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Christmas can be a tough time of year
Topic Started: Thursday, 6. December 2012, 22:53 (561 Views)
Seren

Time surrounding Christmas can be a particularly tough time of year for many for all sorts of reasons.
How many of us can live up to the holiday's expectations?
Perhaps we once did, but no longer.
I really used to treasure this time of year when the kids were small, then later were home from University, and the family was 'whole' again.
Much as I was really chuffed they were 'doing their own thing' and being independent (up to a point!) it turned me into a real curtain twitcher looking forward to their arrival!
We'd still be up REALLY early even though they were grown up, lit the fire early... eat chocolates for brekkie!
They were the BEST times.
Edited by Seren, Thursday, 6. December 2012, 23:02.
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Deacon Robert
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It is an extremely difficult time for many. My grandfather died on Christmas day, my father had a stroke which led to his death at 55 years old on Christmas day. It is indeed difficult for many. This is why since I was ordained, I have reached out at all masses to let those in the Parish know that I am available 24/7 in person , online or on phone if they wish to talk. If anyone wishes to speak (write via pm) speak with me , please feel free. I will respond
The burden of life is from ourselves, its lightness from the grace of Christ and the love of God. - William Bernard Ullanthorne

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Deleted User
Deleted User

Yes there is that emotional difficulty at this time of year and it is difficult to deal with. On the practical side, this time of year and the usually harsh weather throws into sharp relief the piight of the homeless. Our parish has just been asked to comment on whether we should open our hall to overnight stays by homeless people through to February as part of a local council scheme. We are asked too to volunteer to prepare and serve meals and to supervise overnight.

The whole debate has made me think whether we should as a matter of course exercise our Christian ideals by making our churches and halls permanent refuges for those in need. I am not starry eyed about this issue and I know that drugs and alcohol abuse safeguards have to be built in but I don't think as Christians that we should hide behind these issues. And in anticipation of any questions from fellow members, yes I have voted in favour and volunteered

Should we all open up our buildings as shelters as a general rule provided volunteers can be found to lightly supervise?


John
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Rose of York
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John Sweeney
Friday, 7. December 2012, 00:55
The whole debate has made me think whether we should as a matter of course exercise our Christian ideals by making our churches and halls permanent refuges for those in need. I am not starry eyed about this issue and I know that drugs and alcohol abuse safeguards have to be built in but I don't think as Christians that we should hide behind these issues. And in anticipation of any questions from fellow members, yes I have voted in favour and volunteered

Should we all open up our buildings as shelters as a general rule provided volunteers can be found to lightly supervise?
Westminster Cathedral sets a good example of accommodating homeless people, every day of the year, not just at Christmas.

http://www.vip-gb.org/about-us/branches-of-the-vincentian-family/the-passage

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The Passage

The Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul and Westminster Cathedral first opened the doors of The PASSAGE to homeless people sleeping out nearby in October 1980. The work has grown steadily and now The PASSAGE DAY CENTRE helps an average of 250 people each day. In 1990, at the request of the late Cardinal Hume, The PASSAGE opened a temporary night shelter for the cold winter months. This project never closed and grew into a permanent hostel, PASSAGE HOUSE, which works with 48 people in a variety of ways over a period of time, until they can move forward into longer-term accommodation. Today The PASSAGE is the UK’s largest provider of day care services to homeless people over 25.The PASSAGE is a partnership between the Daughters of Charity and Westminster Cathedral and it derives its ethos from the life and mission of Jesus Christ who said: “Whatever you do to the least of my brothers and sisters you do it to me,” as specifically manifested in the life of Vincent de Paul. As a Christian organisation it exists to provide resources, which encourage, inspire and challenge homeless people to transform their lives. It works closely with other agencies and offers a wide range of holistic services to help homeless people maintain their self-respect and move towards a settled way of life. These services include: Meals, clothing, rest room, hairdressing; a listening ear, understanding, advocacy; advice on benefits and accommodation; housing and re-settlement; health care with specialist drug, alcohol, abuse and mental health workers; befriending and mentoring; pastoral support and chaplaincy; a wide range of educational services encompassing literacy, numeracy, ICT training; drama, art and leisure activities; vocational guidance and job search. All these services need to be resourced and The PASSAGE employs over 80 professional staff and a pool of over 200 volunteers to keep everything running smoothly twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Running costs are high and The PASSAGE relies on funding and support from local and central government; a wide range of business and voluntary sector organisations; trusts, charities, local groups, churches and individuals of all faiths and none who give generously on a regular basis.
Website: http://www.passage.org.uk
Contact: The Passage, St Vincent’s Centre, Carlisle Place, London SW1P 1NL
Tel: 0207 782 84183
Email: info@passage.org.uk
Keep the Faith!

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Deleted User
Deleted User

The Passage is an excellent effort which I have witnessed at first hand over many months several years ago Truly inspiritational. But what about all our churches and halls across the UK? I see that the weather forecast is predicting very wintry conditions next wek especially for the East of the UK. Shouldn't we be gearing up for a major shelter operation for the homeless by opening up our Church premises?

John
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Rose of York
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We should John. I am not sure whether any legislation is involved with allowing people to sleep in a church or other community hall, but we could at least provide hot soup and bread, and more if possible. If I can afford good meals every day for myself, I can afford to help others, so for the past year, for charitable giving the priority in our household has been to give to the local food bank.
Keep the Faith!

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CARLO
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We should not and it is naive to suppose that we could handle what is required safely outside of those mainly big city churches where they have a lot of experience and support to call on.

Far better to support those publicly funded and charitable facilities that specialise in this work.

Pax

CARLO

:hereticrepellent:
Judica me Deus
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OsullivanB

Yes. It is clear from the Gospels that Jesus always put safety high among the considerations he placed before us.
"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance - that principle is contempt prior to investigation." Herbert Spencer
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CARLO
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OsullivanB
Sunday, 9. December 2012, 23:24
Yes. It is clear from the Gospels that Jesus always put safety high among the considerations he placed before us.
Yes the Good Shepherd looks after his sheep.

Pax

CARLO

:hereticrepellent:
Judica me Deus
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Rose of York
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CARLO
Sunday, 9. December 2012, 23:22
We should not and it is naive to suppose that we could handle what is required safely outside of those mainly big city churches where they have a lot of experience and support to call on.

Far better to support those publicly funded and charitable facilities that specialise in this work.

Pax

CARLO

:hereticrepellent:
There are many towns, let alone villages, that have no facilities at all for sheltering homeless people.

It is not naive to think we couldhandle what is required safely outside of those mainly big city churches where they have a lot of experience and support to call on. We who live in rural areas have communities consisting of a typical cross balance of the population. It is the same in any town, city or village.
Keep the Faith!

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OsullivanB

CARLO
Sunday, 9. December 2012, 23:29
OsullivanB
Sunday, 9. December 2012, 23:24
Yes. It is clear from the Gospels that Jesus always put safety high among the considerations he placed before us.
Yes the Good Shepherd looks after his sheep.

Pax

CARLO

:hereticrepellent:
Why not trust Him to do that then, and open his houses?
"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance - that principle is contempt prior to investigation." Herbert Spencer
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CARLO
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OsullivanB
Monday, 10. December 2012, 00:18
CARLO
Sunday, 9. December 2012, 23:29
OsullivanB
Sunday, 9. December 2012, 23:24
Yes. It is clear from the Gospels that Jesus always put safety high among the considerations he placed before us.
Yes the Good Shepherd looks after his sheep.

Pax

CARLO

:hereticrepellent:
Why not trust Him to do that then, and open his houses?
Because we are neither naive nor foolish.

Pax

CARLO

:hereticrepellent:
Judica me Deus
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OsullivanB

Not Christian then?
"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance - that principle is contempt prior to investigation." Herbert Spencer
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Rose of York
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CARLO
Monday, 10. December 2012, 00:29
OsullivanB
Monday, 10. December 2012, 00:18
Why not trust Him to do that then, and open his houses?
Because we are neither naive nor foolish.
Saint Paul
 
Let no man deceive himself: if any man among you seem to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
Keep the Faith!

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OsullivanB

When did Catholicism get so flabby? Is it a specifically British debility?
"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance - that principle is contempt prior to investigation." Herbert Spencer
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