{tab=Mission Statement}

Inspired by Gospel values, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a Catholic lay organization, leads women and men to join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to those who are needy and suffering in the tradition of its founder, Blessed Frederic Ozanam, and patron, St. Vincent de Paul.

As a reflection of the whole family of God, Members, who are known as Vincentians, are drawn from every ethnic and cultural background, age group, and economic level, Vencentians are united in an international society of charity by their spirit of poverty, humility and sharing, which is nourished by prayer and reflection, mutually supportive gatherings and adherence to a basic Rule.

Organized locally, Vincentians witness God’s love by embracing all works of charity and justice. The Society collaborates with other people of good will in relieving need and addressing its causes, making no distinction in those served because, in them, Vincentians see the face of Christ.

{tab=Essential Elements}

The Essential Elements of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul were established by Emmanuel Bailly together with the founding members. They are:

• Spirituality: to bear witness to Christ and to his church by showing that the faith of Christians inspires them to work for the good of humanity
• Friendship: to bring together people of good will and to assist them in mutual example and true friendship in drawing nearer to the Divine Model by fulfilling his essential precept, namely, the love of God in the person of others
• Service: to establish a personal contact between its members and those who suffer and to bring to the latter the most efficacious and charitable aid possible

{tab=Core Values}

1. Holiness of Life: Growth in intimacy with Jesus in a life-long process.  Prayer is essential, personal and communal.
2. Service of the Poor: The dignity of the human person.  The preferential option of the poor.  The identification of Jesus with the poor.
3. Humility: The virtue of humility, personal and corporate.  Poverty in spirit is the primary Beatitude.
4. Simplicity: The virtue of simplicity.  Jesus is the Evangelizer and Servant of the Poor.  Divine Providence.
5. Charity: The Society is concerned with charity and justice.  The virtue of charity within and outside the Society.  Solidarity.
6. Community of Faith: Friendship.  Community.