About Our Conference

 From its inception in 2009, this ministry has been helping those within the Toms River Community, who at this time in their lives, need the kindness, understanding and financial assistance of others. We are a lay society that aspires to live the Gospel message by serving the poor in a manner that Christ modeled for us. Our focus is directed towards several of The Corporal Works of Mercy: to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, and to shelter the homeless.

 

Essential elements of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP/The Society) are:

• Spirituality – to bear witness to Christ and His church so that the faith of Christianity inspires them to work for the good of humanity. SVdP collaborates with other people of good will making no distinction in those served because, in them, Vincentian's see the face of Christ.
   

• Friendship – to bring together people who enjoy the common bond of helping others and building a more just world through personal relationships with, and service to, people in need.
   

• Service – to establish a personal contact between our members and those who suffer through lack of food, clothing, housing and need for financial assistance. We meet those individuals in their homes or at our location within St. Luke Parish. 

​

There is a Social aspect to our conference in that our members generally gather once a month to review the accomplishments and goals of our Conference, discuss needed improvements, exchange future ideas, and socialize while enjoying some light refreshments. We have guest speakers who provide insight as to how to better serve those in need along with new assistance programs provided by the state or county. Additionally, we gather a few times a year with our members, families, and friends to participate in a meal or activity.

 

Currently we have over 100 volunteers (members) who assist in the ministries within The Society.
Since the beginning in 2009, the following members have served as president: Sue Delta Gatta,

Colleen Kehler, Tom Spina, Frank Vaccarino, and our current president Gemma Brennan.

 

• 2023-24 Board members are: Gemma Brennan (President); Sharon Bianchi (Treasurer); Jill Bradley (Secretary); Paul Capelli (Furniture); Joe Damato (Social Services Liaison); Kathy Minton (Technology);
  Barbara Neary (Fundraising); Meg Otchy(Garden); Ben Russell (Home Visits/Correspondence); Mary Schwarz (Food Pantry); Deborah Weingroff (Spiritual Advisor); Genevieve Yachnik (Helping Hands).

​

Ministries included in our Society:

• Food Pantry – open Mondays and Fridays, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
  We offer food as well as some paper and personal products.  In addition, during the spring/summer months, we are able to offer fresh vegetables that SVdP members grow in our own garden. 
  (Link to: Vegetable Garden page)

​​

• Financial Assistance - members will visit a client's home to evaluate the needs of the individual/family. Based on our available funds (raised through various Fundraisers and donations from our parishioners and those in our community) we will assist in paying bills such as utilities, rent, home repairs, etc. Many of the clients who contact SVdP are working, but can not pay their bills due to unexpected circumstances.
  For assistance:  leave a message at 732-244-3916

• We also offer guidance with budgeting and sharing the multitude of other resources available
  in Toms River and Ocean County.  See the Forms Page for additional resources.

​

• Helping Hands – open Mondays and Fridays, 9:00 am – 11:45 am.
  Started in May 2022, this ministry provides donated new and gently used clothing to men, women, and children along with small household items. Most of the donations come from the SVdP members, friends, families and St. Luke's parishioners.

​​​

• Furniture Ministry - Vincent's Legacy is a Furniture Donation Ministry used by Ocean County.  If you have furniture to donate - please call 609-557-7837 or email furniture@svdptrenton.org to evaluate, and arrange for pickup.     **If you are in need of furniture - please call the SVdP hotline 732-244-3916.

​​

​​

Interested in joining SVdP at St. Luke's Church?

Parishioners who are interested in learning more about our Conference at St. Luke's Church and the work this

important ministry does, please call and leave a message at 732-244-3916 OR email Gemma at gemmabrennan2016@gmail.com.  Our Membership Chairperson will be in touch with you.

​​

​​

Interested in learning more about SVdP on a national USA level?

The National Council of the United States is part of an international society of friends united by a spirit
of poverty, humility, and sharing. We are nourished by prayer and reflection, mutually supportive gatherings, and adherence to a basic Rule.

​​

Visit the USA website for more details, sign up for the National Newsletter, review resources and reflections along with best practices.  There is a wealth of information available there. 

​​

Check it out!  St. Vincent DePaul USA National website