Page 26 - Faith Connections Issue 3.2

ISSUE 3 OCTOBER 2021

SVDP ACTIVITIES

The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVDP) is a worldwide Catholic organization to bring people together and
to grow spiritually by promoting the spirit of poverty and humility. The SVDP chapter at our church was started
in 2007 by a small group devoted to encountering our Lord in a more meaningful way while abiding by the core
values of the International Society. The early members started off by offering one-on-one services, such as
hospital visits and financial support to parishioners in need. As the church started to grow, SVDP was able to
expand and even help communities back home in Kerala. With the generous support from our parishioners
nearly $300K has been distributed to 152 unique individuals/institutions for the period of 2013 to 2020. Here is a
snapshot of their initiatives

SVDP strives to support local charities, Samaritan Homeless Interim Program (SHIP), a nonprofit
organization that helps people who suffer from homelessness, substance abuse, HIV/Aids, mental health,
neglect, and isolation. SHIP was greatly affected by hurricane IDA and the SVDP is donating one commercial
freezer.
SVDP is supporting the “Feeding Hands” organization, a local food pantry in Somerville, NJ. They are
currently in need of items like grocery bags, diapers, and hygiene items which can be dropped off in the box
labeled “Feeding Hands” in the narthex areas. .
“Feeding Hands” is also giving out volunteer opportunities to kids 14 and older; anyone who is interested,
please contact Cynthia Parayil for details.
The SVDP is also planning to update their church website. Any 12th graders who are interested in
participating should contact their CCD teachers, trustees, or SVDP leads.
The SVDP monthly meetings will be held as a zoom call on Second Sunday at 6 PM until church activities
resume as normal. Please join and share your ideas.

PAGE 26 ROSARY & ALL SAINTS EDITION | ISSUE 3