Thursday, 02 September 2010

The Episcopal Vicar for Social Responsibility, Fr David Glover, offers a lighthearted reflection on an extremely successful fundraiser for the new diocesan charity, Caritas Diocese of Salford:

(With apologies to those who haven’t seen St Trinians 2).

One of our inner-city parishes, St Anne’s Crumpsall, was asked by Father Glover, during their patronal festival weekend, to consider, “Doing something daft for Caritas” (daft not dangerous) and raising funds for their work.

The grey- and not-so-grey heads of the eco-warriors were the first to respond with a “Wear a daft hat” tea party.

Next were the little ones of the primary school who raffled off a teddy bear among themselves.

The teenagers and younger members of the parish were invited to have a “Walk in the park”. In the stunned response one could hear the faint Americanised call of “The Posh Totties”, “Oh---my----gawd---- does he mean----on --- our--- feet?”. A few of them did, bless them, and having got into the swing went on to plan a five-a-side knockout whilst others found their way to the funfair.

Others “fasted for Caritas” or gave donations and on the Patronal Feast a sung Mass was offered in honour of Saint Joachim and Saint Anne, followed by a party in the pouring rain in the presbytery grounds, where the geeks produced a list of suggested donations, others ran a few stalls and the Emos helped to clear up.

What was missing? The massed choreographed dance to “We’ve got the beat” but who knows, Lorraine Leonard (Diocesan Youth Ministry Co-ordinator) may organise the World youth, the Lourdes youth and Just youth into performing this as their “Doing something daft for Caritas”!

Meanwhile St Anne’s Crumpsall raised £4088-29.

Caritas Diocese of Salford is the charity through which our Bishop ensures the corporal acts of mercy are accomplished. It rests within the Vicariate for Social Responsibility and should you be able to assist by raising funds or should you like to know more about our work then please e-mail Fr Glover or write to him at The Cathedral Centre, 3 Ford Street, Salford M3 6DP.