St. Vincent de Paul

2 Victoria Avenue, Hull. HU5 3DR

Parish phone number: 01482 343017

Clergy

Rev. Michael White

Service times

Sunday Mass times: 9am., 11am.

Holy day Mass times: 9.30am., 7.30pm.

Week day Mass times: 9am (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat), 12 noon (Wed)

Confessions: 9.30 - 10am. and 5 - 5.30pm (Sat)

Facilities for special needs

Loop system for hearing aid users

News

Fr Michael walks over hot coals

A Priest practised what he preached when he walked over hot coals to raise money for a city primary school. Father Michael White, of St Vincent's Church in Queens Road, Hull, said he felt compelled to take part in the sponsored event after regularly preaching about the importance of charity.

He was one of about 30 people who took part in the sponsored fire walk to help raise money for St Vincent's Primary School, next to the church. Father White joked: "It would be less painful walking over water. But I wanted to encourage others to take part and it is much easier to do that if you practise what you preach."

Fr White, who showed nerves of steel as he strolled over the glowing embers to cheers from the crowd, managed to more than double his personal target of £500. "I think I raised about £1,100 in all," he said. "When the fire was lit I thought 'this is impossible', but after a while it actually looked quite inviting. It's a case of mind over matter."

The volunteers were taught relaxation techniques before attempting the stunt.

It is hoped close to £9,000 will have been raised from the event. The proceeds will be used to help pay for new toilets at the school, including facilities for the disabled.

Organiser Fiona Lee, of Friends of St Vincent's Primary, said it was great to see Fr White involved. Mrs Lee said: "I think it is marvellous he took part in the fire walk. I must admit I was shocked when he said he would do it." As well as the fire walk, organisers also held a sponsored walk across broken glass and a charity auction. Prizes included signed Hull FC and Hull City shirts.

Mrs Lee said: "We're a religious school and have to find 10 per cent of the money ourselves for repairs and improvements. It turned into a bit of a joke. The Lord walked across water and our Fr White walked across fire."