We are Ursuline
Angela Merici, a woman of great faith and trust in God’s providence, was concerned for the moral and personal well-being of the young women of her time who were particularly vulnerable in the tumultuous society. She showed a profound respect for each person. She nourished and encouraged people to grow into their full humanity. Angela was fully engaged in the social aspects of life around her. She integrated the reality of daily life with an intimate relationship with God. She was an independent woman at a time where choices for women tended to be limited to marriage or life in an enclosed convent.
Inspired by our common Ursuline charism, and as a living dynamic Parish – we aim to develop an understanding of justice issues and heighten our sensitivity and awareness to the needs of others living within situations of poverty and disadvantage. As a community we then aim to give practical support through actions of solidarity.
What is One Meal?
One Meal – it makes a difference, was established on 21 December 2014, by a group of friends who came together to give back to the community by providing a one-off Christmas meal.. Paul Mackin, along with his wife Diana, came up with the idea. Paul, who himself lived on the streets for a number of years as a teenager, has always had a passion for helping others. Paul invited friends to come along and help out.
After the one-off service, they decided to make it a once a month service, which then led to weekly services starting in March 2015. In the last three years, One Meal has expanded to different locations around Sydney and now operates 15 services each week.
One meal relies entirely on volunteers to provide needy people with fresh, hot and nutritious homemade meals. One Meal also provides breakfast, lunch and snack packs to go, warm clothing, support and toiletry packs. One Meal assists its patrons to access accommodation and furniture when necessary.
Our Lady of Fatima Peakhurst Parish established a One Meal service at Riverwood in 2017. The staff and students of St Ursula’s College have been supporting this ministry since 2018. Providing and serving approximately 65 guests once a term, this ministry has become a much loved outreach opportunity within our Social Justice program. The staff and students, along with the overwhelming generosity of parents and carers, have provided all the food required along with much needed toiletries and clothing and blankets in the winter months. It is an active way of living the Gospel values and allows a visible expression of Serviam in our local community.
In response to the local needs of the Kingsgrove area and the centrality of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, a One Meal Service will be offered in our parish once a week commencing in January 2021.
We are calling for people who are interested in taking part to register their interest as either a Team Leader or Team member.
What will be required:
- A commitment on a Wednesday every 10-12 weeks.
- Take away service until COVID-19 restrictions are eased
- You will be required at the Clune Centre from 4:30PM to 6:30PM
- You will work as part of a team of 6-8 volunteers. Each team will have a designated team leader. This number will allow the work to be spread out and shared.
- You will be asked to bring a home cooked meal to the dinner service. Main courses, side dishes, soup, fruit and dessert are provided and meals need to be nutritious, healthy and include a range of protein and vegetables
- The team will set up, serve and clean up after the dinner
- The dinner service will run out of the Clune Centre at 89 Shaw St Kingsgrove.
- All team leaders will be required to attend an on site induction to go through the Clune Centre requirements.
- All volunteers would be required to complete a Volunteers Orientation pack and obtain a Working with Children Check number.
- All volunteers would be covered by insurance from One Meal.
Where to from here?
If this ministry is something you would like to be involved with, please complete the following details and submit via the One Meal Kingsgrove 2021 Google Form.
If you have any questions about this wonderful opportunity, please contact:
Mrs Antoinette Nader (Assistant REC: St Urusula College) on 9502 3300 or [email protected]
We hope that you can join us in this great work of service to our broader community.
