Recently, I had the pleasure of gathering with more than 200 fellow Vincentians from Contra Costa to celebrate our 60 years of service and friendship with our neighbors in need. Then, attending the SVdP National Assembly with more than 825 Vincentians solidified this sense we are One Society, all working toward the mission of seeing the face of Christ in our neighbors and, if we serve our Vincentian mission to its fullest, being the face of Christ to our neighbors.
The three pillars of our Vincentian vocation – spirituality, friendship, and service – are the core of what we are called to do. Every day I get to see and talk to our neighbors in need at our Family Resource Center in Pittsburg. They come to SVdP knowing that we can provide them a little bit of help, a snack bag, some toiletries, and most importantly, a human encounter – a smile, a friendly “Hello”. Sometimes we get to hear their story and find out that we may be able to offer them some additional resources that may help lift them up to a better situation.
This is the work that Vincentians have been doing since the Society of St. Vincent de Paul was started in 1833 in Paris, France. Throughout the 179 years that we have been in the US, and 60 years in Contra Costa County, our neighbors know that we are here to help them navigate the challenges that poverty brings – that we are here to walk that journey with them and help them with a hand UP, not a handout. If finding that spirit of friendship and caring is something that would help make your life richer, why don’t you consider joining the Vincentians of Contra Costa? As a Vincentian volunteer myself, I have found it the most fulfilling and rewarding experience of my life. Call or email me and I’ll share how your help will make a difference.
Blessings,
Claudia L. Ramirez
Executive Director
