Saint Raphael Conference of St. Vincent de Paul

SVDP was established in 1833 by Antoine Frederic Ozanam, a student at the Sorbonne in Paris, France. He saw the appalling conditions suffered in the political, religious, social and economic conditions of Paris in the 19th century. He knew the good the Church had done but Ozanam wanted to do more. He gathered 5 students and formed the St. Vincent de Paul Society. 

Today, thousands of conferences throughout the world minister to the needs of the poor by accompanying them - helping them in their present need and assisting to direct them out of poverty. Our Diocese has 60 conferences throughout 8 counties in Northeast Ohio.  Mr. Jack Bedell, a Saint Raphael Parishioner, is now the director of our Diocesan St. Vincent de Paul Society. With his help, we began a conference here a few months ago and presently have about 15 members of our parish who will assist others in Bay Village and on the west side of Cleveland who suffer the results of poverty, unemployment, illness or other catastrophic situation which cries out for help and assistance. Your contributions will directly help our brothers and sisters in need.