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| Christmas can be a tough time of year | |
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| Topic Started: Thursday, 6. December 2012, 22:53 (559 Views) | |
| Seren | Thursday, 6. December 2012, 22:53 Post #1 |
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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 | Friday, 7. December 2012, 00:05 Post #2 |
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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 |
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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 | Friday, 7. December 2012, 00:55 Post #3 |
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Deleted User
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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 | Friday, 7. December 2012, 01:49 Post #4 |
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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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Keep the Faith! | |
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| Deleted User | Saturday, 8. December 2012, 01:01 Post #5 |
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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 | Saturday, 8. December 2012, 01:16 Post #6 |
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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. |
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Keep the Faith! | |
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| CARLO | Sunday, 9. December 2012, 23:22 Post #7 |
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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
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| Judica me Deus | |
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| OsullivanB | Sunday, 9. December 2012, 23:24 Post #8 |
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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 | Sunday, 9. December 2012, 23:29 Post #9 |
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Yes the Good Shepherd looks after his sheep. Pax CARLO
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| Judica me Deus | |
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| Rose of York | Sunday, 9. December 2012, 23:37 Post #10 |
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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. |
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Keep the Faith! | |
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| OsullivanB | Monday, 10. December 2012, 00:18 Post #11 |
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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 | Monday, 10. December 2012, 00:29 Post #12 |
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Because we are neither naive nor foolish. Pax CARLO
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| Judica me Deus | |
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| OsullivanB | Monday, 10. December 2012, 01:39 Post #13 |
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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 | Monday, 10. December 2012, 02:01 Post #14 |
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Keep the Faith! | |
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| OsullivanB | Monday, 10. December 2012, 12:26 Post #15 |
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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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8:36 PM Jul 11