Trent Hammer, a university student from Scottsdale, Arizona, is deeply committed to the Vincentian family. His journey began at a middle-school-aged conference when he was ten years old, and he is now a part of an Adult Conference. Despite his shyness, Trent’s kind-hearted personality shines through. He often goes on personal encounters, and whenever he sees a Friend in Need along the streets, he stops and gives them a bag with sunscreen, socks, and other essentials for the heat. If he does not have one on him, he will journey to the local St. Vincent de Paul, pick one up, and ensure the Friend in Need gets one. For Trent, “It’s becoming better versions of ourselves and ultimately seeing the Face of Christ in everyone.”
Along with acts of kindness to our Friends in Need, for several years, Trent often volunteers his time by sorting and shelving books at the SVdP thrift store in Phoenix.
Additionally, with the vision to be a lifelong Vincentian, he also has a goal to be a Conference president one day, possibly at the Adult Conference he is active in, St. Bernadette, or starting his own Conference, if needed. He also wants to grow in his courage to speak up in larger groups and be a more confident servant leader.
According to Trent, being a part of the Vincentian family is impactful, “Initially, I did not realize the importance of it but then it grew on me, and I realized that I liked the Society and it is important.” Now, he tries to fully embrace the significance of being humble, volunteering with an open heart, and channeling God’s love to every person he encounters.
Some people preach with words; others preach with their lives. Trent is one of those individuals whose actions consistently reflect Christ’s love, selflessness, and humility.