Over 600 Young Members Celebrate Christmas Online

Over 600 of our youngest Vincentians from across Broken Bay, Parramatta and Sydney Dioceses came together to celebrate Christmas and reflect on the year that was. Their enthusiasm was obvious, as they heard more about how they can continue to contribute to the Society.

We’ve all learned to operate a bit differently during the COVID-19 pandemic and in December, the Metropolitan Region’s school engagement team hosted online Christmas gatherings of over 600 of our Mini Vinnies and Highschool Conference Members. Students from right across Broken Bay, Greater Western Sydney, and Sydney Arch Central Councils attended two separate events, enjoying a fun afternoon of games, online activities, karaoke, reflection and more!

Primary School students were shown a video of the good works conducted by High School Conferences throughout the year, while High School Conference Members learned about the good works of Young Adult Conference Members and volunteers across the three Central Councils. In this way, we hope to inspire the school students to continue their commitment to the Society as they progress through their school years and into adulthood.

These important end-of-year celebrations were hosted by Metropolitan Region staff Christina Gilio, Fiona Pelosi, and Roydon Ng, along with, Sydney Youth Representative, Marissa Papaspiros. They were a huge success and many of our wonderful Mini Vinnies and High School Conference Members were unable to wipe the smiles off their faces throughout the entire event!

Congratulations goes to Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Primary School, Gladesville, who were the overall competition winners from the primary school Christmas gathering and earned themselves a prize pack complete with Vinnies goodies for each participant to take home.

Staff say they look forward to facilitating similar events again in the future to bring like-minded young Vincentians together to learn, grow and deepen their engagement.