What is the Society of St. Vincents de Paul's Annual Black Bag Collection?
Updated: Jul 3, 2020
Every year since 1970, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston schedules a second collection the second weekend in July known as the Black Bag Collection. The funds collected during this single weekend plays a crucial role in the Society’s ability to fund the programs that feed, clothe, provide dignified living, and help people find their way to self-sufficiency. The funds support the Food Ministry, Voucher Ministry, Home Visits, and more. Our network includes over 1,800 volunteers situated in one of our 59 Society Conferences (or chapters) spread throughout the ten counties making up the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.
Purpose of Black Bag Collection
Despite being closely tied to the Archdiocese, we do not receive funding from the Diocesan Service Funds (DSF) like some of our sister organizations. The collection is our largest, single-year fundraiser.
Why do we call it the Black Bag Collection?
In 1833 Frederic Ozanam- age 19 (founder of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul) along with 6 friends from his University heard God calling them to serve the poor. They met with Blessed Sr. Rosalie Rendu who taught them how to visit the poor in their homes – this to help them fully experience the pain and suffering these people were experiencing.