Saint Vincent de Paul Society

At St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, outreach is not an optional activity—it is the living expression of our faith. True discipleship calls us to move beyond the doors of the church and meet people where they are, bringing compassion, dignity, and hope to those in need. The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) is at the heart of this mission within our parish, helping us to serve the wider community of Kingston upon Hull with the quiet, practical love of Christ.

The SVP’s work is rooted in friendship and service. Volunteers visit individuals and families who may be lonely, unwell, or struggling financially, offering not only practical help but a listening ear and a reassuring presence. Support takes various forms It may mean simply sitting with someone who has no one else to talk to. Each encounter is a reminder that God’s care is made visible through human kindness.

Our outreach extends to people of all faiths and none. The guiding principle is simple: every person is created in the image of God and deserves respect and compassion. In partnership with local organisations, schools, and community groups, the SVP team responds to real human need—whether that is a visit to someone housebound, or help navigating the challenges of modern life. The aim is not only to relieve immediate hardship but to restore confidence, self-worth, and a sense of belonging.

Parishioners play a vital role in this mission. Some give their time as active members, while others support the work through prayer and donations. Collections at Mass, parish fundraising, and seasonal appeals—especially at Christmas and Easter—allow the SVP to reach further and respond swiftly when new needs arise. Every act of generosity, however small, becomes part of a wider pattern of grace and service.

Outreach is also about spiritual connection. Many who receive support from the SVP later rediscover faith or find comfort in prayer. Through visiting, listening, and accompanying people on their journey, the team brings the warmth of the Gospel into everyday life. In doing so, they remind us that faith must always be active—alive in love and expressed in deeds.

The Church’s outreach is, above all, a reflection of Christ’s example: to heal, to feed, to welcome, and to serve. The SVP helps our parish to live that calling in a practical, human way, showing that compassion can transform both giver and receiver. Together, as one community, we continue to build a parish that looks outward in hope, ensuring that the care of St Charles Borromeo Church extends far beyond its walls

Here are 10 Ways you can help the St Charles SVP Group help others with their needs:

• Write / distribute Christmas or Easter cards to the housebound

SVP Annual Report 2025

SVP Annual Report 2025

• 82 visits were made to the housebound

• Members attended the funerals of 4 parishioners who the SVP formerly visited

• Christmas/Easter cards were sent to the housebound

• Individual members helped Welcome House at Wright St, Hull, and St Joseph's, Goole; The Emmaus Community was assisted - one member helped to produce the CDs for the partially sighted

• The SVP organised a Day of Recollection at Thicket Priory, Fr Richard Ounsworth OP's visit and the Pilgrimage to Aughton.

• Continued to finance the link with Kerala

• As from January every second Friday SVP prayers will be said before Mass, and later we will host a Catholic Service at St Mary's Care Home, Chanterlands Ave

• All of this was achieved by only 4 members & I associate. We are fully stretched, hence our appeal for more volunteers.

If you are interested in serving the Church in this way , then please contact Patrick Doyle, 75, The Meadows, Howden DN14 7DU
Tel 01430 431875
email janandpatdoyle@yahoo.co.uk

Usually we are present at Friday 12 noon Mass) Please provide your name & contact details to Patrick:

PJD 4 January 2026