The Ogden Blessed Rosalie Rendu Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will host an Ozanam Orientation on Nov. 14 to expand the organization's outreach across Utah. The training is scheduled to take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Sacred Heart Parish social hall in Salt Lake City.
The upcoming orientation, sponsored in partnership with the Southwest Idaho District Council, is intended to serve as a foundation for those interested in joining or learning more about the organization. Attendees will learn about the history, structure, and local activities of the society, as well as guidelines for teamwork and stewardship. Conference president Joe Arganbright stated that the training provides essential building blocks regarding the organization's heritage and guidelines for effective membership and money stewardship. The event is free and will include lunch.
The training is part of an effort to rebuild and expand the society's presence within the Diocese of Salt Lake City. While local Vincentian conferences previously provided assistance at the parish level, the last active group at the Cathedral of the Madeleine stopped operating in 2018. The Blessed Rosalie Rendu Conference was established in northern Utah in 2023 under the spiritual direction of Sister Marie Rachelle Cruz, DC. This conference currently includes approximately 20 active members from six area parishes: St. Mary in West Haven, St. Rose of Lima in Layton, Holy Family in South Ogden, St. Florence in Huntsville, and St. James the Just and St. Joseph in Ogden.
The society focuses on preventing homelessness by providing direct relief, such as assistance with rent or utility bills, and offering emotional support through home visits. Arganbright, a retired Air Force veteran and former Delta Airlines pilot, noted that the organization also acts as a network guide to help families navigate budgets and coordinate with outside agencies. Beyond home visits, the conference engages in community outreach, such as serving coffee and bread to unhoused individuals on Saturdays and collaborating with groups like the Knights of Columbus and the Ladies of Charity in North Salt Lake.
Founded in Paris in 1833 by Blessed Frédéric Ozanam and his companions, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is an international Catholic lay organization. It currently operates in more than 150 countries and 4,400 dioceses in the United States, focusing on the spiritual growth of members through one-on-one service.
The orientation will be held at 946 South 200 East, SLC. For more information, individuals can visit https://sites.google.com/view/ssvdp-ozanam-orientation-bl-ro.
