The Society of St Vincent de Paul is a lay society, a Catholic charity. but one run entirely by lay persons. Today branches of the society can be found all over 3ritain and in the wider world.

The Society was founded in Paris in 1933. by a student. Frederick Ozanam, who has recently been beatified. He named the Society after the priest Vincent de Paul who worked with and for the poor in the France of the seventeenth century.

The Society seeks to help individuals and groups who need help, be it because of sickness, poverty or simply the problems of old age. It seeks to help anyone in need, not necessarily a Catholic but anyone of any faith or of none.

The St Gertrude’s branch concentrates mainly on visiting and befriending individuals who are housebound or lonely, often the elderly in a care home. or in hospital. Members of the branch meet on a Tuesday evening at the church where they report on recent visits and any problems arising, and plan future visits. All members are expected to undertake at least some visits on a regular basis. All our work observes strict confidentiality.

If you think you could help, are interested in joining, or if you know of someone who needs our help, please contact our Chairman. Pat Sexton. or contact Fr Martin.

If you would like to know more, do visit the Society of St Vincent de Paul Website www.svp.org.uk

Contact. Pat Sexton 020 8657 7316