SVP

Question 1

Why did Frédéric and his friends decide to set SVP up?

Answer 1

They became aware of the great poverty and injustice in their country & decided that as Christians, they should do something about it

Question 2

What did they first do?

Answer 2

Approached a community of faith called the Daughters of Charity, who introduced him to poor families, whom Frédéric and his friends began to bring food and comfort to

Question 3

Who was Vincent de Paul?

Answer 3

A Catholic priest who helped the poor

Question 4

What was SVP’s aim?

Answer 4

To look after the poor and helpless, bring them food, clothes and friendship and find out why they were poor in the first place. Needed to work to end long term poverty by helping people help themselves.

Question 5

Who does the organisation work with nowadays?

Answer 5

Poor and disadvantaged people internationally, in over 100 countries

Question 6

How many branches are in Ireland?

Answer 6

Around 1,100, called local conferences - organised into 100 areas, which are then divided into 13 regions. Each conference, are & region has a president. National Management Council oversees all groups & makes the important discussion - meets every 6 weeks

Question 7

Why do many join SVP?

Answer 7

To spread the message of Jesus Christ - want to put this message into action by loving and serving those that are disadvantaged/struggling to cope

Question 8

What is their main vision?

Answer 8

To look after the weakest of society, and love them and God like we love ourselves

Question 9

What services does SVP offer?

Answer 9

• friendship and support to people in need - volunteers carry out their work in their own free time

Question 10

What different roles do members of SVP take on?

Answer 10

• some visit people in their homes to help them with many things, like managing their money
• some visit the elderly in hospital/prisoners in prison
• some work with children to help them improve in school

Question 11

Do SVP work with people in confidence?

Answer 11

Yes

Question 12

Who set up The Society of Saint Vincent De Paul and when?

Answer 12

A young French student, Frédéric Ozanam, and a couple of his friends in 1833

Question 13

What sort of commitment do SVP volunteers have to have?

Answer 13

• have to give up a certain mount of time each week, and do all they can to help those in need
• also make a small donation each at each meeting to help with the cost of running the society