“Mercy is the very foundation
of the Church’s life”

 – Pope Francis

 

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a worldwide organization dedicated to serving the poor. Our St. Theresa conference responds to requests for assistance from local families in need. Working in teams of two, members meet with neighbors in their homes, talk with them to understand their needs, pray with them and help them develop plans for improving their situation. SVDP provides monetary assistance for food, diapers, rent and utilities as needed. They also provide information on how to get assistance from state and local non-profit agencies.
A dedicated team is focused on meeting basic needs of the homeless in our area including meeting with them weekly; providing showers, haircuts, and new clothes quarterly; and housing during sub-freezing temperatures. Contact Ned Ahearn.

Donate to SVDP

If you need assistance from SVDP,  see our FAQ page.

 

The Early Bird Taco Ministry

The Early Bird Breakfast Taco Ministry furnishes about 200 tacos every Friday morning to folks at two homeless shelters in Austin. Three different groups of volunteers make this happen:
1) Shoppers who with church funds obtain supplies in the early part of the week from one of multiple local grocers, 2) Weekday Cooks who make about 100 tacos on Wednesday or Thursday in their homes or at the Family Center, and 3) Friday Morning Cooks who make an additional 100 tacos in the Family Center early Friday morning.

If you are interested in any of the activities please contact Teresa Duncan or David Joseph for details.
 

Food for Our Neighbors

This ministry performs seasonal and Sunday food collections for the hungry in Austin. Drivers are needed to deliver collected food to Caritas. Contact Linda Gockel.
 

Nursing Home Visits

We help Catholics in assisted living/nursing facilities stay connected to their faith. We currently offer Communion Services at Brookdale Northwest Hills, Longhorn Village, and Juniper Village at Spicewood Summit. Contact: Ryan Pollock.

 

Pro-Life Effort

"Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception."  -CCC 2270. We participate in the Texas Alliance for Life and Walk for Life programs, and pray outside abortion clinics especially during the 40 Days for Life. The Respect Life Program is a year-round effort by the US Bishops to help Catholics understand, value, and engage building a culture that cherishes life: www.respectlife.org. Contact Linda Gockel.
 

Creation Care 

"Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey towards your infinite light." - (Laudato Si’, 246). 

Our Creation Care ministry seeks to be an educational resource and offer hands-on opportunities in composting, gardening, recycling, and more. Contact: Selma D’Mello.

 

Seasonal Drives

We often take in collections for various charitable causes, especially around the seasons of Advent and Christmas. Contact: Linda Gockel

 

Other Volunteer Opportunities in the Community

Catholic Charities of Central Texas
Allison Cavazos, Director of Social Services

Foundations Communities of Austin
Donna Williams, Community Outreach Manager

Mary House Catholic Worker of Austin, Inc.
Lynn Goodman-Strauss, Founder and Director

Austin Clubhouse:  Working for Wellness
info@austinclubhouse.org

St. Louise House
Emily Hawarny, Volunteer Coordinator
 
Brookdale Northwest Hills
Rebecca Alvarado now serves as their Activities Director/Life Enrichment Coordinator