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Society of St. Vincent de Paul
St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Conference
Los Gatos, California
CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF SANTA CLARA SERVICESWith the onset of the Novel Coronavirus, we have swiftly transitioned to a virtual Ministry.
SVdP St. Mary is accepting calls for assistance requests through the Parish Phone number (408) 354-3726 x134. We conduct “phone visits” for each request, listening to concerns, providing gift cards and other requested items, as funds permit. We refer neighbors to local services still in operation within Santa Clara County including City and County provided services, NGO’s, local Outreaches, food banks, shelters, health care and job placement services. Additionally, we inform our neighbors of government assistance programs and laws preventing eviction and PG&E shutoffs.
SVdP St. Mary continues to support and actively participate in three local Outreaches (the Day Worker Center in San Jose, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Los Gatos and United Methodist Church in Los Gatos) serving over 50 clients on a daily/weekly basis. We also coordinate with other SVdP Conferences to service out-of-boundary requests.
We follow the guidance from our Bishop and government bodies regarding social distancing, shelter-in-place orders, hand washing, face masks, gloves and other safety/sanitary guidance.
We have experienced a significant uptick in needs requests. If you are open and interested in donating time, talent and/or treasure, your donations are graciously welcome._____________________________________________________________________________________________________Who are we?
2022 Year in Review Report
Our Conference is a member of the International Society of St. Vincent de Paul. The Society is a worldwide Catholic voluntary organization of lay people known for its charitable work. Its goal is to serve the needs of the disadvantaged in our community, especially those who are lacking the basic necessities of life.
We accomplish our work with a strong focus on spirituality, fellowship and service. The core of our Society is each individual member. Our Conference has twenty-five to thirty volunteers from our Parish and meet monthly.
What do we do?
Our Conference provides a wide range of services to those in need including help with rent, utility bills, medicine, food, gasoline, transportation, and clothing. More important than the material assistance given, our Conference offers spiritual support to the people we serve. All members of our Conference are dedicated to act primarily for the welfare of others.
How do we do it?
We respond to calls for assistance through a “home visit.” If someone is in need we will arrange for a team to visit them on a person-to-person basis, which offers the opportunity to share our concern through listening without judgement, and living our faith through understanding and compassion. The home visit is a cornerstone of our Society. Furthermore, the fellowship bond between members is an important aspect of who we are.
At Thanksgiving we conduct a food drive, assemble food baskets and provide them to families in need. During the year we gather periodically to assemble backpacks filled with toiletries and clothes including sleeping bags that are delivered to the San Jose Day Worker Center and St. Luke's Parish. We also provide funds and support to our sister conferences within the Diocese of San Jose.
How are we funded?
Our Conference is blessed with generous support from our Parish Community through their donations at the annual November Collection for St. Vincent de Paul, and throughout the year with contributions to the Poor Box and online giving.
Donations:
Thank you for supporting our work. An online gift allows our St. Vincent de Paul Ministry to financially support our clients in need.
Click here to make a one-time online gift. For more information or assistance, contact Sharon at: saeria@stmaryslg.org or phone at (408) 354-3726x137.
How can you participate?
If you are interested in becoming a member of our Conference please contact Steve Hall or John Monti, , at steve.hall613@gmail.com & johnmmonti@gmail.com. Our Conference meets the second Sunday of the month September through June. ( Click here for additional information)
St. Vincent de Paul SNAPShot
Financial Summary - St. Mary Conference