Parish Groups

SVDP (The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul)

The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is an international organisation of Catholic Lay people, men and women, who practice Christianity by helping those in need on a person to person basis.

The Society was founded in the Sorbonne University in Paris in 1833 by Frederic Ozanam. He was a 21 year old student challenged to prove the practical value of his Christian beliefs. With his friends he formed a small group who set about helping the oppressed and the poor. The essence of the Society is personal service and commitment.

The Society is named after Saint Vincent de Paul who lived from 1581 to 1660 and whose was devoted to helping the underprivileged. He is the Patron Saint of Christian charity and as such, he is a fitting patron for our Society. The aim of the society is to provide a means whereby members can practice Christianity by loving their neighbours in the person of the needy. Vincentians show this love, compassion and understanding by giving of themselves - their concern, their friendship, their time, their talents - to help people regardless of creed, colour or political beliefs.

The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul was established in St. Conval’s Parish on 14^th May 1911 and is part of the Paisley Diocese which has to date 33 conferences (each parish SVDP is called a conference) each caring for the needs of local requirements and changing conditions. In helping others Vincentians do not attempt to preach or convert. They do not attach any condition to their aid. Great care is taken to preserve the dignity of the person or persons helped.

The Society also helps overseas by giving through agencies of fellow Vincentians on the spot. This year Asian Disaster, Italian Earthquake, Chile, Haiti have all been helped to mention a few.

St. Conval’s SVDP is also twinned with Our Lady of Sorrows in South Africa and also assist in overseas projects in India. We also help with Paisley Diocesan SVDP projects such as St. Vincent’s Hospice, Ozanam Centre, Holy Spirit Conference. We also assist within our parish, visiting the alone, furniture where required, assisting local schools and homeless through projects.  

Back