Members
Membership Information
In the United States, there are three types of membership in SVdP: Active (Full) Member, Associate Member, and Contributing Member.
- Active (Full) Members must belong to the Catholic Church, accept the Basic Principles or Charter of the Society, be accepted as an Active Member by a Conference and be enrolled in it. In addition, they need to take part in the life of the Conference to which they belong. Participation implies involvement in SVdP meetings, charitable activities, and religious observances.
- Associate Members, like the Active Member, are affiliated with the Society by formal action of the Conference or Council with which the member will be joined. Associate Members include those who sincerely and publicly accept the Society’s basic principles but may or may not belong to the Catholic Church. Associate Members are kept informed of the developments and activities of their immediate groupings, as well as the general progress of the Society, particularly in the local area or diocese. Associate members are invited to attend the general meetings and special observances of the Society. They participate, as they are able, in the charitable activism of the Society in their area.
- Contribution Members require no formal action for enrollment. Recognition of such status is simply granted by the Society in acknowledging the financial donations of generous or regular contributors. Contributors are invited to be present at general and special meetings.
The Rule
The Rule is not restrictive but liberating and life-giving.
It expresses who we are, what we are, where we have been, and who we want to be.
The Rule should neither be ignored nor worshipped, but rather held up as an expression of oneness with Vincentians worldwide.
It should be the rallying point for our celebrations and thanksgiving.
From: Manual of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in the United States
