Sheila Gilbert visited the  Mini Vinnies group at Sacred Heart School in Mt. Holly, NJ in the Trenton Diocesan Council.
Sheila asked the 40 members of the Sacred Heart Conference of Mini Vinnies “What does belonging to the Mini Vinnies mean to you?”

Some of their answers were “it gives us a chance to help others, it gives us an opportunity to help others that we wouldn’t be able to otherwise, makes us feel good, we like helping people, when we visit the nursing home it helps the people.”

The president of the Conference, Jessica Martin, (formerly the Spiritual Advisor) added this, “not only does it deepen our faith but it encourages faith in others.”Sheila Gilbert spoke to the students about how they are in formation for the future of Society. As national president, she looks at them and knows that the future of the Society is in good hands.

Sheila spent time with these students ranging from 5th through 8th grade encouraging them to understand the importance of helping people survive by sharing food and other urgent needs with those who struggle in poverty but also the importance of walking with people out of poverty – helping people to thrive vs. survive.

Our national president demonstrated her message by explaining to the students that their visits to the nursing home and spending time with the residents helps them to thrive. Her uplifting message to the students included the fact that they carry Jesus’ love to those they visit and to one another.

We all look forward to these students’ continuing their lives within the Vincentian way of life sharing spirituality, friendship and service.