Inspired by Gospel values, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) is an international organization of men and women joined together in spiritual growth through service to those who are in need and suffering. Believing we are all created in God’s image, we offer assistance with empathy, trust and friendship, while preserving the utmost dignity and confidentiality.
NATIVITY CONFERENCE (nativityindy.org/svdp)
The active members of our conference (Vincentians) meet regularly for prayer and reflection and to coordinate service to our neighbors in need who live within our parish geographical boundaries (southeastern Marion County, south of Brookville Road and east of Arlington Ave.)
Some of us visit these neighbors, listen to their needs, and try to provide hope, spiritual support, financial assistance, food, and/or household items as needed.
We also participate in the activities of the Indianapolis SVDP Council (See below) and provide regular financial support to a neighboring SVDP conference that has fewer resources and greater needs (currently, Good Shepherd Parish).
SVDP Associates participate in some of these charitable works on a regular basis.
INDIANAPOLIS COUNCIL (svdpindy.org)
The council supports the 59 parish conferences in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and oversees the operation of several facilities and programs such as:
WAYS YOU CAN PARTICIPATE Contact Charlie Gardner, 317-407-9130, gardner1947@gmail.com
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SVDP NATIVITY CONFERENCE MEMBERS
Service and Stewardship Report for Oct, Nov, Dec 2023
During these three months our conference received calls for help from 26 households within our parish boundaries. We were able to help 20 of them with spiritual support and material assistance, 10 through a home visit and 10 through phone calls.
The $5158 donated by Nativity parishioners was used to directly assist these neighbors in need, mainly with utility payments ($1574), used appliances ($850), Christmas gift assistance ($450), and Kroger cards for food and fuel ($300).
6 of these households obtained donated clothing, bedding, furniture, and other items from the SVDP Distribution Center.
We donated $1200 to our neighboring Good Shepherd SVDP Conference whose needs are greater than ours.
We distributed gifts from the Catholic Charities Christmas Store to 25 of the households that we assisted during 2023.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ANNUAL SERVICE AND STEWARDSHIP REPORT
(October 2022 through September 2023)
123 households (429 individuals) living in our parish boundaries requested help.
Compared to 74 households (229 individuals) just two years ago.
RECEIPTS
$18,837 - contributed by Nativity parishioners
EXPENDITURES FOR NEIGHBORS IN NEED
Estimated value of goods provided to neighbors in need from SVDP Indy Distribution Center
$10,985 TOTAL ESTIMATED VALUE
In December, 2022, we distributed Christmas gifts to 16 families from the Catholic Charities Christmas Store.
Each child received gifts and the family received one household gift.