Outreach
Justice and Peace Group
Some years ago Fr. John asked us, during his homily, if anyone was interested in forming such a group. Initially five of us met regularly and discussed things of interest - Father felt local issues would initially give us plenty to discuss. Fathers Missionary experiences in Africa gave us another perspective.
Contact
Anne Keat & Christine Hartnell
Fairtrade
One of our J & P members had run a Traidcraft stall in her previous parish in Scotland so her advice and help were all we needed to begin our own stall. Our monthly 'Traidcraft' sales are now an important parish venture. In 2004 we sold just over £1,000 worth of food sales.
In October 2004 we had a Traidcraft non-food stand at our Parish Craft Fair selling nearly £400 worth of lovely third-world gifts. Mention must be made of our local supplier, Tom Hill O.B.E. of Trowbridge and District Traidcraft Group. He runs a very supportive service and is a mine of information.
Sales in December of £80.00 brought the total sales for the year to £1009.00. It would be good to involve more people both to help and to buy. The stock that makes up the Traidcraft brand has improved very much over the years and we really need to raise the profile of third-world goods.
At St. Patrick's we have a Traidcraft Stall on the first weekend of each month.
Total Traidcraft sales for 2007: £1589.25
It would be really good if those parishioners who never buy Traidcraft items would consider just one purchase-from little things come...!
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Care Group
Our remit in 2003, encouraged by Father John, was to form a group of volunteers who could provide an overview of our senior parishioners. We had for some time had a Justice and Peace Group, which was the basis of both the Traidcraft team, and then the Care Group, so the same volunteers were involved.
We thought we knew most people, particularly if they attend the same Mass at the weekend, but we soon realised that there were many gaps in our knowledge, although Fr. John was a good source of information.
We compiled a list of all those we knew which included their addresses, telephone numbers, birthdays and the names of who takes them Holy Communion, if they are housebound. Surprisingly this list needs alterations frequently, as more people are added to the list and sadly, some people die.
We have had to accept that some people do not feel that their advanced age is ‘old’ so we do not include them on the list – but we know them.
We send everyone on the list Christmas and Easter cards and cards for significant birthdays. They also receive invitations for events through the year, like ‘Tea and a Chat’ one afternoon in May, and the Autumn Craft Festival each October.
Fr. John recently instigated a monthly Mass at 2.00pm every third Wednesday so transport is arranged for those who need it, and tea and biscuits are afterwards.
Our Volunteers consist of a few with the most involvement and others who are happy to be asked if needed. People are very faithful in their involvement and we are very grateful.
There are other considerations we have to address, particularly having knowledge of local services so we can point people in the right direction. All in all we do hope our older parishioners feel that we care – we certainly know them much more than we did.
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CaFE (Catholic Faith Exploration)
Knowing God even better
In September and October 2005, we ran our third CaFE course in the Parish. This was a five week course of videos approximately 35 minutes long followed by discussion.
Chairs and tables were set out in a "cafe" style, with tea, coffee and biscuits served by a team of helpers. Each week a parishioner introduced the video and led short prayers.
We watched videos about, and then discussed, the following themes:
- Week One - Knowing the Father's Love
- Week Two - Knowing Jesus as Lord
- Week Three - Knowing the Spirit as Friend
- Week Four - Knowing God's Presence
- Week Five - Knowing the Great Commission
This series forms part of CaFE which is a flexible process designed to help Catholics meet in small groups in order to get more out of their faith and to find new ways of sharing the Good News with others.
Look out for more Café courses in the Parish - Everyone is welcome!
You can watch the video trailer.