.Are you interested in answering the call to serve by working as a Vincentian? The focus of the Society is the spiritual growth of its members through service to others. Service to others takes many forms in our society: seeing clients in our office at their homes, assisting clients in our food pantry, picking up food at the Houston Food Bank, general office work to keep our society functioning and our records accurate, calling clients and listening with a friendly ear.
Our friends in need rely upon our conference, and for that reason, the following requirements have been established for all Society of St. Vincent de Paul conferences.
To be a Vincentian, you commit to participate in:
At least 1 meeting per month
Safe Haven online training (one time, then refresher every 5 years)
Ozanam Formation (one time, a full day session, then refresher every 5 years)
A minimum of four service hours per month
These are the steps to becoming a Vincentian:
1. Conference Meetings: Candidates are encouraged to begin their discernment by attending our Conference meetings. This will help you make an informed decision on whether the spirit is leading you towards being a Vincentian. Meetings are held 7-8 PM on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month.
2. Safe Haven Training: The CMG Safe Haven online training is replacing the VIRTUS training. The training consists of three (3) vignette style training videos that is approximately 60 minutes and will include a criminal background check that must be completed. These trainings are available in English and Spanish. All Safe Environment trainings will only be available online.
The SVDP Central Office downtown will review the application package, run a background check. You will be notified of the results.
4. Volunteering can now begin!
5. Ozanam Formation Training: Within a year of membership, you are asked to attend Ozanam Formation Training (the core SVDP Society Training). The Ozanam Formation Training is held at different parishes all over Houston. You will be notified when classes have been scheduled so you can choose one that works with your schedule.