Society of St Vincent de Paul
Ozanam Centre, 14-16 William St.
St Vincent de Paul was born in 1581 in Gascony. He studied for the priesthood and was ordained in 1600. In 1617, two events changed his life. After hearing the confession of a dying man he resolved to preach the Good News of Christ’s promised redemption, and later that year after appealing for help for a poor sick family he saw many local people bringing them aid. This inspired him to found the Ladies of Charity (AIC), who were devoted to person-to-person help. Vincent died in 1660 and was canonised in 1737.
1833 First Conference of St Vincent de Paul
The organisation started as a debating society, led by Frédéric Ozanam . Its members were committed Catholics who found themselves defending the Church against taunts of “call yourselves Christians, what do you care about the poor”. Frédéric decided that “There has been enough talk, it’s time for action” and went out into the streets with the help of Sister Rosalie Rendu, a Daughter of Charity (a religious order founded by St Vincent de Paul and St Louise de Marillac) brought material assistance and listened to the needs of those in living in poverty.
Ireland
The first conference in Ireland was established in Dublin on 16 December 1844. SVP is now the largest voluntary charitable organisation in Ireland, making it one of Ireland’s best-known and most widely supported organisations of social concern and action. It has over 11,500 volunteers, active in every county in Ireland. During the society’s history, we have helped people in need through famine, a civil war, a war of independence, two world wars, and several economic recessions.
The Lurgan Conference
St Vincent de Paul is organised in towns and villages into ‘conferences’. The Lurgan conference was established in 1863 and is based in the Ozanam Centre in William St.
The society receives all its donations from the local community and we aim to provide emergency support to those in need. We can help with energy costs, food, and some essential household items.
If you need emergency help, please call 028 3832 5725 and select option 3.
Our Shop
We also have a shop located at the rear of the Ozanam Centre in William St. The shop sells clothes, furniture and bric-a-brac at very reasonable prices. Donations of quality furniture and clothing are welcome. The opening hours are Monday – Friday 9.30 am – 2.30 pm, Saturday 10.00a.m. – 12.00 noon.
Daycare
Ozanam Daycare Ltd operates under the umbrella of the St Vincent de Paul Society within the Lurgan area. Operational from 1988, and registered for 122 children daily, it offers an affordable, quality childcare service that enables parents to return to work with peace of mind. Caring for Children from 6 weeks old to 12 years of age we pride ourselves on our home-from-home atmosphere. Opening hours are 7:30a.m. – 5:45 p.m. Monday – Friday.
Mini Vinnies
Looking to the future and younger generations – St Francis School in collaboration with St Vincent de Paul has launched an initiative called Mini Vinnies.
This is the first initiative of its kind on the island of Ireland.
Pupils have signed up to promote Christian values of reaching out to others who need help and engaging in practical activities such as assisting with our Christmas food hampers.
Volunteering
The Society welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds.
If you would like to volunteer for the shop or join our ‘conference’ as a member of our trained visiting teams please call 028 3832 5725 and select option 3. Our conference meets weekly on Tuesday evenings and home visits are always conducted in pairs.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Let us pray………
Tender God, refuge of the poor, You filled Vincent de Paul with the strength of the apostles to work for the salvation of the poor and the instruction of the clergy. May we who follow the example of his life be driven by unceasing charity to continue the mission of Your Son in the world.
Amen