A Network of Support

“A network of friends, inspired by Gospel values, growing in holiness and building a more just world through personal relationships with and service to people in need.”

Formed in 1865, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Archdiocese of Baltimore, District Council of Baltimore provides a network of charity serving in a spirit of charity, humility, and friendship. The Society leads women and men to join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to neighbors in need and suffering from the effects of poverty. The Archdiocese of Baltimore, Baltimore District Council comprises the City of Baltimore and Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard and Washington Counties.

In the tradition of its founder, Blessed Frédéric Ozanam, and patron, St. Vincent de Paul, this approach to volunteer service harkens back to the very beginning days of the international Society of St. Vincent de Paul. In 1833, founder Frederick Ozanam was a pioneer in leading others in service to the materially poor in Paris, France, visiting families in their homes and offering food, coal for heat, and other support. What distinguished that service was the high level of respect and dignity extended to those being served.

Member volunteers are called “Vincentians” the heart of the work of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. All Vincentians possess an awareness that our blessings (time, talent, and treasure) are to be shared with our neighbors in need. Our founding activity, still practiced today, working face-to-face and encountering neighbors in need to change lives for the better. Vincentian members establish personal relationships; not only providing material assistance such as rent, utilities, food, or clothing, but also offering friendship, understanding, and prayer.

Today, there are 32 Conferences within the Archdiocese of Baltimore District Council with more than 700 volunteer members. The Conference is the organizational unit of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul; commonly organized at local parishes. Through the tireless efforts of Baltimore District Council volunteer Vincentian members; local parish conferences provided $1,738,150 in financial assistance, $335,452 in food assistance, and other support to more than 34,906 persons throughout the Archdiocese of Baltimore regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity. The Baltimore District Council supports Conferences with systemic change strategies. Systemic change is going beyond addressing the immediate needs of poverty; instead, it is about partnering with the poor to identify the root causes of their poverty and remove the barriers to overcome poverty.