The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is an international voluntary Catholic organization of lay people. It was founded in 1833 by Blessed Frederic Ozanam who was inspired by the example of St. Vincent de Paul. The work of the Society is grounded in the Gospels and Catholic social teaching. Members attempt to live out the values of loving God and neighbour through an action programme directed to working with people in need.
The Society has been operating in Ireland for over 160 years. Activity in Portadown is organised through the St. Patrick’s Conference.
Meetings
Meetings take place in the St Vincent de Paul rooms beside St Patrick's Church on Alternative Thursdays. Meetings consist of an Opening Prayer, Spiritual Reading, Matters Arising, Correspondence from any parishioner, a report from the Treasurer, any other business and a Closing Prayer.
Our Work
Vincentian visitation includes home, hospital and prison. Visitation is the cornerstone of our work. Confidentiality is always respected and maintained. We organise days away and tea dances for our senior citizens. Children of all ages are accompanied on breaks to the theatre, samba soccer, the zoo and theme parks.
Locally we run two shops at the Mayfair Business Centre. There we provide good quality second hand clothes and furniture to the local community at affordable prices. Our new helpline for assistance is 028 38339639.
Who can join the Society?
Membership of the Society is open to anyone who can adopt our ethos. Potential volunteers should be in a position to spare a little time to work with others in homes, hospitals and nursing homes. Contact should be made with any member of the Society to join. Those joining the Visitation Teams will undergo a Casual Interview and will have to be vetted before work can commence. Those interested in helping in the SVP shop in Mayfair Business Park should contact the Shop or any other SVP member.
For more information contact Mary McAlinden