By Bishop Raymond Benjamin
ST Vincent’s Care Services Kangaroo Point is a large and very much alive community of aging Australians and their friendly welcoming carers.
Founded and conducted, not just to “soothe the dying pillow” as the saying goes but to give to old folk in their fading years ways to really live each day in an atmosphere of love, family and friendship.
So when the entire world was celebrating Christmas 2014 we too felt we needed a big Christmas Party and to invite friends and relatives to come and rejoice with us about the Lord’s Birthday.
This was no backyard barbeque. This party was to be special.
Ideally out in the open under the night stars, weather was unpredictable, so a vast marquee was hired.
Erected in the car park, and filled with hired chairs and tables for everyone. In addition to finger food and beverages, music filled the night.
A big feature was our Marycrest Melody Choir, in colourful regalia, presenting favourite Christmas anthems including a foray into Spanish with Feliz Navidad.
The Away in a Manager accompanied on the violin by Sister of Charity Margaret Lyons and a surprise solo by Sister of Charity Mathilde Harnischfeger singing How Great Thou Art.
The remainder of the night was filled with the voice of Cameron Smith, our friendly entertainer.
Everything worked out well. The rain held off and 215 persons sat down for the light supper afterwards. It really was a Merry Christmas “for the oldies”.
Bishop Raymond Benjamin is a resident of St Vincent’s Care Services Kangaroo Point.
