Who runs the Society?

It is run by its members, ordinary people like you and me, who group together in a Parish to form a Conference.  These link up in a District, which links up into a Central Council.

The Central Council then links up into a National Council, which is responsible to the International Secretary in Paris.  SFX Conference is part of the Hereford District (made up of  Our Lady's, Belmont, Leominster, Monmouth and Ledbury). The Hereford District is part of Cardiff Central Council. Cardiff is part of the English and Welsh National Council.

How big is it?
Who are the Poor?

Poverty comes in many forms, not always to do with money. There are the sick and housebound, those in prison, the bereaved. the lonely, those mentally or physically handicapped. There is also financial poverty, which the welfare system cannot always meet.  The work of the S.V.P. is the Gospel message in action, 'I was hungry, thirsty, a stranger,  naked, sick, in prison....in helping one of these, the least of my brethren, you did it to me’.

Can't I visit the sick or lonely without being a member of the S.V.P.?

Perfectly true, and many people do.  The benefits of working within the S.V.P. are that: It adds a spiritual aspect by meeting and praying together. Much is gained by the members meeting and pooling their expertise. The Conference is able to plan and organise visits, ensuring the most needy are not overlooked.
By virtue of its size, the Society can and does exert pressure for greater social justice. Size enables us to run special projects. These include holiday homes, summer youth camps, furniture stores and  homes for the elderly. It also runs two charitable trusts, the Advent Trust, helping the unemployed and the De Paul Trust, helping homeless youth.

Where does the money come from?

The members themselves give into a secret collection each meeting; parishioners help with special church collections and donations. Here at St Francis Xaviers we meet twice a month on Wednesdays at 7-15pm.in the Parish Room.  Meetings cannot last more than one hour.  Our main work is visiting.  We always need new members; there is plenty of work to do.

Come along and see us in action.

We always need to know of anyone who needs our help - If you are not able to join us yourself, but know of people in need please let us know through Fr.Michael.