The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul was founded in Paris in 1833, by a young French student, Frédéric Ozanam, to confront his city’s devastating poverty. Inspired by St. Vincent de Paul, a 17th-century French priest who had an untiring commitment to serving the poor, Ozanam’s mission was clear: help the needy on a one-to-one basis and “accomplish through Charity what Justice alone cannot do.” Compassion in action was the heart of Frédéric Ozanam’s spirituality. Learn more about Blessed Frédéric Ozanam.

The St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Mary’s Parish has been assisting the less fortunate of our community thanks to your generous contributions! We help people get back on their feet after job loss, medical emergency, and other life trials. Together we have paid for funeral expenses, fuel assistance, rent, electric bills, food, and clothing for job interviews.

With your help and generosity, we are responding to the Church's call to perform Corporal Works of Mercy: feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, bury the dead. We are all called to compassion and sacrifice for those in need! We continue to accept both food and monetary donations at St. Mary’s Parish. We are presently in need of volunteers, and we welcome anyone who would like to join our St. Vincent de Paul Society Board! Board meetings are held every 1st Thursday of the month from 10:00–11:00 AM in the parish office at 86 Mechanic St in Westfield, MA—but if you can't make the meetings, give us a call.

You can contact us at (413) 568-5619. We check out help line every weekday, Monday through Friday. Leave a message and we will get back to you!

Thank you for your continued kindness and support! May God bless you!

Very truly yours in Christ,

Christine Farrell

President, St. Vincent de Paul Society, St. Mary's Parish