Society of Saint Vincent De Paul
The Fish is the symbol of Christianity and in this case represents the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. The eye of the Fish is the caring eye of God looking for ways to help the poor and underprivileged in our midst. The crossing at the tail or a tie-knot represents unity and oneness among members and also in union with the poor. The circle signifies the global stature of the SSVP, an international Confederation. The international motto "serviens in spe" means serving in hope, which is what being an SSVP member is all about.
SSVP in St Bridget's
TheSociety of St Vincent De Paul is an international Catholic organization of laymen and women who seek, in a spirit of justice and charity and by person-to-person involvement to help those who are suffering. "No work of charity is foreign to the Society."
Frederic Ozanam at the age of 22 founded the society along with some friends after being challenged by some people to show his Christian works rather than just talk about Christianity itself, so he and his friends sought to put the teachings ofthe church into practice by relieving the sufferings of those who were beset bypoverty.
The patron of the society is St Vincent De Paul who was born in France in 1581. He initially became a priest to escape from poverty but soon realised that his mission in life would be to bring the gospel to the poor of rural France. He founded and order of priests called "The Congregation of the Mission" but commonly known as the Vincentians, to fulfil this purpose.
The work of Frederic Ozanam continues all over the world today and here in St.Bridget’s Baillieston we operate a good size conference who meet weekly to pray and carry out the functions of the society, below is a small summary of our work which is only achieved due to the kind-hearted donations put in ourboxes by the parishioners of St. Bridget’s at Mass. We cannot thank them enough, and neither can the people we assist.
- Visiting those in need, this can be
Material Need. In such cases we will try and provide help by providing food for the table, or help with gas and electricity, or furniture.
We will also try to help with any problems they may have, this could be benefit advice or pointing them in the direction of someone who can provide help to alleviate their situation, this may mean getting help from other organisations.
Spiritual Need is also something we offer in the case of the sick or bereaved or those who just need support and a friendly face. We can visit, provide comfort and pray with them and for them.
We support our twin conference in India financially and spiritually.
We visit Lightburn hospital on a weekly basis to take the peaceful healing spirit of the Lord to the sick.
We arrange holidays to the SSVP caravan for those who would not otherwise get a holiday.
We participate fully in the spiritual life of the parish and society, arranging masses throughout the year for the sick and also for the society’s intentions.
Your St Bridget’s conference meets each Monday at 6pm in the parish house.
We thank God for your prayers and your generosity, which enable us to continue in the work we do, your physical help to enable us to continue our work effectively is also urgently needed, and new members are always warmly welcomed. This appeal goes out to all of our parishioners, male, female, young and not so young. If the Lord is calling you to serve the community of Baillieston in this way please contact the parish priest.
If you require someone form the SSVP to visit you for whatever reason please contact the parish priest in the first instance, he will direct your request to the member of the conference who will contact you.
