Become a Vincentian
“God does not consider the outcome of the good work undertaken but the charity that accompanied it.” — St. Vincent de Paul
Mission and Values
Learn more about the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Benedict’s Conference
Our Mission and History
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.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul originated in Paris, France in 1883 when founder, Frédéric Ozanam along with five others began the first Conference of Charity. Later, they named their Conference after their patron saint, St. Vincent de Paul.
Who We Are
As a reflection of the whole family of God, members, known as Vincentians, come together in service to individuals in need. Vincentians are united in an international society of charity and are strengthened through mutually supportive gatherings and adherence to the Rule and the Manual of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, which in part states: “No work of charity is foreign to the Society.”
Community Support
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. Our Conference partners with other agencies such as Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia.
Our Catholic Parish
Incorporated in March 2022, the SVdP St. Benedict’s Conference is a lay organization comprised mainly of parishioners of St. Benedict’s Parish, home of the Traditional Latin Mass in Hampton Roads. The Conference leads women and men to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to those who are in need.
Vincentian Resources
Founded in Paris in 1833, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a worldwide community of more than 800,000 lay Catholics, known as Vincentians, who join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to neighbors in need. The National Council provides resources and points of contact to aid in the daily work of Vincentians and our local Conference.
Richmond Council
The Richmond Council supported the development of the St. Benedict’s Conference. The Council provides guidance, training, and resources. It facilitates collaboration between Conferences and is the main communicator between Conferences and higher Councils. In the call to help all those in need, truly no act of charity is foreign to Vincentians. The SVDP Conferences within the Diocese of Richmond serves all regardless of faith.