Press Release

St. Isidore Parish forms Conference of Society of St. Vincent de Paul to Help Local People

October 19, 2002, Stow - St. Isidore Parish is pleased to announce the formation of the Stow Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, an independent organization of Catholic lay men and women.  The Society of St. Vincent de Paul understands that within every community there are people who need a temporary helping hand.  The Society believes that through the spiritual giving of time, caring and material goods the whole community benefits.

“Stow already has many programs to provide help to local people in need.  For example, we have the Stow Food Pantry and Val’s Project.  By forming our own local Conference of the Society, we are following in this proud tradition, “ said Father Richard Butler, church pastor.  “As part of the Stow community, we are in a position to see that there are short-term needs not currently being addressed.  People often come to the church and privately reach out to us for help.  Now we have a group of people organized to respond.”

Jack Mileski, founding member and Co-President said, “With so many painful things happening in far away places around the world, it is a joy to be able to reach out a helping hand here at home.”

Frederic Ozanam founded the Society of St.Vincent de Paul in 1833 in Paris, France.  Although he lived only 40 years, Frederic Ozanam left a lasting legacy of caring and giving.  For more than 160 years, the Catholic laity and other interested parties have quietly raised funds, arranged for local credit and provided all kinds of private assistance. “The Society is there to help when a local family suffers an unexpected set-back such as illness or a house fire.  We are also there for something as simple as a stranger who runs out of gas in the middle of town and has no money and nowhere to turn.  We will visit the elderly and people who are shut-in. When a need requires ongoing support, we refer people to other agencies such as the Council on Aging or health agencies.  We will drive people right to the door and we will see to it personally that an appropriate handoff is made.” Added John Colonna-Romano, Co-President.

Father Butler remembers, “Not so long ago every Catholic Church had poor boxes.  Parents and children dropped spare change in these boxes, knowing that their dimes and nickels would make a difference in a neighbor’s life. St. Isidore Parish is reviving this tradition in both old fashioned and modern ways.  We are fortunate to have poor boxes - hand-made by parishioner Jim Arbella - at all church entrances.  And starting today people can send donations directly to the church in the name of St. Vincent de Paul Society, Stow.”

Parishioner volunteers were trained at the Ozanam School, held at St. Regis College in Weston. Special attention is paid to training volunteers in the joy of visitation and personal support.

Anyone interested in the Stow Conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society can contact Jack Mileski at mileski@bigzoo.net or send donations to St. Vincent de Paul Society, Stow c/o Church of St. Isidore, 429 Great Road, Stow MA 01775. Please refer those in need to St. Isidore Parish at (978) 897-2710.

CONTACT: Helen Ham, Telephone: 508-826-6067, Email: HelenHam@aol.com