Print Issue: January 9, 2003

SVdP Invitation To Serve Kicks Off 100th Year Anniversary

St. Vincent de Paul members volunteer in a number of ways, including home visits.

ATLANTA - The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is celebrating 100 years of presence and service in the Archdiocese of Atlanta with its first archdiocesan-wide membership drive, "Invitation to Serve."

The invitation is an opportunity for individuals to live their faith and answer a spiritual call - while responding to the ever-increasing numbers of people in need.

In the Gospel spirit of Matthew 25, opportunities for service are varied. The only requirements for participation are an open heart, willing hands and the gift of time, said Susan Sullivan, a spokesman for the organization.

Service can mean participating in the society's traditional home visits, which emphasize listening and may include distributing necessities such as food, clothing or financial aid.

Other member opportunities include working on food and clothing drives, volunteering in thrift stores and food pantries or teaching in education programs offering everything from English classes to computer training. Members may assist with mailings, phone calls, office and warehouse work. No gift of service is too small, from one hour a month to one hour a week, or more she said.

"Invitation to Serve" will be presented to parishioners by a Vincentian speaker at each liturgy on Saturday, Jan. 25, and Sunday, Jan. 26. One-hour, parish-level orientations will be held during the week of Jan. 27, for those interested in learning more about service opportunities. Detailed sessions for new candidates will be held in February, March and April at various locations throughout the archdiocese.

The Vincentian work of "changing lives one at a time" currently involves close to 2,000 member-volunteers, most of whom work in their local areas. These member-volunteers belong to parish-based groups called conferences. There are 66 conferences located throughout the Archdiocese of Atlanta. Member-volunteers also serve in the SVdP Council office, nine thrift stores, a donation and outreach center, and six temporary housing facilities. The Vincentian presence in the Archdiocese of Atlanta is part of a national and international network serving the needy since 1833.

For more information call the SVdP Council communications office at (770) 458-7930.