Organizations Helping Catholic Laity Make a Difference, God, the Father, Church, Offering Life and Lights of Jesus Christ

Magnificat

In Luke 1, Mary learned that her cousin, Elizabeth, was also expecting, and she rushed to her side. As soon as Mary greeted Elizabeth, Elizabeth’s baby (St. John the Baptist) leaped for joy in his mother’s womb, and there was an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. In response, Blessed Mother sang a Magnificat, a song of praise with the first lines being “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. 49 The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.” Inspired by Mary’s Magnificat, the international ministry was founded in 1981. Its primary mission is “to inspire spiritual growth in holiness for women and to evangelize them to the fullness of faith.”

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is an international organization in which Catholic laity (men and women) strive to truly become better Christians by helping those in need. The Vincentians offer “person-to-person service” to them, in solidarity, hoping the experience will not only help meet their needs, but it will also lead the poor and suffering closer to Jesus. According to the website of the National Council of the United States Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Vincentians “witness God's love by embracing all works of charity and justice. The Society collaborates with other people of good will in relieving need and addressing its causes, making no distinction in those served because, in them, Vincentians see the face of Christ.”