Our parish St Vincent de Paul (SVP) “Conference” has twelve active members with an additional four parishioners currently applying to join! The main work of the Conference is visiting the elderly and infirm at home, in care and nursing homes as well as, when the need arises, in hospital. The Conference provides financial assistance (as funds allow) to individuals and families experiencing hardship as well as assisting the housebound with smaller practical tasks, e.g. shopping, transport, changing a light bulb etc. Members contribute to the work of Winter Night Shelters provided by local churches. Our Conference has Masses said for the repose of the souls of beneficiaries who have died and seeks to be present at their Requiem masses. We are indebted to fellow-parishioners for their generosity which enables the Conference to help others in need. Our annual SVP ‘Awareness Month’ appeal held last September (2018), as well as generous donations from parishioners via the SVP box at the back of the church, raised £1147.00. Some of this funding was used as follows:

£600 to the India SVP Disaster Relief Fund to help families devastated by the Kerala floods.

£300 to purchase clothing and toiletries for homeless men and women using the Sacred Heart Parish, Southend, night shelter.

£200 to assist a person with special needs go on pilgrimage to Lourdes.

£150 worth of supermarket vouchers for young ex-offenders resident over Christmas in the Southend refuge centre.

A Christmas afternoon tea was arranged in the parish centre for elderly parishioners on 8th December 2018. Gifts were given to our guests!

Assistance given by the SVP is in strict confidence. Should you consider joining the Parish SVP Conference please contact me on 01702 552373. Our renewed thanks to parishioners for their generosity and support! F. O’Brien, Conference President.