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Organizations/Outreach

SVdP St. Mary (President, George Sakash) 937-205-0919

SVdP St. Beningus (President, Gene DeBruin) 937-981-2785

SVdP Holy Trinity (President, Sandy Payne) 937-205-0005

KoC Holy Trinity (Grand Knight, Jim Stewart) 937-500-9848

KoC St. Mary (Grand Knight, Jim Hehl) 937-661-4835

St. Vincent de Paul

St. Vincent de Paul

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (often abbreviated as SVdP) is an international Catholic lay organization dedicated to serving the poor and vulnerable in society. Founded in 1833 in Paris by a group of young men led by Frederic Ozanam, the society's mission is to offer direct aid to those in need, regardless of their background or faith. It is based on the teachings and values of St. Vincent de Paul, who inspired the organization with his commitment to charity and social justice.

The core activities of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul include:

  1. Direct Assistance: Members, called "Vincentians," engage in home visits to provide practical support, such as food, clothing, and financial assistance to those in crisis.
  2. Community Outreach: They run food banks, shelters, and other services that address the immediate needs of the poor.
  3. Advocacy: The organization seeks to address the root causes of poverty and inequality, promoting social justice and supporting policies that benefit the disadvantaged.
  4. Spiritual Support: The Society encourages its members to deepen their faith through prayer, reflection, and living out the Christian ideals of charity and service.

The Society operates in many countries around the world, with local branches, known as conferences, in cities and towns. It is a volunteer-driven organization, with a strong emphasis on personal contact and the importance of treating those in need with dignity and respect.

Its work is not limited to direct aid but also includes advocacy for systemic change to address the root causes of poverty and exclusion. The organization’s motto is "With the poor, for the poor".

Knights of Columbus

Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus (K of C) is a Catholic fraternal service organization founded in 1882 by Father Michael J. McGivney in New Haven, Connecticut. It is one of the largest Catholic organizations in the world, with millions of members across various countries. The organization is dedicated to promoting the principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. These principles guide their efforts in serving their communities, supporting the Church, and supporting fellow members.

Key Aspects of the Knights of Columbus:

  1. Charity:

    • The Knights are deeply committed to charitable works, particularly for those in need. They fund various projects, such as food drives, medical assistance, disaster relief, and support for the sick and elderly. Their charity work is one of their most prominent missions.

  2. Unity:

    • The organization promotes solidarity among Catholic men, encouraging them to unite in faith and purpose. The sense of brotherhood within the Knights of Columbus is central, with members coming together to serve and support each other in both their personal and spiritual lives.

  3. Fraternity:

    • The Knights of Columbus provides a fraternity for Catholic men and their families. This includes helping members with financial security, especially through insurance programs and retirement planning. It is a support system, particularly for those facing difficult situations.

  4. Patriotism:

    • The Knights also emphasize love for country and support for civic responsibility. They encourage members to be active citizens, serve in the military, and promote the well-being of their nation, often focusing on respect for religious freedom.

Structure and Degrees:

The Knights of Columbus has four degrees of membership:

  1. First Degree: Charity — The initiation into the Knights, focusing on the importance of charitable acts.
  2. Second Degree: Unity — Promotes the bond of brotherhood and the importance of unity within the organization.
  3. Third Degree: Fraternity — Members are encouraged to support each other and their families.
  4. Fourth Degree: Patriotism — The highest degree, which emphasizes the patriotic duty of members, often marked by participation in formal ceremonies and parades. Members in this degree may wear regalia, such as a cape and a sword.

Activities:

The Knights of Columbus are involved in a wide range of activities, such as:

  • Community service projects (food banks, local outreach programs, etc.)
  • Fundraising for charities (such as the Special Olympics, disaster relief, and cancer research)
  • Promoting Catholic values in society through public events, media campaigns, and other initiatives
  • Providing life insurance and financial assistance to members and their families

Symbol:

The Knights of Columbus logo features a shield, symbolizing protection, with a cross and a sword overlaid, representing the defense of faith. The organization's emblem also includes stars and other symbols of their commitment to Christian service and unity.

Membership:

The Knights of Columbus is open to Catholic men aged 18 and older. The organization values the faith and integrity of its members, and the commitment to serving the Church and community is a central part of the membership experience.