St Theresa's Catholic Primary School

Mini-Vinnies

‘Mini Vinnies’ is a St. Vincent de Paul Group in a Primary School. At St. Theresa’s we have a group of Year 5 and 6 pupils who get together to pray, and to organise and talk about helping others in need within our school community and beyond. What makes Mini Vinnies such a valuable experience for the children who are part of it, is the change it makes in our school community.

 Recently we have supported Mary’s Meals charity, where we sent over 100 rucksacks filled with stationary, clothes items and small toys to help children in countries less fortunate than ourselves.

This term we have raised awareness of World Poor Day and the children have brought in food and toiletries which will be distributed locally.

Currently we are designing Christmas Cards to send to friends in Care Homes in our local community.  In December 2022 we sent Christmas cards to some of the prisoners in Leeds Prison. 

 Our Mini Vinnies group meet once a week.

What happens at a Mini Vinnies’ meeting?

 Our ‘Chair’ leads the meeting and organises the group. Mrs Ruane and Mrs. Carrington co-ordinate the group and give help and practical advice. The Chair opens the meeting with a prayer.

• A short spiritual reading/reflection/piece of music/meditation follows. The Group members take turns to do this.
• Group members then talk about the Mini Vinnies’ activities they have done since the previous meeting.
• Any future plans are then discussed.
• The Chair concludes the meeting with our special prayer to St Vincent de Paul.

December 2022:

The MVs coordinated hampers for some those in need in our parish in consultation with the SVP and Fr Pat.  Mrs Dowd and Mr Rowley helped to deliver them. The people were very grateful.  This is Catholic Social Teaching in action! Please see the pictures below:

8th December 2021

Today the Y6  Mini-Vinnies (Y5 turn next trip!) took our food/toiletries collection to the SVP centre on York Rd.

The staff there were very happy to receive our contribution and told us it will be distributed to local families and would be appreciated.

Thank you Mini- Vinnies and to all who donated. It was lovely to see our children busy and helpful in our community.

Mrs. Ruane.