Vulnerable
MINISTRIES TO THE VULNERABLE
Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you? And the King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it for me” (Matthew 25:37-40)
As Christians it is our duty to identify and help those with special needs in the community, those who are on what Pope Francis calls “the peripheries”. This can include the bereaved, the homeless, overseas families displaced from their home countries due to war or local threats, those in poverty and those who simply need counselling or support to get them through a difficult time.
Currently we have four active groups in this area:
SUPPORTING ASYLUM SEEKERS AND REFUGEES
We want to reflect Christ’s message ‘Whatever you do for the least of my people, you do for me’, by providing a welcoming, safe place where asylum seekers and parishioners come together to share a meal and companionship, as well as enjoying the beauty of Whitby.
We also want to support the visitors by occasionally offering gifts of food, toiletries, phone vouchers or money while they struggle through the long process of the application for asylum.
Supporting asylum seekers from Teeside began in our parish when Father Pat became our parish priest in 2012. Over the years our support has continued: friendships have grown and various forms of sponsorship have emerged. It is a privilege to accompany people on their journey and watch how they, as their status is legalized, start to give back to society joyfully, and in gratitude for what they themselves have received.
As the get-togethers with the asylum seekers are irregular (but usually before Christmas and again in summer), meetings are arranged via a WhatsApp group, run by Pauline Taylor. Please contact Liz Atkinson to be included in the group.
Meeting venue: Parish Hall, usually after 10.30 Mass
Liz Atkinson
Tel: 07810 644140