Become a Vincentian in Sonoma County!

Seeking Charity & Justice, Serving with Hope!

Members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (or “Vincentians” ) are men and women who strive to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to individuals in need.

We are young and old. Our members come in every shade of skin color. Some of us are wealthy, some are financially poor, but all of us are blessed with awareness that our blessings (time, talent or treasure) are to be shared with our brothers and sisters in need. We know that we are not alone.

We are part of an international society of friends united by a spirit of sharing.

Energized by the awareness that service to our brother or sister in need is in fact an encounter with grace, members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul are keenly aware that poverty, suffering and loneliness are present for millions in our communities. For that reason, we collaborate with all who seek to relieve need and address its causes.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul offers tangible assistance to those in need on a person-to-person basis, as well as through our Thrift Store and free Dining Room. 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. The Society recognizes that it must also assume a role of advocacy for those who are defenseless or voiceless.

There are 2 types of Conference volunteers (called Vincentians):

Active Members
Individuals who belong to the Catholic Church, accept the Basic Principles or Charter of the Society, are accepted as an Active Member by a neighborhood Conference and are enrolled in it. They take part in the life of the Conference to which they belong. Participation implies a reasonable degree of involvement in SVdP meetings, charitable activities, and religious observances.

Associate Members
Associate Members include those who sincerely and publicly share the desire to help the poor and make a tangible difference in their community but may not belong to the Catholic Church. Associate members attend meetings and participate in the charitable activism of the Society in their neighborhood Conference but don’t take part in religious observances unless they choose to.