We are a catholic non-profit group committed to supporting our local community.The Mon Valley Chapter was founded in 1997 with participation collaboration from 10 area parishes.Get involved.
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OUR HISTORYRichard Lenio was president of the St Vincent de Paul Society, St Sebastian Conference
when he had the idea to open a St Vincent de Paul Thrift Store in the Mon Valley. He saw that idea come to fruition on May 26, 1999 when the Mon Valley Council, St Vincent de Paul Thrift Store opened. It was a challenge to find just the right place, which turned out to be the former Park Casino Building on Grand Boulevard in Monessen. The building was generously donated to the Mon Valley Council by its’ owners. There was considerable work that had to be done to transfer a former bowling alley, bar and offices, into a store. After a year of remodeling by a faithful group of volunteers, the store opened. Ten Catholic churches in the Mid-Mon Valley committed to sponsor the storeroom so that donated new and used clothing items of all description, household articles and small appliances could be acquired by shoppers with limited incomes and bargain hunters. A Board of Directors was selected with one volunteer from each participating Parish. The Clergy from the churches were also involved as spiritual advisors. The Churches involved included St Sebastian (Belle Vernon), Our Lady of the Valley (Donora), St Michael’s Byzantine Church (Donora), Epiphany of Our Lord (Monessen), St Mary’s Byzantine (Monessen), Transfiguration (Monongahela), Holy Spirit (Fayette City), The Church of St. Anne (Rostraver), St Anthony’s (Monongahela) and the Holy Ghost Byzantine Church (Charleroi). Each church selected a day of the week for volunteers from their parish to volunteer at the store. There is a different day manager each day that is to handle any problems that may arise and to assist the volunteers with their specific duties. There are no salaries being paid. More than 300 persons attended the grand opening, where inspiring words were delivered by Bishop Anthony Bosco of the Greensburg Catholic Diocese and Archbishop Judson Procyk of the Byzantine Catholic Archdiocese. Many priests and the Knights of Columbus Honor Guard also participated. The store has expanded to include a large furniture section and generous supply of jewelry and collectible items. The lower level of the building was renovated into a spacious and modern banquet hall, available for public use. |