Society of St. Vincent de Paul

At St. Raphael’s, our ministry assists those in need. The visitation of the disadvantaged is a focus of continual effort on the part of our 23 volunteers. The society also gathers non-perishable food items to share with those who are in need throughout the year. Our parishioners assist the needy through a monthly collection. We offer assistance to those less fortunate in terms of food, financial management advice, financial aid, counseling and referrals to outside agencies. Food Bank: Our food bank is open Monday from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm ; and Thursday from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon . The food bank is closed on all statutory holidays. Contact 905-681-6394 should you need assistance. Meetings:  They are held once a month on the second Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in the St.Francis Room. Contact Person:   Paul M LaFontaine, President  905-681-6140 St. Vincent de Paul (1581-1660) was founder of the Congregation of the Mission, Daughters of Charity, Confraternities of Charity, and Ladies of Charity. A man of deep faith, keen intellect, and enormous creativity, he has become known as the "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 our Church's role in the modern world.

In 1833, Frederic Ozanam, and a group of students from the Sorbonne University were challenged to prove their faith in Christ through action, not just words. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul was formed when they took up this challenge and began to work with the desperately poor in Paris . Developing a simple system, they went in teams to help the poor in their homes, in the streets, in the hospitals and the asylums. Adopting as their patron St. Vincent de Paul, a 16th century cleric renowned for his work with the poor, the Society arose from humble beginnings to become an international organization found in 130 countries with one million members.

Continuing the tradition of visitation of the needy in their homes, Vincentians organize themselves into parish based units called Conferences to serve those in need through person to person contact. Emergency assistance is given by way of food, clothing and furniture; giving those in need access to basic necessities. Friendship, guidance and advocacy are also offered to enable individuals and families assistance through community programs and parish involvement. As well, from the beginning the Society of St. Vincent de Paul has operated Special Works which in a spirit of social justice seek to offer a helping hand up to those seeking assistance. These include supportive residential programs, children’s camps, community clothing stores and court services.