“To serve rather than be served in humility, simplicity and charity.”
Ladies of Charity of Central Alabama (LCCA)
The Ladies of Charity of Central Alabama (LCCA) is a community-based association of women working together against poverty. Its motto is “To serve rather than be served in humility, simplicity and charity.” The Ladies of Charity was the first organization founded by St. Vincent de Paul over 400 years ago in France to serve the poor. The Vincentian model is a model for living one’s life and is the foundation of the Ladies of Charity, locally, nationally, and internationally.
The local LCCA meets the first Wednesday of each month at St. Francis Xavier Church in the Joseph Room from 11:30-1:30. Activities include rosary making, lunches for the homeless, advocates for victims of domestic violence, annual Thanksgiving dinner, provides for a food pantry, spiritual formation at each meeting and offers opportunities for days of recollection.
Affiliation with the Ladies of Charity can last a lifetime.
Meetings
The Ladies of Charity have their monthly meeting the first Wednesday of the month at 11:30am in the Joseph Room.
For more information, contact Marlyss Giles, marlygil@aol.com
Contact Information
President Marlyss Giles marlygil@aol.com
Treasurer Carol Sauer cssauer@aol.com
Secretary Jan Biasini Biasini01@gmail.com
Member at Large Dora Brandt brandtd@bellsouth.net
History
The seeds of the Ladies of Charity were planted by Saint Vincent de Paul over 400 years ago in 1617 at Chatillon-les-Dombes in the mountainous region of eastern France. With the assistance of Saint Louise de Marillac, the seeds germinated and took root in the French countryside and then throughout the world. In 1857, the first Ladies of Charity association was formed in the United States to continue the work of Vincent and Louise. The number of associations grew, and in 1960 a national organization was formed for consistency and to strengthen the bonds of charity.
Ministries & Activities
Makes rosaries for Ascension Hospital, Birmingham Chapel, Bruno Cancer Center, SFX Church, and by special requests.
- Making and baking Holiday cookies.
- Visits First Light Women’s Center to provide craft activities.
- Hosts an annual Community Thanksgiving dinner at SFX.
- Provides lunches once a month to the homeless on the street.
- Collects and distributes men’s clothing and blankets for the homeless.
- Provides educational programs and advocates for victims of domestic violence.
- Members individually perform works of corporal and spiritual mercy in the name of the Ladies of Charity. 2400 volunteer hours were provided in 2021.
- Members may attend the 2024 Annual LCUSA National Assembly in St. Louis.
- Meetings have been in Kansas City, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, New York City, New Orleans, San Antonio, and Buffalo.
- LOC celebrated the 400th anniversary of Ladies of Charity AIC USA 400th in Rome, Italy 2017.
Why Join the Ladies of Charity?
- Become a member of the Vincentian Family modeling and following in the footsteps of founders Saint Vincent de Paul and Saint Louise de Marillac.
- Serve the poor by working with them side by side.
- Develop a closer relationship with Christ through spiritual formation and service.
- Become a member of a worldwide service organization. The Ladies of Charity is active in 51 countries as part of the International Association of Charities (AIC).
- Gain lifelong friends in service with your fellow Ladies of Charity
