On Saturday 22 April, 12 children (Mini Vinnies from year 5 and 6) from St Joseph's Catholic Primary School in Rugeley, Staffordshire, represented the Archdiocese at the 'Mass for the Vincentian Family' at St Chad's Cathedral.

At the start of the Mass they performed a short retelling of the life of St Vincent de Paul. They wrote and performed this themselves and delivered it with great reverence.

All of the children were a credit to the school and we are extremely proud of them.

At the end of the Mass they shared refreshments with other groups from the St Vincent de Paul Society.

The children were commended by many including Archbishop Bernard Longley, who said they were 'fantastic'.

Who are the Mini Vinnies? The Mini Vinnies are quite literally mini St Vincent de Paul’s.

Mini Vinnies are 7 to 11 year olds based in schools and parishes across England and Wales, and in several other countries across the world. They come together to form a part of the St Vincent de Paul Society England and Wales, a voluntary organisation dedicated to tackling poverty in all its forms.

Mini Vinnies meet to pray, discuss and support however they can to help make a difference in their communities.

Find out more about Mini Vinnies