The Society of St. Vincent de Paul
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a worldwide Christian community; founded in Paris in 1833, by a group of young Catholic lay people and an older person, who joined together to create the first Conference. The Society wishes to remember them all with gratitude, as they set an example of dedication to the poor and to the Church. From Le Taillandier, who received the first inspiration, to Blessed Frederic Ozanam, Paul Lamache, François Lallier, Jules Deveaux, FélixClavé, all of them knew, in their humility, how to seek the wise advice and support of the one who would become the first President General of the flourishing Society, Emmanuel Bailly.
The Holy Spirit was undoubtedly present in all of them at the founding of the Society, fostering the charism of each one. Among them, Blessed Frederic Ozanam was a radiant source of inspiration.
The Society has been Catholic from its origins. It remains an international Catholic voluntary organisation of lay people, men and women.
The Mother of Mercy Conference was founded on April 10, 1989. We provide food and assistance to our less fortunate people in all of Beaufort County. We partner with Food Bank of the Albemarle in order to provide the much-needed food. We also pick up food from Food Lion in Washington and Chocowinity 2 times a week to assist us in this endeavor. We provide this every Wednesday AND when the need arises on other days.
We provide Disaster Relief, partnering with all government agencies, the Red Cross, and of course Catholic Charities locally, statewide and nationally.
We also have a Prison Release Program, one of the 7 Corporal Works of Mercy, that is run by one of our members. We were approached by the DSS, Division of Probation and Parole asking us if we could provide food, clothes and sometimes temporary shelters. We work in conjunction with the DSS.
We rely solely on the generosity of you, the parishioners of Mother of Mercy Church. Without your contributions we would not be able to help those who need it the most.
Thank You, God Bless, and please consider joining the Society of St Vincent de Paul at Mother of Mercy.
