Intro to the Society

The Society (short for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul) is one of the largest community service groups on campus. Our main focus is community service and spirituality. We currently have two community service sites called LaBoure House, an intergenerational home where college students and the elderly live together, and St. Pauls House, a traditional elderly home. Coming in Winter 2008 we are adding on third service sites working with kids. So... what makes us unique compared to other service groups on campus? We would like to say our many social events, retreats, weekly service and reflection, friendships with eachother and the ones we serve, and our willingness to explore our spirituality are some of the many reasons why we are unique.

"When I went to service with the St. Vincent de Paul Society for the first time I came out with a positive experience. Going in with an open mind, I felt welcomed and a part of the community. Being able to hear the life experiences from those I served made my experience something I would never forget. I'll be coming back!" - Jake Zalokar, 2011

"What's unique about the society is that its more than just a community service group that goes out and does service every week. Its actually a group of friends gathering both in and out of service working to make change. Its a group that is always welcoming of new people and seeking to grow. Its a group with a common mission, values, and goals." - Eric Vicens, 2009

Mission Statement

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul at DePaul University is a group of dedicated students, inspired by St. Vincent de Paul, united to actively promote positive change in the greater community. We seek to grow spiritually by building person-to-person relationships with those we serve and by compassionately acknowledging innate dignity of every human being. We provide students with opportunities to learn, experience, and live the Vincentian vision, mission and values.

Values 

Spiritual Growth:
Through weekly service reflection, retreats, and other events Society members seek to grow spiritually in their involvement.

Vincentian:
The Society lives the Vincentian mission and values. Society seeks to engage students both inside and outside of the group in Vincentian education.

Dignity:
The Society acknowledges the compassion and innate dignity of every human being. They raise awareness of social problems and are active in social justice.

Dedication:
Society members are passionate and dedicated to the mission. They are committed to their service sites and active in other areas of the conference.

Personal Relationships:
Society members will build personal relationships with those they serve. In addition, members will concentrate on building similar relationships with fellow members and volunteers. 

Service:
Members are actively involved in service with the Society. This includes but is not limited to, weekly service, university service days, and domestic/international service trips.

Goals

* To provide a means for members to grow spiritually.
* To build personal relationships with those we serve.
* To show others how to serve the poor with respect and compassion.
* To educate members about the Vincentian Way of Spirituality founded by St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac.
* To provide opportunities for students to learn, experience, and live the Vincentian vision, mission, and values.
* To build a network with Vincentians across the world.
* To develop socially responsible leaders at DePaul University.
* To embody and embrace advocacy for those we serve.