The new North Baton Rouge St. Vincent de Paul council at St. Gerard Church in Baton Rouge is meeting needs and creating relationships with the poor and people experiencing homelessness among them.
North Baton Rouge has a high concentration of poverty as well as a stigma for being crime ridden. The council’s efforts are geared at revitalizing St. Gerard and its surrounding community to change that.
Outreach efforts were ongoing by some core volunteers, such as “Mama Seabell” Thomas. She and a small group of volunteers have been feeding people with the limited supplies they could pool together.
With the help from St. Vincent de Paul council, St. Gerard has expanded the days it serves people. Now on Tuesdays and Thursdays at St. Gerard’s Seelos Hall there’s laughter, sharing of stories, words of gratitude as well as well-balanced, hot meals distributed to the needy.
Volunteers also go out into the neighborhoods to distribute meals and helping those who are unable to come.
“We are trying to take care of the whole person, meeting the needs of heart, mind, body and soul,” Thomas said.
But people coming are getting more than a hot meal. They’re also being assessed and given guidance and resources to help with utilities, medicines, finding a home and employment, said Greg Accardo, president of the St. Gerard SVDP council.
Accardo, who is Grand Knight the Knights of Columbus Council 17544, said the council Redemptorist High School alumni are joining the efforts to help those in need.
“I invited all the alumni and Catholics from all over to come back and be able to make a difference,” Accardo said.
He noted volunteers look forward to serving and show up early in the morning “waiting and ready to get started.”
In addition to providing material needs, volunteers also pray for the people they serve personally and with the St. Gerard community.
“There’s a thankfulness that we are here,” said Accardo. “What is unique is that no matter what problems you have, it makes you much more appreciative of what you do have. The problems you have pale in comparison to what they have. That’s what they bestow on you. What’s interesting is that they are praying for you.”
The council has the whole-hearted support of St. Gerard pastor Father Tat Hoang CSsR. The council members said Father Hoang has sparked a renewal in St. Gerard. But Father Hoang said he is simply cultivating the “holy ground” at St. Gerard where everyone is welcome to come and feels the presence of Christ among them.
SVDP CEO and president Michael Acaldo said the SVDP society proudly stands with its North Baton Rouge council. It’s in part of SVDP’s mission of “serving Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice, hope and joy and by working to shape a more just and compassionate society.”
And more volunteers and financial support are always welcome.
“So please come out everyone and help,” said Father Hoang.
To support the North Baton Rouge conference and to find out more, call the St. Gerard office at 225-355-2553.