Vincentian Family in New Orleans to celebrate patron’s feast with eye on homeless

The Vincentian family of New Orleans – men’s and women’s religious orders and lay apostolates associated with St. Vincent de Paul – will celebrate their patron saint’s feast with a Mass Sept. 25 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, 1802 Tulane Ave., New Orleans.

A special collection will be taken up at the Mass, which will be celebrated by Vincentian Father Tom Stehlik, pastor of St. Joseph. Light refreshments will be served after Mass.

The gathering has as its theme, “Compassionate Hearts – Generous Hands: A Celebration of the New Orleans Vincentian Family.” A truck from St. Vincent de Paul will be in the church parking lot to accept household items to help homeless people transitioning into housing.

Needed goods include face cloths, towels, detergent, dishwashing liquid, plates, bowls, cups, pots, pans, utensils, dust pans, mops, disinfectant wipes, laundry soap, multi-purpose cleaner, toilet paper, bug spray, dish towels, flashlights, batteries, trash bags, hangers, clock radios, laundry baskets, razors, weather ponchos, men’s underwear (all sizes), disposable water bottles and water bottle sling holders.

Beneficiaries of the donated items will be Ozanam Inn, Depaul USA, Hotel Hope and the Rebuild Center.

The Vincentian family in the Archdiocese of New Orleans includes the Vincentian Fathers, the Daughters of Charity, the Ladies of Charity, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, the Vincentian Lay Ministries and the Ozanam Inn.

For more information on how to donate or volunteer, contact Daughter of Charity Sister Catherine Kelly at catherine.kelly@doc.org or (317) 607-4478.