St. Vincent de Paul Society


The St. Vincent de Paul Society* is an international organization of men and women, who seek, in a prayerful spirit of justice and charity and by a person-to-person involvement, to be present to those who are suffering.  St. Bernard’s Conference of the Society meets regularly to assess and respond to the needs which are presented to them.  Proceeds from our church’s poor boxes are the primary means of support for the St. Vincent de Paul Society.  To contact the St. Vincent de Paul Society, call (516) 735-3218.


Food Pantry - Parish Social Ministry and St. Vincent de Paul Society volunteers work together to provide a food pantry so that those in need may receive staples of food and other items which supplement what they need to purchase.  If a group, troop, society or individual is interested in conducting a food drive at any time, we would be happy to speak with you about the details.  We are always happy to accept donations of (unexpired) food, and monetary donations in any shape or form.  We are committed to be responsible stewards of whatever we receive.  Food donations may be dropped off at the St. Vincent de Paul/Parish Social Ministry Office, or at the food bins in the church.  Click here for a list of needed items.


*Frederic Ozanam, founder of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, was born in France in 1813 and became a Professor of Literature at the Sorbonne in Paris.  He lived during one of the most tumultuous times in French history.  Throughout his life, Ozanam's simple hope was to "become better--to do a little good."  He linked his life of studies to his life of charity (i.e., self-giving love), and in 1834 founded the Conference of Charity, later renamed the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and dedicated to works of charity.  By 1852 the Society boasted 2000 conferences in France and elsewhere.  Together he and his wife Amelie devoted themselves to the task of reconciling married and family life to a life of good works.

Ozanam was a model teacher, scholar, husband, and father. As a teacher and scholar, he was devoted to seeking truth and to the virtue of charity.  From the time of his first challenge to live what he preached, Ozanam tried always to link the life of thought to a life of Christian action, and to help others do likewise. He wished to know his faith well and to live it fully.  He and Amelie  lived a truly Christian married life of faith, hope, and love. As a father, he cherished his daughter Marie and, despite the demands on him, spent time nurturing and educating the daughter who was to him a joyous gift from God. In his work, in his family life, in his personal life, Ozanam was, and still remains, an exceptional model of a Christian life well-lived.

Frederic Ozanam was named “Blessed” by Pope John Paul II in 1997.  This “Beatification” is a step on the way to being named an official “Saint” of the Church, and recognizes Frederic’s exemplary life of faith, hope and love.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul continues the charitable work of Frederic Ozanam throughout the world, including right here in Levittown at St. Bernard’s parish.