WelCom, September 2024
Ann D’Souza
Young Vinnies is the youth arm of the Society of St Vincent de Paul. It is a platform to support young people in their work to understand and address social injustices they see in their communities.
Every year since 1992, a Vinnies Mass has been held by the Archdiocese Catholic colleges in Wellington, Hutt Valley and Kapi-Mana, to celebrate the good works of St Vincent de Paul.
This year’s Mass, celebrated on 11 August, was hosted by St Bernard’s College Lower Hutt in their new chapel. Several Vinnies college outreach service representatives attended – about 65 in total – including young Vinnies, parents, principals, teachers, SVdP Vincentians, as well as two long-time Vincentians Margaret McIver and Beverley Campbell.
Fr Hayden Powick from St Patrick’s College Kilbirnie and Fr Raja from Te Awaraingi Parish celebrated the Mass with the sunshine streaming through the stained-glass windows.
As part of the celebrations, the Vinnies each received a badge for their ongoing commitment to service and outreach to those in their local communities in dire need.
Hutt Area Council President Bernice Smith, and Anne Peg SVDP Hutt Area Council member, presented badges to the Vinnies. Bernice Smith also gave an encouraging speech to the students to continue in their service outreach for SVdP.
Director of Religious Studies, Johnny Boon, organised the Mass and celebrations with the help of St Bernard’s College students.
Thanks to Simon Stacks, Principal of St Bernard’s College, for hosting this year’s Vinnies’ Mass and providing hospitality.
Visit vinnies-wellington.org.nz/young-vinnies to learn more about the young Vinnies in the Archdiocese.
