The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SSVP) is a lay Catholic organisation whose mission is:
The Mission of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul implies that as Vincentians, we:
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul in Scotland has adopted a logo:
Our SSVP has been running for a number of years now. Led by our S6 Caritas and Leadership pupils, our members range from S1 – S6. The SSVP members work both directly through giving time and indirectly, by organising appeals and fundraisers. Above all, we try to make a difference in our community and the wider world through our prayers.
We are continually supported in our efforts by Clare Carr, the National Youth Officer, who visits our school each year to deliver a presentation to our pupils. This engaging and motivational talk always inspires us to reach out to those in need. We recognise and encourage the good work started by Clare within our Primary schools’ Mini Vinnies and invite them to continue as members of SSVP when they move into S1.
We are involved in work within our school, our parishes and associated primaries including:
An important part of our learning is done through this annual conference at the Conforti Institute in Coatbridge. This is a residential conference for 8 pupils in S3 provides our pupils with a foundation on which to base their SSVP work. The Voice of the Poor is a packed timetable with inputs on the SSVP (History, ethos and vision), the Living Wage (The Poverty Alliance) and Communication/team building. The pupils also take part in the ‘Trading Game’ (Conforti Institute Education Team). The final workshop will be a planning session, where the pupils will start to consider how they can best assist their communities and those in need.