Forming first SVdP conference for Minnesota diocese has been 'an amazing faith experience'

By Nikki Rajala

ELK RIVER, Minn. (OSV News) -- Father Mark Innocenti, pastor of St. Andrew Church in Elk River, said he is "so grateful" to members of the parish who were willing to take on formation of what is the first conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in the Diocese of St. Cloud.

"I see it as God's work to those in need and an integral part of the mission of this parish," he told The Central Minnesota Catholic, the diocesan newspaper.

He recalled seeing a SVdP group "in action about seven years ago."

"They helped someone in need that I knew of. I was very impressed with how they handled the family with care and compassion and walked with them to help them in the best possible way," he said. "They visited their home and spent time with them to get to know their needs on a deeper level. I wanted this for our parish!"

The St. Andrew Elk River Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul became a reality at Mass in mid-October. It officially went live. The conference's helpline was made public and the Vincentians began to accept calls to assist neighbors in need.

Much preparation led up to the conference's kickoff, said Tony Williams.

About two years ago Father Innocenti approached Tony and his wife, Jeanne, and asked the couple if they'd be willing to learn more about the SVdP conference at St. Michael Parish in St. Michael in the neighboring Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

"I said I'd think about it," Tony said, but Jeanne felt differently.

"I had recently retired from nursing and wanted an opportunity to help others meet their basic needs, but most importantly to give them hope and to see the face of Jesus through me," she explained. "I believe the Holy Spirit was working through Father Mark when he asked us to join the St. Michael conference."

They attended a meeting at St. Michael. Others from St. Andrew were there too, having also been asked by Father Innocenti to learn about the SVdP parish conference. Twelve of them joined the St. Francis of Assisi Conference; Tony was asked to be vice president.

Integrating as full active members, they studied the rules of guidance, the structure of the society, the purpose and scope and the relationships within Catholic networks in addition to how to conduct personal encounters with their neighbors and what public and private resources were available in the community.

"Neighbors in need may fall between cracks with government programs and not get served. Many are just one unexpected expense away from a financial crisis, from missed work due to extended illnesses or caring for other family members or car repairs," Tony said. "Some struggle with addictions and homelessness. Vincentians are resource people who suggest possibilities."

When the group was fully prepared, they began responding to neighbors without groceries for their small children, neighbors being evicted, neighbors with serious illnesses and limited ability to pay for expensive medicines.

"Every community has people in circumstances not of their own making -- they get sick or fight cancer or break bones. They can't get food stamps or don't qualify. We help them out of those crises," he said.

"Sometimes they required assistance from specialized staff to manage their money or restructure their lives. Other times they just needed someone to listen and could straighten out their problems themselves. We are there for them emotionally, financially, spiritually," Tony continued. "And it was what my faith needed -- the Holy Spirit impacts our lives if we're willing to listen."

In June the group met with Bishop Patrick M. Neary of St. Cloud, who endorsed organizing an SVdP conference. Then they met with Kateri Mancini, director of social concerns for Catholic Charities in the St. Cloud Diocese to ensure they would not duplicate services.

Staff from the archdiocese, which has several SvdP conferences, helped set up the formal structure of the St. Andrew Elk River Conference, with an accounting system, a bank account and incorporation as a 501(c)(3), which is a nonprofit group with a dedicated mission.

Each of the 12 took on responsibilities. Tony was named president. Jeanne and another woman became membership and training coordinators. Others developed a resource manual for a two-county area, listing services for individuals or families, such as Catholic Charities food shelves, county services, places for used clothing, private assistance and an Elk River women's center.

The St. Andrew Elk River Conference is self-funded, Jeanne noted. "Conference members do fund-raising activities to carry out our mission and bring awareness for those in need."

In mid-October, the entire parish was introduced to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

"We asked parishioners to join our conference, to grow into a vocation of spirituality, service and friendship. We also asked them to donate or to offer 'in-kind' services -- car or home repairs, trade skills -- to help us help others at no or low cost," Jeanne said.

"While this might sound emotionally draining, the reward is the knowledge we're doing something positive to change a neighbor's life in a good way," Tony said. "It can be complicated, but also exciting, because guidance from the Lord changes your perspective on life. This has been an amazing faith experience."