September Week 04

‘NORTH REGIONAL GATHERING’

Carmel College & Rosmini College Vinnies congregated at the Rosmini auditorium.
There was such a great turnout for the North Regional Vinnies Gathering. An action packed gathering with the most tiring and hilarious icebreakers/team challenges. A brilliant concert followed by a moving and thought provoking sharing time about their service to the local community.

A Big Thank You to the Carmel College and Rosmini College crew for an awesome gathering. Connecting and reflecting, Was an honour to spend time with you all.

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ROSMINI COLLEGE AWARDS CEREMONY

In thanksgiving for all these young men of Rosmini College who have done in service to their fellow brother and sister, the Youth Team passed on a token of appreciation in the form of certificates. These awards acknowledge the countless hours spent in projects including afterschool programmes for the De Paul House, food appeals and hosting a regional gathering with fellow Vinnies Youth. For all that they have and continue to contribute to the lives of others, we extend our utmost gratitude.

*********** FOUNDER AWARDS ************
Blessed Rosalie AWARD presented to Michael Young

Award Presented to the outstanding student who exemplifies the spirit of Blessed Rosalie Rendu. Has an audacity of Spirit in which they are unafraid to speak up about what is important. Is deeply committed to the of care of all people and instructs others to ensure they understand. Embodies a simplicity, humility and honesty that is authentic. Shows genuine dedication and care for the poor. Shows virtues of the SVdP charism through the Seeking out and the serving of the Poor in their community. Also impacts their community by empowering their peers to serve and/or by increasing awareness of justice and the poor. A well deserved acknowledgement – Many blessings upon you and the journey ahead!

 

 

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September Week 03

SUPPORTING IN OUR LOCAL COMMUNITIES – MARIST COLLEGE Thank you Marist College for your ongoing support and all the work you put in every Tuesday. We are all so very grateful.

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CELEBRATING THE JOURNEY
South Auckland Regional Gathering

Friday 16th September saw the celebration and get together of Vinnies from three East / South Auckland Catholic secondary schools. This event was graciously hosted by De La Salle College who put together a moving liturgy and a great spread for all. The purpose of the event was for the students from the three Colleges to get to know each other and to share ideas of what each school had been involved in throughout 2016 with their Young Vinnies groups.

Although people were a little shy to start off with, the Vinnies team leaders soon put the groups at ease and ran some highly entertaining ice-breakers and warm up activities. Sancta Maria College organised and ran a great quiz that tested not just biblical knowledge, but pop culture, musical appreciation and gave them all a chance to showcase their diligence in Religious Education classes!

Representatives from each College shared their original Young Vinnies events and initiatives to much applause and appreciation from the whole group. The success that each College has had with their fundraisers emphasied the generosity of our College communities. We are proud of and appreciate our students’ enthusiasm, engagement and leadership in the Young Vinnies programme and this is hopefully the start of a renewed connection between the three Catholic schools.

Auckland South Region Schools (Sancta Maria College, De La Salle College & McAuley High School)

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BEAUTIFUL LENGTHS HAIR CUTTING CEREMONY
-St Dominican College Vinnies-

Dedicated to their loved ones affected by cancer. All the ladies donated 30cm of their hair to an organization that makes hairpieces for patients going through chemotherapy. Each of these ladies dedicated their hair cutting to a member of their family they have lost through cancer and those still battling on.

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RESPONDING TO OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS.
Over the last few weeks, the students of Sacred Heart College have really committed themselves to their outreach within the community. Around 1,300 non perishable food items were collected by these young men for the Food bank at Auckland City Mission! These generous donations will go a long way to assisting families within the local community. Thank you to all those wonderful staff and students who supported this action.

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WEST AUCK CREW MT EDEN PRISON
Having to get up at the crack of dawn on such a cold rainy Sunday morning and drive all.the way from West Auckland to Mt Eden Prison did not keep these women from coming out to lead two of the church services for the different wings.

Thank you for your time in preparing your message and music. The men really enjoyed themselves and like you heard took a lot from today’s message. May God Bless you all.

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ST VINCENT DE PAUL FEAST DAY MASS

A moving evening celebrating the feast of Saint Vincent de Paul, while reflecting on his life’s mission to hear the cry of the poor to help Live God’s Truth.

“Hear the cry of the poor, raise up your voice, there is no need to be afraid, I will sing with you my friend, you’ve got the light to fight the shadows,  come on, come on”

Thanks to our hosts Auckland Catholic Youth Ministry, Father Larry Rustiafor celebrating the mass, Harsen Danielle Agon, Hulu Tu’inukuafe and Reynold Sanchez for the photos and to GRACE Ministries for the music.

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September Week 02

CONNECTING WITH STORIES

Today the Vinnies of Baradene College gathered to unpack the notion of Social Exclusion. Through reflection on narratives of those caught in the debt crisis, the group learnt that exclusion is multifaceted. This brought an understanding that although the causes are numerous, the consequences can be attended to through awareness and connection.

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COMING TOGETHER IN SUPPORT OF OUR ELDERS.

Two weeks ago we put out a call for volunteers to help create an event to build connections with elders who are isolated within our South Auckland community. These are the wonderful people who came forward to lend a hand.
It was a pretty awesome start. We look forward to all your awesome ideas @ the next meet and getting this show on the road.
Next meeting is in 2 weeks in Mangere Bridge. If you’re keen to make a Difference. Join Us!.

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MODERN DAY LOAVES AND FISHES STORY
These wonderful brothers ( St Peters College Staff) saw a need and stepped out in faith, they rallied the Catholic Primary Schools of Auckland and brought in a truckload and 2 van loads of canned goods to feed families over Christmas. An astounding to 7,000 of cans in total Cash value of over $11,000!! What an AMAZING testament of COMPASSION and FAITH!!!!

THANK YOU so much for your commitment to the poor.
A special thank you also to all the schools that contributed. All this food will be distributed to all the SVDP food banks around Auckland.for there Christmas Appeal.

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September Week 01

CENTRAL LEADERS GATHERING

Following the end of their schooling day, Vinnies leaders from 5 Colleges within Central Auckland gathered for an afternoon of laughter, reflection and sharing. It was uplifting to hear their take on how the journey of 2016 has gone thus far, acknowledging the many lows and highs that have brought them forth to this point in time. This gathering also provided an amazing opportunity for the leaders to connect in and gain an understanding of the essence that drives each towards care of the community. A wonderful display of Aroha in action, go Central Auckland Vinnies!

Vinnies Central Region Leaders

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SERVICE AT MONTE CECILIA

Earlier today, these amazing students from Sancta Maria College came into Monte Cecilia and hosted all the fun for a couple of hours. Kids are still so excited as they look forward to their Funday hosted by Vinnies this Saturday. Big Thankyou to the amazing students from Sancta Maria for their continuous love of service . You guys rock !

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ST DOMINIC’S COLLEGE

SDCC Young Vinnies stationery drive! Raised over 1,500 items. So proud of our Dominican community for digging deep to serve others. A massive thank you to each lady who participated and especially our year 13’s for all their effort! Here’s to our sisters working toward their NCEA in wiri prison, and to seeing the “person” before the “labels”.

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MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THESE MOMENTS
-Funday for Children in Care

Out in Mt Albert today a sense of excitement permeated the air as Vinnies from Marist College and St Peter’s College came together to host a Children’s Funday. What began as shy greetings soon evolved into laughter, smiles, dancing and song. Fostercare Caregivers from around Auckland brought their children over for a day of activities including arts & crafts, sports and a classic round of jump jam.

Many of the caregivers who attended with the children were grateful to the hosts as they took the children off their hands for a couple of hours. It was a fulfilling day for both the hosts and those who came along. The students concluded the day with a short reflection, feeling at peace knowing that each in their own way were able to give both children and caregivers alike a sense of hope and happiness.

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A TIME to gather, to share and forge a way forward.
This team of cool adults gathered today to discuss their service work at the Auckland City Mission. It was also spent in learning about each other and navigating the way forward.
Thank you for your commitment and passion.

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BEHIND THE SCENES!

BEHIND the scenes of any LIFE-GIVING Ministry, there are always the faithful hardworking run-around guys who do the pick-ups and deliveries, the lifting and loading.
It was lovely to have these two brothers from the Mother of Divine Mercy Refuge swing by the centre to load up couches to give out to the families they support. Much respect to you both and the MDM Refuge for your life-giving ministry for families in Need.

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COOKING IT UP @ RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE

The Ronald McDonald House offers accomodation for up to 90 families from out of Auckland with a place to stay whilst their children undergo medical treatment and care at the Starship Hospital. It is amazing place with amazing staff!

Today the Tertiary Vinnies crew descended upon this place and cooked up bulk soup for the families that are currently staying at Ronald McDonald House. These meals will be stored as easy “Heat n Eat Meals” and come in handy for these family members during their stay.
A big thank you to the cooks for all the hard work and taking time out of your break to support the families at Ronald McDonald House. Keep up the awesome work.

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IGNITE TEAM

IGNITE team meet up to plan the final “Official” AVSSC – Auckland Vinnies Secondary Schools Colleges Executives gathering for the year. Looking forward to it all. The COUNTDOWN begins.

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PLACEMENT STUDENTS FROM WELLINGTON

Our two gap students on placement with Vinnies, Ms Piki Boyles and Ms Nora Condra from Challenge2000 Wellington modelling some of the new stock @ the Kingsland Shop while volunteering for the day. Keep up the awesome work Ladies.

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