About Us

Q. What is the "Vincentian Family"?

A. The Vincentian Family is a worldwide, living reality. Countless men and women live the spirit, tradition, and spirituality of the Apostle of Charity and Father of the Poor: Saint Vincent de Paul. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is one branch of this colossal Vincentian Family Tree. The Vincentian Family encompasses millions of people drawn to the charism of St. Vincent de Paul. His spirit and spirituality appeal to the human heart.

-The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has more than 750,000 active members in 142 countries.
-The International Association of Charities numbers 260,000 members in 49 countries.
-Vincentian Marian Youth groups number 240,000 members in 45 countries.
-The Daughters of Charity have 24,000 members in 87 countries.
-The Congregation of the Mission has 4,000 members in 80 countries.
-The Sisters of Charity Federation numbers approximately 7,000 members.
-The Religious of St. Vincent de Paul number some 250 priests and brothers.
-The Association of the Miraculous Medal boasts 5-10 million members in 15 countries.
-MISEVI has 30 members in 4 countries.

Q. What is the Society of St. Vincent de Paul?

A. Members of the Society of St.Vincent de Paul (or "Vincentians" ) are men and women who strive to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to individuals in need. We are young and old. Our members come in every shade of skin color. Some of us are wealthy, some are financially poor, but all of us are blessed with an awareness that our blessings (time, talent or treasure) are to be shared with our brothers and sisters in need.

We know that we are not alone. We are part of an international society of friends united by a spirit of poverty, humility, and sharing, which is nourished by prayer and reflection, mutually supportive gatherings, and adherence to a basic Rule.
Energized by the awareness that service to our brother or sister in need is in fact an encounter with our Lord Jesus Christ, members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul are keenly aware that poverty, suffering and loneliness are present for millions in our communities. For that reason, we collaborate with all who seek to relieve need and address its causes.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul offers tangible assistance to those in need on a person-to-person basis. It is this personalized involvement that makes the work of the Society unique. This aid may take the form of intervention, consultation, or often through direct dollar or in-kind service. An essential precept of the Society's work is to provide help while conscientiously maintaining the confidentiality and dignity of those who are served. The Society recognizes that it must assume, also, a role of advocacy for those who are defenseless or voiceless. Some 12 million persons are helped annually by Vincentians in the United States.
The list of services of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in the United States is endless. No work of charity is foreign to the Society. To quote our patron, St. Vincent de Paul: "Charity is infinitely inventive."