Catholic Parish Ongar

Founded in 1833 by Blessed Frederic Ozanam the St. Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) was named after the great 17th century saint, St. Vincent de Paul, who was famous for his compassion and work with the poor. The Society has since grown to become an international network of Christian volunteers helping the disadvantaged in their local communities.
St Helen’s and St Margaret’s St Vincent De Paul Society (Ann Line Conference) was founded in 1975 and has been active ever since, undertaking a range of work in both areas of the Parish. We currently have 6 members. We meet regularly and undertake visits to those in need. The support we offer is for people of any creed or no creed.
The Society visits people who are no longer able to get out and about due to illness or frailty. These are social visits to people in their own home or in the Residential Care Homes in our area. In this small way we hope to combat loneliness and keep people in touch with their community. We may also provide practical help such as transport to Church. During the pandemic, we provided the following: –
 Christmas delivery of presents and cards to all the residents of Dudbrook Hall and Howard Lodge.
 Kept in touch with other housebound people and helped with collection of prescriptions, shopping etc. We also delivered Christmas cards and presents to them.
We have now been able to resume visits and hope to organise other activities when resources allow.
If you know of someone who would like SVP visits, or you are interested in becoming a member please contact the parish office, or come to our next meeting on May 3rd at 7.30pm in the Presbytery. You will be very welcome.