Mission and Formation
The St Vincent de Paul Society is a mission-driven organisation grounded in Vincentian spirituality, Catholic Social Teaching, and a long tradition of faith expressed through action.
“Now the strongest bond of true friendship is charity, and the exercise of good charity is the practice of good works.”
Our Vincentian Spirituality
The mission of the St Vincent de Paul Society is to continue the work of Jesus through practical charity and compassionate service.
Our spirituality is reflected in our logo: the hand offering the cup, the hand receiving it, and the hand of Christ blessing it. Together, these symbols express a faith lived through relationship, service, and love in action.
Founded in 1833 by Frederic Ozanam and six fellow university students, the Society began as a small group responding to the challenge, “Show us your works!” What started in Paris as friendship, prayer, and service has grown into a worldwide movement supporting people experiencing poverty and hardship.
Today, this work continues through members, employees, and volunteers who support people experiencing homelessness, family hardship, mental health challenges, disability, and displacement. Through local Conferences, services, advocacy, and social justice initiatives, we continue to walk alongside people in need with compassion and respect.
Supporting Our Mission
The Mission and Formation Directorate helps ensure the Society remains faithful to its mission by supporting people across the organisation to understand, live, and deepen it in their everyday work and service. This is guided by three key areas:
Living our mission
Support the Society in our mission by enabling all our people to appreciate, articulate and be accountable to a contemporary understanding of our mission and identity.
Delivering on our mission
Contribute to the delivery of the Society’s strategic plan by implementing initiatives that embed the Society’s mission, vision and values in our everyday practice,
Enhancing our mission
Commit to quality care and compassionate support by being attentive to the well-being of those supporting the people we assist, and increase our mission maturity by working with members, employees, volunteers and external stakeholders.
Mission Strategy
The Mission Strategy sets out how we live and strengthen our mission across the Society. It reflects our commitment to the strategic direction to Grow, Excel, and Cultivate.
It helps ensure that everyone connected with the Society has the opportunity to deepen their understanding of our mission, improve practice, and contribute to a culture shaped by compassion, dignity, and justice.
Spiritual Reflection Guides
Access weekly Catholic reflection resources, Gospel readings, and prayer materials designed for Conference meetings and spiritual formation.
Mission Resources
Find practical resources to support mission formation, Vincentian spirituality, and faith-based service.
Prayers
Explore prayers that support personal reflection, spiritual growth, and daily connection with God.
Reflections
Explore reflections that help deepen prayer, strengthen understanding of the Gospel, and nourish your spiritual life within the Society.
Mission Team
Meet the Mission and Formation Team and learn how they support the Society in living its mission and spirituality.