On 27th September the feast day of St Vincent de Paul, the Mini Vinnies patron, a selection of pupils represented our school attending Mass at Sacred Heart Church. After Mass, the children had refreshments and an opportunity to meet with parishioners in the Church Hall, including the President and Secretary of the Sacred Heart Conference of the SVP.
Fr Jerry came to speak to the children after Mass and asked them, “How can you help the poor?” Sophie recognised that people can be poor in spirit, as well as having a financial need.
Fr Jerry reminded the children to always pray for others who have less than you, for example, “When you are getting into your parents’ car, pray for those who have to walk in the cold and wet to reach the places they need to go.” Benjamin suggested that we should pray for those who cannot attend school and Sophie added, “When you pray, God will help them.”
All of the children agreed that, as Mini Vinnies, prayer was something they could commit to in an effort to help others who are less fortunate than them.
We hope their will be an opportunity for all of our Year 4 Mini Vinnies to attend a Mass at Church and meet parishioners at one of our local parishes this academic year, please keep an eye out for a letter or ParentMail in the week leading up to your child's turn.
Thank you to Mrs Foster from the Sacred Heart Church for helping us to arrange this trip, and especially for her delicious cakes! See our photo gallery here.
What is a Mini Vinnie?
St Vincent was born poor and in the beginning he wanted to be rich. This was why he first became a priest! Later he changed his mind and decided to spend his life helping the sick and mentally-ill, orphans and old people, beggars and the starving, prisoners and galley slaves. Vincent’s life is a great reminder for us all to find ways to help those around us.
'Mini Vinnies' are children aged between 7 to 11 (or younger) who, with the permission of their parents and the support of their Schools, are encouraged to embark on their first steps as possible 'Vincentians for life'.
As Mini Vinnies, the youngsters have their own 'treasured' Prayer, Pledge and Badge, a dedicated website and a range of bright and colourful documents which guide them in their formative steps - helping and enabling them to become in every sense, young Vincentians - or 'Mini Vinnies'.
Excerpt from the Mini Vinnies website.
