Saint Vincent de Paul Society
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is an international association of Catholic laymen engaged in personal service to the poor. Founded in Paris in 1833, the Society was the result of work by eight young men, students at the Sorbonne, who wanted to form an organization to minister to the needs of the Parisian poor.

Two years after its foundation, membership in the Society had increased so rapidly that it was no longer possible to continue working alone as one body and in one place; consequently, the founders realized that it was time to divide the society.

Today, the Society has more than 875,000 members, known as Vincentians, worldwide. They are drawn from every ethnic and cultural background, age group, and economic level. Vincentians are united as a society of charity by their spirit of poverty, humility and sharing; which is nourished by prayer and reflection, mututally supportive gatherings, and adherence to a basic Rule.

Who We Are and What We Do
Members of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus are men and women who strive to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to individuals in need. We are keenly aware that poverty, suffering and lonliness are present for people throughout our community. For that reason, we collaborate with all who seek to relieve need and address its causes.

Our chapter offers tangible assistance to those in need on a person-to-person basis, an involvement that makes our Society unique. Aid takes the form of intervention, consultation, or often through direct dollar or in-kind service. For example, we collect foor and paper goods on the last weekend of the month for distribution to shelters throughout Joliet. Therefore, we ask you to remember the Society by using your monthly SVDP collection envelope.

We meet at 7:00 PM on the second Wednesday of the month in the Rectory Rumpus Room.

About Saint Vincent de Paul

Vincent de Paul was born to a peasant family at Pouy, France in 1580. He studied humanities and theology, and was ordainted in 1600. He founded the Congregation of the Mission, Daughters of Charity, Confraternities of Carity, and the Ladies of Charity. A man of deep faith, keen intellect and enormous creativity, he has become known as "The Apostle of Charity" and "Father of the Poor." His contributions to the training of priests and organizing parish missions and other services for the poor shaped the Catholic Church's role in the modern world. Membership at the Cathedral is open to any Catholic man or woman who desires to answer the call to help those in need. For more information, email a Society Member.