The St. Vincent de Paul Society (SVdP) is a Catholic lay organization whose purpose is twofold:  to respond to those in our community in need as the Gospel directs us; and to grow in our faith through our works and our fellowship with our fellow members.  Our method of helping others is simple.  When a person calls upon our parish community seeking financial or other help, two of our members visit with the person in their home and seek to understand their situation, to offer them encouragement and hope, and to provide limited short-term financial help.  We strive to treat them with the dignity and respect we would show Jesus, and we strive to not judge the people, but instead to respond to their needs.  One of the SVdP guiding principles is to seek to see the face of Jesus in those we serve.   
 
Being a member of our St. Paul SVdP group consists of one monthly meeting and going on home visits one or two days or evening each month.  We need no special skills or talents, just a willingness to let God guide us and work through us in seeking to assist those we serve.  We do not preach to those we serve; rather, we listen and respond to their needs with love and compassion.  Catholic parishes have a reputation of helping those in need, and we get requests for many people in the South Austin community.  We serve all people in our Parish boundaries, regardless of religious affiliation.   

Contact:  Connie Chavez President 512-779-7700