Across the Diocese of Parramatta, small groups of parishioners gather quietly in meeting rooms, church offices, and homes to serve. These parish-based groups, known as St Vincent de Paul Society conferences, are the heartbeat of Vinnies’ mission at a local level – bringing Christ’s love to people in need through practical action.
For Georg Eberl, a parishioner at Holy Family Parish, Mt Druitt, the call to join came in the simplest of ways. “I got tapped on the shoulder by our Assistant Priest. He asked, ‘Do you know anything about Vinnies? Would you like to come along?’
Seven years later, Georg still finds meaning in the Society’s down-to-earth approach. “Meeting people where they’re at – that’s what practical love as ‘Vincentians’ (members of the St Vincent de Paul Society) looks like.”
That practical love looks like food, clothing, furniture, whitegoods, help with medical scripts or bills, and housing or bill-assistance referrals, grounded first in listening. “One of the most important things we actually do when meeting people is to listen to their stories,” Georg says.
The friendly faces of compassion from the Mt Druitt conference. Image: Supplied.
One Sunday, a woman fleeing domestic violence needed urgent help. She had just been discharged from hospital and had nowhere safe to go. With other services closed, she came to Holy Family Church in distress during Mass. The Parish Priest, Fr Cao Nguyen SJ, referred her to Vinnies and Georg and another member met with her.
“She was agitated, stressed, frustrated and worried – but after we spent time with her, she changed,” he says. “We listened to her story, heard what was happening in her life, and how she had a plan to go out of the area for family support. And we were able to give her the means to travel, food and other connections to connect her to family, and gave her the contact of Vinnies in that area so she could get further assistance. We were able to give her a helping hand and a hand up to help her achieve her plan.”
This blend of faith, compassion, and practical assistance is repeated in communities throughout the Diocese. In Springwood, members run a weekly drop-in centre at the Catholic Care office. “We still do home visits,” says long-time member Martin, “but that’s not as common. Most of the work is done at the centre, and we have contact with the schools.”
“St Columba’s Catholic College produces about 45 hampers for Katoomba, one of the very high-need areas in the mountains. We’re also supported by the parish, who produce another 35 or 40 hampers. They get distributed far and wide, and the level of support we get is massive.”
Students from St Columba’s Catholic College Springwood during a ‘Busking for Vinnies’ event in the main street of Springwood. Image: Mary Brazell/Diocese of Parramatta
For Kim, who joined the Springwood Conference after retiring from teaching, the work offers a deep connection to both Church and community. “People come in for a catch-up, support, a listening ear, and then we would support them in a practical sense with food vouchers.”
Kim’s background in education has strengthened the Conference’s partnership with local schools. “The FIAT team from St Columba’s College and St Thomas Aquinas Primary are actively involved, with both schools taking part in the Vinnies Sleepout. Last year, I suggested to the primary students, ‘Why not write to politicians?’ They had never thought they could do that. Trish Doyle, our local state member, not only acknowledged their letters and forwarded them to Housing Minister Rose Jackson, she actually visited the school to meet the students. It really showed them the power of a letter.”
The involvement of young people in Vinnies is no accident. As Martin says: “The Society was founded by a bunch of 20-year-olds. Having young involvement is important to our future, and it’s a natural fit.”
Today, Vinnies Youth continues that tradition, offering young Catholics opportunities to serve, advocate, and encounter Christ in those experiencing hardship.
Students from St Columba’s Catholic College Springwood ‘Busking for Vinnies’ in the main street of Springwood. Image: Mary Brazell/Diocese of Parramatta
For Georg, Martin, Kim, and countless other Vincentians, this is what it means to live the Gospel. “It’s a reminder that in different circumstances, we could be the people asking for help one day,” Kim says. “That’s been my learning – we don’t have all the answers, but at least we listen.”
The example of Georg, Martin, and Kim shows that our worship at Mass should naturally overflow into action, meeting people in their need and serving them with the same compassion Jesus had.
Georg says the Vinnies logo, which remains unchanged in Australia despite proposals to alter it, perfectly captures the Society’s mission of faith in action. “The three hands and the cup,” he explains. “The hand of Christ that blesses the cup, the hand of love that offers the cup, and the hands of those in need that receive the cup.”
The need in our communities is real, and the call to respond is urgent. If you feel prompted to put your faith into action, contact your parish, call 13 18 12, or visit vinnies.org.au to find your nearest conference. Your “yes” could be the answer to someone’s prayer.
This article was originally published in the 2025 Season of Creation | Spring edition of the Catholic Outlook Magazine. You can read the digital version here or pick up a copy in your local parish.
