“Where charity is true, God is there” (Ubi caritas est vera, Deus ibi est).  This saying is a good summary of Conference Life within the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul.  With focus on Spirituality, Friendship and Service, we strive to bear witness to Christ.  This is accomplished by bringing together people of good will to assist each other by mutual example and true friendship and by establishing a personal contact with those who suffer. 

With the generous donations from our parishioners, since August 2004, our Saint Michael conference has assisted over 150 families from our Sharonville neighborhood.  As part of our effort to stay in touch with the parish we thought we would share some thoughts on how our experiences as members of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul have influenced our lives.  So the following quotes were provided by our conference members.

“Before joining Saint Vincent de Paul, I don’t think I realized how many of our Sharonville neighbors were in need.  They were all around me in line with me at the store or living in homes I drove by each day.  I just never opened my eyes to see them.  Now I see just how far a little compassion and understanding can go.  By my experiences with clients, I’ve come to a fuller appreciation of all that I have in my life.” 

“Being new to volunteerism, I did not feel worthy to undertake this mission.  Now I realize that if I had waited to be worthy, I would never do this.  Good intentions never becoming engagement are the same as saying ‘no.’ The words of the hymn are powerful:  ‘Here I am, Lord.  If You need me, I will hold Your people in my hand.’”

“As a member of SVDP I have grown spiritually and personally.  I feel that working together we are ‘making a difference’ in others’ lives.  I find the rewards far greater than what I ever give.”

“I’ve visited people who lost their jobs and needed our help and then realized how Blessed I was to still be employed.  Some clients I have met chose terrible mates.  Then I thank God for the day I met mine.  When I thought I was helping some folks over a bump, I realized that I had already received far more than I had given.”

“My experience with SVDP has made me more aware that I can see the face of Jesus in every person.  I have learned to judge people less, especially since I have not walked in their shoes.  I appreciate more what I do have and understand more what is really important in my life.  I have grown in my faith and prayer life through the shared experiences of all our members.”

“A parishioner since 1980, I had never volunteered to give back to a community that has sustained me spiritually all these years.  In the most difficult work of my life, but also the most meaningful, I go out to hold hands, pray, and look into the eyes of God’s people who are despairing and hopeless for whatever reason.  Christ went among the poor, our sisters and brothers. If we can feed them physically and spiritually, we all find meaning as we work in the vineyard.”

“Being a member of SVDP to me is like being one of Jesus’s apostles.  We help our parishioners and others in the community in need.  We do not judge their lives and circumstances.  We are the hands and hearts and eyes of Jesus here on earth.”

“Being a member of the Saint Michael conference of SVDP has been a positive experience for me in many ways.  Putting my faith into action has provided a great opportunity for me to grow spiritually and to get to know new Sharonville neighbors as well as fellow Society members.  My experience has provided a fresh perspective about what is important about life, especially about material possessions.”

“In the beginning, I was reluctant to join the Saint Vincent de Paul Society because I didn’t feel confident I would know what to do.  My fears were quickly gone when I made home visits and saw the utter relief on the faces of the family when we were able to help with a utility bill, rent, or just food.  Everyone needs help at times.  If you enjoy the feeling of joy when you help someone out of a bad situation, consider being a volunteer.  We would love to have you on our team.”

Our conference meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 7 pm in the school library.  New volunteers are welcome. 

For more information about the Society of Society of St. Vincent de Paul, please visit www.svdpcincinnati.org.