The Society Scoop | April 2025 | Issue 4

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

~ 2 Corinthians 5:17

Dear Vincentian Volunteers,

On behalf of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, I want to sincerely thank you for your dedicated work and compassionate service. Your commitment to our mission is a true blessing to those we serve.

As we navigate some challenging times in our world and weather-related disasters, I encourage you to keep one another in prayer. Our shared faith and support will help us continue our work with strength and unity.

We also look forward to seeing you at the upcoming Spring Assembly, where we can reconnect, share, and grow together in our mission.

With gratitude and prayers,

Carole Johnson

Board President

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Archdiocesan Council of St. Louis

Dear Vincentians,

A widespread and devastating tornado outbreak—the second-largest on record for March—has affected many communities across our Council area, including Perry, Jefferson, Franklin, and St. Louis Counties. In this time of great need, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each of you who stepped forward to serve at the Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs) last weekend.

Your willingness to offer support, prayer, and assistance to our Neighbors in need is a true testament to the Vincentian spirit alive in our Council. You embody our mission—One Mission, Many Hands—coming together to share our service and gifts with those who need them most. I was able to meet with Neighbors at one of the MARCs this week and was deeply moved by their courage, faith, humbleness and gratitude.

Two of the Neighbors served, victims of the tornado, were raising their two grandchildren since their daughter was unable. I was moved by their resilience and courage as they faced a true struggle recovering from storm damage while parenting their grandsons.

As our Conferences continue to follow up with those affected, please know that your efforts are not only providing relief but also restoring hope. Thank you for being a light in the lives of so many.

I also want to acknowledge the two recent Mission Briefings hosted on Zoom last week. These sessions provided a valuable opportunity to share updates on our St. Louis Council activities and address questions from Vincentians. It was encouraging to hear your thoughts, and I appreciate your engagement. I will host more briefings later this year.

Thank you for your dedication to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

In gratitude,

John Foppe

“This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

God Forbid!

Oh, wait a minute.

That means he would eat with me!

Laetare Sunday! Rejoice!

Saturday, April 26

8 a.m. - Noon

A great opportunity to be inspired personally and spiritually. Gather in Friendship with fellow Vincentian volunteers and invigorate your Conference!

The day begins with Mass celebrated by Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski and Fr. Dan Thiess, C.M.

Represent Your Conference at the Spring Assembly!

Showcase your Conference with a custom banner at the Spring Assembly. We invite all Conferences to participate in a banner procession at the Spring Assembly, celebrating SVdP’s 180th Anniversary.

This is a special opportunity to represent your Conference as part of the SVdP St. Louis Council.

After the Spring Assembly, we will gather the banners for display at the Council office.

Whether you are a Vincentian, a Board member or Store or Council Staff, we are all part of one mission - which takes many hands.

Just last year, a couple in Florissant reached out to our Thrift Store while living in their car, seeking clothes so they could attend church. Thanks to the generosity of our donations and the support of the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, they found hope and dignity.

This past Saturday, they returned—not just to say thank you, but to share their incredible progress. Now expecting their first child, looking for employment, and active members of St. Mark’s Church in Hazelwood, they are rebuilding their lives. Their journey is a powerful reminder that together, we are more than a store—we are a source of hope for those in need.

From the St. Louis Post-Dispatch March 28, 1881

St. Vincent de Paul Society

The oldest charitable organization in existence in this city is the St. Vincent de Paul Conference. In 1833 the society was organized by eight young men in Paris, France. It spread rapidly and a council was formed in New York and a branch in St. Louis. The members in this city soon increased and the extent of the conferece became so large that was found necessary to form a council here. So that Future Great is now one of those cities in the Union where the upper councils of the order exist. The report up of the past winter's work has not yet been made but the total amount expended so far is over $14,000. The following figures obtained from members of the Upper Council will give a good idea of the amount of work accomplished. . .

Paul Rodger Kohl and Barbara Van de Riet with their father, Paul August Kohl. The photo was taken when the senior Kohl was awarded the Henry Shaw Medal to recognize his contribution to horticulture at the Missouri Botanical Garden. 

Home Visit Workshop: What You'll Learn

The Home Visit Workshop is a foundational offering open to all Vincentians. Rooted in our essential elements of spirituality, friendship, and service, the workshop provides guidance for meeting with our Neighbors in their homes and offering support.

In Person, Two Choices:

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

In person: 6 - 8:30 p.m.

St. Ambrose

5130 Wilson Avenue

St. Louis, MO 63110

Saturday, May 3, 2025

In person: 9 - 11:30 a.m.

St. Anselm

530 S. Mason Road

St. Louis, MO 63141

Ozanam Orientation: What You'll Learn

The Ozanam Orientation is a foundational offering for all Vincentians covering the spirituality, purpose, history, approach, and structure of the Society. New Vincentians are expected to attend an Ozanam Orientation within their first year in the Society.

In Person, Two Choices:

Conferences that applied in February for Soilidarity Grants have been notified of awards. Conferences receiving a total of $111,000 are listed below:

St. Lucy

Sacred Heart Troy

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

St. Josephine Bakhita

Holy Rosary

Assumption of The Blessed Virgin Mary

St Raphael the Archangel

Sacred Heart Florissant

St. Norbert

Holy Name of Jesus

St. Francis Xavier

Does your Conference have to turn down urgent requests for direct aid, due to lack of funds? You may be eligible to seek up to $5,000 through the Friends of the Poor® Grant Program.

The National Council has redesigned the grant process, making it easier for Conferences to apply for funding.

Grant funds may be used for:

• Rental, housing, or utility assistance to prevent homelessness
• Food/clothing/children assistance
• Medical assistance
• Transportation assistance
• Other kinds of direct aid to individuals in need.

Please Note: Unlike previous years, only SVdP Conferences are eligible to apply for the Friends of the Poor grant program.

Conferences in every region will have the opportunity to apply between now and the end of this fiscal year (September 30, 2025). To learn more about the new process and your region's cycle for application, please visit the SVdP USA website.

Thank you to the more than 90 Vincentians who generously volunteered at the St. Louis area Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs) in Perryville, St. Louis, and Jefferson Counties.

Your compassion and dedication have provided essential support to our Neighbors affected by the devastating March 14 tornadoes and storms. Your willingness to serve in times of crisis truly embodies the Vincentian spirit of charity and love.

As we continue our efforts, we appreciate your ongoing commitment and are eager to assist at the rescheduled Franklin County MARC next Wednesday, April 9.

Interested in a

Day Trip to the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal

We are exploring the possibility of organizing a pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville, MO, including an opportunity for lunch fellowship.

We would love to hear your thoughts! Please take a moment to answer this short survey to help us plan.

Join the Pilgrimage at Immaculate Heart of Mary in New Melle

NEW SPEAKER - Clyde Nosser!

The Archdiocese of St. Louis recently recognized two Vincentians, Harold Bailey of St. Josephine Bakhita Conference and Paul Cook of St. Joseph Conference in Cottleville, as Catholic Men of the Year. Awards were presented by St. Louis Archdiocese Auxiliary Bishop Mark Rivituso.  

This esteemed honor celebrates men who selflessly serve both their Church and community, embodying the humble and quiet spirit of St. Joseph.

Seeing service as a path closer to God, Harold Bailey actively contributes to his parish as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, leader in the Social Justice ministry, and president of the St. Josephine Bakhita Society of St. Vincent de Paul Conference. Beyond his parish, Harold is the Founder and Director of the Bailey Youth Enrichment Foundation and a Board Member of the East Side Heart and Home Family Center. Believing that passing on the faith begins with listening, Harold seeks to understand and uplift those he serves, embodying the spirit of Christian love and compassion.

Paul Cook is dedicated to protecting those in need from homelessness, making it his primary focus and mission through his work at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul St. Joseph Conference and J & A Care Service. Paul also leads a team of volunteers serving families across multiple St. Louis-area parishes, ensuring that those in crisis receive the help they need. As an active member of the Knights of Columbus and Fishers of Men, Paul’s faith drives his tireless service, reminding him that God never gives up on us.

The Catholic Men of the Year Award highlights the invaluable role of lay volunteers in strengthening the Church and fostering a spirit of charity and compassion. Harold Bailey and Paul Cook stand as shining examples of what it means to serve with humility, faith, and dedication. Their efforts not only enrich their respective parishes but also inspire others to live lives of service in Christ’s name.

Reach out to Vice President J.D. Vance

During the National Prayer breakfast, the Vice-President urged people of faith to reach out to him. We are going to take him up on his offer. We ask the Administration to protect families in need and make sure that Catholic values are part of our public policy.

SVdP National President John Berry Statement on

US Department of Agriculture Cuts

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) sudden decision to eliminate $1.5 billion in food purchase programs for schools and food banks is a troubling step backward for our country. This move directly harms families and individuals, especially at a time when food prices remain high and food insecurity is rising.

Voice For the Poor Meets with Govenor Kehoe

The ”Fish Fryers” from St. Joan of Arc Parish donated leftover dinners from their Parish Fish Fry to the St. Mary Magdalen food pantry for distribution to Neighbors in Need.

Rather than letting surplus food go to waste, these donations extend the generosity of the St. Joan of Arc Parish that addresses immediate hunger and is an example that we are, indeed, One Mission with Many Hands, reinforcing the spirit of care and solidarity that is Society of St. Vincent de Paul mission.

Conference Fundraisers

Meeting ID: 989 8066 7271

Passcode: Vincent 

or dial in: (312) 626-6799

To add a name to the list, please contact Steve Rupp at stever@svdpstl.org or (314) 881-6018.

1310 Papin St., St. Louis, MO 63103 | https://svdpstlouis.org