iServi News | 27 March 2020 | Term 1, Week 8
People of Service
Our Archbishop, Most Rev. Timothy Costelloe (SDB) recently announced some of the most far reaching measures to help support our broader community and minimising the risk of community transmission. In his Pastoral letter he poses a question,“Do I put myself first or should I act for the good of my brothers and sisters in the reality of my own life’s circumstances?”.
In times of fear and tragedy the most vulnerable in our community are usually the first to suffer and feel the impact of the change the most. Our elderly, poor and homeless, sick and disabled are marginalised further by our natural human response to take care of self. The Archbishops question challenges us to find the balance between self-care and our greater Christian calling as disciples.
With recent changes put in place, follow the medical authorities’ recommendations, many of our existing Christian Service Learning programs have needed to temporarily cease. These actioned though necessary come at a time when the vulnerable need more support.
As a community we can now challenge ourselves to help support those in need in different ways. Our loved one who may be isolated need to know we still love them, making time to phone, write letters and if possible, video chat with them. The vulnerable also need more support than ever before and we are now making a broader call for donation.
The St Vincent de Paul Passages program provides invaluable support to those most vulnerable and marginalised in society. Passages have sent out a call for the following immediate needs that are in desperately short supply for the homeless in Perth.
Food items needed:
Readymade meals in plastic containers for immediate distribution, sugar, coffee, long life milk, tins of tuna, jars of pasta sauce, noodles, pasta, rice, cheese & cracker packs etc. Items with an extended shelf life and don’t need to be stored in fridges and freezers are in high demand.
Clothes:
Second-hand clothing and shoes. Age range is 12-25 however the majority of clients are young adults.
Service:
Backpacks (school bags, plastic bags, anything that the they can take away with them to hold their food/toiletries etc), sleeping bags, tents, adult underwear, socks etc..
Then there are always personal hygiene items – what would you take with you if you had to survive on the streets for a fortnight without access to shops?
Please bring these items to the ARC for collection. Your generosity is always greatly appreciated.
Further to the call for material donations Caritas relies on us for support of Project Compassion and their ongoing work in regional Australia as well as their international aid projects. Students are encouraged to bring in donation to their Homeroom Teachers or families can donate online
https://lent.caritas.org.au/donate/
Mr Ryan Wiles
Director of Ministry