We are delighted to announce the foundation of a Youth SVP Group at St John's College.

The SVP is an international Catholic charity named after the French priest, Vincent de Paul, who became famous because of his Christ-like love and service to the poor. The Society was founded by Blessed Frederic Ozanam, a French law student in Paris in 1833. Frederic had great zeal for the Christian faith but found that merely speaking to others about Christ was quite frustrating and fruitless as a means of evangelisation. Therefore, he and some fellow students, inspired by their reading of the Gospel, decided to become active servants of the poor and their actions were imitated by so many that groups were set up all over France, and eventually the world.

The Youth SVP is the latest outreach of this parish-based initiative into the school environment. It is a student-centred group with Sixth Formers taking the lead roles of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Communications Officer. These are ably assisted by representatives from each Year Group in the Senior school and they meet every fortnight at Wednesday lunchtime to pray and discuss how best to help.

We are very grateful to our student volunteers for giving so generously of their time to this worthy cause. We look forward to seeing what causes they will choose to support and the ingenious and imaginative ways of fundraising. I know you would all want to join with me in wishing them every success in this wonderful endeavour.

Saint Vincent de Paul, pray for us.