St. Vincent de Paul

"It is our duty to prefer the service of the poor to everything else and to offer such service as quickly as possible. If a needy person requires medicine or other help during prayer time, do whatever has to be done with peace of mind. Offer the deed to God as your prayer. Do not become upset or feel guilty because you interrupted your prayer to serve the poor. God is not neglected if you leave him for such service. One of God's works is merely interrupted so that another can be carried out. So when you leave prayer to serve some poor person, remember that this service is performed for God" (St. Vincent de Paul).

The Christ the King St. Vincent de Paul is affiliated with the national SVDP Society. The mission of the CK Society is to help meet the needs of the poor in our community while following the rule of St. Vincent.

The rule of St. Vincent emphasizes meeting the people served in their homes. Members receive requests for assistance from a message hotline, and then return the calls of potential clients to better understand their situation. If a visit is appropriate, two members arrange to meet with the callers to discuss their need.

The CK Society meets Tuesday evenings for a short meeting to discuss the calls taken for the week and assign visits. Clients' requests include utility assistance, furniture, transportation and temporary lodging. Members also refer clients to other organizations for additional help.

The CK Society provides assistance to residents of Richland, West Richland, and Benton City. The Society also works with the Parish Council on the annual Christmas food baskets for the needy. Volunteers who work with this ministry attend meetings, take messages from the message hotline, return calls and meet with clients.

For its annual budget, the CK Society depends on the donations of parishioners.

Note: If you need assistance (or know somebody who does), please call the message line at 946-1325.

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