St. Vincent de Paul Society

This small group of men and women is alert to the needs who come to the attention of the society through Holy Cross parish. In addition to the voluntary donations of our parishioners through a "poor box" and two annual parish collections, the parish conference of St. Vincent de Paul relies on the generous solidarity offered by larger parishes in other areas of the diocese. Our parish conference can attend realistically to the needs of the residents of our immediate neighborhood. Those in need usually come to the attention of parish staff. At least two members of the society visit the petitioners in their homes within 24 hours. Immediate emergency needs of food, clothing and furniture are taken care of within a short time. Longer term needs are referred to appropriate social agencies. The Holy Cross Conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society is best described by the overall Mission Statement of the Diocesan Society of St. Vincent de Paul:

"The St. Vincent de Paul Society stresses that its members should seek the forgotten, the suffering, the deprived, and treat them with dignity and compassion. Women and men join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to person service to the needy and suffering in the tradition of its founder, Blessed Frederic Ozanam, and its patron, St. Vincent de Paul. We also call upon Western New York to take an active role in caring for the poor of our community. The Society collaborates with other people of Good will in relieving need and addressing its causes, making no distinction in those served."

For further information, click www.svdpwny.org