from both parishes who meet once a month to review expenditures, provide consultation on cases, pray and share their faith. The Conference is also blessed to have Msgr. George Carlson as its Spiritual Advisor, and his monthly spiritual reflections provide focus and context for our work. Funding for the work of the local Conference is generated entirely though the generosity of the parishioners within the Conference. Some resources - such as a heating assistance program and security deposit program - are also provided through the statewide Council which is located in Stoughton and also operates a Thrift Shop at that location.

Anyone in the towns served by St. Mary’s and St. Anthony’s is eligible to receive financial assistance for such things as clothing, food, medicine and medical expenses, housing costs and utilities. Upon receiving a call for assistance, a rotating two-person team of Vincentian volunteers visits the person making the request to determine how we can help and to offer suggestions for other community resources that may be available. But equally important are the emotional and spiritual support provided to those who feel they have nowhere else to turn. This year we have also begun giving those we help a boxed crucifix with Jesus’ comforting words from St. Matthew’s Gospel: “Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
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