The Society Scoop | July 2025 | Issue 7

July is Month of the Precious Blood of Jesus

"How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from dead works to worship the living God?"

~ Hebrews 9:14

July is dedicated to the Precious Blood of Jesus—a powerful reminder of Christ’s sacrifice and the mercy poured out for all. For Vincentians, this devotion resonates deeply, as we are called to serve those who suffer with the same self-giving love Christ showed on the cross. As we reflect on the Eucharist and Christ’s saving blood, we are renewed in our mission to bring hope,

healing, and dignity to our Neighbors in Need.

Dear Vincentian Members,

This past month has shown, once again, what it truly means to be a Vincentian. In the face of devastation, you have offered more than just help — you’ve offered your hearts. Through your service, your time, your prayerful presence, and your generous sharing of material goods, you have brought Christ’s love to neighbors navigating unimaginable loss. These gifts — freely given and rooted in compassion — are more than acts of charity; they are powerful signs of hope and dignity that remind our neighbors they are not alone. I could not feel more blessed as I walk amohg you in our mission.

A special word of gratitude goes to Fr. Dan Thiess, who has tirelessly been present in our hardest-hit neighborhoods. Whether offering spiritual support, listening with compassion, food and supplies or simply showing up, Fr. Dan embodies the Vincentian spirit — walking with the poor, not above them.

Your collective witness has been a powerful reminder that being a Vincentian is not just about what we do — it’s about who we are: People of faith, hope, and love, responding to suffering with dignity and grace. Thank you for being that light.

Carole Johnson

Board President

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Archdiocesan Council of St. Louis

Dear Friends,

Your generosity, faith, and compassion have never been more visible. In the aftermath of the recent tornadoes, I have witnessed a level of collaboration, creativity, and compassion that reflects the very soul of our Society. From the meeting and praying with Neighbors at the Disaster Assistance Centers held at the Chaifetz Arena to the readying of the floor and rooms at the Vincentian Haven project in the Peter and Paul Community Services Building . . . from donated funds to donated items for our Neighbors housed on our floor in the building, every effort matters.

As Vincentians, we are called to serve both the physical and spiritual needs of our neighbors. In these recent times of hardship, you have offered more than help — you have offered hope. Thank you for being prayerful, present, and patient. Your ministry is sacred work, and I pray that the Holy Spirit continues to strengthen and sustain you as you serve with humility and love.You’ve not only responded — you’ve shown up. On behalf of all who’ve been helped, thank you.

John Foppe

Executive Director

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Archdiocesan Council of St. Louis

Dear Vincentians,

As Vincentians, we are called to serve both the physical and spiritual needs of our neighbors. In these recent times of hardship, you have offered more than help — you have offered hope. Thank you for being prayerful, present, and patient. Your ministry is sacred work, and I pray that the Holy Spirit continues to strengthen and sustain you as you serve with humility and love.

St. Vincent DePaul once said, “What a benefit to be in a community where each single person participates in the good done by all its members.”

Look or sound familiar?

We are not alone!

“Let us Love God. But let it be through the work of our hands and the sweat of our brows.” ~ St. Vincent de Paul

For: “ We must be full reservoirs in order to let our water spill out without becoming empty, and we possess the spirit with which we want them to be animated, for no-one can give what they do not have.” ~ St. Vincent de Paul

The above quotes from St. Vincent remind me of the incredible work done by so many at the St. Vincent de Paul Society!

Fr. Dan Thiess, C.M.

Spirtual Advisor

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Archdiocesan Couoncil of St. Louis

DACs and Vincentian Haven Updates

The good work of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul continues in full force, driven by compassion, collaboration, and commitment. The Vincentian Haven—our sponsored floor at the Peter & Paul Community Services building—is now providing safe, stable housing to more individuals in need. Fourteen rooms are currently filled, with additional move-ins expected next week. We’ve even heard from other building residents, who’ve shared kind words about how warm, welcoming, and well-prepared the SVdP space feels for our guests. Agency partner case managers will be meeting with our guests to plan for permanent housing and other wraparound services.

A quick story about Ernest (pictured left with his daughter and Vincentians at the Disaster Assistance Center), an 80-year-old homeowner unwilling to leave his home which sustained major damage - Vincentians met him at the DAC, heard his needs, quickly worked to make sure his home would have an air conditioner given the high temps this week, and prayed with him. Ernest knew the Hail Mary and Vincentians prayed it with him. He said he was so glad to have met with the group, calling them uplifting and the best thing that had happened to him in weeks! He proceeded to stand up and sing Bing Crosby’s “Around the World in 80 Days” which begins with the lyrics: “Around the world, I’ve searched for you” and ends with “I have found my world in you.”

The Disaster Assistance Centers (DACs) wrapped up this week after three impactful weeks of service. SVdP was honored to welcome around 1,000 families to our table, each one a Neighbor in need of compassion and support. I am deeply grateful – 140 DAC volunteer slots were filled by Vincentians who stepped forward to serve, representing the Society with humility and care. Participating Vincentians shared how moving and blessed the experience was, offering not only assistance but also a prayerful presence.

A special acknowledgment goes to Disaster Committee Chairs Annette Bligh and Bob Hook, along with the entire Vincentian Services team (Julie Komanetsky, Steve Rupp, Varrietta Anthony and Timothy Massey), who have gone above and beyond—giving tirelessly of their time, energy, and hearts in service to our mission.

We continue to receive donations of money, bedding and toiletries, , which Conferences have shared with both the Council and one another to support disaster survivors. Thank you!

Legacy Vincentian - Kelly Hollander

A Father’s Grace, A Shared Mission

"I joined the St. Simon Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul around 2018—before my dad, Donald Schmid.

My dad was a man of few words. Most of what I learned about being a good person came from quietly watching how he lived his life.

In 2020, just a month after celebrating his 80th birthday, he sustained a sudden injury that left him paralyzed from the waist down. At the time, he was still working his “retirement job” as a Cardinals usher and push-mowing his acre of lawn every week. The injury changed everything. He never recovered physically and remained in a wheelchair until he passed away on Christmas Day 2023.

After many months in the hospital and rehab, we were able to bring him home. During that time, he wrote a memoir. In it, he shared: “When I was paralyzed, I was devastated and prayed for recovery. After a while I realized I was in this state for the long haul and prayed for acceptance. Then I started praying for those also sick, those recently deceased and my caregivers.”

He faced his condition with such grace.

Since he could no longer participate in the volunteer activities he once loved, I asked if he would join me in my work with SVdP. He said yes. Every month, I would load up his wheelchair-accessible van and we’d attend the meetings together. He couldn’t make home visits, but he found his own way to serve—he was skilled on the computer and volunteered to enter our Neighbors’ information into ServWare after visits were made.

I miss him every day. He taught me—by quiet example—how to live my faith. I’m grateful we had the chance to serve together, side by side, in the Society of St. Vincent de Paul."

Kelly Hollander

St. Simon Conference

Last week, a woman came into one of our stores and made a small purchase—just over $11. When the cashier asked if she’d like to round up her total, she became emotional.

“By all means, I do want to round up,” she said. “Your team just helped me after the tornado.”

She didn’t hesitate to give back—just days after receiving assistance herself.

This simple act reminds us that our mission doesn't end when we help someone. It inspires them to become part of the mission too. In this case, she turned right around and gave from the little she had—so that someone else could be helped, just like she was.

It’s a beautiful reminder that what we do matters. And sometimes, the people we serve become our mission's most powerful supporters.

~ Craig Korte, Ballwin Thrift Store Manager

To help manage rising costs, SVdP will begin charging a modest furniture pickup fee starting July 8.

While we’ve long offered free pickup, this change helps sustain the service of increased fuel, insurance, equipment, and labor costs. $39 will be charged for nearby zip codes and $69 for farther areas.

This fee covers ground-level, outside-the-home pickups. For inside pickups or stairs, our partner ReSupply will continue to assist for a higher fee.

SVdP Sunday -- November 2

Save the Date . . . SVdP Sunday is November 2—a perfect opportunity to increase visibility, recruit new members, and raise funds for your parish Conference.

Now is the time to ask your pastor to schedule a pulpit talk at all Masses that weekend. Plan to greet parishioners at the back of church, collect donations, and maybe even serve coffee and donuts to spark conversations and invite others to join.

Details will be sent to all Conference Presidents later this month.

Join Us . . . 180th Celebration Mass and Open House

Learn more about the 2025 Jubilee Sites Here

SVdP St. Louis in the News

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has been recently featured in the media for our response to the recent tornado disaster.

• KSDK TV: Volunteers help seniors impacted by St. Louis tornado https://www.ksdk.com/video/news/local/volunteers-help-seniors-impacted-by-st-louis-tornado/63-fedd54ed-e935-47a1-803a-f8fbcb912e0c
• St. Louis Review: Prayer, spiritual care part of healing process after tornado https://www.stlouisreview.com/story/prayer-spiritual-care-part-of-healing-process-after-tornado/



• St. Vincent de Paul Society to house tornado victims at Peter & Paul Community Services https://www.stlouisreview.com/story/st-vincent-de-paul-society-to-house-tornado-victims-at-peter-paul-community-services/
• Social Media: Archbishop Rozanski gives a shout-out to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul on his social media post: "I am so grateful Catholic Charities and Society of St. Vincent de Paul employees and volunteers, and all who have donated to these and other organizations that are providing continued corporal and spiritual support for our brothers and sisters most profouncly affexted by the year's weather events."

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:

Home Visit Workshop



The Home Visit Workshop is a core opportunity open to all Vincentians. Grounded in our essential elements—spirituality, friendship, and service—this workshop equips members with the tools and insights needed to visit Neighbors in their homes with compassion, respect, and meaningful support.

In Person

Tuesday, August 5, 2025

6 - 8:30 p.m.

Incarnate Word Parish

13416 Olive Blvd

Chesterfield, Missouri 63017

Vincentian Wisdom Series - Use Your Voice: Driving Change To Help Our Neighbors



Every home visit tells a deeper story. Behind each request for help is a system that needs fixing—whether it’s the lack of affordable housing, broken transportation, or underfunded schools.

As Vincentians, we are called not only to serve but to speak up.

Join Tyler McClay, Chief Advocacy Officer at Catholic Charities of St. Louis, for a powerful workshop that will equip you to turn compassion into action. Learn how to lift your voice for justice, influence change, and help eliminate the root causes of poverty—one Neighbor, one issue, one Conference at a time.

Zoom

Wednesday, September 17

3 - 4 p.m.

The Rural Parish Clinic is bringing hope and healing to uninsured adults in rural Missouri by offering free medical and dental care through mobile clinics.

Staffed by volunteers rooted in faith, the clinic overcomes barriers like distance, cost, and access—serving those 19–64 for medical care and 16+ for dental care who live at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.

Services include preventive and urgent medical care, chronic disease management, mental health screenings, extractions, fillings, dentures, and more. By turning compassion into action, the Rural Parish Clinic is helping our rural neighbors live healthier, more dignified lives.

Click here to learn more about the Medical Clinic, Dates and Locations

Click here to learn more about the Dental Clinic, Dates and Locations

Click here to view the flyer

For more information, to schedule a speaker for your rural Parish community, or learn how to volunteer, contact: Marissa McFarland – marissamcfarland@archstl.org

SVdP is in the STL Headliner Finalists!

Thanks to your passion and commitment and the SVdP Staff, St. Vincent de Paul has made it to the voting round of the STL Headliners Awards in two incredible categories:

🏆 Best Resale Shop

🏆 Best Non-Profit

This recognition is a reflection of our mission!

Here’s how you can help us bring SVdP the win:



✅ VOTE daily at STLtoday.com/Headliner25 from July 3–27.

✅ PROMOTE the voting link to your friends, family, and social media networks.

In the early days of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in North America, one man’s courageous ministry helped shape a legacy of service that still endures. The story of Father Ambrose J. Heim is one of tireless care for the poor - it earned him the enduring title: “The Priest of the Poor.”

Father Heim served as the spiritual director of the first Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in North America, founded right here in St. Louis on November 14, 1845. From his base at the Cathedral on Walnut Street, Father Heim devoted his life to seeking out and serving the poor. One eyewitness recalled how the priest was “surrounded by those he loved to serve.” He was called by many “the dear comforter.”

Father Heim was especially courageous during the cholera epidemic of 1849, which claimed more than 6,000 lives in St. Louis. While others fled the city, he stayed, tending to the sick and dying, a true Vincentian hero.

The history of St. Mary of Victories' Parish shares that "Father Heim established a 'banking system for St. Mary immigrants,' who distrusted private banks. His system was so effective that Archbishop Peter Richard Kenrick adopted it, launching the 'Archbishop’s Bank' and appointing Heim as Secretary to the Archdiocese in 1847."

Father Heim died on January 2, 1854, at just 47 years old— still in service of others until the very end. He is buried at Calvary Cemetery in St. Louis. An address given at the unveiling of his monument: “He spent night and day among the sick and dying, distinguished by courage and zeal. So great was his untiring labor that he obtained, above all others of the priests in St. Louis of his time, the title on his monument: ‘The Priest of the Poor.’”

An 1890 Globe-Democrat news feature recalled, "Father Heim is to the history of St. Louis fifty years ago what Vincent de Paul was in his day and to his people. He was connected with the old Cathedral for thirty years preceding his death. He was a very old man, and had worked in the garden of the Lord for over sixty years. He was the especial priest of the poor people pf St. Louis in the early days. A man of simple habits, he was untiring in his labors, ever at the bedside of the sick and suffering. The Rev. Archbishiop Kenrick officiated at Father Heim's funeral, this being one of the only two appearances of that nature he has ever made, and in the tribute he paid to the memory of the dead preiate he was overcome with emotion, and acutually burst into tears as he contemplated the loss humanity and Christianity had sustained in the death of this good man."

Father Amrose J. Heim is buried in Calvary Cemetery and is honored in the ceiling mosaic at the Old Cathedral.

Conference Spotlights

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

In the true spirit of Vincentian service, St. Peter Claver Conference recently became a hub of hope and hospitality for disaster survivors. Thanks to food drive and your donated items to your St. Louis Council—food and supplies were delivered to the St. Matthew's parking lot, ready to serve those in need.

In addition, donations from St. Peter Claver Conference were transported across town with the help of the Christ Prince of Peace Knights of Columbus, who gathered at St. Peter Claver to load the truck. Father Scott Schneidereit didn’t just bless the mission—he joined the loading team and led the caravan to St. Matthew’s himself.

Upon arrival, the St. Matthew’s parking lot was alive with community. The Knights of Columbus stayed to unload and took their service a step further by firing up the grill and serving hot dogs to neighbors who came to receive food and personal care items.

This heartwarming day showed the power of Conferences working together—and reminded us all that sometimes the most sacred work happens not just in sanctuaries, but in parking lots, over hot dogs and helping hands.

Pilgrimige to Immaculate Conception in Union

Sign Up for Lunch

Pilgrimage to Perryville

Seeking Flooring Expertise

Steve Poppe, SVdP Senior Director of Business Operations, is looking for assistance from a fellow Vincentian with expertise in commercial flooring.

We are currently exploring options to repair or replace flooring in several of our thrift stores.

If you have professional knowledge in this area and are willing to mentor, please reach out to Steve at 314-881-6024. Your insight would be greatly appreciated!

Join us --

SVdP St. Louis

Rosary Wednesday

8 PM via Zoom

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