The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is an international Catholic Organisation of lay people founded in Paris in 1833 by Frederick Ozanam and his Companions. Placed under the patronage of St. Vincent de Paul, it is inspired by his thinking and his works. I t seeks, in a spirit of justice and charity, to help those who are suffering. It does this by a person-to-person involvement of its members. This is the first paragraph in the Rule, which is given to all members.

The conference at Belmont has a very small faithful group of members, and our work consists entirely of visiting elderly parishioners either in their own homes, nursing or residential homes or hospital visiting. We are always greeted with a big smile and they are anxious to hear any news from Belmont, have a good chat, and tell us of any happenings in their lives. There are of course those who are more seriously ill and then it is enough just to sit with them and perhaps hold their hand. Some do not see many other people others have families who live away and are unable to visit as much as they would like. We do provide a very necessary service of love to these elderly people, and they do all become real friends.

We are also “Twinned” With a conference in India, which we help to support, and we receive a card at Christmas and a letter explaining how they have spent the money, which we sent. We also sponsor two students. This costs £60.00 a year and pays the fees for them both. Very different from England. In the past we helped families who have struck on difficult times, mostly these days by referring them to the correct agency, and also have helped out those who have been referred to us as being in need of financial help, for example when moving house or with travel expenses to see a sick child in hospital many miles away.

We really do need some new energetic members if the society is to survive. Only one of our members is under 65, and some are well past it. Some new young energetic blood is badly needed, hopefully to enlarge the work of the Society within our Parish. It m ay not be the most fashionable society within the Catholic Church, but it is very worthwhile, rewarding to the members, and I believe it is also a practical way of showing discipleship