The society of St. Vincent De Paul has a deep history here in St. Louis. Twelve years after the Society’s founding in Paris, France, the organization was established here in St Louis at the “Old Cathedral” in 1845. And today, St. Louis remains the Headquarters for the Society throughout the United States. A portion of the mission statement of the Society in the United States provides the basis for our continued work:
“Inspired by gospel values, the Society of St. Vincent De Paul, a 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 Osanam, and patron St. Vincent de Paul.
Organized locally, Vincentians witness God’s love by embracing all works of charity and justice. The Society collaborates with other people of good will in relieving need and addressing its causes, making no distinction in those served because, in them, Vincentians see the face of Christ.”
Through your generous support the St. Ann’s Council has provided food, utility assistance, children’s holiday gifts, emergency transportation, home furnishings and clothing to more than 2,000 people over the past year. When we need resources beyond our capability we have teamed up with the regional offices and other parishes, in order to provide the required support.
Our primary source of funds within the parish are the monthly bread/bagel program after mass, the quarterly second collection, the annual walk for the poor, occasional gifts from the Men’s club, the Christmas giving tree, and the Thanksgiving Day Mass Collection. These last two are our biggest efforts through the year to raise money. We ask you to please consider our donations and your continued generosity to the Society of St. Vincent De Paul allowing us to help our neighbors in need.