The Vincentians of St. Peter the Apostle are dedicated to helping provide the staples of life, food, electricity, heat, and clothing to individuals or families, thereby ensuring lives can be lived with dignity during times of need.
Bob Hagan, one of the 20 Vincentians at St. Peter the Apostle, explains. “Vincentians work to provide the necessities to those who need it the most.”
While help with financial assistance is the primary focus, the Vincentians at this parish like to give back by completing projects for those in need. Bob describes the physical work as “good for the soul.”
“There’s something satisfying about going to a person’s home and doing physical work and seeing the results when you’re done,” Bob explains.
The Vincentians also have two teams of volunteers who serve at the Open Hand Kitchen on the first and fifth Monday of the month. The teams alternate so each team works every other month.
When asked how Covid has changed things, Bob mentions the home visits. “We used to go on home visits regularly,” he says, “but since Covid we’ve had to stop those. I hope we can get back to them.”
Bob comes from a family of Vincentians. His wife joined the organization and he followed along, but his father had been a Vincentian as well. “Almost any Vincentian I know has relatives who are Vincentians, too,” he relates. “It’s kind of a tradition.”
The most important thing Bob feels he gets out of working with the Vincentians is spiritual growth. “There’s something about good works that feeds the soul and brings you so much gratitude for the life you have and the opportunities you have to give,” he shares. “It brings me closer to God.”
Sandra Otte says
What are the requirements to become a Vincentian?
Beth Haendiges says
Thank you for your question. The person who knows the requirements is on vacation this week, but I will reply next week.
Beth Haendiges says
Hi Sandra, please call Donna Young, our Director of Volunteers and Conference Affairs, at 502-301-8685 to learn about the Vincentians.