We are united in an international society of charity by our spirit of poverty, humility and sharing, which is nourished by prayer and reflection, mutually supportive gatherings and adherence to a basic Rule
Vincentians witness God's love by embracing all works of charity and justice. The Society collaborates with other people of good will in relieving need and addressing its causes, making no distinction in those served because, in them, Vincentians see the face of Christ.
About the St. Rose of Lima Conference
The St. Rose of Lima conference was founded in 2002 with the intent of supplying financial and practical help to those in need within our community, as well as supporting their spiritual needs during their time of trouble. We are part of the Altoona District Council, part of the St. Vincent de Paul Eastern Region, United States.
Our service area is basically Altoona, Duncansville, Hollidaysburg and Tyrone areas.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Diocesan Council of Altoona–Johnstown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your contribution is tax-deductible.
Some of Our Current Conference Activities:
Homeless Support Program – two annual collections "Hoodies for the Homeless" and personal needs items.
Home-bound Parishioners – monthly “Thinking of You” cards, birthday cards and phone calls, delivery of Christmas and Easter Flowers.
Food – 40 Cans for 40 Days of Lent food drive, and on-going collection of food for those in need. The homeless shelter, Evergreen manor and families in need benefit from our collections.
Good Friday/Black Friday luncheons - We help out at St. Mark's each year on the days that Sister Paula's kitchen is closed.
Annual Christmas Gifts Program - supplying gifts for a few needy families each year.
Volunteering at the SVDP Thrift Store – members give hours to the store to help them raise money for the needed.
Care Packages – promoting a care package program that focuses on single moms, expectant moms, homebound/elderly, and the homeless.
Assisting the Needs Office – helping the SVDP Altoona Basic Human Needs office handle the requests from the needy for assistance
Timeline
First Meeting – November 20, 2002
First President – Joe Eberhardt First Treasurer – Don Servella Opened checking account with $500 from donations. First Spiritual Adviser – Larry Harker
Initial Activities:
Sent cards to shut-ins of the Parish Planned annual retreats Began home visits Began hospital visits Began prison ministry visits Developed a phone chain of members Supplying transportation to those in need First fundraiser – ham sandwich sale
A few years later:
Spaghetti dinners became our main fundraiser
Around 2006:
Larry Harker was elected President of the Conference and held that role until 2017
In 2017:
Dan Weaver was elected President
June 21, 2018:
The Aggregation of the St. Rose of Lima Conference by the International Council took place
