St. Vincent de Paul Society
The St. Vincent de Paul Society is a worldwide organization of men and women
known as Vincentians, who are dedicated to assisting the poor and homeless. Fr.
Gorski, then pastor, started the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Bruno Parish
in 1932 during the Great Depression. The primary purpose of the Society at its
inception was to assist parishioners whose lives were affected by the
repercussions of the Depression.
The first board of Officers was:
- Rev. Anthony Rydecki, Spiritual Director
- Walter Szymkowski, President
- Stephen Kijak, Vice Pesident
- Leo Dobrowolski, Secretary/Treasurer
In the years since its inception, the Society has continued to raise funds to
assist the needy of the parish. The major source of funding for the Society is
the annual parish collection and the poor boxes located in the church. The
Society also sponsors the St. Vincent boxes located in the parish parking lot so
that parishioners can contribute clothing and other items to the Archdiocesan
Program. The donated items are then put into the resale shops run by the
Archdiocesan Council. The Society has, for the last several years, coordinated
the Christmas Gift program and party for the Illinois Children’s Rehabilitation
Hospital.
The Society has a policy of working without publicity. Only members know anyone
receiving assistance of any type from the Society and therefore the arm of
charity that is extended to anyone in need is never seen except to those touched
by it.
The Society currently has 25 men and women who proudly attempt to carry on the
works begun by St. Vincent de Paul.
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