ST VINCENT'S, A LTRINCHAM CONFERENCES

The SVP is an international voluntary organisation dedicated to providing practical assistance to all those in need.

The Society was founded amongst University students in Paris in 1833 through the initiative of Frederick Ozanam who was beatified by Pope John Paul in 1997. They formed the society to witness their Christian faith through helping the sick, the lonely and the deprived.

The same principles continue to inspire the SVP, which is active today in 137 countries. It operates mainly through parish-based committees, which are known as ‘conferences’. The first such conference was set up in this country in the 1840s; there are currently over 1200 conferences in England and Wales through which over 11,000 members befriend and assist individuals and families in their homes, care homes, hospitals, prisons and other institutions.

There has been a conference in St Vincent’s parish since 1910; today we have a ladies’ and a mens’ conference. Fortunately we do not have the abject poverty that was prevalent a century ago but sickness is still with us and there are many others who need our help. Financed by the generosity of parishioners, we continue to give financial help where necessary for fuel bills and many other budgeted and unexpected expenses for parishioners in need. With broken families, disablement and old age, loneliness is very much a feature of our time. In the year ending March 2006 our conferences made 5347 visits to people in their own homes, residential homes and hospitals. 1100 people unable to make their own way to Mass were given lifts by volunteers under a scheme organised by the SVP and we provided outings for the elderly and those living alone. We also provided Christmas gifts and lifts to hospital for appointments and those wishing to visit sick relatives and friends.

Internationally, conferences in the more affluent countries are ‘twinned’ with conferences in the third world. We support the local work of three conferences in south India and, where possible, our ‘twins’ in the Sudan. We also contribute to national SVP funds, which channel aid through SVP conferences throughout the world when disaster strikes.

We are always in need of new members; our age profile is heavily weighted towards the older age groups, which is sad when one considers that students founded the SVP. Whatever your age, young, mid-life or retired, we need you. The commitment need not be great; if you think you can help contact the Parish office.

You can also help by putting us in touch with those who may need our help. Please tell us of anyone who would like a visit at home or in hospital or let us know if you think we could help someone in any other way.

Anyone interested in joining the group should contact the parish office.