SPRING GREEN — Noon on November 12 saw a group in hard hats, many in blue jackets, standing in a mostly empty field in Spring Green. They were there to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new St. Vincent de Paul facility. The mostly empty space will be transformed into a 10,000 square-feet building, with both a thrift store, to support its good works and provide shopping opportunities to the local community, and an outreach center, to provide more direct assistance to those in need. 

The groundbreaking was a joyous event for members of the local conference, known as Vincentians, many of whom were wearing signature blue jackets with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul logo. 

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (abbreviated SVdP in the U.S.) was founded by Blessed Frédéric Ozanam, who took inspiration from St. Vincent’s life and rule for Religious to found a Catholic lay organization. An international organization, SVdP has more than 4,000 conferences in the U.S. 

The initial idea for a conference in the area came from Fr. John Silva. When Father Silva was pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Spring Green and St. Luke Parish in Plain, Rick and Joan Zahalka approached him asking how they could help. He offered them a direct role: “Start a St. Vincent de Paul society.”

The couple took up his suggestion with enthusiasm. The River Valley Conference of SVdP was started in 2019, and Joan is currently president. They began searching for ways to serve the poor in the local area, and that eventually led to discussion of a building project. Besides the store and outreach center, the facility will also feature a donation drop-off center, which provides space to collect material donations, such as clothes and household items. The conference members have been planning together for many months, and they cheerfully tossed jokes back and forth as they greeted each other on the windy fall day. 

This step in the process – finally breaking ground – is a great moment of gratitude for those who’ve been involved. 

“I get emotional,” Joan said. As she paused, a bit overwhelmed, the crowd responded with cheers of “You can do it Joan!” She continued, “The Holy Spirit really inspired us every step, and that’s the truth.” 

Joan offered her gratitude to those involved in various capacities, and then invited the priest to bless the site. Fr. Luke Syse, current parochial administrator of Sts. Joachim and Anne Pastorate, blessed the location, praying for all those who will work there and all those who will come through its doors. 

Fr. Kamud Chand Nayak, a parochial vicar at Sts. Joachim and Anne Pastorate, also said a few words. His own father was converted through the influence of Vincentians. Back in India, his family’s house was a location for distributing food to the poor. “I am a product of Vincentians,” he proudly declared. “I am more excited than you, I think.” 

The conference is grateful for the support of the priests, who were invited to join several Vincentians who held ceremonial golden shovels for a photo op.

The groundbreaking was also celebrated by members of other local conferences, such as Baraboo, Reedsburg, Wisconsin Dells, and Monroe. Julie Bennett, executive director of SVdP Madison, was also present in support. 

If you wish to be part of this good work, the conference invites you to say a prayer, spread the word, and consider a material or financial donation. Once the building is complete, volunteer opportunities will be available. Stay updated by following their Facebook page at Saint Vincent de Paul River Valley Conference, or contact 608-588-5044 or SVDPRiverValley@gmail.com