News from Jubilee events
Just Ice: Supporting survivors of modern slavery
Did you know that an estimated 250,000 people are enslaved? Here in the UK. And worldwide it is estimated to be 49.6 million.
This was just one of the alarming pieces of information provided by Just Ice, when they came to talk to approximately 35/40 people in the Parish Hall. Among those joining us were parishioners of St Albans. Modern slavery is just one of the six themes identified in the Jubilee Year of Hope, on which, the Faith Development group has focused.
Just Ice is a community café in Poynton which serves a variety of ice cream but also offers light brunches, homemade cakes as well as Fairtrade tea and coffee.
Alison, who is a trustee was joined by a long serving volunteer to talk about the work of Just Ice as well as informing us about modern slavery (a quiz revealed the limits of our knowledge!) - which is a very hidden tragedy.. Referrals of people come from other agencies mainly based in Manchester. The aim initially, is to build trust between clients and workers and volunteers. Volunteers play a significant part but the café also needs to employ some staff in order to operate at a commercial level.
The programme of training and support lasts over a period of two years so it is an extensive programme to help clients become established in new and safe working and living environments.
A donation, from those present and others unable to attend, was made to the organisation of £400. All Hallows were subsequently in touch with them to arrange for Harriet to visit! Harriet is the ice cream trolley which can be hired to attend events. Everyone present had the pleasure of delicious tubs ice cream and sorbet .
Two parishioners joined with other supporters of Just Ice from St Christopher’s Pott Shrigley, to sample the Just Ice experience at the shop in Poynton. A raucous group of 11 enjoyed, coffee, ice creams and paninis and soup. Definitely a hot spot in Poynton.
Pilgrimage to St Joseph's Stockport
We gathered at the church car park at 10 am. Happily, Fr Martin was joining us and had brought the 7 seater from Savio and offered to drive 6 of us. Oonagh took 3 more in her car.
We all chatted happily on the way there and arrived at 10.40. 6 others from the parish joined us there so we were a group of at least 16.
Adoration was already taking place in the church and we all took our places and joined in. Fr Sean, the parish priest entered the confessional box to hear confessions of anyone who wished to receive the sacrament.
A member of their congregation also led us in praying the joyful mysteries of the rosary.
At 12 Oonagh led us in the Angelus and Mass commenced. Fr Martin concelebrated with Fr Sean and he read the gospel.
The gospel reading was from John chapter 4 which tells of an official whose son is dying He travels from Capernaum to see Jesus in Cana to ask him to come and heal his son. Jesus challenges him suggesting that the man is looking for signs and wonders to believe. However, Jesus relents and tells the man that he can go home as his son will live. Fr Sean described how we, like the man in the gospel, had travelled to see Jesus. Also, how perhaps sometimes we go to Jesus because we want him to do something for us. We maybe are too wanting signs and wonders. He reminded us that we must believe even if we don’t get the instant miracle we are asking for. He reminded us that God doesn’t just want our petitions but he wants us to spend time with him.
Fr Sean also encouraged us that if we are loving Jesus then our family members will be okay. The graces will be poured into our families too. The important thing is that we are loving and following Jesus with all our hearts.
After Mass Fr Sean gave a short talk about St Joseph’s being the Eucharistic shrine for the diocese where Adoration happens between 7am and 9pm Monday- Friday and people travel from the surrounding area to fulfil that need. He also explained the meaning of the figures and the writings in the stained-glass windows in some depth. He had a great knowledge of the meaning of well known phrases and was able to relate them to the traditions and stories in the old testament, bringing a richness to the words that we use often and are familiar with.
Fr also blessed us each individually with a relic (a strand of hair) from Blessed Carlo Acutis who had a special love for the Eucharist. He invited us each to think of a loved one especially who we were concerned about when we received the blessing.
We then went into the church hall to eat our packed lunches and were offered tea and coffee there. We had been made very welcome.
We got back to St Gregory’s at 2.30pm.
There were so many blessing’s to this short pilgrimage and I am so glad that I went.
Barbara Crack
Easter crafts
Thank you to all who purchased Easter crafts. Here is the wonderful selection made by our crafters.
Wellspring update
Joanna has been delivering your generous Lenten offerings to Wellspring. Here is a selection of them.
Many thanks.
