St. Bernadette Conference has 17 active Vincentians. The Vincentians serve the local community by providing financial help when a person is in need. Support can come through gift cards or vouchers for food, rental assistance, and help with health care costs like dental care.
There are many reasons to join the Vincentian community. Conference President Rebecca Najewicz explains her reasons. “I became a Vincentian 30 years ago when the Society first began allowing women to join. I learned what the Vincentians did, and I wanted to help with that work. I had known about the Society since I was a little girl and saw the men joining together at church. My name began with a ‘de,’ and that made me feel a connection with the organization,” she shares.
“My first home visit was to a single mother who had just moved into an apartment. There was nothing in the apartment but a mattress on the floor. We were able to give her vouchers for food, formula, and more,” she remembers.
Later, Rebecca came to live in Louisville, joined a parish that has since merged to become St. Bernadette, and found that the Vincentians provided an opportunity for her and her family to be active in the church.
When asked what being a Vincentian has taught her, Rebecca says it has taught her empathy and made her realize how easily one’s circumstances can change.
“I’ve learned that ‘there but by the grace of God go I’, and it makes me thankful that I can offer support to others,” she says.
When asked why someone would want to become a Vincentian, Rebecca explains, “You will make great friends, serve the community, and grow spiritually.”
We thank our conferences for all their good work. It gives us hope.
Leave a Reply