St. Raphael’s Conference has 25 active Vincentians who work within the parish to serve those in need. A group of 7 members work the phones each week, offering support with rent, utilities, food, and more. The conference works with community ministries and other parish conferences to support those in need both in their own zip code and in others like 40218.
Each year in February, the conference works to collect diapers for St. Bernadette’s diaper bank. During Lent, the conference supports Open Hand Kitchen by providing fish for Friday meals. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the conference makes Christmas food baskets for 70 families and gathers over 7,000 food items that are distributed to the SVDP Food Pantry and food banks at Sister Visitor, Highland Ministries, and St. Ignatius.
The Vincentians at St. Raphael also serve at the Open Hand Kitchen once a month, and several of them work at the SVDP Food Pantry every week.
“We are fortunate to have the full support of our pastor, Father Shane,” says Vincentian John Raque. “Father Shane dedicated a section of enclosed storage in the church’s narthex to St. Vincent de Paul, and now our parish brings in food, toiletries, and more to the church every week.”
The St. Raphael Conference also tries to host a cookout at SVDP’s Robert’s Hall every year. Because of the pandemic, this annual event was put on hold, and other events took its place. In 2021, the Vincentians hosted a Christmas dinner at the hall, serving the women who live there.
When asked why he is a Vincentian, John explains, “it’s an opportunity to give back. We are a blessed parish who are called by Christ to serve and show compassion and the will to help others. We hope we are making a difference in the lives of our neighbors.”
We are grateful to St. Raphael Conference for all they do for the community and to help support St. Vincent de Paul Louisville.
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