Saint Vincent de Paul Society

People everywhere are called by Christ to proclaim the Gospel and to be His presence on earth. The Society, as a Catholic lay organication, remains faithful to these teachings of the Church. There are many ways to become a part of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Vancouver Island. By becoming a member, employee, or volunteer, you can show your faith and give in many ways.

Becoming a Member

Members join the Society because they seek to develop their faith by living it both individually and communally. The Society is for people who feel a need to improve their Christian like and view the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul as a means to accomplish this end.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Society and meet the following criteria:

You are an active Christian in your community;
You have a current criminal record check;
And you have three personal references;

Then please contact us.

Categories of Members

Pursuant to the prescription of the Rule of the International Confederation of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, the Vincentian tradition and legal requirements, the following categories of member are recognized:

Full Member Any person of good will, desirous of living his or her faith by loving and serving the poor and of participating in the meetings and activities of the Society, according to the principles set forth in the International Rule, may become a Full Member of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. The President, Vice-President and Spiritual Advisor of conferences adn councils shall be Roman Catholic

Auxiliary Member Any person, whether this person be Catholic or not, who sincerely and publicly accepts the Society's principles, may become an Auxiliary Member of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul.

may or may not have contact with those being seved;
is incited to attend the general meetings and to participate in the charitable activities of the Society;
may not run for office.

Benefactor Persons who are recognized because of their financial contributions or other support to the Society are considered Benefactors. They may be invited to attend general meetings.
Young Adult Member Full members between the ages of 19 and 35.
Youth Members Full members between the ages of 12 and 19 working with an adult full member as a mentor.

What being a Member involves

Vincentians or members, within the limits of a parish, a school, a store, a workplace, etc., join together to form a conference. The conference provides an environment in which they develop and nurture a common spiritual life and where they grow in their closeness to the Lord as they encounter Him in the poor.

In a conference, objectives and activities are planned, developed and carried out to help the poor. An environment should be created that will enable members to develop a sense of Vincentian spirituality, friendship and solidarity in their charitable activities.

The responsabilities of conference members are varied. The most important one is to bring comfort and aid to the poor. The fundamental activity is the person-to-person encounter witht the poor through home visits, carried out by pairs of Vincentians.

Other responsabilities, along with carrying out the mission of the Society include:

Learning about the Society and the Rule.
Being defenders of social justice.
Being proactive in the defense of the poor.
Cooperate with other parish organizations, neighboring conferences, and individuals and other organizations.

Members may participate as elected President, appointed Vice-President, Secretary or Treasurer, and must participate in regular meetings.

Currently the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul on Vancouver Island has over 230 active full members.