LUTWYCHE parishioners united in the cause of social justice and understanding the plight of homeless people recently.
More than 100 people, including children, attended a social justice night organised by the parish’s pastoral council.
The night was organised in the spirit of a quote from Pope Francis: “How can it be that it is not a news item when an elderly homeless person dies of exposure but it is news when the stock market loses two points?”
A parish spokesperson said, based on the Pope’s words, the pastoral council had organised the event with Orange Sky Laundry who has gained a national reputation for helping the homeless.
“David Tubb, from Orange Sky Laundry, provided an inspiring talk about how small things can make large changes,” the parish spokesperson said.
“He mentioned how even simple things such as a conversation with people can be instrumental in making them feel like people care.
“He encouraged everyone to believe in their dreams and said ‘If you have a really good idea and you truly believe that it is a great one, don’t let anyone say you can’t do it’.”
In a further move to try to understand life on the streets, parishioners were served a cup of soup and a slice of bread.
“(The night) also emphasised things that we all had to be grateful for and showcased opportunities where we can all play a part to make a difference within our own communities,” the spokesperson said.
“Everyone was then invited to make ‘Basic Bags’ that were being donated to Orange Sky Laundry who would distribute them to the homeless. Children and adults worked in tandem to fill these bags with individual love, care and the donated items.
“The funds raised during the event through raffle draws, auctions and entry fees was donated to further and help such charitable causes.”
Another Pope Francis statement that inspired the group was: “Situations can change; people can change. Be the first to seek to bring good. Do not grow accustomed to evil, but defeat it with good.”
“This was our time to make that difference and the Lutwyche parish community came together and made that difference,” the parish spokesperson said.
