‘You are the Light of the World’: Young Vinnies commissioned

By Heather Excell

St Vincent de Paul’s Mini Vinnies and Youth Conference members gathered at St Mary’s Cathedral on Tuesday 24 March for their annual Youth Commissioning Mass.

The Mass, a long-standing event, brings together young people from across various Catholic schools to be formally commissioned into their leadership roles for the upcoming year.

Melissa White, Mission and Membership Manager for St Vincent de Paul, described the Mass as more than just commissioning leaders, but an opportunity to return to the heart of the Vincentian mission, one that is deeply rooted in the Gospels and the life and ministry of Jesus.

“We do this by acknowledging the reason they are engaged with Vinnies, not only to see the need in their community and to serve those in need, but because we are all called to live the Gospel message by serving Christ in the poor,” she said.

Throughout the Mass, which was celebrated by Archbishop Tony Ireland, the connection between faith and action was emphasised. Students involved in Mini Vinnies and Youth Conferences were encouraged to view their service as an expression of Catholic Social Teaching.

“Service provides opportunities to apply Catholic Social Teaching in real-life scenarios, promoting compassion, empathy, and a commitment to walk alongside others in their vulnerability, to see Christ in every person we encounter,” Melissa explained.

This call to live out faith through service was echoed by Archbishop Tony in his homily reflecting on Jesus’ call to be both “the light of the world” and “the salt of the earth”, reminding students that their mission begins now, not in the distant future.

“You are called to be light—not someday, but now,” he said.

Archbishop Tony referred to the often unseen but essential backstage of a theatre, encouraging students to embrace the quiet and hidden nature of their service.

“Much of what you do in St Vincent de Paul will not be noticed. There will be no applause. No spotlight,” he said. “Just small acts of care, quiet generosity, faithful presence. But those small acts change the world.”

For Melodee-Ruth Estcourt, the State Youth Representative for St Vincent de Paul, this call to serve is both personal and rooted in faith.

“I decided to get involved in the Youth Conference because I genuinely care about giving back to my community and being there for others, especially those who might be less fortunate,” she said. “My faith is a huge motivation behind that. I’ve experienced how powerful it is to feel supported and encouraged, and I wanted to help create that same environment for others.”

Her experience of service has also deepened the understanding of her faith.

“It shows me that it’s not just about what we say we believe, but how we live,” she said. “Even small acts of kindness can have a real impact.”

As the Mass concluded, students were sent forth with a clear message: that their acts of kindness, no matter how small, are powerful signs of God’s presence in the world.