St. Vincent de Paul Society
Charity & Mercy
SVDP
The Saint Vincent de Paul Society (SVDP) traces its roots to the Sorbonne University, Paris, France, where a 20-year-old student in 1883 founded the Society to serve the poor, the needy, the suffering and the afflicted. Since then, the Society has grown into a worldwide network of local conferences, 63 of them in the Cleveland Diocese.
Our St. Basil Conference was founded in 1963. Today, 12 active members continue to carry out the good work of the Society. They are assisted by many additional St. Basil volunteers who are also committed to helping the needy.
Throughout the years, St. Basil parishioners have generously supported this vital ministry by using the monthly collection envelope and by donating to special projects such as the Annual blanket Sunday Appeal. Half of our revenue is spent helping the poor and needy with food assistance, housing subsidies, utility bills and emergency help for 15 additional parishes and agencies. The other half enables us to prepare and serve a monthly meal for 120 parishioners and local neighbors at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish and a monthly breakfast at the West Side Catholic Center. The St. Basil Food Pantry operating weekly at the former St. Catherine Parish in Cleveland also receives financial help and assistance in order to continue their good work.
These good works are accomplished with the ongoing generosity of the people of St. Basil. For that, we are truly grateful. We pray for those who are needy and suffering and working together, we will continue to carry out the goals of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.