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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 give 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 are 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.

 Monday 13th July 2026 - Today, the Chaplain from HM Prisons came in for a special assembly to celebrate the Mini Vinnies as we come to the end of another successful year. A special celebration goes to Theo for achieving the 'Pupil of the Year' award! Well done to all our Mini Vinnies!

30th June – Representatives from our St Alphonsus Mini Vinnies thoroughly enjoyed their visit to St John Vianney RC High School where they met the GIFT Chaplaincy Team. These pupils were a real inspiration to our children and brilliant hosts. All the children were an absolute credit to their schools and enjoyed sharing ideas, interests, lively conversations and reflective prayer in the beautiful school chapel. We really look forward to working together on new projects in the new academic year.

June 2026 – In this Jubilee Year of St Francis of Assisi, we are encouraged to engage in acts of charity reflecting on St. Francis’ spirit of service to others. The Mini Vinnies held their annual cake and pre-loved book sale as a fundraiser for our SVP and Parish charities that support the work of The Medjugorje International Relief Society and Mary’s Meals. These acts of kindness positively impact the lives of our neighbours across the globe and help us live out the principles of Catholic Social Teaching: Preferential Option for the Poor – putting people most in need first and Distributive Justice – sharing what we have fairly. Thank you to all our children and their families who baked or donated cakes and recycled books for our Mini Vinnie Charity Book and Cake Sale, helping us to raise an amazing £276. 

 

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.

 

 

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