English Martyrs’ Catholic Primary School is a Mini-Vinnie school
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 5 and 6 who are encouraged to embark on their first steps as possible ‘Vincentians for life’.
The Mini-Vinnie mission is to: Turn concern into action!
Mini-Vinnies follow the pattern of see-think-do. They see who needs help in the world, think about how they can help and then do something about it.
These are some examples of the work that the Mini Vinnies do:
- Support staff in school when organising liturgical celebrations, e.g. the school feast day and Masses throughout the year
- Organise events to support the school in raising money for charity, especially during Advent (CAFOD) and Lent (Good Shepherd Appeal) facilitating giving toiletries to Wearside Women in Need, Sr Scholastica etc
- Organise Rosary in the Peace Prayer Garden and chapel during the months of October and May – giving up their lunchtimes time to pray with other children
- Decide what happens with money raised during Advent – they look together at the CAFOD world gifts catalogue and choose the gifts to be bought on behalf of the school community;
The 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
The 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
