Our Mission
“A network of friends, inspired by Gospel values, growing in holiness and building a more just world through personal relationships with and service to people in need.”
Nativity of Mary Chapter of St. Vincent de Paul
Nativity of Mary is proud to have a chapter of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) at our parish. The Chapter was officially established in 2022. The mission of SVDP is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Church and the principles of charity and social justice. Our aim is to serve and support those facing adversity, providing them with practical assistance, compassion, and hope.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a globally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to providing assistance and support to individuals and families facing poverty and challenging circumstances. With a rich history dating back to 1833, the society operates on the principles of compassion, solidarity, and social justice.
The Nativity of Mary chapter of SVDP provides a range of essential services, including but not limited to food assistance, clothing, and financial aid. By addressing these basic needs, the society aims to create a foundation of stability and support for individuals and families, enabling them to work towards a brighter future.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul invites individuals from all backgrounds to get involved and make a difference. Whether through volunteering, donating, or advocating for change, everyone has the opportunity to contribute to the society's noble mission. By joining forces, we can create a world where compassion and justice prevail, and where the most vulnerable members of society are supported and uplifted.
Need Assistance?
If you are someone who needs assistance, please call 952-767-5521 and leave a message. Someone from our SVDP conference will return your call.
How You Can Get Involved
- Volunteer: SVDP hosts a Free Food Giveaway on the second Saturday of each month in the Nativity of Mary parking lot. Volunteers are needed for packing food at the Twin Cities SVDP warehouse the Friday before as well as the morning of the food giveaway to direct traffic, greet, and place food in cars.
- Translator: SVDP is always in need of translators, especially Spanish, for a variety of positions including meeting with families in need and at the Free Food Giveaway.
- Donate: Canned and dry goods donations are a top need of SVDP. In order to host our monthly Free Food Giveaways we rely on the generosity of Nativity of Mary Parish. Donations bins can be found at church entrances. SVDP welcomes monetary donations. Donations go directly towards serving the needs of our neighbors
- Attend an SVDP Spiritual Meeting: Join other members of SVDP to reflect on the gospel, pray together, and to discuss SVDP agenda items. Meetings are in the Nativity of Mary Gathering Space on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month at 7:00 PM.
- Pray: We kindly request your prayers for SVDP. For those we serve, the volunteers, and the mission of SVDP.
Contact
If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Chris Dietzen: christopher.dietzen@gmail.com, or Kelly Schumacher: kschumacher@nativitybloomington.org.
Walk for the Poor
The Annual Twin Cities St. Vincent DePaul’s Walk was hosted by Nativity of Mary Society of St. Vincent DePaul Conference in 2022 and 2023! Look for details in August, 2024. Come join the fun!
- What: A walk to raise awareness and funds to help our neighbors in poverty (The walk is approximately 1 mile)
- When: 2024 is TBD on a Saturday morning.
- Where: Starting and ending at Nativity of Mary Parish We will have police assistance at cross walks.
- Games and Lunch: Following the walk, free walking tacos, free games with prizes for toddlers through grade school age children and raffles are provided.
- Registration: Click here to register (Please indicate on the form that your affiliation is Nativity of Mary). Pre-registration is not required but will help us determine how to prepare for the lunch and games.
Free Food Giveaway SVDP hosts a Free Food Giveaway on the second Saturday of each month from 9 - 10 a.m. in the Nativity of Mary south parking lot. One 40# box of food is provided. The dates for 2024 are:
- Saturday, January 13
- Saturday, February 10
- Saturday, March 9
- Saturday, April 13
- Saturday, May 11
- Saturday, June 8
- Saturday, July 13
- Saturday, August 10
- Saturday, September 14
- Saturday, October 12
- Saturday, November 9
- Saturday, December 14
Who We Are
“In the tradition of its founder, Blessed Frédéric Ozanam, and patron, St. Vincent de Paul, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a Catholic lay organization inspired by Gospel values. The Society leads women and men to join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to those who are needy and suffering.
As a reflection of the whole family of God, members, known as Vincentians, come together from every ethnic and cultural background, age group, and economic level. Vincentians are united in an international society of charity by their spirit of poverty, humility, and sharing, which is nourished by prayer and reflection, mutually supportive gatherings, and adherence to a basic Rule.
Organized locally, Vincentians witness God’s love by embracing all works of charity and justice. The Society collaborates with other people of goodwill in relieving need and addressing its systemic causes, making no distinction in those served because, in them, Vincentians see the face of Christ.”
Society of St. Vincent de Paul U.S.A. website