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In a recent SVP News item we referred to the four pillars of the SVP. As a reminder, these pillars are helping the lonely, the sick, the poor and the imprisoned.Addressing the first pillar, loneliness, is a real concern for many good hearted people, including those in the World Health Organisation (WHO) who have declared it to be a global public health concern.

The website is also a great source of information on an issue that appears to affect many people today, especially young people.

A ‘Thank You’ can come in many shapes and forms! A client to the food bank recently said thank you in the form of a poem, and it is really to all of you who support the SVP, day in and day out. We hope you like it:

On a frosty cold winter’s morning,
the darkness broken by warm festive lights above,
children singing carols, reminding of our Saviour’s love.
People rushing, tapping away on their phones,
all kinds people but most seem like clones.
Then someone stops to greet a neighbour or friend,
a warm smile, catch up or lending a hand.
A smile that carries through their day,
a little kindness goes a long way.
It reminds me that, even if there are ever-dark clouds above,
to be thankful the world is full of joy, beauty and love.
So, I look forward to a new year we start,
may God keep safe all those in my heart. ❤

Addressing loneliness is one of the four pillars of the SVP, along with caring for the sick, helping the poor and visiting the imprisoned. Given the cold spell of weather, and the darker evenings, we ask that all who can to please keep an eye out for your vulnerable neighbours.

Spending 24 hours a day indoors must be very lonely and watching people passing too and fro outside your window must be very isolating. It doesn’t take much time to just check up on your neighbour, even if it is just a quick phone call or a tap on the window. The smallest little act of human love can make a huge difference so please do consider if this appeal applies to you.

The SVP team would like to wish all of you a very holy and peaceful Christmas and the very best of wishes for 2025! Please accept our sincere thanks for supporting and sustaining us throughout 2024. It has been another busy year on all fronts for us, as need continues to be part of the fabric of our society.

During this season of Christmas, and as we head into another 12 months, maybe it wouldn’t go amiss to pray to the Holy Spirit that the world acts with gentleness – the same gentleness that Mary, our Mother, must have exercised when caring for her newborn baby Jesus.

Christmas time is always a very humbling time for the SVP Team. The generosity of the parish continues to be an inspiration to us. The SVP team is in a very privileged position to pass on this generosity to those in need. The team is rewarded umpteen times over by the beautiful, and sincere, words of thanks from the recipients, as well as by their hopeful and cheerful smiles! These smiles need to be reflected back on to you, the parish, though, as you are the source!