1. Commissioning Ceremony
Mini Vinnies
Commissioning Ceremony

2. PAUL 12:4-7, 12 – 13
Lord, You gave St Vincent de Paul a heart overflowing with love for You. Grant us the same fervour of charity, that we too may see Your image in those whom we assist and gladly give them a share of our time and possessions.
Scripture Reading: (Students can read the scripture at the assembly)
PAUL 12:4-7, 12 – 13
Lord, You gave St Vincent de Paul a heart overflowing with love for You. Grant us the same fervour of charity, that we too may see Your image in those whom we assist and gladly give them a share of our time and possessions.

3. OPENING PRAYER
Lord, You gave St Vincent de Paul a heart overflowing with love for You. Grant us the same fervour of charity, that we too may see Your image in those whom we assist and gladly give them a share of our time and possessions.
Opening Prayer: (Students can lead the assembly through the Prayer)
Lord, You gave St Vincent de Paul a heart overflowing with love for You. Grant us the same fervour of charity, that we too may see Your image in those whom we assist and gladly give them a share of our time and possessions.

4. THE ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY
--- Introduction ---
The St Vincent de Paul Society representative introduce themselves and the Society…
The St Vincent de Paul Society was formed so that all of us might live out the Gospel by serving people in need. Frederic Ozanam and his young companions founded the Society in 1833 in Paris, and his “Good works” are continued today worldwide.
The St Vincent de Paul Society logo
The logo for the Society in Australia was created by sculpture artist, Tom Bass. It symbolises the presence of Jesus Christ in the work of the Society.
‘Good works’
In 2004 the St Vincent de Paul Society adopted the slogan ‘good works’. The St Vincent de Paul Society believes this best represents the work that St Vincent de Paul members, volunteers and employees undertake; as well as expressing the ‘goodness’ of our work with those in our community who are poor, sick, lonely, homeless, elderly and/or marginalised. It also echoes the challenge put to Frederic at Sorbonne University to “show us your works, and then we might believe.”
The Hands Symbol
The cup can be interpreted as a gift, which means that everything given by SVDP to those in need is a gift. These gifts includes time, friendship, material goods, a cup of coffee or a bed for the night. God’s blessing on the work of the Society is central to our mission and it enables the good works to continue.
Explain the Hands Symbol
Hand on Top: The hand of Christ blesses the cup
Hand in the Middle: The hand of love offers the cup
Hand on the bottom: The hand of suffering receives the cup

5. COMMISSIONING OF NEW PRESIDENT
--- Commissioning of new president --- Can remove if not applicable
Leader: I now invite (insert student name) to come forward. I have the pleasure of acknowledging (insert student name) as the new Mini Vinnies president. As president are you ready to accept the gift of leadership and the responsibility of being a role model for your Mini Vinnies Group and the wider St Vincent de Paul Society?
Student: Yes I am
Leader: I now invite (insert student name) to receive the Mini Vinnies candle. May you always bear the light of Christ in your heart. Honour God’s gifts given to you and your fellow members, especially the light of Faith. I now commission you as Mini Vinnies president. Congratulations.
(NEXT SLIDE)

6. COMMISSIONING OF NEW MEMBERS
Leader: I now invite the following students to receive their badge and certificate and to be commissioned as members of the (insert school name) Mini Vinnies: List students.
Leader: To all members; by using your talents and gifts to serve within our community you remind us of what we are called to do: to give of ourselves in order that others may live. In this we follow the example of Jesus Christ, St Vincent De Paul, St Louise de Marillac, Blessed Rosalie Rendu, Blessed Frederic Ozanam and a host of men and women, young and old, who have served Christ through the St Vincent de Paul Society.
Leader: On behalf of the St Vincent de Paul Society I welcome you and affirm you as members of (insert school name) Mini Vinnies. Congratulations.
(NEXT SLIDE)

7. Mini Vinnies Pledge
As a member of Mini-Vinnies I promise to make a difference in my world by:
Enjoying being me
Using my talents to serve
Reaching out to others and
Respecting others
--- Pledge --- All group members:
Insert the groups pledge. If the group has not created their own pledge, the above pledge can be used.
(NEXT SLIDE)

8. All group members: As a member of the St Vincent de Paul Society Mini Vinnies I commit to making a difference in my world, to loving and respecting myself, to reaching out to others in my school and community through friendship and doing good works.
All group members: As a member of the St Vincent de Paul Society Mini Vinnies I commit to making a difference in my world, to loving and respecting myself, to reaching out to others in my school and community through friendship and doing good works.
(NEXT SLIDE)

9. Mini Vinnies Prayer Dear God
Open our eyes that we may see the needs of people.
Move our hands so that we can feed the hungry. Touch our hearts that they may bring warmth to those who are sad. Let us share our time and possessions with those in need. May we all be a source of support and encouragement for each other as we strive to build a more loving world.
Amen
--- Prayer/Song --- (To be chosen by school community)
Otherwise the above prayer can be used.
(NEXT SLIDE)

10. All group members: Lord, Open our eyes that we may see the needs of people. Move our hands so that we can feed the hungry. Touch our hearts that they may bring warmth to those who are sad. Let us share our time and possessions with those in need. May we all be a source of support and encouragement for each other as we strive to build a more loving world.
Amen.
All group members: Lord, Open our eyes that we may see the needs of people. Move our hands so that we can feed the hungry. Touch our hearts that they may bring warmth to those who are sad. Let us share our time and possessions with those in need. May we all be a source of support and encouragement for each other as we strive to build a more loving world.
Amen.
(NEXT SLIDE)

11. BADGE PRESENTATION
Present all the new members with their badge & Certificate.
(NEXT SLIDE)

12. CANDLE CEREMONY
“Let us do without hesitation whatever good lies at our hands.”
– Blessed Frederic Ozanam
Invite the President to light a candle on behalf of the new members and the rest of the Mini Vinnies Group.
Another student (possibly the Bailey) can read out the above quote:
“Let us do without hesitation whatever good lies at our hands.”
– Blessed Frederic Ozanam
(NEXT SLIDE)

13. CLOSING PRAYER
Lord we pray that we may always be aware of our friends in need and that we approach them with respect and compassion, always recognising their dignity. Please help them with their innermost needs as we do our best to walk alongside them. May we all become a living sign of Your love. We ask for Your help and guidance as we attempt to walk in the footsteps of Blessed Frederic Ozanam
Closing Prayer:
Lord we pray that we may always be aware of our friends in need and that we approach them with respect and compassion, always recognising their dignity. Please help them with their innermost needs as we do our best to walk alongside them. May we all become a living sign of Your love. We ask for Your help and guidance as we attempt to walk in the footsteps of Blessed Frederic Ozanam
(NEXT SLIDE)