Category Archives: The Community

The following letter was sent today:

Sharing The Meal

To Serve One Another With Generosity And Joy PO Box 206 Leichhardt 2040

6 July 2008

Dear Father Clesio

We just wish to thank all the pilgrims who have so generously and thoughtfully contributed so much towards our “Sharing the Meal" here at St Vincent’s Redfern. It is because of such kindness that we are able to keep going. There are lots of disadvantaged people who come in and share each Tuesday and Friday morning – roughly about 100. People who would not have the opportunity of sharing … Continue reading →

Sharing the Meal co-ordinator Kate Gavan was presented with a green bag this morning after the 9am Mass by Clesio Mendes and Joe Pelle. They told her that the World Youth Day pilgrims who attended St Vincent’s saw what was being done for the poor and wished to offer some support.

So impressed were the pilgrims with the Sharing of the Meal that they collected $1600 in loose coins and notes – the contents of the bag.

They also offered their assurance of continuing prayers for the poor, and for peace in our community.

Bishop David Cremin came to St Vincent’s this morning to show his support for the community and dedicate a photo of Fr Ted Kennedy mounted in the church foyer as a sign of welcome to all.

The bishop chose Naidoc Day in post-Apology Australia to visit Redfern, unveiling the picture of Ted as another gesture of the community’s recommitment to Reconciliation with Aboriginal brothers and sisters.

Aboriginal member of parliament Linda Burney last week said that many Aboriginal people regard that Apology in a manner similar to the "coming-down" of the Berlin Wall.

The community also wanted to make a … Continue reading →

The following is an excerpt from an email just received from one of the co-ordinators of Sharing the Meal. Is it right that the Neocats close down the Meal for WYD so they can conduct their catechesis classes? And how about proclaiming love & compassion from the pulpit in one breath and denying the marginalised & disadvantaged a meal in the next?

Dear All

Last Friday following morning Mass I approached Frs Clesio and Joe in the sacristy. I requested information re WYD Masses especially during the Pope’s visit on the Tuesday & Friday. These are ‘Sharing the Meal’ … Continue reading →