St. John Neumann Conference Society Of St. Vincent De Paul

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul was founded in 1833 by 22-year-old law student at the Sorbonne in Paris. Today it is in153 countries.

In 1845 the first Society conference was established in St. Louis, MO. Today there are over 4,000 conferences in the United States. The St. John Neumann Conference was organized in 2017.

Conferences are the basic organizational unit of the Society. It is a small community of women and men who are compelled by their Christian faith to serve those who are needy and suffering. They share their time and treasure with those who need help and hope. They believe everyone deserves a fair chance at a bright future, regardless of income or life circumstances.

Conferences are usually associated with a Catholic Church. It serves at the pleasurer of the pastor and is not part of the parish organization. There are conferences in prisons, on college campuses, high schools, and in rural areas. Raising funds to aid those in need is the responsibility of the conference Vincentians.
A conference has a president, vice-president, treasurer, secretary, and Spiritual Advisor. Meetings begin with prayer and reflection on charism of St. Vincent de Paul, and Blessed Frederic Ozanam.

A conference defines the area in which it will serve those in need. St. John Neumann Conference aids the poor in Lancaster City and immediate suburbs.

Our conference meets in person once a month and by conference call or email when necessary to approve providing assistance to one in need.

The Home Visit is the hallmark ministry of the Society since its founding in1833. When invited Vincentians go in pairs to visit individuals and families who are in need and have nowhere else to turn. We assure them they are not alone. We will be with them through this difficult time. The people we meet are not clients. They are our friends or neighbors. Before going on a home visit, we ask our Lord to join us. We are to see the face of our Lord in those we serve, and they are to see our Lord in us. We ask if they are attending Sunday services. If not, we suggest they do no matter what denomination to reconnect to our Lord in their time of need. We end our visit with a prayer.

Financial aid is given for housing, utilities, healthcare (prescription, copayments), adult school expenses, auto expenses (repairs, insurance premiums), and other essential necessities. Funds are given with no expectation of being paid back. There are no limits to when and how often a friend or neighbor can request help. The Society’s Rule states, “If the need is genuine and funds are available, the full amount is to be paid.” Limiting the amount of funds to ensure funds are available for the future is perceived as hoarding, and that is to be avoided.

Since 2023 the number of calls from neighbors being threatened by their landlord with eviction or have been in court has steadily increased. Today it is 90% of the calls. Eviction prevention requires using most of our donated funds.

Here’s how your gift might help:

• $2,000 can stop our friends and neighbors from being evicted
• $500 can stop the heat, water, and electricity from being shut off