Home/Stay Informed/All Diocesan Articles

All Diocesan Articles

Turning 40 in Style

Posted on October 24, 2019 in: News

Turning 40 in Style

St. Vincent de Paul Place (SVdPP) hosted a celebration and open house Thursday, October 10th  to showcase its facility and many services. Volunteers, clients and friends were treated to tours, fellowship and food.

The ministry, now housed on Cliff Street in the former St. Joseph School building, began 40 years ago in the Shannon Building in downtown Norwich.

“We were delusional young people trying to change the world,”

“We were delusional young people trying to change the world,” said Deacon Tom Casey, reflecting on the genesis of the ministry.  “There were a few of us back then –– Larry Lewis, Fr. Pat Martin, and the Coleman family from 23rd Publications –– who saw a need, as the Norwich State Hospital began to transition patients back into the community.”

40 years later, the ministry continues to meet the needs of the community.

Impressive Numbers

In 2018, their “Served Meals” program, which operates Monday through Saturday, averaged 222 meals per day, totaling 69,315 breakfasts and lunches. In addition, 15,156 sandwiches and miscellaneous meals brought the total of individual meals served to 85,271.

A food pantry operates out of the second floor of the facility. The numbers served are equally as impressive. In 2018,  491,956 meals were distributed to 1,565 unique households, comprised of 2,574 adults, 1,385 children, and 424 senior citizens from 25 local towns and cities. 

Children are a special focus at SVdPP. They meet basic needs with formula, diapers, and hygiene. More than 500 backpacks filled with school supplies were distributed this year. While in 2018, more than 500 winter coats were distributed to area children.

More than Food

In addition to the meal program and the pantry, the facility houses a hair salon, a well-stocked storeroom providing apartment furnishings, showers and even pet care services.

The ministry also partners with several healthcare and social service organizations, providing case management for clients.

Donations Always Welcome

Donations of all kinds are always welcome. For instance, the food pantry, which serves an average of 300 families every week, can always use pasta, sauce, canned soup, tuna and peanut butter. And now with online shopping, groceries can be delivered to St. Vincent de Paul Place. Their  delivery address is 120 Cliff St, Norwich, CT 06360

There are many more items that are needed as the cold weather approaches.  Visit the website,  SVdPP.org to see the latest list.


Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

Watch the 2025 Chrism Mass and Homily by Archbishop Christopher J. Coyne
The 2025 Chrism Mass was celebrated on Wednesday, April 16th, at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich. The Most Rev. Christopher J. Coyne, Apostolic Administrator for the Diocese of Norwich, presided over the sacred liturgy, which marks a highlight of Holy Week. This special Mass featured the blessing of the holy oils—used throughout the year for sacraments such as Baptism, Confirmation, Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Orders—and the Renewal of Priestly Promises by the clergy of the Diocese. We invite you to watch the video of the full Mass, especiall...

Read More

Faithful Invited to Witness a Joyous Moment in Diocesan History — Parish Tickets and Livestream Offered
The Diocese of Norwich joyfully awaits the ordination and installation of Bishop-elect Richard F. Reidy as the sixth bishop of Norwich, to be held on Tuesday, April 29, at 2:00 p.m. in the Cathedral of Saint Patrick, Norwich. Due to the limited capacity of the Cathedral, each parish in the diocese has received an allotment of just four tickets per church to distribute. Anyone interested in attending in person must contact their parish office directly. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate ticket requests through the diocesan office. The ordination and installati...

Read More

Photos & Video: The Most Rev. Richard F. Reidy Ordained as the Sixth Bishop of Norwich
The Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy was ordained as the Sixth Bishop of Norwich, Connecticut at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29th, 2025 at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick. The gathering filled the cathedral for the Mass of Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Reidy, who comes to Norwich from the Diocese of Worcester, Massachusetts, where he was vicar general. Pope Francis appointed Reidy as Sixth Bishop of Norwich in February.   Click here to see a photo gallery of the Ordination   Click here for more information about Bishop Reidy   Video of the compl...

Read More

Celebrating Our Faithful Servants: Priestly Jubilees of 2025
With gratitude and joy, the Diocese of Norwich extends heartfelt congratulations and prayerful best wishes to the priests celebrating milestone anniversaries of their ordination to the sacred priesthood in 2025. These dedicated men have faithfully answered God’s call, each offering years of devoted service to Christ and His Church. Celebrating 65 years of priesthood are Reverend Paul F. Ramen (ordained February 2, 1960) and Reverend John E. Welch, M.S. (May 28, 1960), whose lifetime of ministry continues to inspire. Marking 60 years, Monsignor James Carini (May ...

Read More

Pope Francis dies at 88, Ending Historic Pontificate Marked by Mercy and Reform
Pope Francis Dies at 88 on Easter Monday VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis passed away at 7:35 a.m. local time on Easter Monday, April 21, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, as confirmed by the Holy See Press Office. The 88-year-old pontiff led the Catholic Church for a little more than 12 years. Official Announcement by the Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell, camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, officially announced the pope’s death in a video message. “At 7:35 this morning, the bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of...

Read More

Pope Francis’ Prayer Intention for the Month of April
Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of April is for the use of new technologies.  “How I would like for us to look less at screens and look each other in the eyes more,” the pope said in a prerecorded video released April 1. “Something’s wrong if we spend more time on our cellphones than with people. The screen makes us forget that there are real people behind it who breathe, laugh, and cry.” He added: “It’s true, technology is the fruit of the intelligence God gave us. But we need to use it well. It can&rs...

Read More

Annual Catholic Appeal

ACA DONATE

English

Español

 

Latest Articles
Photos & Video: The Most Rev. Richard F. Reidy Ordained as the Sixth Bishop of Norwich
Memorial Day Cemetery Mass Schedule
We Can Help. Promise to Protect-Pledge to Heal.
Faith, Fellowship, and Fun for Homeschooling Families
The crucifix and the Pietà - Hope & Faith Series
Calendar of Events

 

May 7 Papal Conclave Date Finalized as Cardinals Prepare for Election
Monthly Pro-Life Mass to be Held May 3
Recently Added Galleries
Click to view album: Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Richard F. Reidy
Click to view album: Students Called to Feed the Hungry
Click to view album: 40 Days for Life 2024
Click to view album: Blessing of the Fleet 2024
Signup for Weekly Newsletter

     

    Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich
    201 Broadway
    Norwich, CT 06360-4328
    Phone: 860-887-9294