In 2013, Julie Westhoff felt led to start the St. Patrick Vincentian conference, which has since grown to 15 members.
“I had been growing in my faith and wanted to put my faith into action,” Westhoff said. “It has been extremely rewarding.”
Westhoff’s father was a Vincentian in Atlanta, Georgia, but she didn’t know a lot about what that meant except for their trips to a St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store to purchase items for her college dorm.
While attending a small group at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Deacon Scott Haner encouraged her as she wrestled with how to tangibly put her faith into action.
At that time, there wasn’t a conference at St. Patrick, so Westhoff said, “It sounds like God’s calling me.”
The St. Patrick Vincentians field phone calls, help pay rent or utility bills, including car repairs, and provide them with resources to reach if they are unable to help. They partner with Eastern Area Community Ministries, which assists those dealing with an urgent need or crisis.
Before COVID-19, the conference would do a lot of home visits, but they have still found other ways to serve.
Recently, the Vincentians met with a homeless couple and were able to get them food and affordable housing. They then helped them secure a job opportunity. The couple called back and expressed their appreciation.
They also provided aid to a young mom who had two children and a newborn. They helped pay her rent and got a stroller, car seat and crib sheets for her baby.
We are so thankful to the St. Patrick Vincentian conference for their devotion to love those around them in tangible ways.
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