Cornelia Connelly SVP School Conference
“We may often by a little word help others out of years of trouble". Cornelia Connelly
The goal of the Society of St Vincent de Paul is to tackle poverty and social injustice in all its forms through practical assistance to those in need. The three pillars of the SVP are Support & Friendship, Promoting Self Sufficiency and Working for Social Justice.
Under the guidance of the Fifth Year SVP Leadership Team, which is led by the peer-elected President and Vice President,
Holy Child SVP Conference undertakes a wide variety of initiatives and activities which support these SVP Pillars.
HCK links in with four local Conferences, Killiney, Sallynoggin, Loughlinstown and Shankill, and together we make a difference in the community. The annual leaflet drop, Christmas Campaign and regular Bagpacks provide much needed support for the Conferences in our area. Peer teaching classes with younger years exploring the work of the SVP is also a hugely enjoyable activity undertaken by the Fifth Year members.
We attend the annual Youth Day hosted by Young SVP, and other events organised by the National SVP organisation.
HCK Conference wrote a rap to celebrate 175 years of SVP in Ireland; we were delighted to perform it for President Higgins, and for thousands of SVP members who gathered in the National Convention Centre to celebrate this event.
HCK SVP Rap:
Fighting for justice was his aim
Frederic Ozanam was his name
In Paris he saw the poor
He wanted to help more
Jesus was his inspiration
To follow the Gospel his inclination
Founded in 1833
Vincent, Frederic and Rosalie
The Power of three
For SVP.
Came to Ireland in 1844
During the great famine
Here to help the poor.
Through charitable deeds
SVP meets their needs,
Befriending and visitation
Frederic is our inspiration
Projects to improve the lives of others
Working together as sisters and brothers
Promoting self-sufficiency
So people can live efficiently
Funded by donation
With God's appreciation
Holy Child community
Standing strong in unity
Abiding by our Holy Child creed
We strive to help those in need
One and a half million members worldwide
Working together to heal the divide.
Actions not Words !
Here is what our students say about being involved in HCK Cornelia Connelly Conference
*Being in SVP gives us a chance to share ideas and build connections with others
*SVP gave me the opportunity to bring happiness to people just around the corner, our neighbours, old and young
*SVP gives me a chance to give back
*SVP gives us life experiences which will stand to us in later years, and helps us be more understanding of the causes of poverty and injustice
*In SVP we learn that school isn't all about academic results, but also about developing social awareness
*I love the atmosphere that SVP brings to Holy Child; we get the opportunity to work with the younger students and hear their opinions, while doing good for others. Our Principal even agreed to buy a Microwave so that we wouldn't be late for the lunchtime meetings.... We have nicknamed it 'Fred!!'
*SVP is like working with a close knit group of friends. My aunt is involved, and my older sister
*By helping others I help myself, and become aware of what's happening in the wider community “
“Act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8