Mini Vinnie Parishioners' Tea:
On Friday, 29th November, our Mini Vinnies hosted a delightful morning of tea and cakes for our St. Mary's parishioners. We were delighted to welcome parishioners from St. Benedict's in Buckfastleigh, Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Petroc in Ashburton, St. Dunstan's in South Brent, and our very own St. Mary's Abbey in Buckfast. The Mini Vinnies, a group of children from Years 4-6, are part of the young St. Vincent de Paul Society. These inspiring children come together in primary schools and parishes across England and Wales to live out their mission of see, think, do, supporting both their school community and beyond. The morning was a wonderful treat for everyone who attended, and we are incredibly proud of our children for their courtesy and care in serving tea and cakes to our lovely parishioners. Both the children and our guests shared a fantastic morning of conversation and companionship. A heartfelt thank you goes to Rachel Ellacott and Wendy Straw, our Mini Vinnie Leaders, who gave up their time to bake with the children and organise such a lovely event. Special thanks also to Father Francis for chauffeuring our parishioners up and down the hill, and to Ania Walker for assisting at the gate. We are very much looking forward to welcoming our parishioners again soon!
Our Parishioners and Mini Vinnies sharing tea and cake together. November 2024.
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Our Parishioners being served tea and cake by our Mini Vinnies. November 2024.
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Intergenerational Project - Caritas
This year our Mini Vinnies have been working with the charity Caritas, to support older residents in the community. This has included singing at a local care home, making gifts, sending cards, sending letters and working on collaborative artwork.
This year our Mini Vinnies have been working with the charity Caritas, to support older residents in the community. This has included singing at a local care home, making gifts, sending cards, sending letters and working on collaborative artwork.
This year the group are working with two parishioners who are helping to support our Mini Vinnies with their various activities. So far this year the group has made Christmas cards for parishioners, created artwork with a local care home, run a Food Bank appeal and charity events such as a cake sale.
Mini-Vinnies took part in a prayer time for Mary’s Meals with two of our parishioners, as May is the month of Mary.
Mini Vinnies Logo Competition
The children have been busy designing a logo for the compliments slip that accompanies the letters and art work that is often distributed to people in the parish. Congratulations to Amelie whose design was chosen to represent the group. She included symbols representing faith, hope and love which are what the group try to offer to our local community. Please see a photograph of Amelie and her design, along with the other ideas generated by children in the group.
The children have been busy designing a logo for the compliments slip that accompanies the letters and art work that is often distributed to people in the parish. Congratulations to Amelie whose design was chosen to represent the group. She included symbols representing faith, hope and love which are what the group try to offer to our local community. Please see a photograph of Amelie and her design, along with the other ideas generated by children in the group.
Charity Stall
Four pupils from St Mary’s organised a fundraiser for the RSPCA. They collected some good quality second hand toys and books and made some items to sell on a charity stall which raised £75!
Four pupils from St Mary’s organised a fundraiser for the RSPCA. They collected some good quality second hand toys and books and made some items to sell on a charity stall which raised £75!