Spring is here! It’s the perfect time for reflecting on the blessings God has bestowed on us and for renewing and freshening our spirit and that of others. It’s always good to help those in need. But during Lent, it can be especially impactful.

Lent gives us the opportunity to prepare our hearts and focus on prayer, fasting, and giving. Giving makes a difference, for our hurting neighbors and for each of us. It’s a way to respond to God’s grace, generosity, and love! The remarkable thing about giving is that it doesn’t change the way God sees you and loves you. He already knows all and loves completely. But giving changes the way, you see God and love Him.

St. Vincent de Paul is the perfect example of the spirit of giving. St. Vincent was born in 1581 into a life of poverty. His parents were peasants and he was sent to be educated by the Franciscans. He was hired as a tutor by a wealthy family, used his money to continue his education at the University of Toulouse, and studied theology. He was ordained in 1600, was captured and sold as a slave, escaped, went to Rome, and was placed in charge of distributing money to the deserving poor. St. Vincent spent his life providing relief to the poor, the sick, and the lost and this work became his passion. His love for God and giving to the least of God’s children was so abundant that he founded the Ladies of Charity, Congregation of Priests of the Mission (Vincentians), and co-founded the Daughters of Charity so that the work to serve the poor was everlasting. In continuing to honor the life and legacy of St. Vincent, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul was established and modeled on his call to “see Christ in the poor and to be Christ to the poor”.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has been in El Paso since 1893 and helps to coordinate assistance from local churches and charity organizations to provide aid for basic needs for the most vulnerable in our community. St. Vincent de Paul helps with rent, utilities, food, and medical bills for those in times of difficulty. As part of their mission, “serving Christ’s needy is the primary goal of the St. Vincent de Paul ministry, and all who come for support are welcomed with dignity and respect.”

Through the Catholic Foundation, you can support the efforts of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and help those in need and renew the spirit of your brothers and sisters in this season of rebirth. We are all gifted with blessings of time, talent, and treasure…make this a season where you become a blessing for others.

For more information on how you can make an impact on the work of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and help those in need, please get in touch with Major Gifts Officer Tony Herrera at (915) 479-9100 or therrera@catholicfoundationelpaso.org.