St. Vincent De Paul
Who We Are
Inspired by the Gospel values and in the tradition of its patron, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul leads people to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to those who are in need.
With original intentions still intact, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul now has a worldwide presence with over 800,000 members. Each chapter serves in different ways; however, we are connected in our mission.
The St. Brigid Chapter was founded at St. Patrick Church of Merna in Bloomington-Normal. Requests for assistance with rent, utility payments, food, etc., were personally being handled by Monsignor Jerry Ward and Sister Rita Ann Bregenhorn. Requests were so immense that the need for additional support became apparent. Together with 16 parish volunteers, they developed our local Society and accepted the first applications in October 2009. In 2010, the organization served 194 calls for help, and each year the numbers increased. In 2017, we served 788 community members in need, thanks to the generosity of our donors and the work of our 60+ volunteers.
Our Work is a Blessing!
Since our formal inception in 2010, we have helped over 4040 individuals and families who have requested help in our community. We have enabled families to keep their apartments or homes. We’ve kept lights turned on, water running, and rekindled hope and faith in the lives of many. Every situation and need is unique, and every time we can help is a blessing for us all.
Funds are donated from generous parishioners of St. Patrick Church of Merna and St. Mary Church in Downs and others who have learned of our mission and desired to help. Whether you have a heart to donate, the ability to serve as a volunteer, or the strength to ask for help, God has blessed our Society as we do His work in Bloomington-Normal and McLean County.