Mini Vinnies

Welcome to St. Joseph’s Mini Vinnies

Mini-Vinnie groups are set up in Catholic primary schools, and carry out good deeds in helping the needy within school, the local community and the wider world.

The group is part of the Society of St Vincent de Paul. The St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) is an international Christian voluntary organisation dedicated to tackling poverty and disadvantage by providing practical assistance to those in need. ‘Mini Vinnies’ are children in Years 3,4,5 and 6 who are encouraged to embark on their first steps as possible ‘Vincentians for life’.

These are some examples of the work that the Mini Vinnies do:

· Organise the 'Friday Foodbank' initiative - this is where each class takes it in turn to try and fill the school foodbank box (during the last Friday of each month)

· Organise events to support the school in raising money for charity, especially during Advent (CAFOD) and Lent (Good Shepherd Appeal)

· Decide what happens with money raised during Advent;

· Serve the sick in our Parish

· Make cards to the housebound of the parish so that they feel less lonely;

· Organise 'Rosary ' during the months of October and May - giving up their playtime to pray with other children

· Support staff in school when organising liturgical celebrations.

· Support the school council with whole school initiatives that enhance the development of everyone in school, such as the Prayer Garden, choosing Class Saints and Stations of the Cross designs.

Mini-Vinnie Pledge

As a member of Mini Vinnies, I promise to make a difference to my world by:

· Caring for, respecting and loving myself

· Strengthening my friendship with Jesus by talking to him each day and talking to others about him

· Caring for others in my school and community by being a friend to those who are alone, in need or in trouble

· Making my family happy by my help, respect and showing kindness and consideration

· Caring for and enjoying God’s world

· Treating others, the way I would like them to treat me

Mini-Vinnie Prayer

Lord, thank you for our gifts and talents.

Lord, show us who needs our help.

Lord, use our hands to help those who are hungry.

Lord, open our hearts to love and comfort those who are sad and lonely.

Lord, let us share our time, gifts and talents with those in need.

Lord, help us to care for the sick.

Lord, may we all help and support each other as Mini Vinnies to build a better world. Amen

Mini-Vinnie Leaders

Mr Gilhooly and Miss Middleton lead our Mini Vinnies in school. They meet fortnightly to pray and decide which charities they would like to support during the year. They also make links with our local community and help others in need.