Roman Catholic Diocese of Hamilton in Bermuda
1. Loaves & Fishes is a project here in Bermuda started this year in Lent by the St. Vincent de Paul Society Committee Members. This group committed to providing free, nutritious meals in a dignified, safe, and caring Christian environment during Lent. It proved to be quite successful, and we have now expanded and will continue to operate every Sunday.
In addition the St. Vincent de Paul Society wants to give our Catholic Faith Community the opportunity to become involved with their own Diocesan Charity and provide them with a ‘hands-on’ experience in being involved with their less fortunate brothers and sisters in Christ.
This service is open to families trying to make ends meet; those who might be lonely seeking company at meal times, especially seniors; those living in shelters; and the homeless. The only criteria is that everyone is expected to act and to be treated with respect and dignity.
Dinner is served every Sunday evening from 5:30 – 6:30pm at St. Theresa’s Hall located on Laffan Street just off of Cedar Avenue in Hamilton.
If anyone is interested in volunteering to assist us with this programme, please contact Mrs. Joanne Judd at 232-5211 or send an email to judd@northrock.bm.
2. LOAVES AND FISHES PROJECT UPDATE – 25th October 2009
Further to my letter dated the 12th April 2009, the following is an update of the Loaves and Fishes Project that was started in February 2009. To recap, the 11 SVDP Committee members made a Lenten Commitment to serve a meal to those in need on a once weekly basis. It has expanded and now involves both members and volunteers serving a weekly average of 45 – 55 people each Sunday in St. Theresa’s Cathedral Hall on Laffan Street from 5:00-6:30pm.
We take this opportunity to thank all current volunteers for their generous donation of time and also those who donate food. The programme is a success because of your kind assistance.
I believe everyone involved would agree that this is a very rewarding, fulfilling and fun project. However, with the numbers of our guests ever increasing, a sure sign of the times we live in, more volunteers are required, both men and women. We have six teams on a six-week roster and now need to increase the numbers on each team.
Meal plans are kept simple. Food is prepared at home and brought to the Hall hot and ready to serve. There is something for everyone to offer whether it is cooking, helping to set up and break down tables, serving the guests, or washing up. We would also welcome volunteers who, rather than committing to a set roster, would like to go on a “substitute list” to fill in occasionally when the need arises. In addition, there is the opportunity to prepare food at home and have one of the team members bring it to the Hall for you. As per our original communication, the SVDP Society will supply all provisions.
The many ways to support this programme provide you with an opportunity to participate in charitable works in your Faith Community and to assist the St. Vincent de Paul Society in reaching out to our unfortunate brothers and sisters in Christ. Please ask yourself if you are being called to share in this very worthwhile endeavour. You can contact the St. Vincent de Paul representative listed in your parish bulletin or phone me at 232-5211 for further information. You can also email me at orcc@northrock.bm.
Thank you for your continued support of the Society. May God continue to bless each of you.
Sincerely,
Joanne Judd, President
St. Vincent de Paul Society