Mini Vinnies
At St Alphonsus RC Primary we actively encourage our children to take part in Stewardship. As a school we are very proud of the projects we take part in and deliver. One such organisation we are involved in is the Mini Vinnies. The Mini Vinnies help the children, ‘put their faith into action’ and gives support to people in our community.
‘A Christian Organisation which gets children to put their faith into action. Members give support to people in their community, meeting them face to face and trying to help them in any way they can.’
(Mini Vinnies Handbook – St Vincent De Paul Society 2010)
Here is just a few of the things our Mini Vinnies have done:
- Taken part in a ‘meet and greet’ at St Alphonsus RC Church to inform Parishioners about their role and ask how they could serve their community.
- Planned liturgies to help Father Pat at St Alphonsus RC Church.
- Written and read bidding prayers at the funeral of our former Parish Vincentian.
- Completed and delivered Christmas and Easter cards and paintings for those people without their freedom in HMPS. The Prison Chaplain made a school visit to talk to the children about how their service provides great hope and comfort to those who are in a difficult place.
- Collected food items for the Cornerstone charity and delivered the hampers at Christmas time.
Thursday 2nd April
Our Holy Week reflection culminated in a Maundy Thursday liturgy delivered by the Mini Vinnies and focused on The Passion of Christ. It began with the Last Supper on Holy Thursday, followed by the betrayal by Judas; Jesus’ arrest in The Garden of Gethsemane; His trial and crucifixion.
We reflected on Jesus’ service in washing His disciples' feet, his self-sacrifice and how this holy scripture of Jesus’ Passion has helped us at school to serve others, bringing hope and changing people’s lives.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
During this Lenten season, the Mini Vinnies have answered a call to action from the SVP 'Working with Prisons Project' by using their service hands to make Easter cards for those who do not have their freedom. This act of kindness will bring hope, peace and the Good News of the Gospel to those in despair.
The Mini Vinnies have also guided the school in a mission of faith, hope and love by leading weekly assemblies during Lent for the SVP 'Heart to Heart Lent Campaign'
Thank you Mini Vinnies for your dedication and commitment of turning concern into action.
