St Vincent de Paul

The Mission of the Society is to deepen the faith of its members and to heighten an awareness of Jesus Christ in the world. We do this by sharing ourselves - who we are and what we have with people in need. Our Lady Help of Christians, Eltham Conference has 16 members with home visitations, supporting the Heidelberg Heights Centre, running the Parish Shop, making up and delivering Christmas hampers and liaising with other community support groups being our main activities.

The society, through its conferences is taking a more rigorous stand in advocating on social justice issues and new members are being sought to assist in this initiative.

A normal month would see members visit up to 20 district families. Most often the visit follows a request for assistance, be it a food voucher, food, clothing or furniture. Referral to other support services can be an outcome of a visit but it is the visit itself, which is often the most important act.

Funding is by donations of money and food, the Parish Shop and special efforts, e.g. sharing Mass. Distributions from the Heidelberg Heights and Brial Hill Centres can also be accessed. Our services, with the exception of most professional support, are provided by volunteers.

People can help through financial assistance, making a bequest, material assistance, or becoming a volunteer. People can become more involved with the Eltham Conference at meetings at the Parish House at 8pm on the 2nd Wednesday each month. New members are most welcome.

Formation of a 'Young Vinnies' in the Diamond Valley Region is a priority. 

Around Melbourne there are 20 young adult conferences, with members aged 17-30, involved in kids' days out, soup vans, kids' camps, BBQs etc. Please get in touch if you would be interested in forming a Young Vinnies in our deanery.