Lurgan St Vincent de Paul
When the Society started in Lurgan
On Sunday 4 January 1863 the inaugural meeting of the Lurgan Branch of the St Vincent de Paul Society was held in Lurgan. Father McMullan PP VG read a letter from Dr McAlister, Bishop of Down and Connor. Father Darragh CC was appointed as Spiritual Director.
What it is and what it does
What is the Society of St Vincent de Paul?
A voluntary organisation of lay people.
What are its aims?
To help people in need on a person to person basis.
Is it a Catholic organisation?
Yes, with membership open to people of different faiths.
Does it assist Catholics only?
Members assist people in need irrespective of creed.
Is it an all male organisation?
No. Women are full members of the organisation.
Is membership very time-consuming?
Members give part of their spare time working for people in need.
What does membership cost money-wise?
There is no cost but members contribute anonymoulsy to the society's funds according to their means.
Who may join the Society?
Anybody who has a little spare time to help needy people. A person can be involved as much as they want to either as a full-member or as an auxiliary member.
Why do people join the Society?
To translate into action the Christian obligation to help people in need.
What is the major activity of the members of the Society?
Visiting everyone who applies for help.
How can a visit help a family in distress?
The physical presence and a listerning ear bring an empathy with the person.
Is money given to families in distress?
The appropriate help in the circumstances is always given and this can be money or materials goods as necessary.
What are some kinds of distress in a family which money can’t solve?
Illness, loneliness, desertions, alcoholism.
What other material gifts are given to families in need?
Clothing, fuel, food, beds, furniture, holidays.
How are families in distress found?
Some come seeking help; others are discovered by members of the Society. Referrals can be made by Government agencies and other charities.
Does a family ever spurn assistance?
Rarely. People in need always welcome assistance.
In what other activities does the Society of St Vincent
de Paul engage?
On a national basis, Youth Clubs, Hospital visitation, Hostels, Holiday Homes for the elderly, Clothing Guilds, Seamen’s Clubs, prison visitations, Housing Societies, Secretariats.
Are members of the Society trained for the work they do?
St Vincent de Paul Training Programmes are provided.
How would one know if one would like the work of the Society?
One will never know unless one tries.
Where could one contact the Society?
The Northern Regional Office is at 224 Antrim Road, Belfast,
BT15 2AN or telephone 90 351561 .
The website address is www.svp-ni.org
The Society would appreciate good quality clothing, bric-a-brac, furniture etc. These may be left at the Ozanam Centre. William Street, or you may contact 38 322102 and they will be collected from your home.