The SVdP Indianapolis Council is currently recruiting for a new President to begin serving on Oct. 1, 2026. As we search for candidates, Past Presidents John Ryan and Pat Jerrell have joined me in reflecting on the joys and wonders of being Council President.
Honor, Privilege and Opportunity
Patrick Jerrell served as the SVdP Archdiocesan Council of Indianapolis President from 2008 through 2014, and continues to serve as a Past President on the Archdiocesan Council Board of Directors.
“When I think back to my time as Council President, and continuing to today, three words come to mind: honor, privilege and opportunity. I consider it a great honor to be a member of this worldwide organization that has been carrying out Jesus’ command to “Love your neighbor as yourself” for nearly 200 years! I also consider it a great privilege to be in a leadership role, working alongside so many dedicated Vincentian volunteers who are bringing a little help and hope, along with a generous dose of agape love, to our neighbors in need. Vincentians are people I want to be around, as they are other-centered rather than self-centered, which makes them happy people! Finally, I consider the Council President volunteer position to be far more rewarding than challenging, because it has allowed me to praise and thank God for the tremendous blessings that He has bestowed on me and my family. I’ve witnessed God’s providential love toward both our Vincentians and those we serve. The position provides the opportunity to communicate SVdP Indy best practices and to collaborate with leaders from both public and private institutions, as well as with St. Vincent de Paul organizations locally, Archdiocese-wide, statewide, within the four-state Mideast region, nationally and even internationally. I’ve personally grown much closer to God by practicing spirituality, friendship and service with my fellow Vincentians. I’ve also learned the meaning of St. Mother Teresa’s response: ‘Our role is not (always) to be successful, but to be faithful.’ I highly recommend your consideration for the Archdiocesan Council President position. It is both rewarding and transformative.”
Led by the Spirit
John Ryan served as the SVdP Archdiocesan Council of Indianapolis President from 2014 through 2020, and continues to serve as the President of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish Conference in the Indianapolis North District.
“I always thought that the Holy Spirit was shortchanged when it came to the Trinity. At least it was for me personally. I received many spiritual gifts as President of SVdP Indy. The organization completely changed the way I thought of the poor. It has truly given me a more reasoned and practical way to understand the origins of poverty. But the greatest gift of all for me is a better appreciation of how the Holy Spirit works and is so involved in our lives. As President, there were many days when I felt lost amid the organization’s difficulties and issues. However, it never failed that when I called upon the Holy Spirit for guidance and direction, the Holy Spirit was present. I sincerely believe that the Holy Spirit had a direct hand in directing me on what to do. I will forever be grateful for the gifts the Holy Spirit has given me. I know that I would never have this experience but for the fact that I was President of the Indianapolis Saint Vincent de Paul organization.”
Restoring Hope One Person at a Time
Paul Ainslie has been serving as the SVdP Archdiocesan Council of Indianapolis President since 2020 and will complete his six years in the position on Sept. 30, 2026.
“SVdP offers a reward many people don’t expect: hope. While most see us as operators of food pantries or a source for furniture and utility assistance, our most profound impact is restoring hope to our neighbors. You can see it in their eyes. During a home visit, our neighbor’s face lights up the moment we arrive, before we’ve even said a word. In the food pantry line, you can feel the evident anticipation as people hope—and often know—that good, quality food awaits them. When we can provide desperately needed food, beds or housewares, their hopes are fulfilled.
