Outreach Ministries

St. Vincent de Paul Society

The Society’s history goes back to St. Vincent de Paul (1581-1660), a man of deep faith, keen intellect, and enormous creativity. He has become known as the "The Apostle of Charity" and "Father of the Poor”. The St. Vincent de Paul Society was founded by Frédéric Ozanam (1813-1853) in response to a challenge from a fellow student about what good works the Church of his time was doing.

 

The Society today is composed of women and men who seek their personal holiness through works of charity. This is one essential way that the Society differs from other charitable associations or agencies. Their principal objective is not the spiritual advancement of their members as such, but the doing of good for someone else.

 

Like its founder, the vision of the St. Vincent de Paul Society today is "to embrace the world in a network of charity." The Cathedral/Old St. Mary Conference embraces the poor through the following ministries:

 

Food Vouchers and Other Assistance

 

Every Monday evening the Society’s members gather in the Cathedral’s Open Door Café to meet with and assess the needs of clients and potential clients. Individuals and families are helped with food vouchers and job counseling, based on each particular situation. The Cathedral’s parish nurse is also present for health consultations and assistance with GAMP fees (healthcare coverage for indigent Milwaukee County residents), as well as co-pays on medications.

 

Helen Loftus/David Ippolite Christmas Party

(Co-Hosted with the Cathedral’s Open Door Cafe)

 

An annual Christmas party is held each December for those in need. The St. Vincent de Paul Society provides a feast of turkey, ham and all the trimmings. Beautiful Christmas decorations, choirs and musicians, and pictures with Mrs. Claus all add to the celebration. The Cathedral’s Open Door Café board coordinates efforts to provide gifts for all guests, young and old.