Page 194 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2016

THEFINALSAY HENRY
KREMER
Treasurer for the St. Vincent de Paul society, St. John’s Catholic Church, Gulfport
photo courtesy of Henry Kremer
The St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. John’s was founded in 1960. I began working with it a few years before Hurricane Camille — about 1966. I just always wanted
to help people and liked that the money donated to St. Vincent de Paul went directly to the people.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a Catholic lay organization, leads women and men to join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to those who are needy and suffering in the tradition of its founder, Blessed Frederic Ozanam, and patron, St. Vincent de Paul. Members, known as Vincentians, are drawn from every ethnic and cultural background, age group, and economic level. The Society joins with other people of good will in relieving need and addressing its causes, making no distinction in those served. It is run totally on donations and contributions and is solely run by volunteers. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul provides assistance to clients in the areas of groceries, rent, utilities, medical/medicines, clothing, furniture and emergency expenses.
Why did I get involved? As a lifelong catholic, my faith naturally brought me to St. Vincent de Paul. It’s very satisfying to me to help change someone’s circumstances, even if it’s only temporarily. We are giving them a moment to breathe....to catch their breath.
I get to interact with people and get to know about them and their families. It’s very personal and rewarding. I’ve
learned over the years just how giving this community is. If there’s a need to be filled, there’s always an individual or group to step in and help. We come from a very giving community.
The true heroes are the individuals who give of their time and lives to the St. Vincent de Paul Society as well as to other groups trying to make the area a better place and make a difference in the lives of people. In this season of giving, and throughout the year, I encourage everyone to become involved in St. Vincent de Paul or other charitable organizations. (A list of 100 + non-profit groups is on pages 84-92 of this magazine.)
When you do give of yourself, you’ll find that you’ll be far more blessed than the receiver will ever be. That’s been my experience.
Editor’s note: Mr. Kremer was honored by the Governor in 2011 as a recipient of one of the GIVE AWARDS for his dedication and volunteer commitment to the St. Vincent de Paul Society. He was nominated by the office of Senator Thad Cochran.
194 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • December 2016
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