Diocesan Council of Shreveport Our Mission 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. 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. There are three levels of members: ·                     Active = those wishing to directly serve the needs of those who are in need, and attend meetings ·                     Associate = those wishing to assist on home visit and provide assistance as needed ·                     Contributing = those wishing to assist through donations of money and needed items. If you are interested in becoming a part of this vital ministry, please email the Diocesan Chairperson.  God bless you for all of your prayers and support.     What we do The Society of St. Vincent de Paul offers tangible assistance to those in need on a person-to-person basis. It is this personalized involvement that makes the work of the Society unique.  This aid may take the form of intervention, consultation, or often through direct dollar or in-kind service. An essential precept of the Society's work is to provide help while conscientiously maintaining the confidentiality and dignity of those who are served.  Some 12 million persons are helped annually by Vincentians in the United States.  These are some of the services Vincentians provide for those who are poor and in need: ·                     Emergency financial assistance ·                     Food programs ·                     Services to those in any way challenged ·                     Rent/mortgage assistance ·                     Embracing the lonely, forgotten and alienated   How  to apply for Assistance    If you are in need of food, utility or rent  assistance, contact the St. Vincent de Paul Hotline listed below according to deanery borders:      Shreveport area:  865-7807  Eastern deanery:  (listing of church  parishes being updated)  Southern deanery: (listing of church  parishes being updated)    Please note that the hotline is answered  by volunteers.  Their hours vary; if you  call and are unable to get an answer,  please try again.     Links to other websites:             National Council St. Vincent de Paul Diocese of Shreveport     Who is BLESSED Frederic Ozanam? Frederic Ozanam was born in Milan, April 23, 1813, where his father practiced medicine.  Frederic grew up in Lyon and was educated at the College Royal de Lyon, and entered the Sorbonne in Paris is 1831 to study law.  Rampant anti-Catholicism existed in the university, with professors constantly attacking the Church and its committed advocates.  Ozanam assembled a number of these fellow students and together translated works into deeds with the formation of a Conference of Charity in May, 1833.  In 1835,  rules and purposes of the association were formulated and the official title, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, adopted. Ozanam received his law degree but soon abandoned it to pursue academics, particularly foreign literature, while giving unqualified service to the Church through total dedication to the growing Society of St. Vincent de Paul, relentlessly espousing the mission of Christ's Church to the poor, the needy, the suffering, and the afflicted. He died at the age of 40.  Rites for his beatification were held on August 22, 1997 at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.     Prayer for the Canonization of Blessed Frederic Ozanam O God Our Father, You alone have the power to bestow those precious gist of Yours which we rightly call miracles.  If it be Your will, be pleased to grant such a gift on behalf of ______________.  We humbly ask that you grant this favor so that Blessed Frederic Ozanam may be canonized by our Holy Mother the Church.  We make this prayer through Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son. Amen. Look for updates to this page to include: The Story of Louise de Marillac The Story of Rosalie Rendu top Home

His Holiness 
Benedict XVI

Bishop
Michael G Duca

Father Peter Mangum
Pastor