

Service
Vincentian Service and Social Justice
In the area of Vincentian Service and Social Justice, we follow in St. Vincent de Paul's footsteps by recognizing the intrinsic value of those we serve. We are called to serve from the heart, inquire of them what they need, speak to them compassionately, and be good stewards of the resources and knowledge which we are privileged to have access, while responding to the needs of others.
We seek to instill in the University community a deep concern for the rights and dignity of every person, especially those who are impoverished and most vulnerable. Many Vincentian Service programs offer a hands-on approach through volunteering one's time, energy, and talent. Others provide a setting where the social and theological reflection helps students understand human suffering on a deeper level. St. Vincent de Paul poured out his life in service of everyone he met, and we strive to do the same. Our social justice programming is guided by the principles of Catholic Social Teaching and aims at forming our campus community to be advocates in all that they do, centering the needs of the most vulnerable.
Please visit the Institute for Vincentian Impact (IVI) office located in Sullivan Hall if you have any questions. Thank you!
Vincentian Service and Social Justice Team:
Dana Livingston, Director ([email protected])
Alexia Dolamakian, Assistant Director for Social Justice ([email protected])
Canile Jackson, Assistant Director for Vincentian Service ([email protected])
Vincentian Service
Vincentian in Tradition
We seek to instill in the University community a deep concern for the dignity of every person, especially the poor.
Vincentian service at St. John’s provides students with opportunities to engage in Vincentian reflections allowing the participants to grow personally as well as spiritually.
Each day during the week, students, faculty, and staff are afforded the opportunity to engage in a variety of Vincentian service opportunities. We hope you join us in service of the elderly, the youth, or with those who are homeless or hungry.
We look forward to serving with you!
St. Vincent de Paul Society

In keeping with its Vincentian tradition, St. John’s University offers students opportunities that expand upon classroom learning and promote social justice. St. John’s seeks to instill in its students a deep concern for the rights and dignity of the human person, especially the poor. The St. Vincent de Paul Society (SVDP), an international organization of lay persons, provides this opportunity. At the collegiate level, SVDP focuses on both direct and indirect service to help St. John's students and those they serve grow in faith. We highlight the need to apply Vincentian virtues to serve well and to respond to the question, "What must be done?" Additionally, service reflection keeps our members focused on the University’s Catholic and Vincentian mission.
Did you know: The St. John's chapter of the SVDP Society is the first collegiate chapter in the United States?
Contact Us
Sister Patricia Evanick DC
Campus Ministry Marillac Hall, Room 239
[email protected]
Service News
Rev. Stephen Bicsko, C.M.: In Memoriam
With deep reverence and heartfelt sorrow, St. John’s University remembers the life and ministry of Rev. Stephen Charles Bicsko, C.M., a devoted Vincentian priest whose life was a testament to compassion, faith, and service to others.
The Soul of Catholic Education: Lecture Calls to Integrate Faith, Reason, and Service
Dr. King was the second speaker in the 2025–26 Vincentian Chair of Social Justice Lecture Series. His lecture, “The Soul of Catholic Education,” continued the series theme, “The Catholic Intellectual Tradition,” and was held on October 9 in the D’Angelo Center on St. John’s University’s Queens, NY, campus.
Born to Be a Vincentian: Rev. Michael J. Cummins, C.M.
Rev. Michael J. Cummins, C.M., M.Div., Th.M., was immersed in the Vincentian charism while growing up with his six siblings in the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA. “Germantown was the...
Service Events
Mass
* Open to Administrators, Faculty, Staff, Students, Alumni Donors, Alumni
Dec 04, 20258 a.m.
– 8:30 a.m.St. Thomas More Church
Mass
* Open to Administrators, Faculty, Staff, Students, Alumni Donors, Public External Community
Dec 04, 202512:15 p.m.
– 12:45 p.m.St. Thomas More Church
Rosary
* Open to Administrators, Faculty, Staff, Students
Dec 04, 20255 p.m.
– 6 p.m.St. Thomas More Church