It has been great to hear so many of the stories from our Groups about the work they did over the Christmas period. Please find below a reflection from St Joseph’s Impact! Group in Ramsbottom on what they got up to and what it meant to them:
For the last 3 Christmases, we, St Joseph’s Impact group, have been involved with Caritas, organising a Christmas meal for those in need, the homeless, vulnerable, isolated and lonely. With guidance from Sr. Joan and support from both our parishes and the team at Bury Parish Church, we have been able to host a Christmas lunch on Christmas Day.
We raised money, sent out invitations, put posters up – everywhere! We bought and wrapped presents for every guest and put together over 80 ‘goody’ bags for everyone that wanted one. We have been collecting and sorting dried goods and clothing for weeks before, with lots of generous donations from the parishioners of Guardian Angels and St Hilda’s as well as St. Josephs.
Before Christmas we enjoyed going toy shopping and we were able to give presents to over 30 vulnerable children known to Caritas. These presents were discreetly delivered by Sr. Joan before Christmas.
On Christmas Eve we set up and decorated the tables and the room, peeled, chopped and mashed. We also set up a room with coats, hats, socks, sleeping bags, toiletries and other items that guests could take away with them.
On Christmas Day we welcomed our guests. We served, chatted and at the end of the day tidied up, yes believe it or not, a group of teenagers tidying up!
This year we had 120 guests in total and they all enjoyed a lovely four course lunch. We are very grateful for the support of the amazing volunteers from the local community as well as all of our Impact Group parents and friends.
Our amazing friends from the Council of Christians and Jews, provided transport for over 40 pick-ups, this was coordinated by David Lewis from the CCJ. We would like to thank them very much.
It was a great day and we can’t wait to do it again this year. It truly is the best way to spend Christmas.
St. Josephs Impact group
Please have a look at the pictures below from the day:
