The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul
SSVP Trinity Chapel Conference (Discovery Bay)
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SSVP) was founded by Frederic Ozanam in Paris in 1833. It is an international Catholic organization of lay men and women whose primary mission is to help the poor and less fortunate through direct person to person contact. SSVP is still continuing this mission around the world today with more than 500,000 members. Please visit www.ssvpglobal.org for more information on the lives of our Patron Saint and our founder Frederic Ozanam.
Hong Kong SSVP
SSVP in Hong Kong was established in 1863. It is one of the Diocese's oldest charitable organizations and is also a founding member of The Community Chest of Hong Kong. Under the leadership of the SSVP Central Council of Hong Kong (SSVPCC), over 500 members from 34 conferences and 2 Youth Conferences conduct regular visits to needy families and homes for the aged throughout Hong Kong. SSVPCC also runs the St. Vincent de Paul Nursery School in Kwun Tong and the Ozanam Comprehensive Services Centre with a free clinic for Chinese medicine, providing services to the underprivileged in the community. Please visit www.svp.org.hk for more information on SSVPCC and its activities.
Visitation Parish SSVPThe Trinity Chapel Conference of SSVP serves the Visitation Parish. It was established in August 1996 and, at present, our spiritual advisor is Rev. Fr. Manoj Mullackal. Our services encompass all areas of our Parish on Lantau Island, including Mui Wo, Nim Shiu Wan, Peng Chau, Tung Chung and Tai O. Through visiting the needy in their homes, our members endeavour to help them resolve their day-to-day basic necessities and show them our care and concern. It is by performing such acts of charity, that SSVP members bring Christ's practical love into the Community and at the same time bear witness to God's personal love and infinite mercy. In doing so, members also experience first-hand the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
SSVP Activities
SSVP members' charity work includes, amongst other things, monthly collection of donations at the church (school hall) door every month, visiting elderly people who live alone, helping needy families and individuals and assisting to organize charitable functions in different SSVP conference parishes.
Monthly Meeting
Our conference meets in the Trinity Chapel at least once a month on the second Sunday morning of every month at 1:30pm to reflect on the Gospels and how Jesus would reach out to the needy and the poor of our parish. We then discuss different ways to assist those the Lord has entrusted to us in this island community. Members take turns to share on the selected bible verses under the guidance of the spiritual advisor.
You Can Help the Needy
If you wish to assist in an active way to serve the elderly and underprivileged within our parish, you will be most welcome to join us. The minimum requirement for membership is a sincere desire, based on the love of Jesus, to serve the needy. It is not necessary to be Catholic, but prayer and sharing at the meetings usually presume a knowledge of Catholic traditions. The Trinity Chapel SSVP Conference is a Chinese speaking conference and our meetings and Gospel sharing are always in Chinese. As well as this, the needy whom we serve are 99% non-English speakers. There is no upper age limit, but if young people wish to join, it is preferable that they be at least 18 years old. We have a Youth Conference in Hong Kong and, if you or a young friend wishes to join SSVP, we can put you in touch with that Conference.
Any form of donation, be it in the form of cash or cheque, will be most welcome. Income tax deductible receipts will be issued for amounts over HK$100.00. Finally, if you know anyone who may require our assistance, please approach the parish priests or contact us directly. |
About SSVP Discovery BayContact Tel/Phone: 2987 9909
Meeting: 2nd Sunday 1:30-3:00pm Spiritual Advisor: Fr. Manoj Mullackal Chairman: Vice Chairman: Members: About the logo
The fish is the symbol of Christianity and, in this case, represents the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul.
The eye of the fish is the vigilant eye of God seeking to help the poor in our midst. The crossing at the tail or the tie-knot represents unity and oneness among members and also the union with the poor. The circle bounding the logo signifies the global or worldwide stature of the SSVP, an international Society. The words serviens in spe mean to serve in hope, the hope that comes from Our Lord Jesus Christ. Who was Saint Vincent de Paul? St. Vincent de Paul
Saint Vincent de Paul was a Catholic Priest dedicated to serving the poor. He was born into a family of peasant farmers in the small village of Puoy in Southwestern France.
Wikipedia article Photos |
