Becoming a Member of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Steps to Join:  Pray to recognize God’s will, to hear His voice.  Then, find a parish near you with a Conference (see “Parish Conferences” on this website) and contact them.  Or, contact the District Council at info@svdpcos.org.  These are the beginnings of a journey that can lead you to a deeper relationship with Christ through our very many neighbors and friends in need.

Full / Active Members must belong to the Catholic Church, accept the Basic Principles or Charter of the Society, be accepted as an Active Member by a Conference and be enrolled in it. In addition, members need to take part in the life of the Conference to which they belong. Participation implies a reasonable degree of involvement in SVdP meetings, charitable activities, and religious observances.

Associate Members, like Active Members, are affiliated with the Society by formal action of the Conference or Council with which the member will be joined. Associate Members include those who sincerely and publicly accept the Society’s basic principles but may or may not belong to the Catholic Church. Associate Members are kept informed of the developments and activities of their immediate groupings, as well as the general progress of the Society, particularly in the local area or diocese. Associate members are invited to attend the general meetings and special observances of the Society. They participate, as they are able, in the charitable activism of the Society in their area.