From Sept. 25 to 26, the members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in St. Mary’s Parish hosted its Annual Friends of the Poor Walk.
The society is one of the largest Catholic lay organizations in the world and seeks to relieve suffering through person-to-person involvement of its members with those in need. Vincentian volunteers make home visits to families who ask for help and try to alleviate their stress in some way by offering material, financial and spiritual aid.
They also collaborate directly with the Parish Outreach in serving families in the neighborhood.
In the St. Mary’s Conference, this year alone, the church has provided assistance with furniture, utility payments, rent payments, medical expense aid, and car repair bills. These hardships may be a result of a catastrophic illness, loss of employment or the death of a breadwinner. A helping hand to meet an acute need may be all someone needs to get back on their feet.
All funds raised through this event remain with the St. Mary’s Conference to help neighbors in need, regardless of their religious denomination. This is the only fundraiser for the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. The church would be so grateful if the community would consider donating so that the church can continue to help neighbors in need.
—Submitted by the Church of Saint Mary’s
