Our Mission
The St Vincent de Paul Society is a lay Catholic organisation
that aspires to live the gospel message by serving Christ in the poor
with love, respect, justice, hope and joy, and by working to shape a
more just and compassionate society.
Our Vision
The Society aspires to be recognised as a caring Catholic charity
offering “a hand up” to people in need. We do this by respecting their
dignity, sharing our hope, and encouraging them to take control of their
own destiny.
Our Aspiration
An Australia transformed by compassion and built on justice. The
Society advocates on several pressing social justice issues such as
homelessness, poverty and asylum seekers. To read more about the
Society’s work is these areas and others please visit the Our Impact section of this website.
Our Key Values
We have identified seven key values to which we are aligned and they
include commitment, compassion, respect, integrity, empathy, advocacy
and courage. We are proud of the key values for which we stand.
Commitment – Loyalty in service to our mission, vision and values.
Compassion – Welcoming and serving all with understanding and without Judgement.
Respect – Service to all regardless of creed, ethnic or social background, health, gender or political opinions.
Integrity – promoting, maintaining and adhering to our mission, vision and values.
Empathy – Establishing relationships based on respect, trust, friendship and perception.
Advocacy – Working to transform the causes of poverty and challenging the causes of human injustice.
Courage – Encouraging spiritual growth, welcoming innovation and giving hope for the future.
The Society
There are two separate Conferences of the Society in the
parish, one based in Mona Vale and the other in Avalon. Both operate
within the Northern Beaches Region of the Society which has it’s centre
in Brookvale.
Who are We
Society members are called Vincentians and are volunteers who
try to serve Jesus by being of service to those in need.
We respect the human dignity of people. Everyone is created in
God’s image and is therefore of real worth both to themselves and to
society.
What do we do
We meet monthly and discuss the needs of
people we have visited since our last meeting. We talk about how we can
help these people to gradually help themselves.
Usually, two Vincentians visit people in their homes (or sometimes in
the park or on the beach!) We listen to their problems and decide how best we can help them. Often our assistance covers financial
help to purchase food, clothing or help pay some bills. Sometimes it’s just
listening and giving support by discussion and friendship. In all our dealings with clients, we keep absolute confidentiality.
Helping or joining us
We always need and welcome support or extra members. Please talk to one of the members of Vinnies in our Parish or contact the Parish
Office to find out more.
How to contact us
All referrals to the two conferences come from the Society’s
centre in Brookvale. Clients may telephone for assistance on 9905 0424
during office hours or visit the center to discuss their requirements
with the experienced staff there.