News from the Capricorn Coast
The leadership team, finance team and some parishioners gathered at Fr Matthew’s home for a look at the past year, and what the next year might bring. This discussion was followed by some food and good company.
John and Margaret McKenna were presented with a Papal Blessing at the conclusion of Mass on December 5th. They were married 50 years ago on this day, at St Vincent’s Church, Wandal. John organised this blessing as a surprise for Margaret. Congratulations John and Margaret and we wish you many more years together.
Our meet in the middle for both sides of our parish was held once again at the Benedictine Monastery, hosted by Sr Kym. This was our Christmas get together and was attended by twenty parishioners. There is always a lot of talking, laughing, coffee and scrumptious food, which definitely helps to lift one’s spirit. See you all next year on February 8th!!
We would like to wish the staff, students and families of our parish schools a safe and happy holiday.
Saint Vincent de Paul, Mary Immaculate Conference
Vinnies conference members, shop volunteers and spouses got together for a celebration of Christmas at the Lions Park last Friday night. It was well attended and all the participants are to be thanked for the efforts they have put in throughout a very abnormal year. However, despite the initial shut-down of the charity centre and the introduction of regulations due to COVID-19 pandemic (restricted shop numbers, social distancing, welfare cases interviewed via phone etc.) both the conference and the shop continued operating, supporting those needing help in our area. There has been a noticeable decrease in the number of welfare cases the conference has seen each month over the course of 2020. It is consistent with the experience of other conferences, and other charities, after the government introduced Job Seeker, which raised the former Newstart payments from $550 per fortnight to $550 per week. However, as this payment has been recently reduced, we are seeing more people needing assistance. We expect the upward trend to continue when Job Seeker and Job Keeper are phased out in the new year.
Christmas hampers will be prepared and distributed during this week. These are mainly given to families with young children where the parents have experienced financial difficulty over the past twelve months and they are very much appreciated by the recipients.
We wish to thank all parishioners for their support throughout 2020. The money and goods which you donate via the “Poor Box” at church or to the shop allows us to continue to assist the poor and disadvantaged within our community.
We would also like to congratulate Vicki McCosker as the new President of Saint Vincent de Paul, Sacred Heart Conference and thank Rick Williams, the outgoing President, for all he has accomplished during his time of service.
Have a safe and happy family Christmas.
Paul Jaeger Valmay Burns
Conference president Charity Centre Manager
Our Parish would like to wish your Parish, a very Happy Christmas and a Blessed New Year.