Steve Morton

Fr Robin Kurian, Robyn Duncan and Ros Chapman with cheque raised from parish golf tournament and activities. Photo: Supplied

There has been a growing call by the Church to shift our focus from church buildings to helping the disadvantaged in our community as more in keeping with our calling as Christians.

To this end, last year Feilding’s St Brigid’s Parish fund-raising committee proposed we run a golf tournament with proceeds to go to Manchester House, a local social services agency. With the support of our parish priests, finance committee and pastoral council our dedicated sub-committee worked towards putting on a tournament in early 2019.

The response from the local community far surpassed expectations. Ros Chapman of YOU Travel, Feilding, offered to underwrite our expenses and from that point, we were able to approach others for support. Help came in many forms – team entries, sponsorships, prize donations, auction items, goody-bag items, food, drinks, cash, use of a large BBQ and help from those who had done this sort of event before.

We ran our tournament in February with 14 teams competing. From donations we provided prizes for the first 11 teams and held successful auctions and raffles. A great day was had by all and we were greatly encouraged by the feedback by those involved.

At the end of Mass on Sunday 31 March we presented a cheque for $7,248.17 to Robyn Duncan, Service Centre Manager, Manchester House Social Services Society Inc.

This experience has shown us within our own parish and the wider community, there is a real desire to work for social justice. An earlier appeal for Kerala flood victims and a recent appeal to help a family in our school community facing a terminal illness have reinforced this belief and encourages us to embrace further opportunities as they arise. We have faith God is never outdone in generosity and, with His help, we will fulfill obligations to those in need.